The Wicked Mother's Cage

Mom... Why do you do those horrible things...

Dark apple?

Blue...apple...

Oh... right. I did eat that. I love apples, so when Mom brought me an unusual apple I was so happy.

But then I ate it, and...

That apple...it tasted so gross!

Why did Mom give me such a rotten apple to eat?

Then, after I ate the apple, I felt sleepy...

And when I woke up, I was in a daze. I couldn't stand up... I couldn't talk either. Now that I turned back into my true form, I finally feel like I'm my whole self again.

So, uh... You were the ones who brought me back to normal, right? I finally don't feel so strange anymore. Thank you.

I was...in such a daze. I couldn't think straight. So I just kept calling to my mom. It's me, Mana. I'm right here...

I thought she finally noticed me.

I'm so sorry... I'm sorry for the trouble my mom has caused you all.

Thanks, but I...

Um...I'm not sure. How would I go about waking myself up?

Thank you, truly. I'll be waiting!

>Oh...huh?

>Yes, it's not working.

>Red effects?

Wait a minute...?!

I have all my body's senses? But we're in the digital world.

Even our conversation... it doesn't sound like voice-chat. It sounds like we're all really here.

This feels closer to a Dream World than the game world. Which means...

Mother's meddling! Did we get trapped in this world?!

What happens...if we're trapped?

It means our consciousnesses are imprisoned. Worst-case scenario, we're in a coma, just like Mana.

Which means we can't wake ourselves up?!

If we can't wake ourselves up, then how do we get out of this?!

Mom...you really did something horrible to everyone!

Well...not if I can help it!

I have a plan! Everyone, follow me! If this goes well, you all might be able to wake up!

Oh... Mana?!

I want to put my bets on the method with the best possibilities.

Yeah! Let's follow Mana!

This is the place. You can travel to the outside world from here.

From...here? But I don't see anything.

Well, you see... There's actually an invisible door here.

There's a door?! Mana, did you do that? That's amazing!

When I was...in pieces...in this digital world, I learned a lot. This town is in the game world, right?

But beyond this door, there's a path leading to another Dream World. If we leave the game world, everyone might be able to wake up, right?

Follow me!

Okay! Let's all follow Mana!

Whoa! I was knocked back?! What's going on? Is this a door only Mana can use?

That can't be...

Eek?! I can't come back through this side?!

How is this...

Wh-What?!!

Mother!

That voice... is that you, Mom?!

A red...barrier?!

Mom! What are you going to do?! Please, please stop.

M-Mom!

Wait... Mother!

What should we do?

Is that barrier what's keeping us from logging out?!

Now that you mention it... when Saki failed to log out, a similar red effect did shine.

However... judging by what Mother said, I doubt her plan involves simply locking us in the game-world. I'm feeling that icy chill down my back that I haven't felt in a while.

We have to get out of here. Now!

But how? We're pretty cornered here?!

True... The barrier is covering the ground, all the way up to the sky.

The sky! That's our only chance!

Back to the Castle Terrace!

This is bad...I don't think we'll make it before the barrier is complete.

What's wrong? We need to get to the Terrace!

I know... Climb up the Castle before everyone else. I'll follow close behind.

Claude...

Very well... Sometimes a king must bring up the rear.

Humph! Mother. Did you think that once we got covered by the barrier there was no way for us to escape? Well...you made one miscalculation. You have returned me to my real-world form... a move you shall regret!

I thought you were planning on staying behind alone.

Why...did you come back?

Hehe. Come on, Claude, whenever you lie, you're just like my brother. It was obvious.

...... I guess I still have some practicing to do.

Very well... I will focus on storing magic. Watch the Terrace. I'll leave the timing of the shot to you.

Got it!

Where are Claude and Saki?! They need to get out fast, don't they?! We need to go back and look for them...

No...we can't do that. They probably stayed behind by choice.

True... We have to carry out our own duties.

...... I have my own job to do...

And I'm going to carry it out!

Aldo?!

It's a Dream World Monster?!

I'll hold it off! You two, run for it!

......

Let's go, Isuka!

Thank you... I promise we will break through this interference!

I see them! Isuka and Hismena are on the terrace!

Very well! By the divine power of my homeland, I shall break open a path for them!

Duon Helios!

What?! The barrier is restoring itself?!

I've got this!

Isuka... Hismena... Now!

Claude... Saki! The path you opened up will not have been in vain!

Isuka... the barrier goes much higher than I thought!

No time to think! Just jump, Hismena!

Yes! I'll get you to the outside world, whatever it takes!

......

Here you go, Isuka!

No...it's not going to be me. The one leaving this game is... you, Hismena!

Huh?!

Godspeed, Hismena...

Isuka?! Did Hismena make it out?!

Yes... And it's best that way. She is the most likely of all of us to be able to save us.

Yes...I see. If you say so, it must be true.

As the Head IDEAlist, I give you my full authority. Good luck, Hismena...

Oof?!

Wha, ? Huh?

Aaaah!

Mmf! What's going on here?!

Owww!

Did I...log out?

Oh! Where's everyone?!

Aldo!

Oww... There's Light Pillars here, too!

Oh, god! Please...hasn't anyone else woken up?!

Saki...guys...no one's waking up. And earlier, Isuka and Claude both... Did I really come back to the real world all by myself?

......

Stay strong, Hismena! You are IDEA's last hope! That's right... I'm the only one who can save everyone!

My first step...is to get back to the IDEA Operations Room and assess the situation.

Wow...no one's here?!

I need to get back to the IDEA Operations Room at once!

Is anyone here?!

H-How is this happening... Everyone in IDEA is trapped in the game-world. And about 90% of the high school students in IDA are currently logged in.

......

No... Don't get pessimistic about this! Even if I'm the only one left... As long as someone in a white uniform is out there, IDEA is still alive.

I know I will get us through this. In the name of IDEA!

Bzz...bzz... Can anyone...hear me?

Huh? Where's the voice coming from?

...s...me... na...

It's me... Mana... Please, someone answer me!

Mana?! It's me! Hismena! Where are you? Did you wake up in the real world?!

Hismena! N-No... I didn't wake up. But I am okay. Maybe because I was outside the red barrier? Anyway, I wished really hard and now I'm able to talk to you!

How does that barrier look right now? Is everyone okay?!

Well...

The barrier is gone now. But everyone is...

Please... Hismena! Please get back here somehow! Please...please save everyone!

I got it, Mana! I'll go right back to the guestroom and log in to the game!

You can't... Mom closed off the normal entrance.

She closed it off?! Then, how am I supposed to...

Well...Umm...

......

......

Think, Hismena... What would Isuka do?

No...it's not going to be me. The one leaving this game is... you, Hismena!

No! What's most important right now... is figuring out how to carry out the mission I was given!

What's something that Claude and Isuka can't do, but I can? That must be it...

Something...only I can do...

That's it! I know what it is!

Mana! I'm going to go where your body is!

My...body?

I heard you're in a coma at the University Hospital. Mana... you can roam freely through the digital world. Can't you look for your own body?!

O-Okay! I'll give it a try!

I'm heading straight to the Hospital! So if you find where you're sleeping, access my mobile device!

Okay! I'll do my best for you!

No one's at the reception desk?! So even the hospital got hit?!

Oh...oh!

That voice!

Are you okay?! Be strong!

White...uniform? Are you...with IDEA?

Wait... Mayu?! What are you doing here?!

I was in my hospital room when I heard a commotion...and I just couldn't lie there.

Oh. I see...

Here. Take my hand and stand up.

Um...could you tell me what's happening?

I suddenly lost contact with Saki. And so I went on the internet and everyone's talking about how IDA's students are in trouble.

Yes. We are definitely in trouble. But...

We'll be fine. I'll find a way to save us all. I'll save you, and I'll save the Hospital, too. Okay?

Thank you... I feel much safer, knowing IDEA is here.

Well, can I take you back to your room?

Oh, no... I can go back by myself. My rehab has been going so well that I can move on my own now.

Don't worry about me... Please, save Saki for me!

Okay. Yes, you do look okay to walk.

Good luck out there!

What a strong girl... I'm sure you'll be better in no time.

Yes? Hismena speaking...

Hismena! I found where my body is!

Really, Mana?!

Get in the elevator! I'll sneak into the computer and run it for you!

The elevator? But I didn't see your room on any of the floors.

No time to explain! Please, Hismena!

Okay... I'm getting in the elevator!

I'll show you the way, Hismena! It's a secret room, hidden beneath the Hospital!

Thanks, Mana!

Wow...to think that there were facilities in this Hospital basement.

This must be Mana's special care room the Former Administrator told us about.

Is this...Mana?! But, isn't this...

Eeek?! Stop it! Hismenaaa! Don't look at meee!

How come?

I mean...judging by what you all said, 30 years have passed, right? Which means I'm now a gran... gran...

Ohh...ohhh!

Eeeew! I don't even want to think about it! Please, Hismenaaa, don't look at meee!

Hahaha! Oh, is that all?

Don't worry, Mana. You're wrong about your body.

It's in a cold sleep state.

Huh?! Cold...sleep?

That's right. So you look exactly as you did when I met you in the digital world.

R-Really?

Eee! Woo-hoo! Thank you, Hismena!

I can't take credit for it, really... But I'm happy for you, Mana. The Former Administrator must have done that for you. She thought about your potential life after being awakened.

Maybe that's why your consciousness got revived, but your body didn't? You can't physically wake when you're in a cold sleep.

Which means... If I release you from your cold sleep, you can probably wake up.

Really?

What's wrong? Aren't you happy about it?

Huh? Oh, uh...no, I am happy! Very! But...isn't saving everyone in the game and seeing Mom more important?

That's right, Mana. Just like you said.

Hey, Hismena. What were you going to do when you found my body? It seemed like you'd thought up an idea.

Actually, your body itself wasn't part of the plan. It was these facilities.

Huh?

According to you, the game-world and the Dream World are both in the digital realm... they're linked together there, right?

Yeah, that's right...

Which means... a certain object is our only way out.

Mana is in a coma in a special care room at the Elzion University Hospital. The dark apple, which we failed to identify after so much research, is with her.

Found it. The dark apple really is here.

I'll take a bite of this dark apple...

And I'll create my own Dream World. Then I'll go to the game-world from there!

Wh-What?! No, you can't! That's too dangerous!

I am the best lancer in IDEA. Isuka entrusted me with the task of going to the outside world. That means I'm the only one who's able to get us out of this. I'm well aware of the danger. But I have to save everyone...

So I laugh in the face of danger!

Nooo!

Ugh... Where am I?

In a Dream World?! So it worked!

Yes... this is my Dream World... I'm honestly moved. It's true that the dark apple takes its victim to their ideal world.

Mm?! Blue rose vines!

Well... that came out of left field. Now I can't move.

Wait a minute...is this a Dream World Monster?! This' bad!! I have to get out of these thorns!

Mmf!

I finally found it!

Mana!

That was close... That's why I tried to stop you! Dream Worlds bring out all these latent feelings inside of you! Just because it's your dream, that doesn't mean everything goes the way you want it to!

Apparently. I was in real danger there. But...you saved me, so it was still right of me to come here.

Jeez! What were you going to do if I hadn't saved you?

I'd have bitten my way out if I had to. I know it's clunky, but that's how I roll.

Jeez! I wish you'd stop being so reckless.

So, how do I get out of here? I don't think I can cut this.

The best way to get out is to think very strongly, "I don't need this dream!" But if you do that, the Dream World itself disappears and you'll lose the path to the game-world.

Wait a minute! So the path to the game-world definitely exists, right?!

Of course it does. I used that path to come here. You ate the apple to build that path, didn't you?

Yes, I did! Oh, good... If there's a path, all I need to do is push through! I was overthinking things earlier. All I need to do is wish for my freedom while strongly wishing the Dream World doesn't go away. Right?

Y-Yeah. I'll help you. I was able to help everyone else in their Dream Worlds, at least!

Okay. Let's go!

We're free?!

Yay! It worked!

Thanks, Mana. I feel much safer with you here.

Let's hurry to the others. Show me the way?

Of course! This way!

What's wrong, Mana?

Uh... how was it, Hismena?

How was...what?

The flavor of that apple...

......

It was just like you said... unbelievably gross.

It's like, could it be any more gross?!

I know, riiight?!

Okay, the path leading to the game-world should be inside here!

Okay. Let's go, Mana!

What...the heck...is happening here?!

Uh, so you see, Hismena... this is what happens when the red barrier disappears.

The inhabitants of the game stay the same, but... The people logged in from the real world all disappear.

In other words, only the players transform to that weird state?! So, Isuka, Claude, and Aldo... they're all gone?

Yeah, I'm afraid so. Everyone's gone!

It looks very different from when it happened to you... But maybe they're... Dream World Beasts?

Yes. They're all manifestations of everyone's souls.

So this was Mother's end game when she put up the red barrier! She wanted to change us into Dream World Beasts!

I'm s-sorry...

Oh...oh... Mom...Why did she have to... do such horrible things... I'm so...sorry...

Silly Mana, don't cry. This isn't at all your fault. Okay?

But...Mom... Mom... *sob*

I promise we'll do something to save your mom, too.

Really?

Yes. It's a promise. I swear to you on my honor... this unsullied white uniform!

Thanks... Hismena.

So wipe your tears, Mana.

You need to open your eyes wide and see reality for what it is. That's the only way we're going to get through this!

Yes... I promise I won't cry anymore!

That's the spirit! I'm counting on you.

Okay! We've got this!

I'm sO...haPpy... NoW...I caN...foRgEt...

If this is the consciousness of the players... then what state are they in? Are they scattered in pieces in the digital world, like you used to be?

I don't know about that.

What a problem. Anyway, we need to find a way to get them back to normal.

Oh...oh...oh...

What was that? Is one of them okay?

Aldo! Wake up!

Hismena! And...Mana!

What's going on?

Uh...even I'm not sure. But after you escaped, we all immediately...

Oof?!

Wha, ? Huh?

Aaaah!

Mmf! What's going on here?!

That red barrier... It's forcing everyone trapped inside of it to go into those red Dream World Pillars! That's what it was for!

So...when the red Pillar reached me, next thing I knew, I was in Baruoki.

Feinne, Grandpa... Mobecha and Pepori... And Darunis, May, Nomar... Everyone was there, happy... And I thought, maybe I could just stay here forever.

Stay there...forever?

Maybe that's your Dream World?

Now that you mention it, it did resemble a Dream World... I think?

Also, Varuo and Langelo were there, squabbling as usual...

But there was one difference. Ogre Rancorem was not with me. So I called for him. And then I heard his voice, from nowhere.

At the time...you were hideously reduced to that four-legged Beast. Those red Pillars do not work on us. So we were, in fact, thoroughly disgusted to see you turn into a Beast. We could have ignored you and let you be, but we would not have our proper revenge that way. So we decided to give you a little help.

I see... So you were the one who turned me back to normal?

No. We merely helped you remember our existence. You were able to notice the abnormalities in your fake world and break out of it, returning to your true form.

Yes...now that you mention it, I think that is what happened... I started to notice that not only Ogre Rancorem, but my questing companions I'd met along the way were gone.

Then the next thing I knew, you two were here.

Isn't that...

The same thing we've done to wake the Masters of the Dream World all this time?

Yes. I think so. A Dream World disappears when its creator harshly rejects the world they created.

Yes... This could work! We'll use the meddling from the outside! We don't have to go into the red Dream World Pillars.

We'll call out to the Dream World Beasts and guide them to reject their own dreams. Then we can save them all!

I don't quite understand, but... Will everyone turn back to normal like I did?!

Yes. That's right. Let's split up and call out to the Dream World Beasts!

WhItE...uNiForM... I doN't nEed yoU...anYmOre...

That Beast... Is that you, Isuka?

SchOol iS peAceFul... eVeryOne is...haPpy...hApPy...

In Isuka's Dream World, the school is at peace.

No oNe...fiGhTs... ThE fuTuRe...is BrIghT...

I feel bad waking her from such a good dream... But Isuka would yell at me to wake her.

GoOd aFteRnOon... GoOd aFteRnOon...

ANotHer...peAcEful daY... TOdaY wiLl be...a goOd dAy... No onE wIlL...be aFraid... I'm sO....haPpY...seRioUsly...

I feel bad doing this.

Don't! You have to become the bad guy and scream out to them!

Hey, Isuka! The students are in trouble!

In tRoUble? BUt evEryOne iS so...pEaCeful...

That's just an illusion! The students need you to save them! By the pride of your white uniform!

WhItE...uNiForM... pRiDe...?

IT's truE... I stTll...hAveN't...reSolVed it... tHat oNe...caSe... trUe pEace... if tHis is... jUst an illuSion...

Then I can't take off my white uniform just yet!

Isuka!

Aldo? What's going on? What was I doing all this time? Didn't the school become peaceful? I thought I could finally be a normal student.

I'm sure you have a lot of questions, but you'll remember soon enough. Anyway, rest here until you calm down.

Okay...I think I'll take you up on that.

LOng liVe...thE kiNg... of aNcient...tiMes...

That Beast... Is that you, Claude?

I aM pleAsed... tHis caStle...is So vaSt... it is My...idEal...

Apparently, in Claude's Dream World, he lives in big, grand castle.

The roOm is...bIg enOuGh... for a bEd...and a dEsk... IT's so biG...

Uh, no! That's totally small!

Does Claude actually like small spaces? He's practically a cat...

YEs... a cAt... a flYing...cAt... sHiny... shIny batHtUbs... exTenDing all tHe wAy...to thE ceiliNg... It is inDeEd thE...iDeal caStlE... lonG liVe...thE kiNg...

......

It's no use! I can't imagine what his Dream World is like!

A-Anyway, Claude! Everyone is suffering! We need you!

THey're...suFfeRing? My...suBjeCts...aRe...?

Yes! Your subjects are suffering, my lord, aren't you going to do something? Um, how does it go? Those with power must fight for those without, whether they wish to or not!

ThoSe...wiTh...powEr? King...poWer...meanIngLess... if it lAcks sUbstaNce...

Yes, what kind of king are you if you can't save your subjects?!

Claude!

Mm?! Wait...where did my perfectly-shaped, shining white bathtub go?

Your bathtub obsession is kinda scary!

Aldo...was I seeing an illusion? I thought I was in the recreation of an ancient kingdom.

I'm sure you have a lot of questions, but you'll remember soon enough. Anyway, rest here until you calm down.

Understood... Yes, my memory is quite fuzzy. I shall rest for a while.

I'm soRry... MaYu... I leFt yOu...

That Beast... Is that you, Saki?

We wEnt to...scHool tOgetHer... evEry daY...had sO mUch fuN... bUt I lEft yOu... I'M a bAd fRiend...I'm a Bad frieNd...

Saki... Did you feel bad going to school without her?

But...it'S ruDe of me... tO talK liKe tHis...whEn yoU saVed mE...

You really shouldn't kill yourself over this... but you're such a stickler.

MAyu...yoU're sTill...siCk...eVen noW... I waNt to bE...cloSer...to yOu...otHerWise... I'm a fAiluRe...as YouR frieNd... So I'm...gOinG to...jOin yoU... in tHe hoSpitAl...

Hey, you want to join her? You can do so in the real world!

Come on, Saki! Listen to me! Mayu doesn't care about any of that! She's doing well with her rehab!

ShE doeSn't...caRe?

Yeah! She'll find her own way to be happy! Have faith in Mayu!

FiNd her...oWn way...to be haPpy? I haVe to...truSt in...Mayu...

I promised Mayu...that we'd go back to school together!

Saki!

Huh? Aldo? I...got sucked into my own soul again.

Right... This would be your second Dream World.

It's okay now. I'm sure you have a lot of questions, but you'll remember soon enough. Anyway, rest here until you calm down.

Good...idea. I feel a little tired. I need to make sense of my memories.

The memories are slowly coming back.

It seems to be true that we were... trapped in Dream Worlds.

I heard Aldo's voice in the Dream World, and as we talked. I was unable to accept the reality of my world anymore.

Then, when I came to, Aldo was right there.

Me too...I had a similar experience. The Master of the Dream World rejecting their own dream does seem to be the most effective.

Hismena... I was right to entrust you to save us all. You came back here, bringing Mana to help you.

And you saved us.

Indeed... That is why we call her the Ace Attacker of IDEA.

Oh, p-please! I was just... lashing out stupidly, trying to do anything I could.

And that's what I put my faith in. You should take pride in that.

More importantly! We need to keep saving the others like this! Come on, Isuka! Claude!

Aldo! Mana! And Saki! Stop sitting around, and let's get to work!

......

Hismena...you're not very good at taking compliments, are you.

What?!

But you're right. We need to call out to the Dream World Beasts, and return them back to themselves!

So, these are the only people who were brought back by being called out to...

Without a strong fighting spirit and without individualized words, a person might not be able to reject their Dream World.

Yeah... I'm sure that someone calling from the outside world wouldn't quite work.

So, how are we going to get the rest back to normal?

We probably have to do something about Mother herself.

Mom...why in the world are you doing this?

Mana...

I want to talk to her... I want Mom to know that I'm the real Mana. I want to return her to the kind Mom I know she is.

Please...can you all help?! Please help me again, like before! We still need to save all the others who are trapped in their dreams!

Of course we'll help, Mana!

One problem...my body is just pure consciousness. I don't exist outside the digital world. So I can't follow you all on adventures in the outside.

Oh...that's right. I hope you can return to your real body soon.

Yeah... Me too.

But how can we get you to where Mother is?

She should be in the deepest part of the Dream World. That's where all the dreams are connected.

If we go through Hismena's Dream World that's still up, that means we can reach Mother.

But...Mom's Dream World is very far from here.

Which means we'll have to go far inside of Hismena's Dream World to get there.

Yeah... That means Hismena will need to be in tune with the deep recesses of her heart.

Bring it on. I'll be fine. I'm tougher than I look.

Okay... Well, then, let's all go into Hismena's Dream World.

I'll retrace my steps and go to the entrance to the Dream World. That's where my body should be.

I'll come with you. I'll be waiting for you all in Hismena's Dream World!

I think we should all leave from the game world. Let's head towards the Hospital basement, where Hismena's Dream World started.

There are two Hismenas?!

I suppose this is Hismena's inner-psyche... deep in the shadows of her Dream World.

Yeah... It's a rather usual pattern one finds in these Dream Worlds.

Apparently, what we're seeing here are unresolved scars of the past.

So, what are you going to do to me? No matter how hard you flap your wings, you're not escaping.

Ah-hah...I'm finally being released. From the title of "The Heiress of House Lunabright" that has cursed me since birth.

That's right. You don't need to be bound by that anymore. I took up that burden for you.

That's right. You don't need to be bound by that anymore. It's my burden to carry.

Come on, Mana! I've made it past the guard in my inner-psyche. Now we can go find your mother, right?

Yes! This is the deepest part of the Dream World... A path should form here!

It feels a little strange. The Master of the Dream World is defeated, but the Dream World hasn't disappeared.

Until we take care of Mother, we still need this Dream World to exist.

And Hismena herself knows this better than any of us.

So Hismena's Dream World won't disappear until after we've accomplished our mission.

I found it! There's the door!

Let's go! We need to find Mom!

This is the same machinery room we found in all the Dream Worlds.

Come to think of it, the clue that this was the digital world was staring at us in the face.

No...I don't think we could have surmised we were in the digital world just from that. A VR-world that can replicate human senses so vividly is outside the scope of technology.

You're right, Claude. And on top of that, Dream Worlds can even meddle with the real world, too... How does that even work?

Perhaps...and this is just an assumption. But maybe Mother went into the digital-world and learned about cutting-edge technology firsthand?

In a word... Dream World Technology.

Even if that's true... Then why did Mother go to such lengths to create the Dream Worlds? Isuka did say earlier it was to make Mana's wishes come true, but I'm not sure about that...

Make my wishes...come true?

That might be...correct. Mom always made my wishes come true. Anything I asked her... Truly anything...

Say, Mana... Do you remember the last wish you asked of Mother?

I'm sorry... I don't remember.

But...I do know one thing, I never would have wished any of this horribleness on any of you. Please...believe me...

Of course we believe you, Mana. We know you're a good person.

Thanks... Hismena.

Mom!

Please...just listen to me like you used to!

Mom...

Won't you tell us, Mother? Where do you think the real Mana is?

Hmm?

Huh?! Me?

That's...right. I would be lying if I said it wasn't true.

So that's why...you made the game-world look like Aldo's memories.

It's rather farfetched... But if you factor in the limitations of Mother's recognition system into the equation, it all adds up.

Uh... What my mother...told me?

Mom?!

Mana!

Mmf!

Mother! How could you be so cruel to your own daughter?!

Damn it!

Mana...thank goodness! Are you okay?

Yeah... Nothing happened.

Are you okay, Mana?!

Yeah, I'm fine...

What was that just now? Why didn't Mother's attack work on you?

Because...

I'm sorry... I don't know.

......

We don't have time to think.

We take care of Mother first. Follow her!

This is...the orphanage.

So this world really is my... And Mom must be...

Hey...Mom! You created these Dream Worlds all for me, didn't you?

But... I don't want them anymore! So please, stop it!

She just can't seem to accept the Mana before her eyes is real. But she's reacting correctly to everything else.

You're right, Claude. I had the same observation. No matter how irrational she seems, she is an AI. Logic rules her. Which means...as I feared, we will need to find the key to break down the wall surrounding Mother's recognition range.

Yes. And the key must be Mana, her own daughter... And perhaps her own identity as a mother?

But think back... Mana called her "mom" many times, but nothing happened.

Damn it! What will it take to get Mother to accept Mana?!

Please, everyone... that's enough.

Mana...?

I don't care if I'm fake. But...

I still want to save Mom!

But you...

If she won't accept me as real, that means she's going to keep searching for what she believes to be the "real" me. Isn't that terrible? It breaks my heart to think about it.

Is that...really what you want, Mana?

...... No...it's not... It's not what I want.

But it's better this than my mom suffering for all eternity!

......

Mmf!

A direct attack?! Don't do it, Mother! If you hurt us, you won't survive!

Mom...

I understand. Please, stop hurting yourself.

Your Mana...is going to save you! I can't stand seeing you suffer anymore!

Is that...Mother's true form?

That's right... Though it's been warped quite a bit.

Mana, are you sure about this?!

Yes! I'll be fine. Everyone back me up!

With this, we'll finally have closure on the Dream World cases! It's time to wake up from the nightmares!

Mana... I admire your brave decision.

So the end is here. The time for royalty to close the curtain on this tragedy.

We'll make it so Mayu and others never fall victim again.

It ends here. Let my lance strike the final blow!

In the name of IDEA... no, in the name of IDA, we bring justice to Mother!

I am proud to be in IDEA! Let's defeat Mother and restore the peace!

Mom!

Stop! Stop pretending to be my mom!

You're just a machine! You're not my mom!

Mom? What a joke! You could never understand how I feel!

Shut up, you fake! Stay away from me!

You're not my mother!

What's wrong...Mom?

The lunch you packed was so good!

It had the bunny-shaped apples again! Thanks, Mom!

Huh?! What are you saying?

You're my mom, right? Hehe! Oh, Mom, you're being silly!

A real...mother?

Yes...that's right. I know it's an impossible dream, but... someday... I want to see my true mother face to face.

Hehehe. Then my mom would hug me and say... "I love you, Mana."

M-Mom?!

That was...my...wish?

Mother?

Wait...let's give them some space. This might be the only...and last chance.

No, Mom...you're wrong! I never wished for that!

Because...the mother I've been wanting to see...

Is "you"!

I don't care! You're the only mother I've got!

Yes, we did see each other every day... But only through a monitor, remember? That's why I wished that you could come out and hug me.

So, please...Mom! Please hug me...right now!

That is all I wished for!

Mana!

Mom!

I missed you so much, Mom!

I'm so sorry, Mana... Truthfully... I knew all along that you were the real Mana. But... I was trapped in a cage of my own design all this time. I was powerless. But you set me free...

It's okay...don't talk about that anymore. We're together now.

Oh...oh... Mom!

Mom!

Now, Mana, don't cry. You're not a baby.

...... I love you, Mana.

Mana...

Oh...oh... Mana... I'm so happy to be with you!

......

Sniffle!

That must be...her true mother's form. A miracle that was nurtured inside of Mother. She's transformed...into a loving mother.

That's right. And also... She's the guardian of this "Mana's Dream World" we're in.

Hmm?! Isuka...what did you just say?

Not only this location, but the server room that links all the dreams together... It's all Mana's Dream World. She ate the dark apple 30 years ago and created it. In a way, it's a prototype Dream World.

Prototype Dream World?!

Yes. I've been thinking all this time, about how Mother got revived. And this is only a theory, but when Mana got lost in her Dream World 30 years ago, she passed through the digital world. And perhaps she made contact with Mother?

That does seem possible. After all, Dream Worlds are based off the digital world.

Even so...since Mana's consciousness was split into pieces, she wouldn't remember any of that.

I just had a creepy thought. If Mother is the guard of Mana's Dream World, then...

Unfortunately... That thought is correct, Claude! She's trying to destroy this Dream World!

What?! Then we need to get out fast!

Mana! Let's get out of here! And then...we'll wake you up in the real world! We'll find a way somehow, I promise!

I'm sorry... Hismena. But I want to stay here with Mom.

M-Mana?!

I don't want to leave my Mom again... Are you okay with this, Mom? This is my final wish...

Oh... Mana! So this is how deep your love runs? I'm so happy, Mana...

Damn it! Mother exists to make Mana's wishes come true, right?! Which means Mana will...!

Mana!

It won't hold any longer!

I have a duty to protect all of you. Even if you would call me evil for it... As the Head IDEAlist, I give you my order of the highest degree!

All units...retreat at once!

Mana!

Mom... Thank you for granting my wish. I feel so safe and happy right now. I'm not scared anymore... and I'm not lonely.

Me too, Mana. I want to stay...like this...always... Not bothered...by anyone...

But Mana...listen. I can't take you with me.

Mom?! Why?!

You must live in the real world, Mana. You must now break free from my cage and fly freely in the world. It's time.

Yes... Mana, it's time for you to grow up.

No! I don't want to leave you, Mom! You're supposed to make my wishes come true!

I'm sorry, Mana. But...

Let me act like a mother... As my final act.

Mom!

Goodbye, Mana. Grow up and be happy.

We somehow...made it on time. But...

What a...horrible way to end...

Mana...why?

That was her choice. No one can stop her.

...... No. It may be too early to give up hope.

Isuka... Do you mean it?!

Yes... If Mother's nurturing instincts that she developed are genuine, then even if Mana wishes strongly...

Huh? Mana?!

Did you wake up?!

Mom...told me to live my own life. She was so unfair... Why didn't she listen to my final wish?

A mother always...does what will make her children happy.

Isn't that right, Isuka?

And with this, the long string of Dream World Incidents is finally over.

I'm grateful to you, Aldo. Without your help, ending this all would have been difficult.

Mana's story still isn't over.

That's right. There's still something we have to do.

That's right, Claude, Hismena.

Her story has only just begun.

Her story? Do you mean me?

I think that's what Saki meant when she said that, but... when I talk about "Mana's story"... I mean "Lord Of Mana"! I still haven't completed my story in the game!

Actually, neither have I. Well, that settles it. Let's log in to the game!

W-Wait a minute! I'm coming too.

Good grief, what a nuisance. However, I would be remiss if I let them outdo me.

Whoa, there... Why is everyone leaving?

I think...maybe they're being polite to me? They don't want me to think about my mom and feel sad.

Listen, Aldo... I'm going to do what my mom asked. She wants me to fly freely. To see this great big world.

So... Will you be my questing companion? I'm sure my mom would love that.

Of course I will. I look forward to our adventures, Mana.

Thank you, Aldo! I'm excited, too!

So, where do you want to go? I've never adventured in the real world before. I feel butterflies!

I don't blame you.

But I've done plenty of adventuring in the real world as it is... Okay! I think I should also log in to Lord of Mana!

Whaaaat?!

No fair! I'm the only one of you who can't log in to that game!