A native of Sargon, Taraxacum is a wandering medical apprentice with considerable experience driving burdenbeast carts. He is currently stationed on Rhodes Island for academic exchange and study, providing everyday medical services on a temporary contract.
Takes Off, Attack Interval reduces significantly, attacks restore HP equal to 60% ATK to random wounded units within Attack Range
Mastery 3 · SP cost 55 · Initial SP 30 · Duration 45sTakes Off, ATK +120%, can heal one additional Operator that has Taken Off; when healing, up to 2 unit(s) around the target are healed for 50% ATK
Mastery 3 · SP cost 35 · Initial SP 20 · Duration 25sFlying allies within Attack Range gain 12% Sanctuary, Block +1
You can leave the meeting minutes to me, Doctor. I'm very good at shorthand—You can't read my writing? Oh, sorry. I'll do my best to write neatly.
The head of Medical wants to have a chat with my master? That might be difficult… That elderly man—he wanders all around as he practices, so meeting him even once isn't easy. Why do I call him that? He has healing hands, but he's got a haggard face and a stick-thin body, though he'll still give you a kindly look now and then, just like any other elder.
There's an old saying in Yan: 'A house with ginger, illness won't linger.' Fresh ginger is warming, able to induce sweating that relieves external symptoms while expelling cold from the stomach. Don't be a picky eater, Doctor. You really can't eat it? Well, ginger and jujube tea, ginger cystymilk curd, and ginger honey water will also do. Just wait here while I brew a pot.
The Shen Jing, Cu Bing, and Zhen Gui. Yes, that's them. Just leave them on my table. Thanks. Why do I bring all these books with me? Go ahead and laugh, Doctor. Despite my many years of medical internship, there are many things in the books which I don't fully understand.
My master would always say that late nights are harmful and deplete your qi, and that you must never indulge in them. But… I would often wake in the middle of the night to see him sitting alone by the candle, lost in thought. I believe you and he are very similar.
Dandelions have medicinal properties; the Yanese use them to make decoctions, while Columbians make similar tisanes. But their effects would remain obscure without proper research. *sigh* There are countless medicinals out there, and I want to learn about all the wonders they hold, but I… No, there's still my master. He'll be able to do it.
Look over here, Doctor! Fwoo—Haha, they're dandelions a coworker at the Convalescent Garden sent over. Would you like to try blowing on one? Oh, right, remember to make a wish when you do. Who knows, it might come true in a few days.
I'm not Yanese, I've just followed my master around for a long time, so the way he speaks and lives rubbing off on me was inevitable… My hometown? Why don't you take a guess? A hint? The farthest point these dandelions can fly. That's where my hometown is.
These bells on my staff aren't just for show. Our travels often took us through the wastes, and the chime of the bells bring people in arduous straits some measure of hope. 'I vow to save all sentient life from suffering.' This is why my master carries on, and what makes him weary. Me? I don't have such grand aspirations, but I'll do my best to keep up.
'Don't worry, Taraxacum is getting along quite well with the others. He brought some Victorian gummies for the kids when he came to Medical yesterday.' Nian had talked about Taraxacum before he came to Rhodes Island, telling us that he was a student of her younger brother's, a highly skilled Yanese physician. Many operators from Yan assumed Taraxacum must be a native of Yan as well, and prepared 'homeland' treats such as spring tea from Lungmen and rock tea from Shangshu. It was thus a big surprise to everyone to see Taraxacum in the flesh. While Taraxacum's appearance was obviously not Yanese, he spoke the language fluently, with an elegant if slightly archaic vocabulary. He knew the regions and seasons of all the teas, and had good knowledge of the associated local customs and traditions. When asked if he had spent a lot of time in Yan, Taraxacum said he had passed through the country, but never taken up residence there. Though he was not a fellow countryman, Taraxacum nevertheless quickly became friends with the Yanese operators. After all, he could make authentic Lungmen herbal tea, and knew the recipes for all the traditional healthy snacks. [Letter addressed to Nian] I hope this letter finds you well, sister. ... There is one more thing. I hear you have frequently visited Rhodes Island in recent years. I have seen their medicine on my journeys, and would like to pay a personal visit, but I am about to travel to a very dangerous area, so I have sent Taraxacum to Rhodes Island ahead of me. Look out for him if you have the time. If not... try to keep him in one piece.
'I want a Yanese name too!' 'What's that? Cart Boy is not good enough for you?' 'That's not a name!' 'Why not?' 'Fine, I'll call you Old Doctor from now on.' '...Ahem.' The night wind through the desert was chilly. The gaunt doctor gazed toward the northeast where Yan was. The snow must have fallen a few times already. '...Feng Xu.' 'Feng Xu?' 'You didn't want to stay in your homeland, and insisted on wandering the land with me. 'Feng Xu' means the dandelion seeds drifting in the wind, and it describes you perfectly. 'Doesn't that make the name sound sad?' 'It could also be a name that represents freedom.' 'Freedom... did you come to Sargon all the way from Yan in search of freedom?' ... 'I read a Yanese poem this morning.' 'Tell me about it.' 'Life is like dandelion seeds in the wind; all the joys and sorrows scattered. It's like the poem was talking about my name!' '...Has there been more joy or more sorrow in your life?' 'Joy, of course!' '...Why do you say that?' 'I'm standing here listening to you talk about difficult things, rather than sleeping under the sand, or being turned into a rock by Oripathy. Am I not the lucky one? That means I have so much more joy in my life than I have sorrow!' 'Ahem... it seems you have too much time on your hands. Have you memorized all the medicine books?' 'I'll get to it right now!'
Two pieces of equipment carried by Taraxacum caught the attention of other operators during weapon registration. An inspection revealed the detailed designs of their components: the core unit of the 'Medicine Pot' casting staff was sculpted in the style of ancient Sargonian jewelry, while the medicine storage equipment in the shape of a dandelion seed head is reminiscent of portable medical equipment used on the battlefield. The three decorative chimes seem to originate from a market near the borders of Yan, and the skateboard that can briefly fly while carrying a person was clearly inspired by trending Columbian flying machines. It took a few days for Engineering to ascertain the two weapons' safety—meanwhile, inquiries with local branches reveal an exact match between the parts' places of origin, and Taraxacum's self-report of his recent travels. Surprisingly, this young Kuranta boy has already journeyed across almost half of Terra with his teacher. We were even more surprised by his statement that he carries his jet skateboard in order to deliver medicine to patients more quickly. We believed his story because he always seemed serious about things, until we saw him excitedly sign up for the on-deck capture-the-flag game, only to be forced to forfeit when his skateboard malfunctioned. The real kicker is that he snuck into the kitchen after the competition and devoured five servings of Yanese barbecue, paying no heed at all to the healthy eating that he normally preaches... Maybe the kid just likes to skate. Say, did he go off to take lessons from Aciddrop again? [Rhodes Island Library Borrowing Log] Date: Feb 16 User: Taraxacum Item: Basic Principles of Flying Machines, Overview of Levitation Technology Taraxacum? Yes, he's been coming into Engineering, but he really knows nothing about engineering... What's he doing there? You saw his jet skateboard and casting staff, right? They're pretty fine, alright. Apparently, both were gifts from his Yanese teacher, so he has to try to maintain them himself when his teacher's not around. Seems like a pretty trendy teacher, if he can make a jet skateboard. But Taraxacum also said his teacher was old... Well, he's probably a trendy old guy, like Chongyue. —On-duty Engineering Operator
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★ · 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★ · GuardThe decoction worked wonders… It's dandelion season, Doctor, you'll need a little something to clear the sinuses. Rest well, now.
Hello, you can call me Taraxacum. My master sent me here for an exchange study, and also to tell his brothers and sisters that he is well. Me? I am simply his coachman, with a little knowledge of medicine.
No theory without practice, no practice without theory.
A promotion? Does that mean I get to be a master myself? Haha, just kidding. I know I still have a long way to go.
Another promotion? Doctor, healers should have calm minds and concrete goals, and should not have wants or desires. I don't think I really merit such a—My diligent practice deserves commendation? Well… If that's your logic, then the one who really deserves commendation is you, Doctor.
I've prepared forty-three common prescriptions. Whatever ails you, I'll have the medicine for it.
Everyone, relax. I've already studied the battlefield in detail.
Sickness requires swift treatment.
'See the suffering of others as if your own'… I know your weak spots. Forgive me.
The medicines are mixed.
Medical equipment ready.
Afraid I can't do much about that tongue of yours.
Going to need to look up what's wrong with your pulse.
Illness is unpredictable. This will be… tricky.
Prescriptions are adaptive, so let's add an extra ingredient!
Since it's being stubborn… Let's change how we're administering the meds!
I understand the symptoms now. Don't worry, I won't make even the slightest mistake.
Most meticulous.
What a perfect prescription.
Something must have gone wrong with my Medicine Pot… I'll need to ask Engineering for help when we're back.
Let's go back and get some rest, Doctor.
Now where… would Master's siblings be…
The medicine's just been brewed. Careful not to burn yourself!
So, Doctor, out of all these medical texts on the table, which do you feel like memorizing first?
Arknights.
A New Year's custom calls for customized herbal teas. Care for a cup, Doctor? Bitter? No, shouldn't be. Lungmen herbal tea is different from ordinary decoctions… Dried tangerine peel, lotus leaves, and honeysuckle, all steamed to remove the astringency. That sounds like a decoction? It's not! It really is just regular herbal tea!
Would you like something off the grill, Doctor? Though it might be too heaty… Huh?
Sit here, Doctor. No need to be so nervous. Today is your birthday, and I learned some Yanese tui na massage techniques from my master. You're always hunched over your desk, so your back, shoulders and neck must ache a lot. Here, a-and here… Well, how's that? Feels great, doesn't it!
Don't worry, I've already filed away all the case files. Phew… I hope that one day, there won't be a market for these medicines! Ah, I'm not trying to put a curse on your company or anything. I was just thinking, if there ever comes a day when these cases were gathering dust, wouldn't that mean everyone will be healthy?
Taraxacum's favorite haunt is the hospital. Medical Department staff told us that Taraxacum was not particularly impressive when he first arrived: his medical knowledge was quite haphazard, causing concerns for the department head. But he demonstrated outstanding aptitude when it came to practical work, and was easily able to follow Dr. Warfarin's instructions, even when she was using technical jargon. We learned that this was the result of his instruction under his mentor. According to Taraxacum, his teacher rarely spoke or gave him systematic instruction in medical knowledge, but always took him along on patient visits, giving him the opportunity to observe and learn. Taraxacum was also periodically given a thick stack of ancient Yanese medical books, telling him to study them himself and ask questions if there was anything he did not understand. Taraxacum gradually grew into the role of assistant, and accumulated considerable clinical experience, though his education was somewhat antiquated by the standards of modern systematic medicine. It seems his teacher Fāng, younger brother of Nian's, shares a few common features with Dusk, especially when she first came to Rhodes Island. Was Dr. Fāng a reclusive hermit, just like Dusk? 'What's my master like? I guess he does sound like the kind of reclusive sages you find in Yanese dramas, but he's actually quite familiar with modern medical technology and equipment! Then why am I so unfamiliar with the medical department's instruments? Well... I don't get a lot of chances to see new stuff, always being on the road with my master! Besides—' He strokes the beard that he does not have. 'Master Fāng said: You haven't even mastered the basic Yanese medical books yet. The newer stuff can wait...'
[From the Candleholder Archives] July 1st, 9am The proxy has entered Sargon, providing basic medical assistance to villages he passed. No unusual activity. July 21st, 9pm The proxy has entered the northwest desert, where a small Catastrophe had recently struck. Fāng is looking for survivors... July 22nd, 5am A young boy around the age of seven ran into the village carrying a handful of herbs. He had gone into the hills after the Catastrophe, in search of medicinal herbs known to the locals through oral tradition. Fāng said the herbs might soothe the pain, but would be of little help in saving lives. The boy himself is in serious condition. September 21st Two months have passed since the last entry. The boy has recovered. As for the others... there is little time left for them. Fāng has done all that he could, giving the boy a chance to say goodbye to his family. September 23rd, 6pm The proxy has left the village, but the boy continues to follow and cannot be persuaded to turn back. It is not my place to judge their actions... but Fāng has seen the same scene too many times, even during my tenure as his Candleholder alone. He must not allow his compassion to run unchecked. He cannot help everyone... On the other hand, there are no other survivors in the village. Could the boy really survive in this desert, if he does not follow Fāng? October 26th The proxy has tacitly consented to the boy following him. His true intentions are unknown at this time. 'I've consented to you following me this far.' —Comment in a corner of the page November 7th Fāng has given the boy a Yanese name—'Feng Xu', a nickname for the plant Taraxacum, otherwise known as dandelion. He has permitted the boy to observe him at work. Despite his youth, the boy seems to have experience in operating vehicles. It was his suggestion that helped us avoid a spot of quicksand this morning... 'Verify the boy's identity, and his intentions for coming into contact with the proxy.' Verification complete. No irregularities were found. Feng Xu's personal statement is attached: I... I just didn't know what to do. I simply wanted to survive, no matter what... I'll drive carts and pick herbs for you and Master. I'll do anything... anything that I can help with! ...Are you Master's bodyguard? You follow him all the time, but hardly ever talk to him... 'Sui Regulator'? Master said the word 'Sui' means time... an organization that regulates time? Yan is such a strange land. [Final Page] Many years have passed since. It is almost time for me to retire, though my heart is at ease, knowing that there will be someone there to take care of Fāng... Feng Xu is almost as tall as Fāng now. 'Thank you for everything.' —Comment in a corner of the page