Operator Passenger was born in Columbia. He graduated at age thirteen with exceptional marks, at which point he was recruited by Professor Thorne to work as a research assistant in his study of applied Originium engineering and began a course of study at the Blaine Formative Technologies Research Institute. A project took him to Sargon nearly twenty years ago, at which point he disappeared. Eventually, he came into contact with Rhodes Island, operating around the black market in the Ibut region. He arrived as an Infected seeking treatment, and has since been brought into active service as an operator for the Engineering Department.
Increases the ATK of the next attack to 250%; The attack will jump between at most 4 enemies and the duration of the Slow is increased to 1.5 seconds
Mastery 3 · SP cost 5 · Initial SP 0Attack Range +1 tile, ATK +30%, Attack Interval decreases moderately. Increase the maximum number of jumps to 5
Mastery 3 · SP cost 40 · Initial SP 20 · Duration 35sImmediately generates a lightning storm centered on the target with the highest HP within a wide range, lasting for 4 seconds; Deals an additional attack equal to 150% ATK to a random enemy within the lightning storm every 0.5 seconds; Can store 2 charges
Mastery 3 · SP cost 30 · Initial SP 0When attacking enemies with 80% or more HP, Passenger will deal 25% increased damage to them for 3 seconds
When there are no enemies in the surrounding 4 tiles, ATK +10%
To be of assistance to you would be my great honor.
What did you find in time, mysterious master of the black market? The past, Elliot. I have always been seeking the past. Perhaps I will find a home among the patterns of the cacti and quicksand, but neither you nor I know where our fate will lead.
The Originium crystal on my forehead is often regarded as an adornment. A very convenient mistake, saving me the effort of concealing my Infected status. However, every time pain crosses my brows, I am deeply struck by my own folly. I've always yearned to leave Sargon, yet where lies the path that truly belongs to me?
I detest everything there. I had to leave Sargon, even if letting a coin flip decide for me meant surrendering to fate. But I am still there, Sand Soldier. You can't escape what you are. Our destinies have already been written.
Sesa is still quite young. Indeed, I am but a few years his senior. Yet, his grasp on patience is somewhat awkward, and his resentment lacks solidity. Should he seek a spark of truth to ignite his thirst for vengeance, I would be more than willing to oblige... Ah, should you forbid it, I would not act out of turn.
Sargon will leave its mark on you. To the employer, you are as feeble as a fledgling fowlbeast. I forgot how it felt to be put to the lash. Do you hate those people? No. I know their end. I know it from your eyes. Fortunately, you don't seem to regret it.
I abhor the black market. It is a cesspool of petty, hollow schemes. Everyone there fancies themselves a seasoned player, yet all meet a dismal end. Sometimes, a meticulous mind is all it takes to send someone to their demise. Even... a padishah's very own appointed lord ameer. Might you be curious, Doctor?
Yet your expression suggests otherwise. Did you not throw all of the past into that big fire? There is a plaza in the black market with a view of the sky. Do you remember what the night reminds you of? I called it a cremation ceremony, but when my plan worked and the flames raged... What came to mind was not the face of my beloved teacher.
That great fire, you say? Do you look to blame me? Indeed, I shall not contest it. But know this: not a single innocent suffered in that fire, nor did any perpetrator survive. In the black market of Sargon, the good only comes in one form... They are the ones who've endured. And I have endured.
The Engineering Department reverse-engineered the various self-propelled machines Passenger brought with him, to eye-opening results. For several reasons, Passenger was unable to get the cutting-edge Columbian lab materials he needed in Sargon, so his Arts Unit is extremely primitive. Even so, he was still able to independently develop an effective mechanical device, realizing a variety of self-propelled weapons with impressive energy output. When asked about his technology, Passenger does not shy away from the topic. It is a prototype from some experimental excavation in Columbia, which researchers believe has to do with ancient Sarkaz witchcraft. They appear to have used a rare form of Arts to enrich Originium, with several enriched crystals marking the perimeter. A Columbian institute involved in the project anticipated a breakthrough to a whole new energy source and went to work quickly. Passenger did not reveal what happened next. But it is worth noting that many engineering operators like to give names and other personifying features to their creations, while others distinguish them with numerical designations. But this operator does not so treat his machinery. His usage borders on the wasteful, scrapping them without hesitation after a single test. Does he have no heart?
I was only a stone's throw from death. Kal'tsit gave me this opportunity, Old Isin gave me this power. I had my revenge on those who tried to control my destiny. I won. I spent countless hours and exhausted countless prospects. I took back control by annihilating fate. Now, it is time for me to make my break with the past. But what do I do next? Where do I go? Doctor, I hope you can tell me, on Kal'tsit's behalf. How much time do I have left before Oripathy takes me? How can I use this time to make my death mean something? You are my commander now. I am at your disposal.
Operator Passenger's performance at Rhodes Island has been more than satisfactory. Naturally, this is a good thing! Some operators are known to make trouble! But Passenger's history as the 'Sand Soldier' of Sargon, while seemingly only the leader of a little black market operation, of which there are many in Sargon, has proven quite valuable. He has the skills, as well as the wealth, and brought with him a stable source of supplies and mercenary, Messenger, and caravan contacts, legal and otherwise, in the Ibut region. This too, is good. But he's provided this all essentially free of charge! Free! Do you know what that means? It's unsettling! The engineering operators say he's nothing near a ferociously dedicated machinist, even with incredible technical skill... Not only that, but he has little interest in the plight of the Infected. His room is suspiciously immaculate, neat to the point that he may have some pathology. Likewise, he has a tendency to tinker with parts of the room, scattering metal shavings across the floor. Baffling. By the way, the only device he ever named was a special energy charging device he calls 'Thorne.' Oh, I'm babbling on again, forgive me for this potentially rude question... What is it this man cares for? What does he live for?
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★ · 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★ · MedicDo you remember the first component of Thorne's Gift? The shoddy Arts Unit you obtained by burying your conscience in the sand? By exploiting and deceiving a guard who had just lost his son? Not to mention the irony in that name. What gift will a teacher give to a conspirator, Passenger?
Kal'tsit... Dr. Kal'tsit and I, are indeed old acquaintances. To be precise, she was my rescuer and savior, but be at ease; I am yours now. Oh, was that not your concern? How remarkable, that as a coworker of our 'Kal'tsit,' you could still be so unwary?
Tell me. Has Oripathy changed our lives? Do you feel pain? How will the illness transform me? Have the schemers behind the scenes miscalculated? You are trembling, poor Elliot. Never mind the cause, leave them in the past. Now, I simply marvel at the beauty of Oripathy's creation in the mirror.
'Were I to return to Columbia'... I cannot say I've never entertained the possibility over the years, but such supposition would only serve to shake me. Doctor, I hope you will use me to the utmost. If such mild civilian technologies have become a stranger to me, I would now much rather renounce them.
Spring is when business is best. Summer is adorned by festivals. Autumn is the season to seek fortune away from Ibut. Winter belongs to war. These are the seasons of Sargon, seasons that you will come to hate… But in Ibut, I can see the stars shine bright on summer nights.
Elliot? How do you... Hm. Elliot. His parents gone before their time, his one beloved, esteemed teacher dead in Sargon. The work which bore his faith but a stepping stone in someone else's conspiracy. To this day, he is bereft of anything. Elliot Glover is merely a laughable life lived.
Strange things, fabricated dreams are. What should I say to you, Doctor of the future? If I had met you earlier... No. The Doctor does not exist where we do. The Doctor belongs to my time. Let our special friend act freely. I have high hopes for this one.
I know a scientist—a star so bright, a soul so graceful, a leader so natural. I admire him, rely on him, and regard him as my elder brother. However, his end is not a good one, considerably not. So you must protect yourself well, Doctor. After all, we do get along quite pleasantly.
A Vouivre, and the 'Doctor'. Are you begging for their pity? No, I simply want to learn about my future, or tell others about theirs. Nothingness without end is worse than any illness... Listen to me, Elliot. I feel a little tired.
How long it has been—since such clear skies.
Sleep, my Elliot. Sleep and dream together with me. In our dreams, you will become me, and I will still be you.
Your Operator, Passenger. I have long wished to work alongside you, Doctor. I'm sure we will both find this journey most enjoyable.
Have I turned the pages of destinies past? No, it is but a dream you avoid. My future.
Marvelous tactics, owing to your command, no doubt.
I see conspiracies from time to time... Yes, Elliot. The conflicts, the greed. They are everywhere.
I shall refine my services even further for you and Rhodes Island. Trust that the Sand Soldier of Reefsteep Black Market has more tricks up his sleeve.
Oripathy has robbed me of my future. I hope that Rhodes Island can make use of what I have left. Wrong. Nobody in Rhodes Island can indulge your desire for self-harm. It is not that they are too kind, it is that you are too harsh. This is Elliot Glover's conclusion.
I truly hope that my amusing Operator codename will remind you—Doctor, there is no need to trust others, and you are capable of doing everything yourself. Oh? It seems you have other views. I shall duly accede, then.
Will you see the Sargon's winter when you awake? Will you sleep away in the eternal summer? Must I become you? Prophecy is but fate in disguise. Sleep soundly, Elliot. You've shaped me, and I shall complete you, until the day the prophecies no longer foretell.
Allow me to demonstrate how a truly exceptional weapon of war operates.
Why do you not seek more companions? It will make things easier. In time, you will understand. And much more than once, I regret to say.
I am quite familiar with strategy and planning. Of course, should you have other ideas, I defer to you.
Elliot would have asked me: How does an empty soul lead others with sincerity?
Let us depart.
I recall the weight on my back as I carried my grievously injured teacher—it was the weight of my war. Most wars are waged for profit; mine is born from vengeance.
Now then, we have everything in place.
I fought for a single purpose. Let war be the past, then, if the purpose is lost.
I heed your command.
In place of training.
As you wish.
Do you remember the touch of quicksand?
Should this be your intent...
My war machine will fulfill your wishes.
I am prepared.
After all, 'Man' is the ultimate weapon.
Now go.
I remember how each piece of equipment was born.
Punish these people.
What is there to be gained... by fighting in the name of my teacher?
All as you desire.
Sentimentality does not bring victory.
Begone with the wind.
Vengeance has ended.
You must pardon me; it seems my lowly weapons have barely served to accomplish this mission. Should you assent to my adopting more... extreme methods, we may thus have an easier time.
There is no snow in the winters of the black market. Will I still see snow? Yes, but in that world of silvery white, nothing you know will remain.
Thunder and lightning are but a form of punishment. They have paid the price for their ill deeds. How good it is, do you not think?
Your machinations will claim all. Is this how you became the master of the black market? Yes, as will you, Elliot. I know that well. You will not let anyone escape.
I cannot permit the punished to leave my sight in peace. Doctor, I plead you permit me to perform this aftercare.
Did you see how the punished fled? Yes, I did. I wonder if that was how those Columbians saw me.
A rather harsh defeat. But worry not, Doctor. Those who have snatched victory from your hands... will be privileged to experience suffering in full.
The days to permit mistakes are gone for good, never to return. We are fighting an enemy too powerful. Fate? No, ourselves.
What a captivating landship. Doctor, Sargon has never accorded me such treatment.
Do you find Rhodes Island comforting? It's more the caffeine.
Oh. Might something be the matter?
Do not wake him, okay?
Doctor, care for some coffee? I grew these beans myself. Back in Sargon, it was my sole form of recreation.
Treasure your memories, treasure a time when you still had emotions. I understand. At least, I can still understand.
Arknights.
Arknights.
The New Year... what an unfamiliar concept. The golden sands of Sargon remain unchanged year after year. Making resolutions for a new start on an artificial calendar is nothing but empty self-consolation. That said, here at Rhodes Island, perhaps a day when everyone has a common cause for celebration is indeed special.
At New Year's Day, I guess many will come to curry the favor of the master of the black market? Is that so? I have forgotten. I only remember that science museum admission was free when the professor took me there that winter... So distant. The memory is so very distant.
My greetings, Doctor.
I dreamed of a future where all faded into nothingness with the changing seasons. No sweet dreams, no nightmares, only... darkness. That is where fate will lead us, Elliot. That darkness is no metaphor, just nothingness itself.
A birthday should be no cause for celebration. It is, instead, a countdown to one's death. Each time such an occasion arises, I reflect on what remains unaccomplished. The terminus of ideals and hatred lies far beyond sight, much like the unpredictable end of one's life. These ravings are perhaps not suitable for this occasion. I should congratulate you instead. Happy birthday.
Seems that even time celebrates you, Doctor. Forgive me for not having prepared a gift. May your dreams be free of the pains of the past. Or perhaps, I will tell your future when the past eats away at you.
Having lived such an absurd life, I am but a husk of a man. Yet, from this ship that Kal'tsit has placed great hope in, I caught a glimpse of light in this boundless, dull realm. Doctor, I look forward to the sights you will show me, after we traverse the immeasurable hatred and battles ahead.
The mission of Rhodes Island is clear, but you seem to seek something else. I know. What I seek could never be had, ever since the morning that I left Columbia. Do you remember Professor Thorne's voice, Elliot?
Passenger. It's almost a parody of a name one might give oneself. But the truth is it, he does not know where he is going, he is just along for the ride. He has openly admitted his involvement in several horrific murders in Sargon, having spent twenty years there on a quest for revenge. Granted, revenge is not a particularly rare motivation. But this Elliot, a young research assistant of Columbian origin, spent decades transforming himself into a man of Sargon. He has cultivated contacts, wealth, and power in the Ibut region. His unique black market brought local nobles and foreign businessmen alike into his orbit. And after getting his revenge, all that he built over twenty years, he simply discarded. A black marketeer, starting as a lowly assistant, rose to prominence, and gave it all up in an instant. He could have lived like the Lord Ameer of Ibut after getting his revenge. This has some in HR worried about Elliot's intentions after changing his name and coming to Rhodes Island. When pressed on this point, Elliot, Operator Passenger himself, shot a hole through our doubts. He stared at the black coffee in his hand for a moment before giving his answer: 'I hate Sargon. I hate the sand. I hate everything about it. And I always have.'
Doctor, Kal'tsit, Sesa. Since his arrival at Rhodes Island, only these three individuals seem to have caught his attention. Admittedly, he is polite and meticulous in his work. But after meeting a target from the Engineering Department or returning victorious from a mission, there is no emotional change in his eyes at all. He does not keep secrets, except for the most crucial ones. He describes his experiences and current situation clearly and concisely to anyone who asks, as if he has the speech memorized. Not everyone can face his past with such an attitude. After the fire that brought his revenge to completion, he felt relief, but what was to come next? Where does he go after leaving behind the golden sands of Sargon? Passenger once described Dr. Kal'tsit as his savior. Though I never saw a hint of gratitude in his trademark smile as he said it. He clearly trusts Dr. Kal'tsit on some level, and if Kal'tsit never said another word about how they met in Sargon, he would never share anything personal about her. As for Sesa, Passenger is dangerously concerned with Sesa. Only a very few people, including the Doctor, know that Sesa is investigating a certain Columbian military contractor. Unfortunately, Sesa's 'incomplete revenge' fits all the elements of Passenger's attention. He is even eager to help Sesa piece together the truth. If it were not for the limitations placed on Rhodes Island Operators, it is hard to imagine what Sesa and Passenger might be able to exact on that Columbian corporation. The main reason why Passenger has not acted more rashly thus far is the Doctor. No matter what his feelings toward the Doctor may be, his primary interest seems to be in actions and accomplishments. He may feel some kinship with the Doctor over their unique life experiences, or he may find comfort in having a commander to give him orders and direction. Either way, we will watch this development carefully. As he said, he left Columbia, he left Sargon, and now he is at Rhodes Island. Wherever he is in the world, he is but a passenger—an outsider, along for the ride.