Editing Finnala/Rising

{{Notice/Rising}}
{{Character infobox
|variant= Human
|name=Finnala
|image=[[File:Finnala MIND.jpg|300px]]
|othernames=The Medjay<br>Nala<br>Lady Finnala
|species=[[Human/Rising|Human]]
|gender=Female
|hair=Black
|eyes=Brown
|affiliation=[[Bayda-Benghazi/Rising|Bayda-Benghazi]]{{C|formerly}}<br>Lord [[Saladin/Rising|Saladin]]<br>[[Veridia/Rising|Veridia]]
|class=[[Lightbearer/Rising|Lightbearer]] {{C|{{Icon/Rising|Solar}} Solar}}
|rank=[[Iron Lords/Rising|Iron Wolf]]
|notable=
}}
{{Quote|An Iron Wolf under Saladin's command, committed to leading humanity toward a better future.}}
'''Finnala''' is a Lightbearer risen by [[Aiina/Rising|Aiina]], and Lord [[Saladin/Rising|Saladin]]'s [[Iron Lords/Rising|Iron Wolf]]. She is a playable character in ''[[Destiny: Rising]]''.

==Biography==
{{Stub|section=yes}}

==Gameplay==
{{Relic infobox
|name= Maat
|image= [[File:Maat Files.jpg|300px]]
|othernames=
|manufacturer=
|style=
|element= {{Icon/Rising|Solar}} Solar
|core= Taunt<ref name="Taunt" group="Key Word">'''[Taunt]''': Forces combatants to attack themselves or a designated unit.</ref><br>Recovery<ref name="Recovery" group="Key Word">'''[Recovery]''': Restores their own health.</ref><br>Damage Resistance<ref name="DamageRes" group="Key Word">'''[Damage Resistance]''': Grants themselves damage resistance.</ref><br>Crowd Control<ref name="CrowdControl" group="Key Word">'''[Crowd Control]''': Renders combatants unable to attack and pulls them to a specific location or in a specific direction.</ref><br>Suppression<ref name="Suppression" group="Key Word">'''[Suppression]''': Removes combatants' buffs and decreases their damage dealt.</ref>
|service= 
|affiliation=
}}
===Overview===
;Traits
*'''Legendary'''
*'''[[Solar/Rising|Solar]]'''
*'''Defense'''
*'''Close Range Combat'''

;Weapons
*[[Auto Rifle/Rising|Auto Rifle]]
*[[Sword/Rising|Sword]]

===Relic Abilities===
;Passive
*'''Ember''': Defeating a combatant inflicted with Finnala's own '''Scorched'''<ref name="Scorched" group="Key Word">'''[Scorched]''': Causes combatants to take '''20'''<small>[Parameter 3]</small> Solar damage every '''0.5'''s. Stacks '''6'''x.</ref> generates '''1 Firesprite'''.<ref name="Firesprite" group="Key Word">'''[Firesprite]''': Firesprites will be drawn to allies who approach or shoot them, granting them '''1''' stack of the '''Ember''' recovery effect lasting '''6'''s.</ref>

;Signatures
*'''Funerary Flames''' 20.0s
'''Taunt'''<ref name="Taunt" group="Key Word"/> '''Recovery'''<ref name="Recovery" group="Key Word"/> '''Crowd Control'''<ref name="CrowdControl" group="Key Word"/>

Finnala leaps and spins to pull in combatants, then quickly descends to deal high Solar damage and inflict nearby targets with '''Taunt'''<ref name="Taunt" group="Key Word"/> for '''6'''s. This will also cause targets inflicted with '''Scorched'''<ref name="Scorched" group="Key Word"/> to instantly take all the remaining damage.

Finnala leaps and spins to pull in combatants within a '''4'''-meter radius, then quickly descends and slashes. This slash deals '''2040'''<ref name="SkillSigSolarFunerary" group="Parameter">This value is affected by '''[Skill Strength][Signature Boost][Solar Boost]''' - This damage scales with '''Funerary Flames''''s level.</ref> Solar damage to combatants within a '''6'''-meter radius and inflicts them with '''Taunt'''<ref name="Taunt" group="Key Word"/> for '''6'''s. Additionally, the '''Scorched'''<ref name="Scorched" group="Key Word"/> effect on targets damaged by the slash will take immediate effect. Charging this ability will increase its range by up to '''150%''' and its damage by up to '''100%'''.

*'''Blazing Barrier''' 14.0s
'''Damage Resistance'''<ref name="DamageRes" group="Key Word"/>

Spawns a '''Blazing Barrier''' that follows Finnala, reducing the damage of any incoming projectiles that pass through it by '''50%''' and inflicting '''Scorched'''<ref name="Scorched" group="Key Word"/> on combatants that touch it for '''9'''.

Creates a circular '''Blazing Barrier''' with a radius of '''3'''m and a height of '''6'''m around Finnala. The barrier lasts for '''12'''s. '''Blazing Barrier''' blocks '''50%''' of incoming ranged damage and inflicts combatants who touch it with '''Scorched'''.<ref name="Scorched" group="Key Word"/>

After casting '''Blazing Barrier''', casting the ability again before the barrier expires retracts it and recharges the ability based on its remaining duration.

;Super
*'''Reaper's Descent''' 70.0s
'''Recovery'''<ref name="Recovery" group="Key Word"/>

Finnala enters her Super state. During it, she can perform a sustained spinning attack and inflict '''Scorched'''<ref name="Scorched" group="Key Word"/>, and her attacks generate '''100%''' more enmity.

Finnala becomes empowered by the Light and enters her Super state.

Holding the attack button while her Super is active will perform a sustained spinning attack. Each spin deals '''1598'''<ref name="SkillSuperSolarReaper" group="Parameter">This value is affected by '''[Skill Strength][Super Boost][Solar Boost]''' - This damage scales with '''Reaper's Descent''''s level.</ref> Solar damage to combatants within a '''6'''-meter radius and inflicts '''1 Scorched'''<ref name="Scorched" group="Key Word"/> stack for '''9'''s.

While her Super is active, Finnala's attacks generate '''100%''' more enmity, the range and damage of '''Blazing Barrier''' and '''Fiery Rampage''' are both increased by '''30%''', and Finnala gains +'''30%''' movement speed and high damage resistance.

;Relic Traits
*'''Unending Stream''': Every '''1''' target defeated with '''Funerary Flames''' refunds '''20%''' energy for '''Funerary Flames''', up to '''60%''' at a time.

*'''Fiery Suppression''': Inflicting '''Scorched'''<ref name="Scorched" group="Key Word"/> also inflicts '''Suppression''' for '''9'''s.

*'''Flame Armor''': Each stack of '''Ember'''<ref name="Ember" group="Key Word">'''[Ember]''': Recover '''102'''<small>[Variable]</small> health every '''0.5'''s for '''6'''s. Stacks '''3'''x. <br> '''[Variable]''': This value is affected by '''[Healing Enhancement]''' - This effect scales with '''Blazing Barrier''''s level.</ref> also grants '''8% Damage Resistance'''.

;Weapon Mastery 
*'''Fiery Empowerment'''
:*'''LV.1''': Hitting targets with weapons while '''Blazing Barrier''' is active inflicts an additional '''1''' stack of '''Scorched'''<ref name="Scorched" group="Key Word"/> for '''9'''s.

:*'''LV.2''': Increases the damage of '''Scorched'''<ref name="Scorched" group="Key Word"/> to '''130%'''.

:*'''LV.3''': Increases the damage of '''Scorched'''<ref name="Scorched" group="Key Word"/> to '''160%'''.

:*'''LV.4''': While Finnala's '''Blazing Barrier''' is present:

:::'''Auto Rifle''' hits trigger an additional explosion, dealing '''211'''<ref name="SkillSigSolarBlazing" group="Parameter">This value is affected by '''[Skill Strength][Signature Boost][Solar Boost]''' - This damage scales with '''Blazing Barrier''''s level.</ref> Solar damage to all targets within a '''4'''-meter radius of the initial target and inflicting '''1''' stack of '''Scorched'''<ref name="Scorched" group="Key Word"/> for '''9'''s. This effect can trigger '''1''' time every '''0.7'''s.

:::'''Sword''' attacks deal an additional instance of '''211'''<ref name="SkillSigSolarBlazing" group="Parameter"/> Solar damage to all targets within a '''6'''-meter radius in front of Finnala and inflict '''1''' stack of '''Scorched'''<ref name="Scorched" group="Key Word"/> for '''9'''s.

:*'''LV.5''': Increases the damage of '''Scorched'''<ref name="Scorched" group="Key Word"/> to '''200%'''.

===Talent Tree===
*'''Gulpfire Healing''': When the descent and slash from '''Funerary Flames''' hits a target inflicted with Finnala's own '''Scorched'''<ref name="Scorched" group="Key Word"/> effect, she recovers '''952'''<ref name="HealingFunerary" group="Parameter">This value is affected by '''[Healing Enhancement]''' - This effect scales with '''Funerary Flames''''s level.</ref> health and generates '''1''' extra '''Firesprite'''.<ref name="Firesprite" group="Key Word"/> This effect can be triggered up to '''3''' times within a single ability cast.

*'''Fanning the Flames''': '''Funerary Flames''' deals '''30%''' more damage, and its pull effect inflicts an additional '''1''' stack of '''Scorched'''<ref name="Scorched" group="Key Word"/> for '''9'''s.

*'''Ember's Reignition''': Reduces the charge time of '''Blazing Barrier''' to '''10'''s.

*'''Kindled Blaze''': Increases the max stacks of '''Scorched'''<ref name="Scorched" group="Key Word"/> to '''9'''.

*'''Undying Embers''': Increases the duration of '''Ember'''<ref name="Ember" group="Key Word"/> to '''10'''s.

*'''From Ashes''': Reaching max stacks of '''Scorched'''<ref name="Scorched" group="Key Word"/> with weapon hits removes all '''Scorched'''<ref name="Scorched" group="Key Word"/> stacks to immediately inflicts the remaining damage all at once and trigger an explosion, dealing Solar damage equal to '''20%''' x '''Scorched''''s<ref name="Scorched" group="Key Word"/> remaining damage to all combatants within a '''4'''-meter radius. This effect can trigger up to once every '''0.7'''s.

==Files==
{{Verbatim}}
===Maat===
{{Quote|Blazing like the fiercest sun, cleansing all in flames.}}
====Emissary of Order====
Entrusted to Finnala by Lord Saladin, this relic radiates a heat that pierces the icy chill of the Red Sea Rift's eternal night. It pulses in her grip, a heartbeat of fervent justice, not merely a weapon but a symbol of order restored from chaos, of justice once devoured, of leadership—it is "Order" incarnate.

===Finnala===
{{Quote|An Iron Wolf under Saladin's command, committed to leading humanity toward a better future.}}
Name: Finnala

Race: Human

Revival Location: Northern Africa

Ghost: Aiina

Relic: Maat

This Lightbearer from the coastal regions of North Africa established a small base after her resurrection, vowing to protect her people. However, she would soon face betrayal and unforeseen dangers. After her many trials, she pledged her loyalty to Lord Saladin of the Red Sea Rift, becoming his undisputed and unparalleled Iron Wolf.

Finnala is still haunted by her past. She is committed to upholding law and order, yet lost in the balance between enforcement and leniency. She aims to guide people toward a better future, often pondering the purpose of the Iron Wolves. Perhaps she is fated to fight relentlessly until she finds the answers she seeks.

===Aiina===
An innocent and benevolent Ghost, her circuits overflow with compassion. She perpetually perceives others through a lens of goodwill, albeit at times to her own detriment. This very kindness casts a gentle light upon Finnala, safeguarding her from devolving into an implacable arbiter devoid of mercy.

==Diary==
{{Verbatim}}
===A Proposal to Lord Saladin I===

Esteemed Lord Saladin,

After reviewing the Red Sea Rift Legal Statutes, I believe certain sections urgently require further refinement, as detailed below:

Chapter 2, Article 3.1: To regulate the management of visitors and maintain order in the Red Sea Rift, it is mandated that all visitors proceed to the designated registration offices as instructed by the annexed statutes to ensure their legal rights during their stay.

Given the complex situation within the Red Sea Rift and the frequent influxes of unidentified visitors from outside regions, thorough screening is unachievable even with such a registration statute, leaving the residents of Veridia vulnerable. I suggest we tighten control over population movement and refrain from allowing visitors into Veridia unless absolutely necessary.

Chapter 2, Article 4.7: To protect the natural resources of the Red Sea Rift, maintain the local ecological environment, and regulate Radiancite development and utilization, all groups and individuals are prohibited from unauthorized extraction and exploitation of Radiancite. Prohibited activities include but are not limited to exploration, mining, blasting, excavation, illegal transport, and selling/trading. Violators will be punished based on severity.

Radiancite is a vital mineral—the lifeline of the region and its main source of Light. I support its protection, but "violators will be punished based on severity" seems too lenient and may encourage some to take risks in order to obtain it. I recommend immediate and severe punishment for any illegal mining activities to serve as a deterrent.

Chapter 3, Article 1.2: The Red Sea Rift adheres to the principles of independence, autonomy, and peaceful coexistence in diplomacy, and shall never forego the development of friendly, equal, and cooperative relations with other territories.

I earnestly urge you, Lord Saladin, to reconsider this statute. Not all Iron Lords are transparent, selfless, and trustworthy. Even a one percent chance of betrayal in the course of cooperation could pose a threat to our people. For the sake of the Red Sea Rift and the safety of Veridia's citizens, please let us focus first on our own development. Additionally, I suggest further bolstering our military to anticipate unforeseen developments.

I await your response.

===Past Correspondence===

''[A letter from Bayda-Benghazi, accompanied by a small bag of local produce]''

Dear Nala,

It's been a while since we last spoke.

The coast rarely sees consecutive sunny days, but the weather has been notably good recently, and the Super-C cherry tomatoes have enjoyed a bumper harvest. I was chatting with Manda and she mentioned that you love them. I was surprised—I don't recall ever seeing you eat these fruity little snacks. Manda told me with a smile that although you would never ask for them, someone always managed to empty the fruit basket on the Leader's Hall table before anyone else could get a bite—and we all know you're the only one who would stay there.

I picked out some of the plumper ones and dried them for you. Benghazi is so far from Veridia, so fresh cherry tomatoes would likely shrivel up on their journey. But don't worry, I've also prepared some seeds for you in the brown paper packet at the bottom of the bag so you can try growing some yourself.

Take care of yourself, Nala. Manda and I miss you.


''[A letter from Bayda-Benghazi, written in childish, crooked handwriting and with numerous corrections]''

Dear Nala,

I'm very happy today, because Mom said, "I have (scratched out) You have improved a lot. You can have a reward!" I want to go play with you. But Mom said you're at a place called Very-deeya. I don't get it. She said it's very very very far, and I can only go when I grow up.

But I'm already 11. And Mom said I'm growing up, so that means soon I can come see you!

I put Stacy by my bed. When you gave her to me you said, "Stacy will protect you." But I know it's not Stacy keeping us safe. It's you!

So I told Mom, "I want to be like Nala! I want to protect everyone and grow up and play with Nala!" And Mom said I'm super sweet!

Today was a good day!


''[A letter from Bayda-Benghazi, written on coarse paper, in imposing handwriting]''

Esteemed Leader,

Salutations.

The training drills have spread throughout the town, with many among the younger generation joining in.

Our armory is expanding, now provisionally covering all field squads.

The Leader's Hall was hit by a typhoon a few days ago, damaging the roof (there were no casualties as it was unoccupied). Repairs are underway.

All else is well.

You are deeply missed.

===Nightmares===

I dreamed on that river again.

I saw how it meandered out of the mist only to disappear back into it, winding its way through all of Bayda-Benghazi. I've walked along its banks countless times, always with blade in hand.

Most of the time, I impale the heads of my enemies on my blade's tip, their last terror-filled gaze serving as an apology to my people. Sometimes, I return bedraggled, remorseful, and wounded—a version of myself shattered and reassembled, my incompetence laid bare against the backdrop of a prolonged life.

In the dream, I can only move forward, staggering upstream. The stench of rotting corpses in the water, those submerged bones peering at me, they all seem so familiar—''I should know who they are''— as they hysterically plead for my help.

I ask them over and over, who killed you? Was it a distant visitor from the stars? The vultures of the desert?

I receive no reply.

The fear in this—not of the answer itself, but of the march toward it—is palpable.

I've awoken countless times in a cold sweat, remembering—reliving—how I entrusted my people to others in such feeble weakness. Never have I had the chance to embrace any of the shadowy figures in this dream. They only push me away violently and scream in horror. I endure the bitterness in my slumber, then weep upon waking, trapped in the currents of this endless river.

So I start to run, my veins burning, my fear threatening to suffocate me. But I need to go faster, to see the culprit at the river's end before the dream fades away.

I rush into the mist and finally, finally, I reach the river's end. A thunderous thrum surrounds me, deafening. I slowly realize it's the pounding of my own terrified heart.

I look down at the water, and in its surface, I see my own face.

===Receipts===

''[A stack of shopping receipts, neatly folded within the diary, each accompanied by a note in elegant handwriting]''


1. Veridia Textiles: Your Personal Wardrobe First Choice of the Iron Lords

Summer Fresh Macaron Series Spaghetti Strapp Dress: 1 item, pink  Purchase Date: July 21

When I handed the dress back to the clerk, I meant for her to put it back on the racks, not to take it to the checkout for packaging, and certainly not for Aiina to pay for it via the terminal without my consent! Next time, I'll make it clear that these airy, breezy clothes just aren't my style.

2. Eternal Love—For the purest of vows. Tailor your bliss now! As recommended by the Iron Lords.

Imitation Radiancite Lovers' Rings: 1 pair, gift box included  Purchase Date: July 24

Who thought it would be a good idea to sell rings to a Ghost? And why in the world did Aiina buy a pair? To wear them on her mechanical appendages? Wait… She bought them the day before my blind date?!

3. Don't waste your blood, sweat, and tears! Let us do the hard work of making your dreams come true! A favorite of the Iron Lords!

Pain-Free Rapid Muscle-Building Elixir: Lightbearer Edition, 1 bottle, for biceps and back  Purchase Date: July 25

…No, nobody can just drink a nutritional supplement and bulk up overnight, not even Lord Saladin. And does he even know he's endorsing so many products…?

4. Let your true beauty shine through! Over 500 stores worldwide, adored by the Iron Lords!

Shop-to-it Fest Promotion: Classic Eyeshadow and Lipstick Set: 2 sets, earth tones  Purchase Date: July 27.

Wolf says the women of Haven swear by this makeup brand—but that's no reason for Aiina to buy two identical sets of lipstick and eyeshadow. And to say this eyeshadow palette is adored by Lord Saladin is going a little too far.

5. Officially license. A heartfelt tribute, penning the legends all around you. Exclusive Iron Lords collaboration.

Legendary Red Sea Rift Lightbearer Card Set: 10 cards, Finnala edition  Purchase Date: 28.

…What's this now? Why did Aiina buy ten identical cards? And where did they get the nerve to use my image without my consent? Did Lord Saladin really sign off on this?!

===The Past===

Seeing that familiar emblem once more nearly made me lose my mind.

It's a scar that never healed, a rusted fang gnawing at my mind, a ghost haunting my dreams for years with no end in sight. I was so angry. I'm sure I must have been enraged beyond recognition because Aiina sounded on the verge of tears trying to calm me down, but I just wanted to ask—why? Why must the people I live to protect drag themselves back down and make a deal with Kandak again?

Don't they know how duplicitous he is beneath that facade? How the sword he pledges will always be double-edged? During my brief rule over that territory, I felt overwhelmed on every level, and it was that snake who offered me an olive branch. He reached out, promising to aid our defenses in exchange for just a small portion of our food supplies on a regular basis.

The off was too tempting for my weary soul to decline. I signed the agreement without much though, and now, it has become an inescapable nightmare.

At first, Kandak seemed helpful, even provided aid in the form of armaments and dispatching patrols… Actions that now seem trivial, but that won my complete trust at the time, naively making me believe his ever-increasing demands were just means to better assist us.

But when the Fallen attacked, and the town fell to their bombardment, I was crushed and revied countless times, only to be met with a flippant message stating that stopping alien invasions was not part of our agreement.

I could hear the sound of my ribs cracking, the agonized cries of those I served, and in a haze, I even heard Kandak laughing scornfully at my naivety. I stood at the city gates, unable to step back—not because I was holding the last line of defense, but because I was too afraid to look into the eyes of my people behind me.

It wasn't Kandak who cast them into the abyss—it was me, in my folly, paranoia, and stubbornness.

This betrayal, this self-loathing, is something for which I'll never forgive myself.

===Training Class Notes===

Monday's Schedule: Morning—10,000-meter warm-up run, Afternoon—3v3 free combat arena sparring.

Monday's Menu: Fresh shrimp and bitter melon fern root salad, tender oil-free chicken breast salad, fresh orange juice.

Tuesday's Schedule: Morning—Session on Cabal troop types, Afternoon—Firearm disassembly, 20-meter target practice, obstacle shooting training.

Tuesday's Menu: Soft-boiled egg and quinoa salad, slow-braised beef with soba noodle, kale juice.

Wednesday's Schedule: Morning—150 weighted frog jumps, 200 weighted shuttle runs, Afternoon—1v99 sand table shooting exercise.

Wednesday's Menu: Szechuan pepper chicken breast with roasted cauliflower, low-fat mapo tofu, baby cucumber juice blend.

Thursday's Schedule: Morning—Ghost teamwork training (optional for non-Lightbearers), Afternoon—Melee weapons sparring.

Thursday's Menu: Soft-boiled egg and shrimp croissant, konjac oat chicken breast sandwich, tomato and orange juice.

Friday's Schedule: Morning—Relic smelting theory, Afternoon—Group patrol of Veridia.

Friday's Menu: Handmaid chicken breast meatball soup, black pepper soba noodle with vinaigrette, kale juice.


The second week of Veridia's pilot civilian military training program has yielded promising results.

As of now, a total of 100 people have participated in the training. In the first week, 6 individuals dropped out. However, 6 were persuaded to return, and another 6 were invited to join. A total of 31 people were unable to keep up with the training pace. After additional personalized training sessions, all 31 caught up. There were 17 instances of frequent absences and 4 cases of regular absences. Additionally, 22 people gathered for meals outside due to complaints about the blandness of the light meals. Formal discussions have been held with all individuals involved, and 39 written apologies have been received.

I look forward to the day this program is fully implemented throughout Veridia.

===A Proposal to Lord Saladin II===

Esteemed Lord Saladin,

Thank you for your response to my previous proposal. I have reflected on recent events and observed the mood in Veridia as you advised. I must concede now that my past experiences in Bayda-Benghazi may have led to a narrow-mindedness in my suggestions, marked by a certain degree of paranoia and extremism. I apologize for the content of my earlier recommendations and ask for your permission to propose further amendments to the statutes.

Chapter 2, Article 3.1, regarding the regulation of newcomers.

From what I understand, due to the Cabal's sudden arrival and occupation, many people have flocked to Veridia from all over the Red Sea Rift. These are ordinary civilians who are displaced and defenseless, and as Lightbearers, we have a duty to protect them. Also, as the Cabal's actions have intensified, a significant number of civilians persecuted in the surrounding areas of the Red Sea Rift have come seeking refuge. Veridia welcomes people who are verified to pose no threat.

However, I still wish to improve this statute. In addition to providing shelter for newcomers, I suggest Veridia encourage all citizens to participate in military exercises, ensuring at least basic physical fitness and weapons proficiency, to empower civilians with the ability to defend themselves. This would extend to both locals and newcomers.

Chapter 2, Article 4.7, regarding the mining of Radiancite.

Recently, while patrolling the outskirts of Veridia, I encountered a group of civilians illegally mining Radiancite—a clear violation of the law. As such, I was ready to apprehend them. However, when I went to pursue them, I was injured by some patrolling Cabal, and it was the civilian ringleader who saved me. Hence, I agreed to his plea to understand the desperate situation he described to me.

I followed him to his dwelling. It was merely a rundown shack on the outskirts of Veridia. They are people who couldn't leave their homes for various reasons after the Cabal invasion, thus becoming the "forsaken" of Veridia, eking out a living on the outskirts and driven to desperate measures, such as mining Radiancite.

It was then that I realized the folly of my previous proposal. Though it was not my intention, I too was complicit in the "forsaking" of these citizens. Yet I still had to punish them. I assigned them to work in Veridia's union and factories, substituting jail time with gainful employment and allowing them to earn a decent income. I asked Aiina if this was a "forsaking" of these citizens. Yet I still had to punish them. I assigned them to work in Veridia's union and factories, substituting jail time with gainful employment and allowing them to earn a decent income. I asked Aiina if this was a perversion of the law, and she told me it wasn't; rather, this is the very purpose of the law's existence.

Chapter 3, Article 1.2, regarding the diplomatic policies of the Red Sea Rift.

Before outlining this suggestion, please allow me to apologize once more for my previously overzealous views. With the assistance of Lord Radegast and Wolf, I've gained a clearer perspective on the responsibilities of a lord and an Iron Wolf. They've shown me that humanity can unite to rebuild a new world after a major disaster.

I look forward to the day those efforts come to fruition.

===The Dinner===

I never thought I'd get a dinner invitation form ''him'', of all people. I always pictured him as someone who would be garrisoned in his dismantling site around the clock, forsaking food and drink in the name of research. Aiina, on the other hand, was delighted. She always likes seeing me mingle with others—although I think it's most likely because it means she gets to escape the training grounds for a while.

I arrived a little late, and when I pushed the door open, I saw a table covered with all sorts of reports and charts, which made me step back out to double-check if I was in the right place. Thankfully, a plate of lasagna and a platter of grilled sausages were squeezed into a corner of the table, proving he'd at least remembered why we were there.

Watching him frantically tidy up the papers and then engage in awkward small talk, which seemed like quite an unfamiliar exercise for him, was quite the sight. He asked what I had been up to lately—training, training, more training, fighting the Cabal…and essentially nothing else.

Out of politeness, I asked about his recent exploits. It seemed he had been waiting for just this opportunity. He pulled out his reports once more and started rambling on. He talked about how he had found code signals on the Sentinel that cannot be traced to any known civilization, how these hollow codes might have their own consciousness, how his mentor was desperately searching for clues right up to her death… Most of the technical terms he used were so alien to me that I drifted off, half-convinced we were still in a Cabal base, with his incessant prattling ringing in my ears.

Loud, obstinate, and relentless. It's nice to see some things never change.

When I offered to split the bill at the end of the meal, I was surprised to learn from the waiter that my companion had already taken care of it—a surprisingly proactive gesture on his part. I tried to share the cost, but he started making a fuss, ranting about how I'm "too by-the-book" and how "friends don't quibble over the check."

Well then… We're friends now, are we? I must say, it's quite a novel concept for me. In the past, I always sorted people into the categories of lords, civilians, and enemies. The new term—a new fourth category—left me intrigued and somewhat at a loss, keen to delve into its meaning.

Before we parted ways, I stopped him and said, "Next time, I'll treat you to dinner, Kris. I hope you'll bring along more of your findings."

He looked surprised for a moment, then quickly saluted with his fingers to his forehead and left with a grin.

===A Farcical Blind Date===

May the Traveler bless Samantha so that she never introduces me to any more of her "outstanding Lightbearer friends."

She's a sweetheart, always kind and caring, but she seems too invested in everyone's love life. She always asks with a worried look and tone about why I'm single, as if not finding a partner right this instant means I'll die alone and miserable the very next second.

To make matters worse, Aiina started echoing her sentiments, urging me to meet this "friend" of hers—promising me the person was gentle, considerate, and sensitive. But she deftly changed the subject when I questioned why such a gem hadn't been snapped up yet.

I reluctantly agreed and added this person's contact information under Samantha's watchful gaze. When I opened my communicator and tried to confirm the location of our date, Samantha's friend—someone with the username "AAA Alienologist"—sent several messages at an almost frightening speed.

"When can we meet?"

"I can hardly wait! ♡"

"You can bring some stuff from work."

"Oh, what I mean is, we can talk about your work."

"To show that I care about you!"

...It was uncomfortably forward, almost enough to make me queasy.

For one, Aiina wasn't reading over my shoulder. She was instead busy imagining my future married life, even going so far as deciding on a pink pacifier for my future child. Samantha seemed fairly happy as well. All this makes me wonder if I've overlooked such unique people due to my social circle being comprised almost entirely of military personnel.

We agreed to meet at a quiet forest-themed restaurant, where a face-to-face explanation and polite rejection seemed appropriate.

My mind was filled with endless possible scenarios, and I was even overcome with a sense of nervousness—something I hadn't felt in a long time, even during battles against the Cabal. When the bespectacled man looked at me, it felt as if his eyes were firing lasers from behind his lenses. He stood and shook my hand and asked his first question.

"I hear you deal with the Cabal often?"

I hesitated for a few seconds before confirming (albeit with some uncertainty), "Yes... I do."

Nearly the second he heard this, he reached into the large backpack behind him and pulled out a pen, a pencil, colored pencils, a recording pen, and three notebooks of different sizes. He then sat rigidly in his seat and asked his second question.

"Can you describe, in as much detail as possible, the different types of Cabal you have encountered? Including their typical bodily dimensions, behaviors, interests, and religion. For quantitative data, please round to three decimal places."

...

That was the most unbearable meal I'd ever had. For at least two hours, I was constantly answering this "Alienologist's" inquiries about the Cabal to, as he put it, help enrich his "Dark Age Extraterrestrials Index."

When he asked me, "If I were to invite the Cabal to dinner, how much food do you think I should prepare? How fast do they eat? Would they be open to taking a picture with me after dinner?" I couldn't take it any longer. I stood up and dryly answered, "All I know is that this meal is over, sir."

He looked very regretful as he took my hand and repeatedly claimed he was looking forward to seeing me again. He stayed in his chair, watching as I paid for the entire meal and practically fled the restaurant.

I didn't message him asking for his half of the bill. I was content to delete his contact information as fast as possible.

What an utterly memorable experience—one I'll probably recall vividly fifty years from now. But at least, when I told Samantha all about it, she fell silent for a long while and didn't bring up the topic of relationships again.

===Iron Wolves===

''[An audio clip recorded by Aiina, with some parts obscured by ambient noise]''


…

"…but Radegast chose you, didn't he? That means you two at least share the same goals. Or are you just following his lead?"

"Of course not. In fact, Radegast and I disagree about quite a few things."

"As an Iron Wolf?"

"No—as just Wolf. Do you always see eye to eye with Saladin?"

"Of course… The great Iron Lord chose me to become an Iron Wolf. I…"

"Come one, you can be honest with me, Nala."

"He's a great leader, yes. But…there are times I just can't see things his way. It's not about being right or wrong, though. We just stand on different ground."

"Exactly, it's about where you stand. A stand taken by two is an agreement, by twenty a rule, and by two hundred, it becomes law."

"And if it's just one person?"

"That's an inverted pyramid. The higher you climb, the more you've got to consider."

"Yes…you're right. Iron Lords stand at the top of that inverted pyramid. They must consider the direction of the entire territory—of humanity as a whole. They must look to the future, not the present."

"But we can, Nala."

"We…?"

"Somebody has to support the base of that inverted pyramid. Even if it's sharp and narrow, the whole ideology hinges on it. That's what being an Iron Wold is all about. I understand your dilemma—you're always trying to help Saladin think about the stance of the Iron Lords, which often leaves you lost in the confusion of these changing times. But in truth, you—we, the Iron Wolves—we've got to look in the directions the Iron Lords cannot see."

"…You mean…"

"Think of it this way—any Iron Lord confronted with a runaway train would opt to prioritize the track with more lives at stake, but that doesn't mean they've forsaken the minority. For them—at least for Lord Radegast, he trusts that as his Iron Wolf, I can rescue those he can't."

"…I see what you're saying."

"Iron Lords choose their Iron Wolves, sure—but we also choose our Iron Lords. Trust your gut, Nala."

"Thank you, Wolf. I think I've found the answer I've been searching for."

==List of appearances==
*''[[Destiny: Rising]]'' {{1st}}
**''[[Season of the Moor]]''

==Key Words==
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==References==
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{{Lightbearers/Rising}}
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[[Category:Citizens of Veridia]]
[[Category:Humans/Rising]]
[[Category:Characters/Rising]]
[[Category:Lightbearers/Rising]]
[[Category:Allies/Rising]]
[[Category:Iron Lords/Rising]]
[[Category:Playable characters/Rising]]