To put it shortly, Mash doesn’t have a mother, but his father is Innocent Zero, the main antagonist of Mashle: Magic and Muscles.
In chapter 62, the reason why Innocent Zero was searching for Mash Burnedead is revealed. During their initial encounter, he says,
I didn’t think I’d find you alive. The despair I felt when I thought I lost you. My dear sweet…. Son.
Innocent Zero
He then proceeds to say, “Once I’ve absorbed you, I’ll be complete. Let us go.” However, Wahlberg Baigan intervenes and prevents him from doing so.
Wahlberg asks Innocent Zero about his true goal, and Innocent Zero explains that his true ambition is to become the perfect human: undying, forever beautiful, and powerful – that is all that he wants. Wahlberg criticizes these mundane aspiration, as Innocent Zero is willing to go to extreme lengths, sacrificing numerous lives, stealing magical abilities, causing immense suffering, and even resorting to killing to achieve his goal. However, Innocent Zero remains steadfast in his belief, confidently stating that there are no issues with his actions. He firmly believes that his family exists solely for his benefit, and he perceives Mash to be no exception, firmly convinced that Mash’s existence revolves around him.
Wahlberg and Innocent Zero engage in a fierce confrontation, with Wahlberg asserting that Mash will emerge as the world’s beacon of hope. In the midst of their battle, it becomes apparent that Wahlberg and Innocent Zero share a history, as Wahlberg remarks “It’s been decades since we last crossed wands”
Who Is Innocent Zero?
In chapter 65, it is revealed that Innocent Zero has a longstanding history as an ordinary human who studied alongside Wahlberg. The society they inhabited was established by a renowned magic user known as Adam, who played the role of an architect and a divine visionary. Adam possessed an extraordinarily divine power that was unmatched. Both Wahlberg and Innocent Zero stood out as his most formidable and skilled pupils.
Chapter 65 of the manga unveils Innocent Zero’s first face reveal. During his intense battle with Wahlberg, it becomes apparent that Innocent Zero was faceless —devoid of any facial features or hair. This revelation shocks Wahlberg, who comes to the realization that Innocent Zero has abandoned his humanity. In response, Innocent Zero utilizes his shape-shifting abilities to go back to his original human appearance.
Innocent Zero asserts that he still possess a profound sense of humanity, harboring desires that resonate deeply with his human nature. He explains his humanity linked to his insatiable greed that knows no bounds, which explains his intention to bring Mash back to life and eliminate Wahlberg. During their fierce battle, the true nature of Innocent Zero’s wand and abilities comes to light. Innocent Zero wields a wand that closely resembles a clock stand. With it, he invokes his unique magic known as “Timez.”
“Timez” grants Innocent Zero the ability to manipulate time in various ways. He can accelerate, slow down, or halt its flow for those nearby, allowing for unrestricted movement. Notably, he can rewind time and reverse actions, even undoing spells cast by others. Additionally, Innocent Zero can envelop his entire body in time magic, causing anyone who touches him to age by a century. Recognizing its unparalleled might as one of the most formidable personal magics, Wahlberg stands as the only known individual with some capacity to counteract “Timez.”
As the manga progressed, Innocent Zero’s powers expanded exponentially, mirroring the vastness of his insatiable greed. However, to fully appreciate the artwork crafted by Hajime Komoto, it is best for readers to personally delve into the story and witness the growth of Innocent Zero’s abilities firsthand.
How Was Mash Made if He Doesn’t Have a Mom?
Chapter 66 sheds light on the process by which Mash and his siblings were brought into being. Innocent Zero, their creator, employed a cloning method using his own blood and infusing it into lifeless bodies. The purpose behind this was to perform the forbidden magic of body construction, by doing this spell, dark magic is used to create an immortal heart from the hearts of six blood relatives.
Mash’s brothers sides with Innocent Zero due to the insidious manipulation that convinced them of their sole purpose: to exist for him. Even Cell War goes as far as to argue that being part of Innocent Zero’s body would be the greatest honor imaginable, as he will become part of a nearly godlike being.
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Mash’s Past Revealed
In chapter 82, Domina unveils a revelation about his past, recounting a remarkable occurrence when he was merely five months old. During this time, Mash was present alongside him. Whenever Domina unleashed his formidable magical power, it resulted in the destruction of surrounding structures. However, to everyone’s astonishment, it was the five-month-old Mash who diligently reconstructed those demolished buildings.
Mash, lacking any magical abilities, devoted his days to carpentry, steadily honing his do-it-yourself skills to a remarkable degree, capable of constructing entire cabinets with finesse. Despite his lack of magic, Mash underwent the same treatment as his brothers, leaving Domina feeling a sense of unfairness. As Domina acquired control over his own magic, he directed it against Mash, only to witness Mash effortlessly evade his every attack, which made Domina realize that Mash was on a whole other level than him. However, a few weeks after this realization, Mash mysteriously vanished.
Returning to episode 1 of the anime, we discover that Mash was actually in a towering building, discovered by none other than Regro Burnedead, mere moments away from plunging into the abyss. It was through Mash’s tears that he became his savior, causing Regro to envelop him in a comforting embrace, instantly kindling a profound sense of joy within the latter. Since that fateful encounter, Mash and Regro have resided in the shelter of the woods, evading detection, well aware of the peril faced by those devoid of magical abilities who are deemed worthy of execution.
Who Are Mash’s Brothers?
In order from oldest to youngest, Mash’s brothers are Doom, Famin, Epidem, Delisaster, and Domina Blowelive. Mash, being the youngest, completes the lineup of his brothers.
- Doom
Doom, the eldest son of Innocent Zero and the mightiest of the Devil’s Quintuplets craves a worthy opponent. He finds satisfaction in battle but refrains from tormenting the weak. Unlike his brothers, Doom mirrors Mash’s composed demeanor. He treads carefully around Famin, ever watchful of his volatile nature. Despite this, Doom maintains his composure, countering Famin’s threats and asserting dominance. Moreover, in combat, Doom exhibits relentless ruthlessness.
- Famin
Famin, the second son of Innocent Zero and Doom’s younger brother possesses a sadistic nature, deriving pleasure from causing harm. Similar to their father, Famin exhibits a selfish demeanor, prompting caution from both Innocent Zero and Doom. Famin harbors resentment towards Doom, often provoking him by taking his belongings, only to be met with dismissive indifference. Famin’s unpredictability poses a significant threat, lending a dangerous edge to his character.
- Epidem
Epidem, the third son of Innocent Zero, possesses an extreme obsession with pudding, much like Mash with cream puffs. Going beyond mere fondness, he elevates it to a religious status, establishing “Puddingology” and fervently praising and singing hymns to this delectable treat. Tampering with his beloved sweets carries severe consequences, as Epidem inflicts great suffering upon transgressors. Despite his sinister nature, Epidem masks it with a polite and cunning demeanor. He extends invitations for tea, feigning friendliness, and listens attentively to others, concealing his sadistic tendencies behind a veneer of politeness.
- Delisaster
Delisaster, the fourth son of Innocent Zero, earns a reputation for his narcissism and meticulous obsession with his appearance, particularly his skin. He derives pleasure from sadistic taunting, such as impaling Sophina Biblia with his formidable magic. Despite this, Delisaster exudes a carefree and jovial demeanor, embodying the stereotype of a fraternity member. His energetic nature is accompanied by a love for humor, often delivering jokes and puns. Delisaster finds joy in revelry, frequently participating in celebrations, enjoying alcoholic beverages, and fostering camaraderie through shared smoking sessions with his subordinates.
- Domina Blowelive
Domina Blowelive, a contender for the esteemed Divine Visionary position at Walkis Magic Academy, presents a composed exterior that belies seething anger and intense hatred. His overwhelming desire for his father’s approval drives him to commit heinous acts and partake in numerous crimes. Domina holds a deep disdain for perceived weakness while admiring the power of magic. The discovery that their father values Mash as much as him, despite Domina’s own magical powers, fuels his fury even further.
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