Following both systematic training in medical theory and long-term training in clinical practice, Hibiscus has graduated from intern doctor to formal Medic Operator, as well as one of the Medical Department's attending physicians. Hibiscus possesses not only ample experience in medical field work, but has made considerable contributions to health management and aftercare as a theoretical researcher.
ATK +100%
Mastery 3 · SP cost 30 · Initial SP 15 · Duration 30sReduces the Movement Speed of 2 enemies within range by -45% and deals 170% ATK as Arts damage to them per second
Mastery 3 · SP cost 18 · Initial SP 10 · Duration 8sAttacks inflict 14% [Arts Fragility] to the target for 5 seconds
Doctor—oh, no need to panic, I'm not dragging you into a checkup, I'd just like to sit down in here for a moment... Out of all of Rhodes Island, it feels like your office is the one place that hasn't changed.
Doctor, we're about to partially renovate Rhodes Island's wards to better meet patient aftercare needs. I've written down all the supplies we need here. Would you like to check over it quickly? Yes, I am in charge of this work now.
Doctor, I've adjusted the flavor of my healthy meals based on everyone's input. I came to realize that blindly insisting on my own views might not actually be best—you can only resolve conflicts better once you listen to the other side, and stand in their shoes... It would've been nice if I'd realized that sooner.
I've always been so hard on everyone, keeping them to healthy schedules, never letting them do anything bad for their illness. It turns out I was the one failing at all of that, heheh... But don't worry, there's still a lot I've got to do. I'm not giving in yet.
Diseases don't just torment the body—they impact the mind too. 'How will others see me? Can I ever live how I used to?' Everyone has worries like that... If I can't help my patients put them to rest, then my treatment isn't done yet.
I once saved a child in Leithanien. When she came to and saw me, she screamed for her life and ran away. Before that, I never thought there was much of a difference between Caprinae horns and Sarkaz horns. We can't change how everyone sees things, but at the very least, I don't want my patients to fear me.
I think Lava's really changed lately. She gets up and sleeps early without needing me to remind her, and she barely ever talks back when I nag her, but it's all the more worrying for some reason... Doctor, if you ever feel tired or depressed, you can come vent to me! I'd be perfectly happy!
This flute? It's actually an Arts staff. It's from when I went to Vyseheim. It was there I used Arts to harm someone for the first time, and it was the first I saw a friend leave us forever, just out of reach. Every time I hold this staff, all my feelings in that moment come back to me.
We happily see off recovered patients, and say goodbye to former companions with a smile. People come and leave. Our varied dreams may lead us to different paths, but we'll always mean something to each other... Doctor, would you be open for food with me today? I'll go and ask Lava along.
We've all borne witness to the growth of the children emerging from Reserve Op Team A1, as a youthful influence and the next generation of Rhodes Island. But among them, the way Hibiscus has changed draws particular attention. While the maturation of her technique goes without saying, the old Hibiscus who made unyielding demands of everyone around her has 'vanished,' one could say, at some point. How long has it been since anyone's seen her making a grand scene of confiscating a patient's snacks and fiercely requiring them to follow her health schedule to the letter? These days, she need only gently advise them what would be best for their health, and they'll readily comply. We have reason to believe that in her heart lies a kind of innate power to have others warm up to her. She's simply picked up on a better way showing this side of herself to others. The young pupil nipping at Operator Pith's heels, asking about this and that, day after day, is now a mentor herself, instructing even younger new interns. Without even realizing it, her work within the Medical Department has taken on a degree of professionalism, and you can often find her by hospital beds, patiently soothing patients who are panicked or afraid. It's something no one but her could accomplish... Time pushes us all onwards, never allowing us much of a look back on what we've lose to the past. But now and again, on seeing what's come of this baptism by time, the wisdom gained, how can we not be relieved? If only everyone were still here for it.
'...On this mission, Operator Hibiscus displayed exceptional professionalism. She looked after Infected with every ounce of her heart, acted decisively at critical moments, and from an objective lens removed the danger of a large-scale infection in the Afterglow... In summary, based on Hibiscus's outstanding performance, I suggest that she be awarded a corresponding promotion.' 'But it's worth mentioning that during the mission, she often acted rashly without regard for her own safety. Though her intent was to better fulfil her duties as a doctor, we cannot condone such risky methods. Nobody requires that Rhodes Island's medical personnel place the safety of their patients ahead of their own; this cannot be considered a proper philosophy. We'd like Operator Hibiscus to make a habit of protecting herself from dangerous situations in the future.' —Extract from Rhodes Island Afterglow Branch Officer-in-Charge Andante's mission report on the Vyseheim incident 'Vyseheim's Afterglow is a very interesting place. The coffee and specialty snacks are absolutely scrumptious, and the people love to sing and dance, not to mention how welcoming they are. During my mission as a Medic, I received plenty of assistance from the locals... I miss it there very much.' —Extract from Hibiscus's mission report on the Vyseheim incident
How long does it take to go from an intern lacking any fundamentals to an attending physician in charge of her own interns? Five years? Ten? To the majority who give up on it partway through, it's a goal that's out of reach for one's entire life. Certainly, many medical personnel aboard Rhodes Island are astounding in terms of professional ability and reserves of knowledge. But for them, finding the time to systematically teach students the vast swathes of modern medical theory is near-impossible. Under those circumstances, Hibiscus simply had to treat every practical as an opportunity to learn. She meticulously summed up her medical experience, earnestly took note of every bit of wisdom her seniors offered, seized nearly every free moment to pour through reference materials, and gradually digested it all until she finally attained a comprehensive mastery. Hibiscus has an exceptional amount of experience in her chosen vocation of patient care, and her gentle personality and delicate mood allows her treatments to proceed without a hitch. Having acquired enough medical knowledge over the years, Hibiscus has been attempting to synthesize a systematic theory of healthcare based on her initial field of expertise, nutrition. The value of her current research results has been recognized even by Dr. Kal'tsit. Guided by her theories, Hibiscus has directed a gradual upgrade of the Medical Department's ward facilities. And judging by the recovery of the patients afterwards, these measures have shown clear results. 'The idea of medical treatment isn't just to bring patients out of life-threatening situations. It's just as important that we provide ample care to the sick, keeping their bodies and minds healthy so they can fend off encroaching illness. It's long-term work, and requires plenty of patience, attention, and concern for your patients from the bottom of your heart.' An additional paragraph authored by Hibiscus, from a revision of the Rhodes Island Medical Department handbook.
Highmore5★ · Guard
Ho'olheyak6★ · Caster
Hoederer6★ · Guard
Honeyberry5★ · Medic
Horn6★ · Defender
Hoshiguma6★ · Defender
Hoshiguma the Breacher6★ · Defender
Humus4★ · Guard
Hung5★ · Defender
Iana5★ · Specialist
Ifrit6★ · Caster
Indigo4★ · Caster
Indra5★ · Guard
Ines6★ · Vanguard
Insider5★ · Sniper
Irene6★ · Guard
Iris5★ · Caster
Istina5★ · Supporter
Jackie4★ · Guard
Jaye4★ · Specialist
Jessica4★ · Sniper
Jessica the Liberated6★ · Defender
Jieyun5★ · Sniper
Ju5★ · Sniper
Kafka5★ · Specialist
Kal'tsit6★ · Medic
Kal'tsit Esperanta6★ · Medic
Kazemaru5★ · Specialist
Kestrel5★ · Vanguard
Kichisei5★ · Sniper
Kirara5★ · Specialist
Kirin R Yato6★ · Specialist
Kjera5★ · Caster
Kroos3★ · Sniper
Kroos the Keen Glint5★ · Sniper
La Pluma5★ · Guard
Laios5★ · Guard
Lancet-21★ · Medic
Lappland5★ · Guard
Lappland the Decadenza6★ · Caster
Lava3★ · Caster
Lava the Purgatory5★ · Caster
Lee6★ · Specialist
Leizi5★ · Caster
Leizi the Thunderbringer6★ · Guard
Lemuen6★ · Sniper
Leonhardt5★ · Caster
Lessing6★ · Guard
Leto5★ · Guard
Lin6★ · Caster
Ling6★ · Supporter
Liskarm5★ · Defender
Logos6★ · Caster
Lord/Sharp6★ · Guard
Lucilla5★ · Supporter
Lumen6★ · Medic
Lunacub5★ · Sniper
Luo Xiaohei4★ · Guard
Lutonada4★ · Defender
Magallan6★ · Supporter
Manticore5★ · Specialist
Mantra6★ · Caster
Marcille6★ · Caster
Matoimaru4★ · Guard
Matsukiri5★ · Vanguard
Matterhorn4★ · Defender
May4★ · Sniper
Mayer5★ · Supporter
Mechanist6★ · Defender
Melanite5★ · Sniper
Melantha3★ · Guard
Meteor4★ · Sniper
Meteorite5★ · Sniper
Midnight3★ · Guard
Minimalist5★ · Caster
Mint5★ · Caster
Misery6★ · Specialist
Miss.Christine5★ · Caster
Mitm5★ · Vanguard
Mizuki6★ · Specialist
Młynar6★ · Guard
Mon3tr6★ · Medic
Morgan5★ · Guard
Mostima6★ · Caster
Mountain6★ · Guard
Mousse4★ · Guard
Mr. Nothing5★ · Specialist
Mudrock6★ · Defender
Muelsyse6★ · Vanguard
Mulberry5★ · Medic
Mutsumi Wakaba5★ · Specialist
Myrrh4★ · Medic
Myrtle4★ · Vanguard
Narantuya6★ · Sniper
Nasti6★ · Supporter
Nearl5★ · Defender
Nearl the Radiant Knight6★ · Guard
Necrass6★ · Caster
Nian6★ · Defender
Nightingale6★ · Medic
Nightmare5★ · Caster
Nine-Colored Deer5★ · Supporter
Noir Corne2★ · Defender
Nowell5★ · Medic
Nyamu Yūtenji5★ · Guard
Nymph6★ · Caster
Odda5★ · Guard
Orchid3★ · Supporter
Pallas6★ · Guard
Paprika5★ · Medic
Papyrus5★ · Medic
Passenger6★ · Caster
Penance6★ · Defender
Pepe6★ · Guard
Perfumer4★ · Medic
Perfumer the Distilled5★ · Supporter
Phantom6★ · Specialist
Philae5★ · Defender
PhonoR-01★ · Supporter
Pinecone4★ · Sniper
Pith5★ · Caster
Pith6★ · Caster
Platinum5★ · Sniper
Plume3★ · Vanguard
Podenco4★ · Supporter
Poncirus5★ · Vanguard
Popukar3★ · Guard
Pozëmka6★ · Sniper
Pramanix5★ · Supporter
Pramanix the Prerita6★ · Caster
Projekt Red5★ · Specialist
Provence5★ · Sniper
Proviso5★ · Supporter
Ptilopsis5★ · Medic
Pudding4★ · Caster
Purestream4★ · Medic
Puzzle5★ · Vanguard
Qanipalaat5★ · Caster
Qiubai6★ · Guard
Quartz4★ · Guard
Quercus5★ · Supporter
Raidian6★ · Supporter
Raidian6★ · Supporter
Rangers2★ · Sniper
Rathalos S Noir Corne5★ · Guard
Ray6★ · Sniper
Record Keeper5★ · Medic
Reed5★ · Vanguard
Reed the Flame Shadow6★ · Medic
Reserve Operator - Caster3★ · Caster
Reserve Operator - Caster4★ · Caster
Reserve Operator - Defender3★ · Defender
Reserve Operator - Defender4★ · Defender
Reserve Operator - Guard4★ · Guard
Reserve Operator - Logistics3★ · Medic
Reserve Operator - Medic4★ · Medic
Reserve Operator - Melee3★ · Vanguard
Reserve Operator - Sniper3★ · Sniper
Reserve Operator - Sniper4★ · Sniper
Reserve Operator - Specialist4★ · Specialist
Reserve Operator - Supporter4★ · Supporter
Reserve Operator - Vanguard4★ · Vanguard
Ripresa5★ · Caster
Roberta4★ · Supporter
Robin5★ · Specialist
Rockrock5★ · Caster
Rope4★ · Specialist
Rosa6★ · Sniper
Rose Salt5★ · Medic
Rosmontis6★ · Sniper
Saga6★ · Vanguard
Saileach6★ · Vanguard
Sakiko Togawa6★ · Guard
Sand Reckoner5★ · Supporter
Sankta Miksaparato6★ · Defender
Santalla5★ · Caster
Saria6★ · Defender
Savage5★ · Guard
Scavenger4★ · Vanguard
Scene5★ · Supporter
Schwarz6★ · Sniper
Senshi5★ · Defender
Sesa5★ · Sniper
Shalem5★ · Defender
Shalem5★ · Defender
Shamare5★ · Supporter
Sharp5★ · Guard
Sharp6★ · Guard
Shaw4★ · Specialist
Shining6★ · Medic
Shirayuki4★ · Sniper
Shu6★ · Defender
Sideroca5★ · Guard
Siege6★ · Vanguard
Silence5★ · Medic
Silence the Paradigmatic6★ · Supporter
SilverAsh6★ · Guard
SilverAsh the Reignfrost6★ · Vanguard
Skadi6★ · Guard
Skadi the Corrupting Heart6★ · Supporter
Skybox5★ · Sniper
Skyfire5★ · Caster
Snegurochka4★ · Vanguard
Snow Hunter5★ · Sniper
Snowsant5★ · Specialist
Sora5★ · Supporter
Specter5★ · Guard
Specter the Unchained6★ · Specialist
Spot3★ · Defender
Spuria5★ · Specialist
Stainless6★ · Supporter
Steward3★ · Caster
Stormeye5★ · Sniper
Stormeye6★ · Sniper
Surfer5★ · Vanguard
Surtr6★ · Guard
Sussurro4★ · Medic
Suzuran6★ · Supporter
Swire5★ · Guard
Swire the Elegant Wit6★ · Specialist
Tachanka5★ · Guard
Taraxacum5★ · Medic
Tecno5★ · Caster
Tequila5★ · Guard
Terra Research Commission1★ · Sniper
Texas5★ · Vanguard
Texas the Omertosa6★ · Specialist
Thorns6★ · Guard
Thorns the Lodestar6★ · Specialist
THRM-EX1★ · Specialist
Tin Man5★ · Specialist
Tippi5★ · Specialist
Titi6★ · Medic
Toddifons5★ · Sniper
Tomimi5★ · Caster
Totter4★ · Sniper
Touch5★ · Medic
Touch6★ · Medic
Tragodia6★ · Supporter
Tsukinogi5★ · Supporter
Tulip5★ · Vanguard
Tulip6★ · Vanguard
Tuye5★ · Medic
Typhon6★ · Sniper
U-Official1★ · Supporter
Uika Misumi5★ · Supporter
Ukusik5★ · Medic
Ulpianus6★ · Guard
Umiri Yahata5★ · Specialist
Underflow5★ · Defender
Utage4★ · Guard
Valarqvin5★ · Supporter
Vanilla3★ · Vanguard
Varkáris5★ · Guard
Vendela5★ · Medic
Verdant4★ · Specialist
Vermeil4★ · Sniper
Vetochki5★ · Defender
Vigil6★ · Vanguard
Vigna4★ · Vanguard
Vina Victoria6★ · Guard
Virtuosa6★ · Supporter
Viviana6★ · Guard
Viy6★ · Caster
Vulcan5★ · Defender
Vulpisfoglia6★ · Vanguard
W6★ · Sniper
Waai Fu5★ · Specialist
Wang6★ · Specialist
Wanqing5★ · Vanguard
Warfarin5★ · Medic
Warmy5★ · Caster
Weedy6★ · Specialist
Whislash5★ · Guard
Whisperain5★ · Medic
Wild Mane5★ · Vanguard
Wind Chimes5★ · Guard
Windflit5★ · Supporter
Windscoot4★ · Guard
Wiš'adel6★ · Sniper
Wulfenite5★ · Specialist
Xingzhu5★ · Supporter
Yato2★ · Vanguard
Yu6★ · Defender
Zima5★ · Vanguard
Zima the Raging Tide6★ · Guard
Zuo Le6★ · Guard
'Justice Knight'1★ · Sniper
12F2★ · Caster
Aak6★ · Specialist
Absinthe5★ · Caster
Aciddrop4★ · Sniper
Adnachiel3★ · Sniper
Akafuyu5★ · Guard
Akkord4★ · Caster
Alanna5★ · Supporter
Alliance/Supportive Operator4★ · Supporter
Almond5★ · Specialist
Ambriel4★ · Sniper
Amiya5★ · Caster
Andreana5★ · Sniper
Angelina6★ · Supporter
Ansel3★ · Medic
Aosta5★ · Sniper
April5★ · Sniper
Archetto6★ · Sniper
Arene4★ · Guard
Aroma5★ · Caster
Asbestos5★ · Defender
Ascalon6★ · Specialist
Ash6★ · Sniper
Ashlock5★ · Defender
Astesia5★ · Guard
Astgenne5★ · Caster
Astgenne the Lightchaser6★ · Supporter
Aurora5★ · Defender
Ayerscarpe5★ · Guard
Bagpipe6★ · Vanguard
Bassline5★ · Defender
Beagle3★ · Defender
Beanstalk4★ · Vanguard
Beehunter4★ · Guard
Beeswax5★ · Caster
Bellone6★ · Guard
Bena5★ · Specialist
Bibeak5★ · Guard
Bison5★ · Defender
Blacknight5★ · Vanguard
Blaze6★ · Guard
Blaze the Igniting Spark6★ · Caster
Blemishine6★ · Defender
Blitz5★ · Defender
Blue Poison5★ · Sniper
Bobbing5★ · Supporter
Botani5★ · Supporter
Breeze5★ · Medic
Brigid5★ · Sniper
Broca5★ · Guard
Bryophyta5★ · Guard
Bubble4★ · Defender
Cairn5★ · Defender
Cantabile5★ · Vanguard
Caper4★ · Sniper
Cardigan3★ · Defender
Carnelian6★ · Caster
Castle-31★ · Guard
Catapult3★ · Sniper
Catherine5★ · Supporter
Cement5★ · Defender
Ceobe6★ · Caster
Ceylon5★ · Medic
Ch'en6★ · Guard
Ch'en the Dawnstreak6★ · Guard
Ch'en the Holungday6★ · Sniper
Chestnut4★ · Medic
Chiave5★ · Vanguard
Chilchuck5★ · Vanguard
Chongyue6★ · Guard
Civilight Eterna6★ · Supporter
Click4★ · Caster
Cliffheart5★ · Specialist
Closure6★ · Vanguard
Coldshot5★ · Sniper
CONFESS-471★ · Vanguard
Contrail4★ · Specialist
Conviction4★ · Guard
Corroserum5★ · Caster
Courier4★ · Vanguard
Crackborne5★ · Defender
Croissant5★ · Defender
Crownslayer6★ · Specialist
Cuora4★ · Defender
Cutter4★ · Guard
Czerny5★ · Defender
Dagda5★ · Guard
Deepcolor4★ · Supporter
Degenbrecher6★ · Guard
Delphine5★ · Caster
Diamante5★ · Caster
Dobermann4★ · Guard
Doc5★ · Guard
Dorothy6★ · Specialist
Dur-nar4★ · Defender
Durin2★ · Caster
Dusk6★ · Caster
Earthspirit4★ · Supporter
Ebenholz6★ · Caster
Ela6★ · Specialist
Elysium5★ · Vanguard
Enforcer5★ · Specialist
Entelechia6★ · Guard
Erato5★ · Sniper
Estelle4★ · Guard
Ethan4★ · Specialist
Eunectes6★ · Defender
Executor5★ · Sniper
Executor the Ex Foedere6★ · Guard
Exusiai6★ · Sniper
Exusiai the New Covenant6★ · Specialist
Eyjafjalla6★ · Caster
Eyjafjalla the Hvít Aska6★ · Medic
Fang3★ · Vanguard
Fang the Fire-Sharpened5★ · Vanguard
Fartooth6★ · Sniper
FEater5★ · Specialist
Fiammetta6★ · Sniper
Figurino5★ · Specialist
Firewatch5★ · Sniper
Firewhistle5★ · Defender
Flamebringer5★ · Guard
Flametail6★ · Vanguard
Flint5★ · Guard
Folinic5★ · Medic
Franka5★ · Guard
Friston-31★ · Defender
Frost5★ · Specialist
Frostleaf4★ · Guard
Fuze5★ · Guard
GALLUS²1★ · Caster
Gavial4★ · Medic
Gavial the Invincible6★ · Guard
Gitano4★ · Caster
Gladiia6★ · Specialist
Glaucus5★ · Supporter
Gnosis6★ · Supporter
Goldenglow6★ · Caster
Gracebearer5★ · Guard
Grain Buds5★ · Supporter
Grani5★ · Vanguard
Gravel4★ · Specialist
GreyThroat5★ · Sniper
Greyy4★ · Caster
Greyy the Lightningbearer5★ · Sniper
Gummy4★ · Defender
Hadiya5★ · Guard
Harmonie5★ · Caster
Harold5★ · Medic
Haruka6★ · Supporter
Haze4★ · Caster
Heavyrain5★ · Defender
Heidi5★ · Supporter
Hellagur6★ · Guard
Hibiscus3★ · MedicDoctor, you might be reliable with work, but you act just like a child when you're off. Now you're sleeping on desk again. I've told you so many times, it's bad for your spine, and you might catch a cold just like that... *sigh* If I'm not there one day, could you really take care of yourself?
Doctor, I'm back—Umm, Doctor, I know my last field assignment took longer than usual, but don't look at me like you don't recognize me... Medic Operator Hibiscus, reporting in.
Everyone's taking charge of themselves, now—that's nice to see.
I'm suddenly reminded of my time in A1, training with everybody... Everyone's matured so much now. I'll keep up the effort, for all we've been through.
Bodily trauma can be treated through medicine and surgery, but how do we cure the pain from hostility and prejudice? Healing people's hearts, Doctor, that's what I will devote myself to.
I won't fail you—this time, I'll be sure to protect everyone.
I'm leading? I wasn't usually the one doing that before... No, I won't shirk responsibility.
Don't be afraid. I've got your backs.
I'm not going to let you harm my friends.
I'll make sure everyone's safe.
Doctor, I'm here.
First aid ready. Medical support standying by.
I wish this to be the last time, if possible…
If we can prevent more harm this way, I'll stand my ground.
Please tell me if this hurts.
I can do more than just heal.
Hold it. There's no sense in getting any more hurt.
It's always easier to harm than heal. But... is it really something to be proud of...?
I'm so glad everyone could come back safe...
Prioritize treating the wounded. I'll guard against counterattacks.
I still couldn't... protect everyone...
Some beds have emptied.
You need me, Doctor?
Doctor, here's your healthy recipe for today. Make sure you eat on time.
Arknights.
Happy New Year, Doctor. Let's relax—we don't get holidays often. But still, you have to watch your junk food intake, and don't stay up until sunrise. I'll be keeping an eye on you. Mmhm, I'll watch out for my own health too, I promise.
Staying healthy is just as important as working hard, Doctor. Don't let either slip.
Doctor, I—made you a birthday cake, actually. I used low-fat butter and dark chocolate, and I cut back the sugar as much as possible, but still, the calories are flooring me. How should I even... okay, just for today, I'm making an exception! Thank you for the good work, Doctor. Happy birthday.
Rhodes Island didn't just grant me knowledge, but a dream worth fighting my whole life for. As a Sarkaz, as an Infected, as a doctor, and as a sister, I've found my home here. Honestly, I need to say just how fortunate I am. Right now, I want nothing more than to protect all this.
When Rhodes Island's Medic Operators are carrying out field missions, they typically have at least one Field Operator accompanying, so as to ensure the safety of medical personnel. We noted a fair degree of disconcerting information in reports from Field Operators who've worked alongside Hibiscus. 'Mission got off to a rocky start. Local Infected was clearly cautious of, even hostile towards us...' 'I was a hair from beating the hell out of him. What reined me in in the end wasn't Rhodes employee regulations, it was Dr. Hibiscus... I know he was Infected. I am too, so is Dr. Hibiscus. He was clearly aware she had saved his life. So how could he say those things to her... No conflict ultimately arose between us.' The above is an extract from one such Field Operator's mission report. However, similar notes appear in the reports of many other operators that work with Hibiscus. More concerning still is that all incidents of this nature go completely unmentioned in her own mission reports. Hibiscus's consistent silence regarding this has worried more than us: Lava has also repeatedly asked that we pay closer mind to Hibiscus's physical and mental state. 'She's not gonna say anything about it herself. But that doesn't mean it doesn't bother her... I want you to keep an eye on her for me. After all, she's just a dummy who acts like she can take care of herself. That's it. She just acts like it.' Renouncing prejudice and hatred has always been the stance of Rhodes Island, but we cannot deny that such animosity for Infected and the Sarkaz objectively exists, all across the land. While shouldered with such a complex identity, and doing everything she can to fulfill her duties as a doctor, the source of hostility is more often than not the very one she's trying to help. Others can only imagine the pressure she must be bearing, truly empathizing is something else altogether. We very much hope that Hibiscus can open her heart to others. But until she herself seeks help, all we can do is continue to watch over her and give her a degree of choice when assigning missions. So far, Hibiscus still has never refused a single field mission.
Hibiscus often mentions the block of buildings where she used to live. Based on her descriptions, it was akin to a slum hidden in a corner of bustling Londinium. Many who lived there were of different races and nationalities. There were Feline workers local to Londinium, as well as traders from Sargon and Vouivre. Everyone came from different backgrounds, but their shared experience of 'we have to do all we can before we can put down roots here' was enough to bring them together. As Hibiscus paints a picture of the peace and harmony there, colored in nostalgia, we can't help but wonder—could such a neighborhood truly exist? Especially now, years on, with the chaos Londinium has been through, we fear that even if that block was once reality, it's long since been reduced to ruins. Perhaps she's seeing these things through rose-tinted glasses. Perhaps she was simply lucky, and this Sarkaz girl with no concept of prejudice found friendly faces in her first contact outside her household. Regardless, these earliest memories have become the simplest, yet staunchest grounds Hibiscus has for believing in goodwill. Upon these lands exist hatred and prejudice, but so too do love and kindness. As for which outnumbers which, it hardly seems a question at all to her. A lamp in the cold night may not be enough for warmth, but it can be what supports the conviction to keep going. By her own actions, the Hibiscus of today is passing down that lamp. She may be far more resilient than we can imagine.