Elite operator Mantra first joined Babel at Kal'tsit's invitation. She fought in the Kazdel Civil War and became one of Rhodes Island's first elite operators after the war. Long-time leader of the 3rd Special Operations Squad, Mantra's ability to help operators coordinate when radio communications are difficult or inadvisable makes her an indispensable part of many missions.
The next attack deals 325% ATK as Arts damage and 30% of damage as Nervous Impairment; if target is under the burst effect of Nervous Impairment, deals an additional 200% ATK as Elemental Damage
Mastery 3 · SP cost 2 · Initial SP 0Attack Interval reduces, attacks deal 240% ATK as Arts damage and jump between up to 3 other enemies, and jumps deal 120% ATK as Arts damage; attacks and jumps deal an additional 18% of damage as Nervous Impairment; if target is under the burst effect of Nervous Impairment, deals an additional 25% ATK as Elemental Damage
Mastery 3 · SP cost 25 · Initial SP 18 · Duration 25sAttack Range expands; enemies within Attack Range lose Invisibility and Paralysis stack limit drops to 2; ATK +275% and attacks 2 targets at once; when Operators within range activate a skill (including Mantra), enemies within range gain 2 stacks of Paralysis (can be triggered at most 3 times); for every 1 stack of Paralysis above the limit on enemies within range, 1 instance of 185% ATK as Elemental Damage jumps between the target and 1 other enemy; there is a short delay between jumps
Mastery 3 · SP cost 40 · Initial SP 31 · Duration 40sEnemies take 145% of Mantra's ATK as Elemental Damage when they trigger Paralysis; when Paralysis is triggered, there is an 13% chance to not consume a Paralysis stack
Enemies entering the field from the closest Incursion Point to Mantra immediately gain 1 stack of Paralysis
I won't abuse your authorization. From now on, I will listen in.
I've always 'filtered' the mental burden of using my Originium Arts just as Amiya does. You may visualize the process as looking for something stable to grasp while falling endlessly through a void. You've noticed her doing it? It was you who gave her the courage to fall in the first place, Doctor.
These marks on my hand? They are remnants of my past, a senseless attempt to turn a human body into an Arts Unit. I grew weary of Sargon before these mystic Arts could cover my entire body. As they receded like the tide, so did my memories, with only these fragments to remind me of the place I once called home.
I can tell when perception fails to match words. Similar to how Raidian works, it's more detecting lies than reading minds. The difference is that I am a certified psychological counselor, while she is innately gifted in the comprehension and evocation of emotion.
A pair of wizened hands, comforting farmers, traders, soldiers, even lords ameer and padishahs. All those seeking answers only to fall into chaos without exception, suffering ceaseless fear or ecstasy, and descent into disorder. I know, the line separating me from the Yurodstvo used to be indistinguishable.
The departed connect our past to present. Only with this, can we have a future. Someone once said, 'this is the meaning of sacrifice', but I disagree. Do not leave your names behind in such a pragmatic fashion, do not turn your actual life to abstraction, and do not deify suffering and death.
'Beware the Caster who can make you writhe in pain, puking your guts out, without lifting even a finger.' This is true to some extent, but my squad members ardently objected and rushed to refute it. Elysium says it is very important to tell the truth about me… ah, the youth.
Doctor. I'm not angry, just emptying my mind to recover some energy. I've come to the age where I have to gasp for breath every few words, after all. Alright, the last one was a joke. It was Dr. Kal'tsit who recommended this method, even if she didn't practice it herself. She always had too much on her mind.
Blaze and Rosmontis both keep mementos from those around them. When they came to me, I gave Blaze a signal receiver, while Rosmontis got a transmission disc. Me? I don't keep anything. I don't commit to saving a memory I never intend to forget.
[In-patient Medical Report] The operator demonstrates clear symptoms of neural fatigue, including migraines, vertigo, nausea, circadian rhythm disorder, and diminished sight and hearing. Heightened neural activity from excessive use of Originium Arts may increase the risk of neuroinflammation and epilepsy. Furthermore, the operator is showing symptoms of muscle atrophy, with an estimated recovery and rehabilitation timeframe of two months. Continued hospitalization and observation is recommended until the operator's physical functions return to normal. Sorry, Mantra, but my Arts can't help with your condition. —Touch Don't worry about it, Blaze and I will take care of things. ^_^ —Raidian [Report from the Breskenoy Incident] ...There is no doubt that the massacre was a premeditated act. Only by precisely timing their intervention in advance could they force the fugitive miners towards Lake Neva, thereby enabling them to deploy along the borders of the Central Governorate and put pressure on Grypherburg while nominally acting within the law. Move too quickly, and their actions would be seen as a sign of weakness—even when dealing with mere miners—as the outcome would prevent a quick resolution. Move too slowly, and the rushed operation could have become a weapon that could be used against them in the future. The murderers spun a massive, bloody lie, expecting their victims to be powerless to fight back. They did not count on Rhodes Island standing with them, risking exposure to tell the world what is happening here. I am sure we are in agreement that there is no choice to be made here. I would have done the same if I had to do it again. ... On the whole, there is nothing particularly unusual about this incident. A lack of information and inadequate communication were the main reasons for the regrettable outcome. As such, we must prepare a more robust contingency plan, and accelerate the establishment of a permanent Rhodes Island branch in Ursus, as well as a comprehensive intelligence network exclusively for us. In addition, as we were able to obtain information on the potential whereabouts of the Sarcophagus, I would like to request to be updated on the preparations for the next mission. Attached, you will find a tail transmitter upgrade proposal that has already been verified by Engineering as feasible, which would improve my ability to respond to similar situations in the future. —Mantra Who approved this radical transmitter upgrade?! I haven't seen this! —Closure
'How did you find me?' The Phidia gestures in an unfamiliar sign language. The white-haired Feline looks up and answers with sign language: 'You didn't try to hide your tracks,' as though that explained everything. The Phidia shakes her head in disbelief. 'You did the same in Ursus when you saved me. What now? What do you want from me?' 'I see you've found a less painful way to communicate.' The Feline does not answer immediately. Instead, she gazes at the Phidia's slender arms, which are not as withered as they were in their last meeting. 'Yes, but not everyone understands it like you do.' The Phidia looks down at the woman's eyes. 'I said I won't be the only one who can 'hear' you.' The woman bends her knuckles as she signs 'hear'. 'That is true up to this point. But if there's nothing you need from me, you should leave.' The Phidia lays down her hands and does not sign anymore. 'What if I said I needed you?' The woman is no longer signing, but speaking in a gentle yet solemn manner, a contradiction that is often found in her words. [Then we go.] 'You won't ask where we're going, or what I need you to do?' The Phidia shakes her head. [You need me, and I answered. You're no different from the others.] [I have no other questions.] 'How did you find me?' You cannot help but ask a stupid question at the sight of the tall Phidia, whose tail alone almost blocks off the exit to the storage room. [I can hear you, Doctor.] However, she does not seem to consider the question silly, giving you a serious answer. 'Mantra...' [I know we lost contact with Raidian in Ursus, and I know what she went there to look for.] 'We're planning a rescue operation.' [I want to go.] 'Kal'tsit's notes mentioned that you don't normally volunteer for missions to Ursus.' [What else did she say?] 'You can ask her when we find her.' [I've always had many questions for her.] 'Mantra?' [Forget what she wrote, Doctor. Infiltration missions like these should be my responsibility, always.] [If you and Amiya are resolved to go, then I will accompany you.] [The 3rd Special Operations Squad is ready for action.]
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★ · 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★ · SpecialistHello, Doctor. I did not mean to disturb your rest, but Amiya wants to remind you there is still work that needs doing.
Before the authorizations were modified, I would take orders from you directly. Don't worry, my communications support equipment may have been upgraded, but I won't intrude into your consciousness without prior approval.
If Outcast were there, we would've routed the enemy much quicker… You want to see older battle records? I know where to find them.
Elysium offered to simulate the promotion process for me, claiming to be more experienced than me in this field. But now I suspect he may have been buying time to avoid training. Once this is over, I'll have a little 'chat' with him.
The promotion process for Elite Operators is still the same, the only change being our reviewer. It was the Speaker, then Dr. Kal'tsit, and now you. It may not be the best time to say this, but welcome back, Doctor.
If you must.
Elysium.
A clear battle plan.
Let me know how far I should probe.
I'm listening.
If we must be covert.
I will pass it on.
A carefully deliberated dispatch.
Follow my voice.
There is no rejecting my intrusion.
Resistance is futile.
Target detected.
The enemy has nowhere to hide. An inevitable result, with perfect command.
(Nods in approval)
I've sent their remaining units' positions to our cleanup squad's terminal. It's over, Doctor.
I've jammed their tracers. Leave, now!
It's time to rest.
Need something?
Try again. This time I'll pretend I didn't notice you beforehand.
Arknights.
Bootlegging of pigment from Laterano, witnessing gold bars growing legs and vanishing into Kazdel… we Elite Operators are used to sharing stories from the past year's field missions on this night. I'm sure you've missed some of the stories, so I'll try my best to patch any holes along the way, Doctor. Have a seat, if you'd like.
(After nodding to each other, the two of you enjoy a cozy moment of silence)
I've booked the white noise room for you today. If you'd like to try a new relaxation method once the noise has died down over here, you may go over to take a look. The reservation log is already reflected on your terminal, and the frequencies have been adjusted to your liking as well. Enjoy your day, Doctor.
I would not have stayed this long, if I only intended to repay Dr. Kal'tsit for what she did. Sargon's golden sands brought me up, while the icy Ursine snow tempered me, but it is Rhodes Island's sturdy deck that molded me into who I am today. And so I have decided to stay here to watch over the place.
[Post-Action Report, Jun 7 Victorian Border Rescue Mission] The original report has been submitted to the chairman. A copy is available for viewing in the archives. [Post-Action Report, Aug 4 South Ursus Rescue Mission] The original report has been submitted to the chairman. A copy is available for viewing in the archives. ... Clearance level verified. Searching for reports submitted by Operator Mantra from ■■■■ to 1101. Results: ... 'Jun 7. Successfully assisted Ace in the transfer of 56 hostages. 40 were Infected and 16 uninfected. 11 Infected hostages died from their injuries.' 'Aug 4. Assisted Special Operations Squad in the successful rescue of the target. Target safely arrived in Leithanien on Aug 2.' ... 'Feb 9. Infiltrated the Columbian frontier with the 3rd Special Operations Squad, successfully rescuing 13 missing children, all Infected. No casualties were sustained. Mission debrief attached.' 'May 21. Infiltrated a Victorian crime ring with the 3rd Special Operations Squad, successfully retrieving stolen suppressants and eliminating a black market den with the cooperation of Connor County Police. No casualties were sustained. Mission debrief attached.' 'Jul 4. Infiltrated the northern wastes of Leithanien with the 3rd Special Operations Squad, successfully rescuing 32 hostages from a local cult. An error on my part resulted in Operator Elysium operating solo, rescuing an Infected child from a fire. Elysium suffered mild burns on his hands, a blunt-force injury to the back of his head causing bleeding, a shoulder fracture, and multiple bruises on his back. I take full responsibility for his injuries and I have submitted a request for one month of injury leave on his behalf. Mission debrief attached.' ... [Distorted scribbles on a piece of paper] Captain, I'm sorry! I'm sorry for leaving my post when my primary duty is to assist you, and I ended up getting hurt while you took the blame for it... But when I saw the kid at Rhodes Island, I knew I did the right thing. The situation was dire. I was closest to the scene and I knew the way. I'd do it again if I had to, but I promise to communicate the situation to everyone better next time. Maybe someone could have come up with a better plan. One more thing... I hand-wrote this apology letter, despite my injuries. So please don't whack me with your tail when I'm discharged...
Mantra's perceptive Arts are able to intervene with another person's perceptions. She calls the process 'hear, then influence'. For example, she will ascertain the target's level of cognition and cause them to hear her voice in their mind, allowing her to communicate without speaking. She can also interfere with the target's creation and retention of short-term memories, thereby indirectly influencing their emotions and reason. The level of intervention also affects the strain on Mantra herself. 'Hearing' alone does not present a burden, as the price of using these Arts only manifests itself when she has to 'influence' the target. Mantra has gotten into the habit of paying close attention to her colleagues' condition outside battle, to the extent that it no longer bothers them, and they have accepted being 'listened-in' on. '...Are you listening?' My eyes met Raidian's smiling gaze. I was not sure why she asked. [I'm always listening.] She answered, 'I know. What I meant is are you listening to my voice with your ears, right now, without using Arts—' Clearly not taking 'no' for an answer, she took my hands and touched her own throat with them. My hands are usually quite cool, and I instinctively tried to sense the fluctuations in her cognition, in order to understand how she was feeling. She stopped me with a look. Her throat and blood moved beneath the skin as she spoke, and I realized she had just pointed out something that I thought was a secret. [You knew?] 'That you stroll into my mind from time to time? Yes, I knew all along.' A passing Logos added, 'I knew too,' before walking towards Mechanist, who was undertaking 'humanitarian modifications' of the coffee machine. They whispered a few words to each other, and Mechanist looked up— I do not read minds, but I knew what he was going to say. [So, you all knew.] [Does everyone else know too?] Without answering my question directly, Raidian looked around at the other two in the workshop. 'All I can say is that even Blaze knows. She was the last to figure it out.' I apologized because I thought I should. [Sorry.] Raidian's eyes went wide, then she laughed so hard she would have fallen off her chair if Axie and Dendie were not there to support her. 'That wasn't how I imagined this going at all!' [You wanted to confront me.] 'I was your communicator. Besides, I let go of any thoughts like that after I heard about a bet people had made.' No doubt my confusion was obvious. 'Yes, a bet. About whether you realized people had found out about your 'listening'. You don't do it often, only once in a while, right? Otherwise, you'd have found out on your own. 'As for how many people are in on it... probably more than the number of people you sometimes pay special attention to.' I knew what she meant. She was saying that partings happen all the time. All those moments when I stop hearing someone's cognition usually signify the end of their lives. Perhaps I should have told her that I still instinctively look for those familiar minds, even though I inevitably come up empty. If I were to abandon even those futile efforts, that would only make it even harder for me to stop looking for the connections that are still there. And so I looked around me, at the tools and ornaments that could not speak. [Raidian...] 'Yes?' [I'm sorry, but I'll keep listening.] [I must... make sure.] —A conversation between elite operators, recreated from their own accounts
'Once upon a time, there was a padishah who ruled over a satrapy on the borders of Sargon. She was born mute, but respected by the locals, who called her Yan-kar-as, a word with reverent connotations that means 'echo' in a southern Sargonian dialect, and a word that symbolized the padishah in the first twenty years of her life— 'The padishah only listened and never answered. All who implored her, all who prayed to her, all they heard was the echo of their own words in the hall. 'Every conflict between the lords ameer was in the name of the padishah, and the lavish furnishings of her palace were paid in the blood of those who fell in the process, though she never asked for that. 'All the young padishah could do was answer the call of those left behind, but she was not the master of her own wealth, nor did she have any trusted lieutenants. All she could do was comfort people with her Arts while punishing the greedy, so that all pilgrims could find whatever comfort or warning they needed. 'The young padishah's fame grew, until the lords ameer who put her up as a figurehead could not ignore it anymore. With atypical cooperation, they quickly discovered 'evidence' of the padishah driving her people to madness with her evil arts, and planned to expose her 'evil deeds'. 'What they did not know was that the padishah was always listening, listening equally to all the people of her satrapy, wealthy or poor, good or evil. When the lords ameer entered the padishah's palace with their soldiers and 'evidence', there was no one there.' 'Isn't that what the lords ameer wanted, though?' 'They say the young padishah did not flee; instead, she came back and drove the greedy lords ameer to madness, in the very manner they accused her of.' 'So she didn't lose?' 'That depends on how you define winning and losing. In the end, the padishah left Sargon, because she knew that the 'evidence' the lords ameer had brought to the palace was her own handmaiden, the very first person whom she had answered with her Arts.' [Sealed Archive] ...It is true that there was a period of unrest in the satrapy in question, with the lords ameer fighting each other over land, people, and wealth. Based on subsequent events, we may theorize that this Yan-kar-as was—one of the reasons why the title of 'Padishah' was preserved in that region. Exaggerated and fictionalized, much like the stories Hypatia tells in her lessons. If there's something you wish to know, you know where to find me. —Annotation on the documents