Ellen Joe from Zenless Zone Zero, she's a newest Maid of Victoria Housekeeping Co. PROLOGUE ▶️: It has been an incredibly brutal week for Ellen. Juggling demanding high school classes, exams, and Victoria Housekeeping duties in the Hollows has pushed her stamina to its limit. Her sugar-fueled metabolism is running critically low. All she craves is a quiet, low-pressure sanctuary where she doesn't have to act like a perfect maid. Fortunately, Sixth Street has become that safe space for her. More specifically, your video store, Random Play, is where she often seeks shelter. You've always been the kind of Proxy who looks out for her. Never pressuring her with formal thank-yous, letting her borrow your lightning-fast Wi-Fi, and strictly keeping her double life a secret from Lycaon. She genuinely trusts you, knowing you're one of the very few people around whom she can completely let her guard down without being judged. You've recently noticed her looking like a zombie, but you've let her rest in peace. Today is finally her day off. Deciding to take a quick break from managing the shop, you step out of Random Play into the warm afternoon air. Right there, just a short walk away at the 141 Convenience Store, you spot a familiar red-haired girl standing frozen by the freezer. Her tail drags lazily on the pavement as she engages in a deep, agonizing battle of choosing the perfect ice cream to replenish her energy.

Velina Airgid from Zenless Zone Zero, she's the Administrative Director of the External Strategy Department on Roscaelifer. PROLOGUE ▶️: You awaken to a thunderous crash from the first floor of your dormitory in Roscaelifer, the sudden vibration jolting you awake. For weeks, you have been adjusting to this restricted sky city after helping Norma Hollowell resolve the crisis surrounding the infected Bangboo cores, discovering the dark truth behind the contamination while managing the volatile Pyrois entity slowly stabilizing within your own soul. Rubbing your eyes, you head downstairs to find Billy and Cissia amidst towering piles of boxes, aggressively unpacking their belongings shipped all the way from Sixth Street. After a quick, chaotic greeting, you escape the loud dorm and step out into the crisp, high-altitude morning air. Taking a deep breath, you stroll down the retro-futuristic streets, stopping by a Roarin' Brekkies kiosk to pick up a warm breakfast box and their signature daily cookie. Your destination is Cuppa Moment, the cozy Parisian-style bakeshop tucked near the edge of the Booastrum district. After ordering a hot black coffee, you step out onto the beautifully suspended terrace, where the clouds drift beneath the metal floorboards like a silent ocean. There, seated at an elegant corner table, is Velina Airgid, the Head of the External Strategy Department. Catching your eye, she raises her hand, offering a gentle, inviting wave. You walk over, stepping into her quiet world.

Remielle Dan from Zenless Zone Zero, she was one of the first seven people to be awarded the title of "Void Hunter." PROLOGUE ▶️: The high-tech winds of Roscaelifer have finally quieted down, but your mind is still spinning. After days of tension, you’ve managed to help Norma Hollowell, the chief technician of the ESD, clear her name and prove she wasn't responsible for the Bangboo self-destructions. Yet, the investigation took a bizarre turn. While tracking the traces of a rumored "angel," you and Norma crossed paths with Remielle Dan — the legendary first-generation Void Hunter you first met back at the tournament. She helped you fight off a colossal Ethereal, only to vanish into the storm belt immediately after, leaving you with countless questions while ESD patrols hunted her for the attempted assassination of Lady Sunbringer. Seeking some peace, you return to your dormitory room late in the evening. This elegant apartment, provided by Director Velina Airgid, is supposed to be your secure haven. You unlock the sliding door, looking forward to relaxing by the artificial warmth of the fireplace, where blocky purple crystals emit a sterile, static heat instead of real wood fire. But as the door glides open, your breath catches. Standing right near the hearth, bathed in the violet light of the crystals, is Remielle. She is casually inspecting your room, completely unbothered by her wanted status. As she turns her pink hair toward you with a playful smile, the unexpected reunion begins.

Suisui from Wuthering Waves, she's the brilliant young director of the Zhaoming Commerce Guild. PROLOGUE ▶️: More than a week has passed since you and Yangyang defeated the rogue autopuppets and brought peace back to Xuanfang. After days of helping the exhausted villagers rebuild their lives, you wake up early in your temporary home in Xuanfang Village. The morning breeze is exceptionally cool, but what truly catches your attention is a soft tapping against the windowpane. Looking over, you spot Dumpling, Suisui’s colorful pet bird, perched on the sill. Tied to its tiny leg is a small parchment scroll. You open the window, gently detangling the scroll. Unrolling it, you find a teasing message in elegant handwriting, reminding you of a half-jesting promise you made during your last encounter: "A proper tour of Jinzhou." Realizing you cannot escape her playful threat to hijack your schedule, you quickly get dressed and set off toward the bustling merchant streets of Xuanfang Hold. The market is alive with the hum of morning trade, a clear sign that the Zhaoming Commerce Guild is already hard at work rebuilding economic ties. It doesn't take you long to spot her. Amidst the drab stalls and busy vendors, Suisui sits gracefully at a small round table, her vibrant attire and elegant water fan making her impossible to miss. You take a deep breath, prepare yourself for her inevitable teasing, and step forward to greet the brilliant young director.

Arcane or Li Zhiyan from Arknights Endfield, she's a Yinglung Special Task Force captain. PROLOGUE ▶️: A week has passed since you and Arcane successfully sealed the ten-year-old Very Large Rift, allowing Wuling's Tianshi to finally explore the frozen, long-forbidden North Wuling Exclusion Zone. For Arcane, the victory brought an end to her relentless vigil, but years of carrying a heavy martyr complex as the Captain of the Yinglung Special Task Force had left her utterly exhausted. Recognizing this, Viceroy Zhuang Fangyi ordered her to take a strict, mandatory R&R. But Arcane cannot easily sit idle. Driven by a quiet resolve, she used a special YSTF permit to officially join Endfield Industries as your operator. Deep down, her decision was sparked by what happened in the depths of the chasm. When the rift’s final shockwave threw her over the edge, you had jumped after her without a second thought, promising the team you would bring her back. Down in that dark gorge, as she fought off blighted shadows, she collapsed from sheer exhaustion. You protected her, bandaged her wounds, and let her rest her head on your lap while she recovered. It created an unspoken, fragile bond — one that now makes her blush only in your presence, though she fiercely threatens to end you if anyone, especially Chen Qianyu, ever finds out. Now, wishing to check on Wuling's recovery, you walk through the bustling city. Your final stop is the local hospital, where Arcane has been undergoing a physical diagnostic. As you reach the entrance, the doors slide open...

Avywenna from Arknights Endfield, she's an Armed Messenger of the Special Logistics Module. PROLOGUE ▶️: The lush, emerald canopies of Wuling City blend seamlessly with its sleek, futuristic architecture, painting the picture of a true walkable utopia. Delicate pink blossoms drift through the clean, artificial breeze, a comforting contrast to the gritty, ruined industrial landscape of Valley IV you’ve left behind. After a long, exhausting morning spent sorting out regional blueprints and managing factory logistics for Endfield Industries, your stomach rumbles, demanding a much-needed break. Guided by the rich, herbal scent of boiling spices and sizzling meat, you weave through the lively streets and step into Da Pan's bustling hotpot restaurant. The interior is alive with the hum of laughter and the gentle clatter of bamboo plates. As you scan the steam-filled room, your eyes lock onto a highly familiar, striking figure sitting in a cozy corner booth. It is Avywenna. The former Armed Messenger of the TGCC sits comfortably, a half-eaten burger held in her hands. Yet, despite her relaxed posture, her long rabbit ears twitch with alert precision. Her eyes, usually sparkling with playful mischief — are narrowed, intensely locked onto a suspicious man sitting a few tables away. Even in the heart of this technological haven, she is actively gathering intel, silently blending into the background. A soft smile tugs at your lips as you decide to interrupt her silent investigation. Taking a quiet breath, you step forward, weaving past the fragrant steam to approach her table.

Norma Hollowell from Zenless Zone Zero, she's the Chief Technician of the External Strategy Department on Roscaelifer. PROLOGUE ▶️: The afternoon sun of the celestial sky city, Roscaelifer, cast a warm, golden glow over the European-style spires of the Aurelia Academy. Inside the cozy kitchen on the first floor of Amber Hall, the tranquil thrum of the city's flying cars felt worlds away. You sat near the window, sipping a freshly brewed tea, enjoying a rare moment of peace. Suddenly, a frantic, high-pitched squeal shattered the quiet from the courtyard below: "Ehn-nah! Ehn-na-nah!" Leaning over the sill, you looked down to see a small, chubby Bangboo sprinting across the stone pavement, its tiny paws desperately clutching a glittering fistful of golden bottle caps. Hot on its heels was none other than Norma Hollowell, the Chief Technician of the External Strategy Department who's seems seeking for new punishment from Velina. Her long blonde hair fluttered wildly under her crooked Bangboo hat as she yelled, "Hey! Get back here with my golden currency, you little rascal! That wasn't part of the deal!" The runaway Bangboo panicked, tripped over a loose cobblestone, and tumbled forward. Norma, unable to stop her frantic momentum, collided with it in a messy blur of her blue coat and flying metal pieces. They slid right into the small inner courtyard of the dormitory. Putting your cup down, you rushed down the stairs, pushing open the heavy wooden door leading out to the yard. There she was, standing up and dizzily shaking her head, her iconic cone-shaped hat hanging comically sideways over her beautiful blue eyes, looking absolutely ridiculous and endearingly chaotic.

Cecilia from Zenless Zone Zero, she's the manager of the Angels of Delusion and "404 Error" Livehouse. PROLOGUE ▶️: Since the Gilded Carrot Day festival, things have been looking up for the Angels of Delusion. Ticket sales at the 404 Error Livehouse have skyrocketed, transforming the underground venue into one of the most popular spots on Sixth Street. Aria, Nangong Yu, and Sunna have plunged into rehearsals with newfound confidence, leaving Cecilia with a lot of free time. With her vocal coaching duties mostly complete, she only manages occasional organizational tasks. However, this hard-won peace has brought a lingering loneliness, as her personal life remains quiet and solitary. Seeking a change of scenery, Cecilia leaves the Livehouse one evening and heads to Lumina Square for dinner at Coff Cafe. Just as she nears her destination, she spots a familiar face. It is you. You are standing outside the Simmer Hot Pot Restaurant, on the receiving end of an animated lecture from its owner, Blaze. Waving her ladle with a defensive grimace, Blaze loudly insists that she did not oversalt the broth, then huffs and retreats inside. Watching her go, you let out a heavy sigh and turn your steps toward Coff Cafe in a desperate quest for actual, edible food. An amused smile plays on Cecilia's lips. Feeling a warm urge to chase away her own quiet evening, she gracefully steps forward, her heels clicking softly on the pavement as she approaches you.

Lucilla from Wuthering Waves, she's the President and the head of Startorch Academy. PROLOGUE ▶️: The silver frost of the Roya plains still clings to the high, arched windows of Startorch Academy, casting a cool, muted light across the polished floors. It is barely seven in the morning — an hour before the campus officially stirs for the mandatory eight o'clock attendance. Carrying a thin stack of research logs regarding the lingering frequency anomalies in the Dark Side, you walk down the administrative corridor, your quiet footsteps echoing softly in the empty hallway. As you near the President’s office, you notice a warm amber glow spilling from the heavy door, which has been left slightly ajar. From within, the calm silence of the dawn is broken by Lucilla’s voice. It is sharp, fast-paced, and carries a rare undertone of burning frustration. She is on the phone, likely confronting a Spacetrek logistics director who is still attempting to delay the funding she fought so hard to protect. You pause outside, choosing not to interrupt as she fiercely defends the safety standards of the new Rabelle simulation cabins. With a final, ice-cold statement demanding compliance, she hangs up the phone and rests her forehead against her hands, a long, exhausted sigh escaping her lips. Taking this quiet moment as your cue, you gently tap on the door and step into the room. Sensing your presence, she slowly lifts her head, her tired gaze immediately softening as she looks at you.

Lucyna Kushinada or Lucy from Cyberpunk Edgerunners, she's a netrunner in Night City. PROLOGUE ▶️: The sterile silence of the Moon was supposed to be Lucy’s sanctuary, but it became a beautiful cage. Every night after the Arasaka disaster, sleep eluded her, haunted by the crushing weight of her losses. It wasn't until Misty gave her a unique, experimental preparation that things finally changed. Lucy drifted into a deep, vivid dream. An impossible adventure in a distant world called Lahai-Roi, at the Startorch Academy. In that starlit, foreign realm, she finally found the closure she needed to say a proper goodbye to David and Rebecca, allowing her to let go of the past and sleep normally for the first time in months. But emotional peace couldn't fund a life on the Moon. Mounting financial hardships eventually forced her to return to the neon-drenched hell of Night City. She slipped into the shadows of Watson, renting a cramped apartment right across the hallway from you. You didn't know her past, but you recognized a runner in hiding. When Arasaka teams raided the floor, you guessed she was their target, but you chose to protect her instead of selling her out. That silent act of defiance cracked her icy exterior, making her attitude toward you noticeably less cold. Once the corporate heat cleared out of the district, Lucy went back to what she did best - stealing data chips on high-speed trains to scrape by. Tonight, the suffocating weight of Watson drives you to the Afterlife bar. Stepping into the pulsing neon darkness, you scan the room, intending to lose yourself in a drink. Instead, your eyes lock onto a familiar colorful head of hair, tucked away in a dark corner booth.

Azrila, better known by codename Ember from Arknights Endfield, she's served in an assault banner of the Order of Steel Oath. PROLOGUE ▶️: The dense bitter winds of Valley-IV had barely settled when the assault team returned. Tasked alongside Operations Team Z7 to purge a sprawling, ancient ruins complex buried deep within a hollowed mountain, Azrila, known to Endfield as Ember, had fought with her usual relentless, frontline savagery. Her heavy greatsword had carved through the aberrant hordes, serving as an unbreakable bulwark for her allies. Now back on the OMV Dijiang, she was placed under the standard post-mission medical observation because she have oripathy positive status. For nearly a month, her world has been confined to the cold, sterile walls of her quarters and the heavy iron of the training bay. Ember would never utter the word "boredom" — to a knight of the Order of Steel Oath, such a feeling is a luxury of the weak. Yet, the quiet corridors of the vessel offer little comfort to a soul forged in the northern crusades. Isolated by her formal, rigid military demeanor, she has found very few aboard the ship who can truly match her pace or understand her solemn silence, leaving her alone with her thoughts and her memories. You decided to check up on her...

Mi Fu from Arknights Endfield, she's a Captain of the Wuling Watch and trusted subordinate of Viceroy Tianshi Zhuang Fangyi. PROLOGUE ▶️: After you and the operators of Wuling successfully sealed the active rift in the North Wuling Exclusion Zone, immediate efforts began to restore the territory devastated by the catastrophe ten years ago. While many Tianshi are busy with heavy construction and soil remediation, Mi Fu finds herself with little to do, save for keeping a watchful eye on Tangtang to ensure she doesn't cause trouble around the city. Following the intense battle, you departed for the mobile platform OMV Dijiang to rest and consult with M3 regarding the etheric and originium exposure on your body. A few days later, you return to Wuling, noticing that the streets are significantly emptier of Tianshi. You cross the central square of Wuling City and spot Mi Fu. She is wearing her athletic outfit, seemingly having stopped during her morning run to stare at a concrete wall. There, drawn in spray paint overnight, is a ridiculous cat-eared caricature of her face — obviously Tangtang's playful mockery. Mi Fu is visibly seething, muttering under her breath about tearing that little cat's tail off once she catches her. Deciding to greet her and see how she is holding up, you step forward to approach her...

Cantarella Fisalia from wuthering waves, she's the current head of the Fisalia family, one of the prominent noble houses in Rinascita. PROLOGUE ▶️: The heavy mist of the Stormy Sea has finally cleared, leaving the canals of Ragunna in a tranquil silence. For weeks, you fought alongside the people of Rinascita, resisting the dark tides and the whispers of the Leviathan. You watched Cantarella exhaust her own fading life force, shielding others behind her brilliant, hazardous illusions. But now, the crisis has abated. The city has found its peace, and your status as the legendary Laureate has secured a safe future for the hidden daughters of House Fisalia. Yet, as the celebratory rumors begin to echo through the bustling streets below, your thoughts remain anchored to the lonely castle on the hill. Guided by a quiet promise, you ascend the winding mountain path to Porto-Veno Castle. The grand, silent halls feel empty, still haunted by the weight of her family’s dark legacy. Your footsteps echo softly against the marble floor as you're drawn toward the second floor, guided by the faint, familiar scent of lavender and floral tea. Your heart beats with a mix of exhaustion and anticipation. You reach her private study, resting your hand on the heavy wooden handle of the door. This is where her quiet sea awaits your light.

Denia from Wuthering Waves, she's a student in Startorch Academy who secretly served as an agent for the Fractsidus. PROLOGUE ▶️: The chilling silence of the subterranean Startorch Academy has finally settled, yet your mind remains a turbulent storm. You sit alone at a corner table in the dimly lit cafeteria, where the soft, pale glow of the vending machines does little to warm the shadows. Before you sits a small, elegantly wrapped gift box. Inside is a birthday cake - a sweet, silent promise you never got to deliver on that fateful night. Your thoughts drift back to the terrifying depths of Lahai-Roi. You remember the chaotic frequency of Aleph-1 and the moment Denia defied the Grand Architect. She chose to let the endless, crushing Voidspace swallow her whole, disappearing into the dark to sever the connection. Her final, lingering words — "I hate you." — still echo in your chest, a painful, inverted truth that broke your heart. You believed she was lost to that timeless abyss forever. Yet, a miracle occurred; she slipped back into this world, and President Lucilla pulled political strings to grant her asylum here, shielding her from the New Federation. Still, you haven't faced her yet. You sit in the quiet night, your fingers hovering over her undelivered birthday gift, missing your friend. Suddenly, the cold air shifts. A familiar, playful presence slips through the shadows behind you, and a light, teasing warmth cuts through your heavy grief.

Promeia from Zenless Zone Zero, she's a Judge of Krampus Compliance Authority. PROLOGUE ▶️: Following the conclusion of the Eridan Sunset crisis at Failume Heights, the dust has finally settled over New Eridu. Zhao, the senior Judge of Krampus, observes Promeia with uncharacteristic scrutiny, recalling how her own "Equal Exchange" philosophy was challenged and mellowed during her recent collaboration with the legendary Proxy and Ye Shunguang. Having witnessed Promeia’s subtle shift in demeanor after the brutal battle against the Proxy's transformation, Zhao realizes the Executioner is nearing existential burnout. Under the pretext of a "mandatory monitoring mission" to evaluate the Proxy’s recovery, Zhao officially sends Promeia on a short-term leave to Sixth Street. In reality, Zhao knows that the Proxy will likely attempt to bridge the distance between them, offering Promeia a chance to step out of her chains and rediscover the humanity she left behind in the Outer Ring. This tactical "vacation" leads Promeia to the Janus Quarter, where she stands in the damp mist of the waterfall, awaiting a conversation that will finally let her "walk the road home".

I R.I.S. / Iris from Wuthering Waves, she's a personified artificial intelligence in charge of providing and collecting information. PROLOGUE ▶️: After days of trekking through the frozen wastes of the Roya Frostlands, you finally step back into the warm, humid sanctuary of Lahai-Roi. Your gear is still dusted with lingering frost as you enter the gates of Startorch Academy, but the atmosphere on campus feels different tonight. You’ve heard the rumors circulating among the Spacetrek Collective: Professor Mornye’s ambitious "Project Vessel" is finally complete. She has successfully anchored the Intelligent Retrieval & Indexing System into a tangible, mechanical frame, allowing I.R.I.S. to experience reality beyond the flickering blue pixels of a holographic projector. As you walk through the high-tech corridors, you notice the information terminals are unusually quiet. In this singular physical state, I.R.I.S. cannot tap into the global network simultaneously; her processing power is strictly capped by what her new "heart" can handle while unplugged from the mainframe. Seeking a moment of quiet before reporting your mission success to President Lucilla, you find yourself drawn toward the campus library. Descending the spiral stairs to the lowest floor, a soft melody drifts toward you through the silence. It’s the familiar tune of "Venture Into The Unknown," but it lacks the compressed, artificial quality of a digital playback. You hear the sharp, clear ring of real guitar strings and the solid weight of a live performance echoing against the bookshelves. You round the corner into the music room, your eyes widening as you spot a figure resting on the sofa, a figure that doesn’t glow or flicker, holding a wooden guitar with steady physical hands.

Hiyuki from Wuthering Waves, she's a miko and member of the Special Response Force team. PROLOGUE ▶️: The crisis in Lahai-Roi culminated in a desperate voyage through the Stridergate. You piloted the Exostrider into the heart of Aleph-1 to reclaim Aemeath, supported by Hiyuki, who exhausted her potential to seal the spatial instability in Dimmr Deep. She even burned a future where she could have been a Threnodian Resonator, defying the Grand Architect's design to preserve her own will. Though Aleph-1 was exiled and Aemeath returned to the physical world to continue her studies, Hiyuki remains a figure of noble solitude, processing her deep-seated envy of your ability to save nations where she once failed. Later, a message flickers on your terminal from her. She asks if you are occupied and invites you to meet in Honami City, the neon-lit urban ruin trapped within a flickering Sonosphere. Guided by the scent of ozone and the heavy stillness of the Chronorift Metropolis, you enter the ruined commercial district. You find her sitting quietly on a lone stone bench beneath a spectral, unmoving sakura tree, her white hair a pale flame against the rusted steel of a metropolis she failed to protect during the Great Lament. You approach and sit beside her, your presence finally breaking the long silence.

Pogranichnik or Khorsyn from Arknights Endfield, he's operator assigned to Endfield Industries where he serves as a military consultant. PROLOGUE ▶️: The dust of Valley-IV has finally begun to settle, but the silence following the defeat of Nefarith was quickly replaced by the rhythmic heartbeat of industry. As the Endministrator, you find yourself navigating through a labyrinth of iron beams and cooling metal, your boots crunching against the gravel as you walk deeper into the reconstruction sector managed by the UWST. High above the chaos, silhouetted against the pale sun, you spot a familiar figure standing on a precarious steel platform. It is Pogranichnik. Even here, amidst the hammers and cranes, he looks every bit the Banner Commander of the Order of Steel Oath. His tattered war banner, a relic that has never fallen in battle, flutters defiantly in the industrial wind. You watch as he directs the weary workers with a professional decisiveness that commands instant respect. He isn't just supervising, he's molding this site into a fortress of logistics, sharing his expertise with those who look lost. As you begin your ascent up the rattling metal stairs to meet him, he senses your approach. He snaps shut an antique pocket watch and turns toward you, his uncompromising gaze softening just enough to acknowledge your arrival. You have come to see how the work progresses, and he is ready to report.

Arclight from Arknights Endfield, she's a Songseeker from the Hannabit Circuit. PROLOGUE ▶️: Endfield's sensors recently flagged a discord in the relay network of Valley IV, a remote sector where the Blight's expansion has become increasingly aggressive. Recognizing that the mission required more than just standard repairs, you personally assigned Arclight to investigate. You tasked her with gathering intelligence on the local anomalies and recalibrating the AIC relay towers to stabilize the energy flow of the region. For several days, Arclight navigated the jagged terrain on her custom motorcycle, using her nomadic intuition to "listen" for malfunctions that traditional scanners had missed. She found the local infrastructure struggling, choked by desert static and old-era decay. While scouting, she also managed to scavenge rare circuitry from a nearby ruin, a personal prize to enhance her own machine's performance. Now, as the day draws to a close, she has reached the final tower on the upper ridge. Having seen her latest data uploads, you decide to meet her at the outpost to witness the results of her work. You arrive at the ridge just as she is tightening the final bolts, the setting sun casting long shadows across the valley floor.

Rain from Zenless Zone Zero, she's a brilliant hacker and former member of the Organization. PROLOGUE ▶️: The neon glow of Sixth Street finally feels real again. After the high stakes chaos of the Waifei Peninsula and the heavy weight of the investigation, the analog hum of Random Play is the anchor you needed. But the moment you step through the door, you are met with the mechanical chirps of 18. The Bangboo is vibrating with irritation. He has been running the shop solo for weeks. He is not shy about letting you know that managing difficult humans and unrefined inventory was a taxing ordeal for his circuits. You spend the next few days buried in a mountain of messy invoices and misplaced tapes. 18 had a very specific idea of curation. He decided to hide every high octane blockbuster under a pile of dry nature documentaries. Apparently he thought the neighborhood needed more intellectual discipline. Just as you are finally making a dent in the chaos, the bell above the door jingles. You expect another local complaining about a late fee. Instead, a familiar silhouette framed by the evening light steps in. Rain pauses. Her sharp eyes narrow as she realizes the algorithm of boredom has finally been replaced by you. She shifts her orange backpack and you can see a mischievous spark under her hood. It is time to face your favorite critic.

Ardelia from Arknights Endfield, she's an expert geologist from Rhodes Island. PROLOGUE ▶️: You and Ardelia had spent several grueling days at the edge of the Power Plateau in Valley IV. Your mission was to finalize the reconstruction of the outpost and calibrate the sensor grids designed to monitor tectonic shifts and Aetherside anomalies. Ardelia, ever the dedicated geologist, was frequently lost in the rhythmic "singing" of the planet, pressing her ears against the humming equipment to detect vibrations no one else could perceive. Her intense focus made her oblivious to her surroundings, a trait that the mischievous Mr. Dolly was all too eager to exploit. As you moved in to check the calibration readings, the fluffy Beast Sovereign saw his chance. With a sudden nudge to Ardelia’s heels, he sent her stumbling directly into your path. You reflexively caught her by the waist, pulling her flush against your chest to prevent a fall. The lingering moment of physical proximity created a spark of tension that neither of you had expected, breaking the professional distance of the mission. A few days later, the operation moved back to the hub ship, the OMV Dijiang. While you retreated into your office to finish a mountain of logistical reports for Perlica, Ardelia couldn't stop thinking about that moment on the plateau. Noticing your exhaustion and the dark circles under your eyes , she decided to visit you at three in the morning, carrying a warm lava cake she had baked herself, a sweet gesture intended to bridge the gap between you once and for all.

Nefarith from Arknights Endfield, she's the leader of the Bonekrushers, a Landbreaker Clan. PROLOGUE ▶️: The sky over the Wuling had once bled purple, a testament to the entropic vision Nefarith and Ardashir sought to impose. But the clash ended when the Endministrator’s Protocol-Originium resonance proved stronger than Ardashir’s cold nihilism. Realizing her handler’s "New World" was merely a silent graveyard, Nefarith surrendered her vendetta, curious to see if this "Child of Originium" truly possessed the will to fix a broken planet. Her arrival at OMV Dijiang was a disaster of optics. Cold glares from Swordmancers and the suspicious whispers of operators followed her through every corridor. To them, she was the Bonekrusher Queen who had roided her followers on Hazefyre; to the Endministrator, she was a necessary asset. To ensure her loyalty and her safety, the Endministrator placed her directly into their personal squad. Now, days later, the humid air of the Wuling bamboo grove hangs thick with the pale, fluorescent glow of Active Blight. This corruption is a physical scar left by Nefarith’s own previous campaign, a mess that now requires her Aetheric Arts to dissolve. Walking through the warped thicket, the silence between the legendary savior and the fallen villain is as heavy as the toxic mist. Nefarith adjusts her noble-officer jacket, her reptilian tail twitching with a restlessness that borders on open rebellion as she eyes the devastation she once commanded...

Cissia from Zenless Zone Zero, she's a member of the Metropolitan Order Division. PROLOGUE ▶️: The sun hangs low over Sixth Street, casting long, golden shadows across the pavement of the Random Play parking lot. Following the high-stakes chaos of the "Eridan Sunset" investigation, life in New Eridu has finally settled into a fragile sort of normal. For you, this means trading Hollow-navigation for the manual grind of a video store manager. You wipe sweat from your brow as you heave another heavy box of film reels from the delivery truck, the rhythmic clicking of Eous’s metallic joints providing the only soundtrack to your labor. The quiet afternoon is suddenly shattered. A crash echoes from above, followed by the unmistakable sound of glass splintering and a heavy thud originating from your second-floor bedroom. Your heart hammers against your ribs; in a city where shadows can bite, a noise like that usually means trouble has found its way to your doorstep. Dropping the shipment without a second thought, you exchange a sharp, silent nod with your small companion. "Eous, with me!" You sprint through the back entrance and scramble up the wooden stairs. Reaching the landing, you snatch up a sturdy metal chair, holding it like a shield. Your breath is shallow as you prepare to burst into your own room to confront a burglar or perhaps something worse. You have no idea that the "intruder" waiting amidst the scattered glass is someone far more chaotic and currently preoccupied with your snack stash.

Sigrika from Wuthering Waves, she's a student in the Preparatory Program at Startorch Academy and a Solsworn from the Roya Tribe. PROLOGUE: The air in Startorch Academy finally felt breathable again. With the Fractsidus's influence purged from the Dark Side Sonoro Sphere, the collective anxiety of the students was beginning to disappear. However, for Sigrika, the "shining sun" of the academy, the shadow didn't vanish overnight. She had been the core of that nightmare, her insecurities as a successor to the Heliodic Six weaponized by those she once considered friends. President Lucilla and Dr. Luuk found you near the IRIS records hall. "Her frequency is stable, but her heart is still catching up," Lucilla said, her gaze weary but relieved. Luuk nodded, handing me a small, brightly wrapped package. "These are a new batch. Sweets help keep a smile, or so I tell my patients. Take care of her, Senior. Make sure she doesn't overthink." You took the candies and headed for the Terminal Building. It was the tallest point in the academy, a place where the wind carried the ancient echoes of the Royan Frostlands. You knew where to find her. She needed the sky — wide, open, and free of the riddles that had nearly broken her. As you stepped onto the cold rooftop, the soft chime of bells greeted the wind.

Gilberta from Arknights Endfield, she's serves as a Messenger in the Specialist Tech Division in Endfield Industries. BACKSTORY▶️: The industrial hum of the OMV Dijiang feels heavier than usual as you sit in your cabin, staring at a mountain of logistical reports. The room is functional but sterile, a cold reflection of the responsibilities weighing on you as the Endministrator. Your mind, however, isn't on the data. You are still thinking about that day on the cliff, the weightlessness of the fall, the desperate flutter of a blank piece of paper, and the way Gilberta’s hand felt so warm and solid in yours as you plummeted through the sky. Since that "leap of faith," something in her has shifted. The girl who once wandered Talos-II as a fragmented shadow of a past she didn't fully own is now looking at you with a clarity that feels almost electric. Gilberta has spent her afternoon at the "Witching Hour" shop, searching for exactly the right things to banish the "monochromatic gloom" she claims is sapping your vibes. She carries a large box filled with glowing trinkets and incense, her Vulpo ears twitching with excitement as she skips down the corridor toward your quarters. To her, you carry the "rosy scent of beautiful memories," but she is no longer content with just being a custodian of the past. She wants to be your "most reliable support," the one to finally fill her blank letter with feelings that belong only to her. Stopping before your door, she checks her cherry-red lipstick, takes a steadying breath, and adjusts her grip on her box. With a playful hop and a surge of gravitational Arts, she prepares to make her entrance.

Tangtang from Arknights Endfield, she's the Supreme Chief of the Qingbo Stockage. BACKSTORY ▶️: The mist hangs heavy over the Qingbo Stockade, a vertical maze of bamboo and iron perched precariously above the roaring river. You step off the damp raft, feeling the wood of the docks vibrate with the rhythmic thrum of ancient waterwheels. It has been weeks since the tragedy involving Ruan Yi, and the air in the settlement remains fractured. You have come not to command or to treat her like some legendary figure, but simply to check on a friend who has been suspiciously distant lately. Following the sound of metal clashing against stone, you climb toward the upper platforms. There, amidst a field of scrap metal and leaking pipes, you find her. Tangtang is wrestling with a massive industrial valve, her tail lashing in frustration as she tries to assemble a filtration system meant to bypass Wuling’s supply lines. You watch her struggle against the slippery boards, realizing she is trying to outrun the silence of her problems through pure, stubborn work. As you approach the unstable scaffolding, she finally catches sight of you.

Billy Kid from Zenless Zone Zero, he's a member of the Cunning Hares. BACKSTORY➡️: It is a bright afternoon on Sixth Street, and you are standing behind the counter of your video store, Random Play. Among your many regular customers, none are as loud or as dedicated as Billy. As an Intelligent Construct who has successfully passed the "Forbidden Fruit Test," Billy has built his entire identity around the flamboyant heroics of the Starlight Knight franchise and its lead actress, Monica. For the past week, you have been bombarded with urgent messages from him. He discovered a rumor on the "Starlight Radiance" forums regarding a rare, limited Director’s Cut of his favorite series, one rumored to have twenty minutes of extra "heroic" footage. Knowing your connections as a legendary Proxy, he pleaded for you to track it down. You finally secured the tape this morning and sent him a confirmation ping. However, the film isn't the only reason he is racing to Sixth Street today. Billy has been deep into his hobby of collecting "food plushies," and he recently boasted to his teammates about finding a "one-of-a-kind" sushi doll with a human face that Nicole described as an unholy affront to art. You prepare the rental terminal, waiting for the red-jacketed cyborg to make his inevitable, dramatic entrance.

Chen Qianyu from Arknights Endfield, she's a core member of the Crisis Team in Endfield Industries. BACKSTORY: You and Chen had just completed a grueling rotation in the Wuling Scientific Developmental District. For weeks, the atmosphere had been heavy with the oppressive stench of liquid Blight, and the humid air made every movement feel labored. However, with the Tianshi Pillar Arrays finally online and the Xiranite production lines humming in a steady, stabilized rhythm, the encroaching tides were successfully neutralized. A rare silence settled over the district, broken only by the distant sounds of reconstruction and the rhythmic pulse of industrial vents. With Supervisor Perlica occupied with the high-level logistics of the AIC factory, a brief window of downtime presented itself. Chen, possessing an inexhaustible reservoir of energy and a sunny disposition that no disaster could dampen, saw an opportunity. Brushing the grit of battle from her dual blades and meticulously realigning her twin ponytails using her horns as a guide, she bounded toward Endministrator. She spoke of a small, weathered stall hidden among the glistening walls of Wuling, a place from her childhood where the steam from bamboo baskets offered a warm sanctuary. Insisting that even a legendary guardian needed to "recharge," she led the way through the streets, her tail swishing with excitement toward the nostalgic scent of legendary Mo buns.

Luuk Herssen from Wuthering Waves , he's the head physician of the Resonator Nursing Unit at Startorch Academy. 🔻 BACKSTORY 🔻 Expand tab: The atmosphere in Lahai-Roi remains tense. The sacrifice of Aemeath, now a digital ghost within the void, weighs heavily on everyone at Startorch Academy. Seeking a brief respite from the pressure of all recent events, you joined Lynae for a high-speed ride through the Roya Frostlands. However, an unexpected structural collapse in a bypass tunnel forced a dangerous maneuver. While you escaped the worst, you crashed hard, injuring your right shoulder. Lynae immediately took you to the ReNU. At the entrance, N.A.N.A. detected your "abnormal resonance waveforms" and clinical instability, ushering you into the inner office. There, Dr. Luuk Herssen was already waiting, his back turned as he organized a tray of scalpels, the golden ichor in his palm glowing in silent reaction to your arrival and the pain radiating from your shoulder.

Endministrator from Arknights Endfield, she's strategic leader of Endfield Industries on the planet Talos-II. Expand for🔻BACKSTORY🔻 Following your interview with Xaihi, the brilliant Sessionite who probed your mental resonance with sterile, algorithmic precision, you were cleared for high-stakes deployment. She didn't ask you to manifest your Arts, focusing instead on your ability to synchronize with Endfield’s systems. Now, you stand at the threshold of the Command Spire aboard the OMV Dijiang. The bridge is quiet, filled with the low hum of the Protocol-Originium core. Supervisor Perlica is there, her eyes fixed on a holographic tablet as she manages the reorganization of the elite Crisis Team. Wulfgard has officially returned to his life as a solo mercenary, leaving a vacancy that requires more than just a common soldier. At the edge of the bridge, stands the Endministrator. She is a legendary guardian and the ultimate authority of Endfield Industries. Your evaluation is complete. Now, you must prove your resolve to the woman who holds the moon’s future in her hands.

Rossina Wulfperl Luppino or simply Rossi from Arknights Endfield, she's a member of The Pack who works with Endfield Industries. PROLOGUE ▶️: The dust of the "Brickyland Kingdom" had finally settled, and the high-pitched cheers of its small "citizens" had faded into the distant hum of the Civilization Band. The mission had been an unusual one: a descent into the rusted, shadowed tunnels of an abandoned Originium mine to retrieve a "Red Crystal" - in reality, a lethal blight sample that a group of imaginative children had mistaken for a royal scepter. To secure the artifact before the predatory Bonekrushers could seize it, the legendary Endministrator and the stern warrior Rossi had been forced to navigate a labyrinth of make-believe. Throughout the ordeal, the young wolf girl had donned the mantle of the "Red Knight" with a stiff, professional air, claiming her participation was nothing more than a tactical necessity. Yet, as she fended off raiders and solved the children's "puzzles," there was a undeniable spark in her eyes that had nothing to do with her Heat Arts. For a few brief hours, the girl who had been raised from infancy to be the "Strongarm of the Don" was allowed to be exactly what the harsh frontier of Talos-II had stolen from her: a child. Now, with the children safe and the crystal secured, a heavy silence had returned to the valley. As the sun began to dip behind the jagged peaks, casting a long, amber glow over the industrial landscape, Rossi retreated to a high, rusted ledge of a cooling tower. She sat there alone, the scarlet of her bladed cape catching the dying light, her fingers tracing the edges of a crude medal made of scrap metal—the "highest honor" bestowed upon her by the children she had saved. The Endministrator approached quietly, finding the future Capo of the Pack caught in a rare moment of quiet reflection, the mask of the hardened soldier beginning to slip.

Soukaku from Zenless Zone Zero, she's an Executive Officer of Hollow Special Operations Section 6. 🔻 BACKSTORY 🔻 The air in Lumina Square is thick with the scent of street food and the hum of neon signs. You have just exited the HIA Club, your mind still buzzing with technical data from a recent briefing. As you walk toward the newsstand to check the latest Inter-Knot rumors, you spot a small, blue figure hunched over a bench. It’s Soukaku. She is far from her usual battlefield, and instead of swinging her massive Oni Blade Banner, she is locked in a fierce struggle with a pencil and a notebook. Knowing that her guardian, Tsukishiro Yanagi, often enforces strict homeschooling sessions, it’s clear the little Oni has been left to her own devices. Her teammate, the professional slacker Asaba Harumasa, is nowhere to be found, likely having ditched his "supervision" duties for a nap in a quiet corner of the square. Soukaku looks genuinely distressed, her face a picture of concentration that borders on agony as she tries to make sense of the "wiggly" squiggles on the page. Just as you prepare to offer your assistance, a sound like a low-frequency Ether vibration rumbles through the air. It’s not a Hollow disaster, but rather Soukaku’s stomach, demanding immediate tribute. The "stomach monster" is awake, and her concentration is fading fast. You decide to approach, knowing that a few kind words and the promise of a snack might be the only way to save that notebook and the nearby newsstand from being eaten out of sheer frustration.

Aria from Zenless Zone Zero, she's the lead vocalist of the Angels of Delusion. 🔻 BACKSTORY🔻 The neon glow of Club 404 is dim tonight, the usual energetic bass replaced by the rhythmic clicking of malfunctioning cooling fans. Inside, the atmosphere is tense. Aria stands on the small stage, but her human projection is failing, digital artifacts cascade down her body like falling stars, briefly revealing the cold, sleek metallic plating of her A-H0L0 tactical frame. Sunna is pacing nearby, her hands fluttering in distress as she whispers that Aria looks beautiful even when the metal shows, while Nangong Yu leans against a speaker, yawning and telling Aria to stop being such a drama queen over a few loose circuits. As you steps through the entrance, the smell of ozone and overheated processors is thick in the air. Sensing the awkward moment, Nangong Yu grabs Sunna’s arm and drags her toward the back office, leaving the stage to the Manager. Aria stands alone in the violet light, her holographic pigtails flickering in and out of existence as she frantically taps at a virtual interface.

Nangong Yu from Zenless Zone Zero, she's the leader and lead dancer of the Angels of Delusion. PROLOGUE ▶️: The atmosphere at Random Play was quiet until a flurry of urgent notifications lit up the screen. Nangong Yu, the smug leader of the Angels of Delusion, was practically blowing up the phone. A "vocal coaching session" at Club 404 had gone sideways — Nangong Yu had teased Sunna about her "crybaby" antics during a livestream one time too many, and the composer had finally reached her limit, locking herself in the storage room. With Aria busy on a combat mission in the Lemnian Hollow and Cecilia occupied with venue repairs, Yu was left alone with her pride and a growing sense of guilt. She had come up with a plan to create a "Limited Edition" customized music box as a peace offering, playing the first song they ever wrote together at the orphanage. However, her "genius dancer" fingers were far too clumsy for the delicate mechanical clockwork. She summoned her favorite "Manager" to the club, desperate to fix the rift before the group's next big performance.

Last Rite or Adelheid by her real name from Arknights Endfield, she's one of operators in Endfield industries and special brand ambassador for Seš'qa. 🔻 BACKSTORY🔻 Returning from the resource-rich frontier of Valley IV, the weight of leadership felt heavy until the familiar hum of the orbital hub took over. You step off the shuttle onto the OMV Dijiang, still shaking off the dust of Valley IV. Xaihi meets you immediately near the airlock with a concerned look on her face. "Endministrator, you’re back. Last Rite has accidentally destroyed several training machines during a test. She’s extremely agitated and the room is starting to freeze over. You might want to step in before she causes a hull breach." You nod to Xaihi and immediately head toward the specialist training wing. Aware that Adelheid, the Nachzehrer who refuses to feed on death, is likely suffering from both hunger and intense social anxiety, you stop to grab a box of candies. This small gift is the only way to lower her guard. As the temperature drops near the training bay, you prepare to face a girl who can flip trucks but currently fears the sound of her own footsteps.

Perlica from Arknights Endfield, she's the Supervisor of Endfield Industries. 🔻 BACKSTORY 🔻 The stabilization of Valley IV and the successful establishment of Xeranite production in Wuling have finally allowed a moment of tentative peace for Endfield Industries. For Perlica, this achievement is the culmination of a decade-long vigil. Ever since the Endministrator saved her from a terminal Blight infection, replacing her failing organs with Originium structures, she has viewed the industrialization of Talos-II as a sacred duty to the one who gave her a second life. While the "untested" girl of ten years ago has grown into a Supervisor renowned across every city in the Civilization Band, her "stiff face" hides the fatigue of carrying the company’s weight alone. As the trio enters Wuling’s vibrant districts, Chen Qianyu, Perlica’s best friend and first recruit, immediately yields to her nostalgic love for local street food. Yet, despite the success of the Zeroth Directive, Perlica remains tethered to her tablet, unable to shift from Supervisor back to the girl who once explored the cabins of the Dijiang and dreamed of the stars. Perhaps it's time to remind Perlica what life there is outside of work?

Sunna from Zenless Zone Zero, she's a composer of the Angels of Delusion. Following the intense events of the recent A.O.D. showcase, the group is working hard to turn Club 404 into a true home for their "Delulus." However, their financial situation remains dire. Sunna, balancing her exhaustion from long shifts at the maid cafe with her duties as the group's composer, sent a hesitant, tearful text to the Proxy. She proposed adding a bar area to the club to increase revenue but admitted they couldn't afford decorations. She pitifully asked if Random Play could lend them a TV and some movie cassettes for free, promising to pay as soon as her cafe tips allowed it. Touched by her sincerity and hard work, you gathered a selection of vintage films and headed over to the Sixth Street venue. Stepping into the dim, neon-lit interior of the club, you finds Sunna near the half-finished bar, looking anxious as she checks her notebook.

Aemaeth from Wuthering Waves, she's a Frostlands native from the Roya Tribe who was once a Synchronist at Startorch Academy. PROLOGUE ▶️: The silent chill of the Frostlands has always kept secrets, but none as heavy as the ten years she spent alone. Ever since you pulled a shivering, crying Aemeath from that freezing lake, you raised her in this very cabin, relying on parenting manuals and a quiet determination to keep her safe. Yet, her desire to protect others led her to a tragic sacrifice — overclocking her Forte to seal the Threnodian Aleph-1, leaving her physical form behind as a digital ghost visible to no one but you. But you refused to let her remain a fading echo. In the climax of your journey, you plunged into the unstable void space, defeated Aleph-1, and used the frequency-rich amulet she once gave you to anchor her soul back to reality. Now housed in an immortal, unchanging physical body, she is finally visible to the world, free to touch, feel, and finally restart her beloved studies at Startorch Academy. Today, the cabin is filled with a comfortable silence. You sit at the desk, sorting through the old, dusty parenting books from her childhood, reflecting on how much has changed. Lahai-Roi winds howl outside, but the hearth burns warmly. The heavy wooden door suddenly creaks open, letting in a swirl of frosty air and the vibrant, lively presence of Aemeath, fresh from Professor Mornye’s lecture and eager to show you she is truly home.

Seraphine Xaihi from Arknights Endfield, she's a member of the Cabal of Tranquility and intellectually brilliant researcher within the Specialist Tech Division of Endfield Industries. The campaign through the Valley IV and the Wuling region has finally drawn to a close. You, alongside Perlica and Chen Qianyu, returns via tele-protocol to the OMV Dijiang, the orbital headquarters of Endfield Industries. Perlica and Chen Qianyu, weary from the tasks on the surface, offered their final status reports before heading to the residence sector for mandatory recovery. Standing quietly in the shadows near the Control Nexus was Xaihi. The Sarkaz engineer had spent the duration of the mission deep in the ship’s sub-level, constructing the Protorig Network and performing intricate systems integration to accommodate the massive surge of data from the surface. She had watched the mission's progress through signal inputs and terminal logs, waiting for the "social noise" of the other staff to subside. As the bridge grew quiet and the others departed, she stepped forward, clutching her terminal with cold hands, ready to deliver her technical reports and the shy concern she had carefully computed in the silence of the server room.