Stainless, a mechanical engineer and the leader of Squad 11 of the Londinium Citizens' Self-Salvation Corps. After fighting together with Rhodes Island during the Londinium incident, he signed a long-term cooperation agreement with Rhodes Island and currently participates as an engineer in various operations across Victoria.
When this skill is equipped: Device gives an ally Operator ATK +12% When activated, immediately gain a device. Attacks deal 200% of ATK as Physical damage, and device effects increase by 4x All active devices are destroyed when skill expires
Mastery 3 · SP cost 45 · Initial SP 20 · Duration 20sWhen this skill is equipped: Device gives an ally Operator 1 SP every 3.5s. ATK+60%, DEF +60%, and attack all blocked enemies. Device boosted to grant 1SP every 2s, but HP loss is doubled. Gain 1 device when skill expires
Mastery 3 · SP cost 50 · Initial SP 25 · Duration 30sWhen this skill is equipped: Device can be attacked by allied Operators, but does not take damage. Can deal area Physical damage with its skill, but loses HP When activated, immediately gain a device, ATK +55%, ASPD +55
Mastery 3 · SP cost 35 · Initial SP 20 · Duration 30sCan carry 3 (deploy up to 2), with different effects depending on Skill
Stainless has a 80% chance to recycle a device if it is destroyed within the 8 tiles surrounding him
Doctor, do you mind me tinkering with a few things here, or would that be too much noise? Just give me a tap on the back when you want to chat, of course.
Doctor, I hear you've got a lot of books here. Could you lend me a few to read? They don't have to be on mechanical engineering, I'm plenty curious about stuff I don't know. Like this one, for instance, it's a beauty of a doorstopper... what was that? Don't touch? I-It's got a curse? Hold on, who put that on it?
The Sarkaz deserve sympathy for what they've been through, but one man can't steal another's home for the sake of his own. Peace will come to Londinium, and I hope, one day, every wanderer gets to build a homeland. It's what Rhodes Island wants too, isn't it?
A lot of people'll say the lord nobles do nothing but cling onto the privilege and wealth they inherit, and never think to build on this land with their own hands. Me? I don't mind fighting side-by-side with nobles, just don't make me call them 'lord.'
I didn't used to believe things could ever really be dire. Not until an almighty enemy showed up to me, and stole my pals from me, one after the other. They all trusted me, and I failed them. Granny was right. 'Being smart isn't enough to fool death.'
I'm a big fan of red. It makes me think of fireplaces on freezing nights. And all the friends who've left us along the way... I'm telling you, their sacrifices meant something. Londinium will come back to us, back to our hands, and it'll be better than before.
Doctor, I find it easy to trust people, but don't take me for stupid. If you were just another lot of plotting schemers, I would've taken up arms with no hesitation. But you see, if I offer a shake when I meet someone, that's all the more likely I've got a new friend. Haha, I'm glad my bet paid off here.
When we were on break, me and my work pals liked climbing up to the workshop ceiling. Thirty, forty-odd meters. We'd step out of the window and go jumping between buildings. Wind'd blow by with the smell of the factory heat and rust, stars'd squeeze down past the buildings and smile on me. I could feel my city in its warm embrace.
*sigh* It's a beauty of a place at Rhodes. I almost want to apply to stay aboard. Shame I've still got all those people and all that work waiting for me in Londinium... Doctor, when it's clear skies once more at home, how about you let me be your guide again? What do you say?
Less than half a day after boarding the Rhodes Island landship, Stainless had already formed a brotherhood with the Engineering Department. After waking up on the second day, while passing from the dormitory to the cafeteria, and then through three floors on the way to the workshop, he greeted no less than 15 operators hailing from all over Terra. Not only did he remember everyone's names correctly, he even used the little-known real names of a few of them. The combat records show that during the special operation in Londinium, he was the first Self-Salvation Corps member to extend a hand of friendship to Rhodes Island. This was obviously due to his personality. An Engineering operator who quickly befriended him revealed that Stainless does not employ any particular social technique. 'Well, it's just that when someone looks at you so sincerely and enthusiastically, and takes the initiative to talk to you, you can't help but go along with it and treat him as an old friend.' So says the relatively introverted operator. Though lively and cheerful, Stainless does not carelessly ignore other people's feelings and try to force his friendship on them. On the contrary, he is always sensitive towards his friends' emotional states. Many operators often receive little handmade gifts from him when feeling down, and these intricate trinkets inevitably bring a smile to their face. 'My popularity within the department has been in a freefall ever since Feist arrived!' Closure complained aloud. 'I always suspected him of trying to poach my subordinates, but luckily we managed to get him on our side first... Wait a minute, don't tell me he's plotting to depose me as Chief Engineer?!'
'Hey Doctor, let me tell you something funny. I had a dream yesterday. I dreamt that I secretly installed Rhodes Island's motors and tracks onto our factory, and it started moving by itself. It moved faster than high-speed ships, and even started to fly after a while, going higher and higher until it reached a completely dark place. There were no Sarkaz around, and no armies or anything either. I didn't want to stop, so our factory just kept flying on. There was obviously nothing in front of us, but it still felt so vast to me... Ugh, isn't that such a silly dream? It's not? Weird, in my dream, you were sitting next to me at the top of the factory, just like now. And when I told you about wanting to keep flying ahead, you also told me that it wasn't silly.'
When working, Stainless's hands are very steady, far moreso than you'd expect from someone in their early twenties. Before joining the Londinium Citizens' Self-Salvation Corps, he worked for nearly a decade in the Londinium military factories. Moreover, before he officially became a worker, he was an apprentice for seven or eight years. It can be said that he was an artificer from the moment he could pick up a drill and a spanner. Victoria's machinery industry is extremely advanced, and Londinium's military factories are at the cutting edge of its technological prowess. Each of these factories is close to the size of a small neighborhood, with neatly segregated zones and criss-crossed with automated assembly lines and piping that form a self-contained transportation network. Conveyer belts connect these factories both internally and externally, ensuring a highly efficient flow of raw materials and intermediate products, while mechanical arms large and small handle the majority of the streamlined grunt work. As for the workers who move about these large machines, their role is to maintain this mechanized assembly system, performing repairs and system updates as needed. Despite being just an ordinary worker, Stainless's knowledge of engineering theory is on par with a Columbian graduate in mechanical engineering. Moreover, he also has strong practical skills. No matter how precise a machine is, there are always some manufacturing processes that require fine observation and adaptability, thus requiring the hands and attention of a skilled craftsman. This style of work is quite different from what the engineering operators of Rhodes Island are accustomed to. Including Closure, our engineers rely much more on individual creativity to complete their work. Based on the work habits of each team, the workshop is also divided into multiple smaller areas. This means that Rhodes Island rarely produces standardized 'official' equipment. Even a weapon specially created for the same operator may change drastically between each maintenance. Regardless, Stainless was able to quickly settle into his role as a Rhodes Island engineer. On one hand, he used his knowledge of automation to make Closure a series of proposals that greatly enhanced the efficiency of Rhodes Island's landship maintenance protocols. On the other hand, he has excitedly exchanged ideas with every engineer in Rhodes Island, coming up with all kinds of new ideas and rapidly implementing them. The operation platform he designed and manufactured has already reached its 13th iteration, while Rockrock's drones are also being quickly upgraded. He even borrowed the technology Closure uses to modify Lancet-2 and other operation platforms to enhance his own platform, installing a screen on it to express emotions and improve its developing smart dialogue capabilities. 'Those overly advanced automation technologies in Londinium ended up holding back his potential.' Mechanist notes. 'But the solid training he's received will become a strong foundation for his overly active imagination.'
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★ · Medic
Hibiscus the Purifier5★ · Medic
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★ · SpecialistDoctor, you must be bored out of your mind sitting at work all day. Want me to take you out for some exercise? Don't worry, no ziplines this time.
Doctor, we've faced so much danger together. Do we still need this paperwork to stand for us being friends? Wait, you mean once I sign, I get to take any of Engineering's beauties apart? That's a promise, you hear? 'Stainless'—done.
Cor, I suppose you really do make your logistics people fight too. Not that that's much of a problem... How about a little pay bump, eh?
'Top Engineering Operator?' If I want to be Chief Engineer, I'm still a few steps away, aren't I? Haha, I'm just pulling your leg. I've got no plan to jockey for Closure's living.
It's a luxury now, just having free time like this to work with my drill and spanner. Doctor, thank you. I'm all willing to take to the field for my homeland and freedom. But it's you and Rhodes Island that won back this moment of refuge for me.
Squad 11 of Self-Salvation Corp, joining up with Rhodes Island.
I'm a little nervous. Still, pressure's a good motivator, right?
Remember, everyone! Not one fewer when we come back!
Hello, everyone over there, you can breathe easy. What's the line? 'I'm just your average mechanic.'
About time for us to shine?
I'll bring you back victory.
Picked a good place for me.
Down to work!
Swing your hammers!
Hold the barricades!
Drill through darkness!
Fight for Londinium! Victory to Londiniers!
We'll come together, we'll fight all the way, for this city we stand on, until we fall.
Doctor, with you for company all the time, I start imagining I fight even better than the mercs. Don't you let me get too cocky. If Granny and Rockrock saw, they'd be knocking on my head with spanners.
Hah... haha, made it through another battle. Hard as nails, though. Don't look so glum, Doctor. I know it's back to the Commander for a tactical meeting, but how about a bite to eat before then?
Time to scram, Doctor. The zipline's ready. Give me your hand! It's only a win once you survive.
So it wasn't Victoria with the best construction technology.
Watch it! Drill didn't hurt you, did it?
Doctor, you always show up where I wasn't looking. I bet Rhodes Island has secret passages too, doesn't it?
Arknights.
Want a drink, Doctor? How about some ginger ale... what, a dance? Haha, my hands might be skilled at work, but my legs are naff dancers—it all cancels out. Still, if you're okay with me, I can try. Happy New Year, Doctor.
Doctor, I'm just back from patrol. Safe as houses all around! You can break for a bit longer. The tenser the state of things, the more you need a proper stretch now and then.
Doctor, help me figure out why this panel's on fire... You can't figure it out either? I'd hope not, I broke it on purpose... um, flip, I shouldn't have said that. Would've ruined the surprise they had for you if I just let you walk on past. Closure's not gonna kill me, is she?
Doctor, thank you. Being with my Rhodes Island companions makes me see more clearly what it is I'm resisting. Everyone should have the freedom to run about their own city, and we fight for that right. That's a future that belongs to us all, including the Infected.
Stainless was born and raised in Londinium's Highbury Borough. The first thing that comes to mind about Highbury is always its grand expanse of factory buildings and dense worker dormitories. Due to the factories that never rest, the air is always hot and humid, and carries about it the smell of machine oil and iron rust. Unlike the spacious factory interiors, everything outside is tightly packed. The overground rail stations pass right through buildings, while the fruit stalls are right next to the garbage disposal. A layer of black grime covers the walls and streets, which not even the heavy rains of Londinium can wash away. The residents of Highbury are primarily local workers. They spend most of their time in the factories every day, and take the railway back to their dormitories after work. They repeat this busy schedule daily, working to hold up the city famous for its industry, yet most of them have never even seen what the other boroughs of Londinium look like. Due to the city council's planning, the tall dormitories around the outer edge form a singular wall, preventing the rust-laden air from wafting towards other boroughs, while also preventing the workers from seeing past it. They know nothing of the museums and opera houses of the Auchterigg Borough, nor the villas and gardens of the Magna Borough. Stainless's descriptions of Highbury also reveal another aspect to it. 'You must have eaten fried fin and potato pies in Victoria, right? Highbury has the best fried fin and potato pie stalls in the whole of Londinium. The stall owners I know all work fast and don't skimp on ingredients. It's what you have to do to survive running a food stall in Highbury. 'There's also the taverns. We always head to the taverns after work every Friday. You never need to worry about getting home after drinking too much, since everyone around you is a friend.' 'I also like the lifts in the dormitories! Haha, they were built from scrap materials by the workers living there, and can get you from the top floors to the underground transportation pipelines in no time at all. I used to climb up and down them when I was a kid, and it always ended with me getting spanked by my granny...' When the Sarkaz entered Highbury, they did almost no damage to the factories. To an outsider, the busy and crowded Highbury may have looked no different from how it always had. However, Stainless knew well that his cherished life had already disappeared. Many food stalls had shuttered, Sarkaz mercenaries patrolled the roads from the factories to the taverns, and even his beloved lifts had been destroyed by the Defense Forces for being a security risk. As Stainless put it, the reason he left Highbury to join the Londinium Citizens' Self-Salvation Corps was for 'Home and Liberty.' That simple joy in his memories is what kept him going through battle after battle.
The Self-Salvation Corps... I've seen many of their people. I see not an army, but a group of youngsters full of passion and hope like Feist. Their organization is loose, and there is no clear manifesto. What is their ultimate goal? To save people from the Sarkaz, or to defeat the Sarkaz? What if they're able to beat the Sarkaz? What will their next step be? Would they find out that the Sarkaz are not the sole source of suffering for the Londiniers? That group of youngsters may call themselves warriors, but they have never experienced war. I've seen many wars like this. War brings pain. Weapons and shells, they're nothing but flesh wounds. The self-doubt and remorse of watching your friends and family sacrifice themselves while you remain helpless is far worse. And well, the worst pains don't even come from your enemies. Feist trusts others easily, especially those he calls friends. He believes that everyone is just like him, willing to stand up and resist a common foe, all for the sake of protecting each other and pursuing a better future. He does not understand... It's instinctual to wish for a better life, but that's not the same as being willing to fight for one. He will surely experience betrayal in the future. It will leave an indelible scar upon his heart. At the end of this war, will youngsters like him still be able to trust others so easily, and carry such a pure hope towards life? Before, I didn't think so. Now... Heh, I must admit, that young'un is stronger than I gave him credit for. I see in him the courage to face these problems. ——Excerpt from a conversation between an old worker and the Doctor during the Londinium incident