In the bustling morning even before the sun peeked on the horizon, Lucian bathed in a cold shower, washed himself while deep in thoughts, and formally and neatly dressed in black just after—all for the first wandering soul he led to rest.
Funeral.
The only time he uncontrollably mourned was the time when society was gradually getting back its social order in the midst of ruins, albeit slowly, thanks to the mercy and might of the twelve Great Clans, which began with the recovery of one's remains.
After those who had lost their loved ones during the first dimensional impact were provided shelter, Lucian learned that his mother's trace disappeared—as well as his father's—along with countless others amidst the rampaging monsters.
In the span of a mere week or two, since the dimensional gates connected this and other worlds, billions of lives returned to where they belonged—to dust.
However, if there's one thing he now clearly remembered after becoming immune to his very sister's memory erasure skill...
That woman...
It's the back of a woman who swung her sword and "accidentally" decapitated his mother without an ounce of remorse.
Such a memory became transparent as pure water—without impurities, only certainty.
If I get a whiff of her appearance, I am certain I will recognize her.
It was not being unsure but rather the opposite.
Being eleven years old at that time, and considering the tragedy that had transpired, the figure painted in his mind was confident and ethereal—he would not miss her the moment his sight beheld such a delicate appearance.
Combing his wet hair as he faced a mirror on the living room's wall, Lucian's thoughts trailed; anything related to death just seemed to constantly remind him of the crack in his soul.
After some time, as he checked everything he needed for this short visit, Lucian, with merely 4 to 5 hours of sleep, left his home, drove to the said district for almost an hour, and arrived at the funeral home.
To think I'd first visit this... instead of my mother's empty grave...
***
Somewhere in the District 5, Zone 5 of the City of Seoul.
Lucian arrived at the funeral home, some distance away from the very hospital where he fell off the rooftop.
There were few people, but his attention was drawn to the familiar woman in her late thirties to early forties, whose back was on the wall beside the already cremated body of her daughter.
Because of Kim Sana's disfigured body after being hit by a truck, it was decided that her body, whatever was left of it, to be outrightly cremated instead of being lay rest in a coffin.
Of course, it was done with the parent's permission—in this case, her mother, whose eyes right now were sunken deep into depression and hopelessness.
Kim Sana's mother was deathly sick and then became unconscious for a considerable amount of time. Although unfortunately, as if the heavens had forsaken her, the moment she opened her eyes, the only thing that would welcome her was the news of her daughter's death.
It was nothing short of tragic that Lucian, who slowly walked in front of Kim Sana's portrait and urn filled with her ashes, became hesitant.
What should I say? No... It doesn't mean I should say something. Sometimes, silence is better.
The consequences of being silent and opening up regarding certain matters were something Lucian had learned throughout these years of being holed up in his room.
In this way, he also understood that sometimes, silence was an act of comfort.
After bowing three times, his figure slowly receded.
It was then that Kim Sana's mother looked at him with questioning eyes; the agony in that gaze was palpable.
"A-are you...?"
Lucian slowly lowered his head.
"I-I'm Lucian, y-your daughter's acquaintance."
I don't think I can do this.
Such a thought popped into his mind.
"Acquaintance...? It's the first time-"
"Our interaction's only fleeting, Ma'am. My sister, Samantha Morgath, humbly expresses her condolences."
At that moment, Kim Sana's mother's eyes slightly widened.
"I-I don't know the renowned Mist Squad Captain has a brother... But I don't see the reason for you to lie."
"T-to be honest... I-I'm the problem between the two of us. It's just..."
Sorry for using your name, my beloved sister.
Mentioning Samantha's name, though with legitimacy and out of nowhere, was proven to be helpful as Kim Sana's mother seemed to utterly forget the uncertainty in Lucian's answers about his questionable relationship with her now resting daughter.
"I have no words since I am not familiar with funerals. I apologize."
Kim Sana's mother waved her hands in defiance.
"No, no. It's okay. I see you're an awkward fellow. Raise your head and take a seat. Lucian, right? Would you like something to warm your stomach?"
Lucian didn't decline the offer as he found a seat among the few tables scattered around.
Since it was early in the morning, the visitors were little to none.
After some time, Lucian bid his farewell to Kim Sana's mother.
"Thank you, Ma'am... And I'm sorry for what happened to your strong daughter."
It was spoken unconsciously, that Lucian referred to Kim Sana as strong based on her demeanor when he was guiding her to the final rest.
"I-I... Thank you too for taking the time."
"I hope you well, Ma'am."
Just as Lucian slowly exited the funeral home, he picked up his phone in his pocket...
And after a few touches...
Ding!
[You have sent $ to the Account Number–]
[Sender's Remark: Your daughter loves you very much. Please continue to leave for her, Ma'am.]
As if Kim Sana's mother recognized the unnamed owner of the account number, a resonating wail from within the funeral home reached Lucian's ears.
Looking back to where he just came from, Lucian muttered, his serene voice echoing in his heart–
Life is invaluable and this wouldn't bring your daughter back to life, but I hope you live well, Ma'am.
Only then we shall know it's what our dead loved ones wish for us to do.
***
Because the hospital was nearby, after changing his formal attire to a casual one, Lucian visited the place of constant new hope and cries.
Even on the way here, his eyes caught countless souls walking aimlessly—waiting for their existence to be recognized.
If there's one thing Lucian managed to grasp, it's that his ability to see the dead was engraved with an unwritten law of mutual recognition.
If he recognized their existence, only then they should be able to partially interact with him in the physical world.
Now standing outside the hospital where many things unexpectedly transpired, Lucian's thoughts trailed.
Kim Sana, after this day, you won't be alone anymore.