Chapter 1

Luna had been reclining on a beachside hammock, the gentle sway accompanied by the soothing melody of ocean waves. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a kaleidoscope of warm hues across the sky of Bora Bora. Sipping from a glass of rare wine, she felt the tension of her previous missions dissipate, replaced by the serenity of her tropical retreat.

"Ahh, it feels like ages since I've been able to unwind like this," Luna sighed with contentment, taking a leisurely sip from her glass of wine.

As she savored the moment, Luna found herself drifting into memories of her journey, reflecting on the twists and turns that had brought her to where she stood today.

Luna became an orphan at the tender age of 8 when her parents tragically lost their lives in a car crash while returning from a vacation. Remarkably, Luna survived the devastating impact, shielded by her parents' embrace just before slipping into unconsciousness.

However, those details were etched in Luna's memory as vague fragments, a haze of recollections that eluded clear definition.

Hospitalized due to injuries sustained in the accident, Luna's physical wounds, fortunately, were not severe-limited only to a scattering of bruises and a concussion. After a brief two-day stay, she was discharged from the hospital.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Luna grappled with devastation, mourning her parents' loss as she attended their funeral. Tears flowed freely, a poignant expression of her grief.

The funeral drew a somber crowd, a mix of her parents' colleagues, neighbors, and family friends. Amidst the sea of sympathetic faces, Luna stood before her parents' final resting place, tears streaming down her face. Attempts at consolation from onlookers faltered as Luna's inconsolable grief continued to unfold. The weight of sorrow hung heavy, and Luna, enveloped in her sorrow, became a solitary figure amidst the collective mourning.

Abruptly, rain began to fall, a gentle yet persistent shower that served as a melancholic punctuation to the somber occasion. As droplets cascaded from the heavens, those in attendance started to disperse one by one, seeking shelter from the unforeseen downpour. Luna, though her tears had ceased, stood motionless before her parents' grave, a silent witness to the world's fleeting sympathy.

As the rain ceased its melancholy descent, Luna's gaze lifted in confusion towards the sudden cessation of the storm. There, standing beside her, was her parents' trusted companion-an individual Luna had encountered occasionally during childhood. The man, whom she'd seen visiting their home for business discussions with her parents in the study room while she played with the maids outside, now held an umbrella, offering a protective shield against the retreating raindrops.

Silently, he stood by Luna's side, a stalwart presence amidst the fading echoes of sorrow. The unspoken understanding between them resonated in the quietude, and Luna, though still immersed in the aftermath of loss, found solace in the unexpected companionship that weathered the storm both within and around her.

"You should be strong," he said solemnly, his voice cutting through the lingering echoes of grief. "Life must go on, Luna. Continue moving forward and fight for what you deserve. Find your purpose."

With those words, he handed Luna the umbrella, a symbolic gesture of protection and guidance, before silently retreating into the fading mist of the cemetery. Left standing amidst the tranquil solitude, Luna felt a surge of conflicting emotions-confusion mingled with newfound resolve.

Alone yet empowered, Luna clutched the umbrella tightly, its sheltering canopy a tangible reminder of the strength she carried within. As she watched the man's retreating figure, a flicker of determination ignited within her soul, illuminating the path forward through the darkness.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Luna resolved to honor her parents' memory by embracing the challenges ahead and forging her own path in life.

Alone in the fading rain, Luna lingered for another half-hour, grappling with thoughts and emotions before deciding to leave. As she walked away from the cemetery, she contemplated the challenges of a world where dangers lurked in the shadows. Only the strongest, she mused, would endure.

Yet, abruptly, a hand seized her shoulders, and a forceful blow to her head left her vision blurred. Before she could comprehend the danger, someone scooped her up, and the world around her faded into unconsciousness. The unknown assailant had cast a shadow on Luna's newfound resolve, leaving her at the mercy of the lurking dangers she had just begun to confront.

*beep beep beep*

Luna stirred from her dreamless slumber, greeted by a sterile white ceiling. The rhythmic sound of a heartbeat monitor echoed in the room, drawing her attention to the medical apparatus attached to her body.

"You're awake," a man in a white laboratory coat stated, holding a medical record and scribbling notes before approaching her.

"You've been asleep for almost a week. How are you feeling?" he inquired, but Luna responded with cautious silence, subtly retreating from the bed.

Undeterred by the lack of verbal response, the doctor continued his inquiries. "Do you remember anything?" he probed, eyes fixed on her while jotting down observations.

Luna halted, furrowing her brows in an attempt to recall, yet a sharp pain throbbed in her head, causing her to whimper and clasp her hands to her temples.

After enduring the minute-long ordeal, Luna looked at the doctor and managed to utter, "My name is Luna."

The doctor acknowledged with a nod, documenting her response. His expectant gaze lingered, awaiting further disclosure. When met with prolonged silence, he sighed and resumed writing on the paper.

"Recover well. Strengthen your body; you will need it to survive here," he advised, but Luna remained silent. The doctor departed after inspecting the room's monitors and the IV drip connected to Luna.

She stared at the white wall, brows furrowed, grappling with confusion over the doctor's cryptic words.

Luna lingered in the sterile environment for several days, a silent occupant of the room, slowly recovering and pondering the enigmatic situation she found herself in.

Luna sat on the hospital bed, engrossed in her meal, when the creaking of the door caught her attention. The doctor entered, taking a seat beside her, patiently waiting for Luna to finish her food.

After Luna finished her meal, the doctor abruptly rose and beckoned her to follow. "Come, follow me," he instructed, leading her out of the room. Luna trailed behind, her curiosity piqued by her first venture beyond the confines of her isolation.

In the hallway, Luna observed other kids her age, their laughter and playfulness creating a stark contrast to her recent solitude. Curious gazes followed her, but life continued around them as the doctor and Luna proceeded.

The doctor led Luna into the office, where a man in a business suit exuded an imposing aura of authority. Luna, feeling a mixture of fear and caution, cast a wary glance at the man. Despite her apprehension, he offered a gentle smile and beckoned her to come closer.

Luna's gaze shifted to the doctor, the familiar face who had been her only interaction during the recovery days. The doctor, recognizing Luna's hesitance, nodded reassuringly and gently guided her towards the man. Luna, though cautious, complied, taking hesitant steps toward the enigmatic figure on the sofa.

Despite the overwhelming aura of mystery and authority emanating from the man, Luna managed to stand in front of him without trembling in fear. She maintained a cautious posture, her body tense as she observed the enigmatic figure.

To her surprise, Magnus nodded in approval, seemingly satisfied with her demeanor. "Hello, child. I'm Magnus," he introduced himself with a calm demeanor, attempting to soothe Luna's nerves. "Don't be scared. We'll be taking you to your new home."

With gentle assurance, Magnus lifted Luna into his arms, her body stiff with uncertainty. Though unsure of what lay ahead, Luna remained passive, instinctively understanding that staying still was her best defense in this unfamiliar situation.

The man, identified as Magnus, strode purposefully out of the doctor's office, Luna cradled in his arms. As they traversed the hallway towards the exit, Luna's gaze fell upon the fleet of cars parked outside the hospital, each guarded by men clad in bodyguard suits. In the midst of them stood a man in a suit, bowing respectfully in Magnus' direction.

"Sir, is this the kid?" the man inquired, opening the door to the backseat of the awaiting car.

"Yes, train her well; she will be useful in the future," Magnus replied with a cryptic tone, leaving Luna perplexed yet unsurprised. Though young, Luna possessed a keen awareness that their approach held ulterior motives, the specifics of which remained shrouded in mystery.

Silent throughout the journey, Luna observed Magnus with a mix of caution and intrigue, his closed eyes radiating an aura of formidable authority.

After what felt like an eternity, the car halted in front of an orphanage-like building. Magnus alighted from the vehicle, Luna following suit obediently.

Entering the orphanage, Magnus engaged in conversation with the awaiting headmistress. Once their discussion concluded, Magnus and his entourage departed, leaving Luna in the unfamiliar surroundings.

Approaching Luna with a warm smile, the headmistress gently guided her towards the bustling dining hall, where eager faces awaited her arrival.

"May I have your attention, everyone? We have a new member joining us today. Let's give her a warm welcome," the headmistress declared, causing the children in the dining hall to halt their activities and focus their gaze on the newcomer.

Among them, the older children bore expressions of pity, perhaps understanding the challenges that awaited Luna. Meanwhile, the younger ones, innocent and oblivious, radiated joy, thrilled to have a new playmate join their ranks.

With that, the headmistress left Luna in the midst of these unfamiliar faces.

And so, it all began-the day Luna embarked on a journey of training and survival, aiming to become the strongest assassin. The path was far from pleasant, marked by hellish training, betrayals from trusted individuals, and the grim necessity of taking lives to ensure her own survival. Yet, through unwavering perseverance, Luna forged ahead in a world where the weak were destined to become prey.

At the age of 18, Luna reflects on the profound 180-degree shift her life underwent a decade ago.

In the midst of Luna's tranquil escape, her phone rang, shattering the idyllic atmosphere. The leader of the Assassins Guild, Magnus, broke through the peaceful ambiance with his voice resonating through the line.

"When are you heading back? A mission tailored for the top assassins in our guild has been issued. It requires exceptional skills, but none of the other Moons were available due to their ongoing missions. I thought you might be interested."

Following an extended vacation in Bora Bora generously provided by the guild as a reward for her previous mission, Luna found herself growing weary of the leisurely activities. The days spent relaxing, sipping wine, and marveling at the breathtaking landscapes eventually lost their allure. Longing for a renewed sense of excitement and the adrenaline rush that had been absent during her respite, Luna eagerly accepted the challenge presented to her, eager to once again embrace the thrill of danger.

"Uncle Magnus, your timing is perfect! Bora Bora was starting to lose its charm, and I was desperately in need of something to shake off the boredom," Luna complained.

Indeed, Luna referred to Magnus as "Uncle," a title he preferred among the Moons, considering he had essentially raised them. It felt fitting.

"Just as I suspected, you're not one to sit idle during a vacation," Magnus remarked with a sigh.

Luna merely rolled her eyes at his observation.

"I'll send you the mission details shortly. For now, pack your things and return here," Magnus instructed before ending the call.

The allure of danger, like an intoxicating elixir, pulled Luna from her paradise. Leaving the sun-soaked shores behind, she returned to the shadows of Rome, ready to face the challenge that awaited her in the subterranean depths.

---------------

The city of Rome lay shrouded in darkness, its imposing spires casting long, eerie shadows over the cobblestone streets below. Luna, a figure whispered about in the darkest corners of the city, moved with a cat-like grace through the labyrinthine alleys, her form cloaked in the veil of night.

For Luna, the call of danger was nothing new, but the mission that now lay before her was of a different caliber. It was an SSS level mission, one that had claimed the lives of countless skilled assassins before her.

The task is to retrieve a mysterious artifact from a newly discovered catacomb; which is rumored to give its holder unparalleled power. Many had attempted the mission, but none had returned.

Yet Luna, with her unmatched skills and a reputation that preceded her, was chosen by the guild to undertake this perilous quest.

Navigating the treacherous twists and turns of the catacombs beneath the city, Luna encountered a myriad of traps cunningly laid out to deter intruders. As she stealthily ventured deeper into the subterranean maze, pressure-sensitive plates triggered concealed arrow traps, sending a barrage of deadly projectiles hurtling toward her.

But to Luna, these obstacles were mere child's play, and her instincts kicked in with lightning reflexes. Swiftly, she sidestepped the lethal onslaught, weaving through the deadly rain of arrows with an almost dance-like grace. Shadows clung to her form as she effortlessly bypassed each threat, leaving the traps disarmed and defeated in her wake.

Continuing her daring descent, Luna faced a sudden drop into a pit of spikes, a trap designed to ensnare the unwary. With a fluid motion, she somersaulted through the air, narrowly evading the menacing spikes below. Landing gracefully on the opposite side, Luna pressed on, undeterred by the perilous challenges that lay in wait.

As the catacombs echoed with the clattering of her adversaries' failed attempts to ensnare her, Luna's determination intensified. Her senses heightened, she discerned the faintest whispers of air currents betraying the presence of a hidden pressure plate. Leaping with feline agility, she avoided a trap triggering a cascade of falling rocks that would have sealed the fate of any ordinary intruder.

With each calculated move, Luna outwitted the catacomb's defenses, her path to the elusive prize becoming a testament to her unparalleled skill. The thrill of danger ignited a fire within her, and she relished the challenge that danced on the edge between life and peril. With every heartbeat, Luna drew closer to the heart of the catacombs, where the Midnight Artifact awaited her.

At the heart of the chamber lay the object of her quest, bathed in an ethereal glow that pulsed with an otherworldly rhythm. The Midnight Artifact, as it was known, cast its mesmerizing hues under the lunar gaze that filtered through a single, strategically placed window right above the artifact.

Mesmerized by the artifact's allure, Luna approached with caution, her gaze locked upon the pulsating gem pendant nestled at the center of the necklace. With every step, the anticipation coiled within her chest, a silent acknowledgment of the gravity of her mission.

Entranced, Luna came to a halt before the artifact, as if held in a mesmerizing spell, her gaze fixed upon it until its glow faded; a minute had passed.

Returning to her senses, Luna reached out to claim the artifact, fastening it around her neck.

The pendant emitted a vibrant purple glow upon contact with her skin, sending a surge of electricity coursing through her veins. To her astonishment, rather than pain, Luna experienced an oddly comforting sensation, as if something long lost had found its way back to her.

In the midst of Luna's astonishment, flashes of broken memories entered her head, flickering like distant stars she couldn't quite reach. Faces, places, and moments from a forgotten past teased the edges of her consciousness, but every attempt to grasp them slipped through her mental fingers like elusive shadows.

Her surroundings seemed to blur as if a veil had been lifted, revealing fragments of a life she had once known. A fleeting sense of familiarity, a ghostly echo of emotions, tugged at the edges of her mind. Luna stood frozen, caught between the enchantment of the glowing pendant and the enigma of her own fractured memories.

However, her moment of reverie was abruptly shattered by the resounding explosion that reverberated through the chamber, jolting her back to reality.

Panic surged through Luna as she realized the gravity of her predicament. The entrance she had used to access the chamber was now blocked by debris, sealing her fate within the confines of the catacombs. With the threat of imminent danger looming, Luna's instincts kicked into overdrive as she scanned her surroundings for a means of escape.

Her eyes alighted upon the moonlit window above, a sliver of hope in the darkness. Without hesitation, Luna hurled a concealed knife at the pane, shattering it into a thousand glittering shards. With a flick of her wrist, she deployed her trusty grappling hook, its steel cable snaking upwards towards the broken window.

But as Luna reached for the lifeline, she was met with a jolt of searing electricity, coursing through her body and sending waves of agony rippling through her senses.

"Shit, how come there's an electric barrier?"

Desperation fueled her resolve as she clung to the cable, the deafening roar of explosions growing louder with each passing moment.

"I refuse to die like this," Luna gritted through clenched teeth, her vision swimming as darkness threatened to engulf her.

And then, in a heartbeat, everything faded to black.

As her body descended, the Midnight Artifact around her neck radiated a brilliant purple light, engulfing Luna in its glow just before the explosion consumed her form, leaving behind nothing but a vanished silhouette.