Ueda Hitomi / Nie Xiying / Alexandra Metaxa / Won Esther
Signature Dish
A member of Averardo Vault's security team and holder of "Best Employee" for longer than she cares to count.
She has made plenty of plans for her free time, but for now, her biggest mission is simple: clocking out on time.
Basic Attack Perform up to 4 consecutive attacks to deal Spectro DMG. After performing Basic Attack Stage 3, press Normal Attack at the right time to perform Basic Attack Breakthrough, which can be followed by Basic Attack Stage 4 by pressing Normal Attack again. Heavy Attack Consume STA to attack the target, dealing Spectro DMG. Press Normal Attack within a certain time to perform Basic Attack Stage 3. Mid-air Attack Consume STA to perform a plunging attack, dealing Spectro DMG. Press Normal Attack within a certain time to perform Basic Attack Stage 3. Dodge Counter Press Normal Attack within a certain time after a successful Dodge to attack the target, dealing Spectro DMG. Then press Normal Attack at the right time to cast Basic Attack Breakthrough.
Standard Defense Protocol Attack the target to deal Spectro DMG and enter a block stance. This state ends early if Zani is switched off the field. Press Normal Attack within a certain time to perform Basic Attack Stage 3, recovering 10 points of Redundant Energy and Stagnating the target on hit. When attacked by an enemy while in block stance, reduce this instance of damage by 100% and Stagnate nearby targets, then cast Pinpoint Strike, dealing Spectro DMG and further reducing their Vibration Strength by 5%. DMG taken by Zani is reduced by 30% within the next 2s. Crisis Response Protocol When Zani is not in Inferno Mode and has full Redundant Energy, her Resonance Skill is replaced with Resonance Skill Crisis Response Protocol. Hold Resonance Skill to enter Ready Stance. While in Ready Stance, Zani is immune to interruption. This state ends early if Zani is switched off the field. After releasing Resonance Skill button or when the stance duration ends, consume all Redundant Energy to cast Targeted Action, dealing Spectro DMG, which is also considered Spectro Frazzle DMG. When attacked by an enemy in while in Ready Stance, reduce this instance of damage by 100% and consume all Redundant Energy to cast Forcible Riposte, dealing Spectro DMG (also considered Spectro Frazzle DMG), Stagnating the target, and further reducing their Vibration Strength by 5%. DMG taken by Zani is reduced by 30% within the next 2s. Casting Targeted Action or Forcible Riposte sends Zani into Sunburst mode and inflicts a stack of Heliacal Ember upon the target on hit. The last stage of the attack recovers Blaze. Sunburst The Spectro Frazzle DMG dealt by Zani to the target is Amplified by 20%.
Rekindle Deal Spectro DMG and enter Inferno Mode, increasing Max Blaze from 100 to 150 and granting 50 Blazes. When in Inferno Mode, the DMG Multiplier of Basic Attack is increased. The Last Stand When in Inferno Mode, Resonance Liberation The Last Stand becomes available when Blaze is lower than 30 or after 8s in Inferno Mode. Casting Resonance Liberation The Last Stand deals Spectro DMG and ends the Inferno Mode.
Attack the target, dealing Spectro DMG equal to 150% of Zani's ATK and removing all stacks of Heliacal Ember inflicted upon the target. Each stack increases the DMG dealt by 10%. This DMG is considered Spectro Frazzle DMG. The Spectro DMG dealt by other Resonators in the team to the target marked by Heliacal Ember is Amplified by 20% for 20s.
Entry#
Element
Type
Base Attribute
Lv 1
Lv 10
Bonus (Lv 10)
Resonance Energy
Concerto Energy
Hardness
Toughness
Coordinated
Type
Sub Type
1
Spectro
Damage
ATK
150.0%
150.0%
0
0.0
0.0
1.0
0.0
Outro
Spectro Frazzle
Forte Circuit: There Will Be A Light
Heliacal Ember When Zani is in the team and a nearby Resonator inflicts Spectro Frazzle upon a target, immediately consume all Spectro Frazzle stacks and trigger the corresponding DMG, then convert Spectro Frazzle into an equal number of Heliacal Embers. Every time the conversion happens, Zani obtains Blaze based on the stacks of Heliacal Ember inflicted. Heliacal Ember is capped at 60 stacks, with each stack lasting for 6s. Heliacal Ember stacks are counted toward the Spectro Frazzle stacks for the Eternal Radiance Sonata Effect. Scorching Light When Zani is in Inferno Mode, Heavy Slash - Daybreak, Heavy Slash - Dawning, Heavy Slash - Nightfall, and Heavy Slash - Lightsmash become available, which deal Spectro DMG that is considered both Heavy Attack DMG and Spectro Frazzle DMG. When Blaze is no less than 30, Resonance Skill Standard Defense Protocol is replaced with Resonance Skill Scorching Light. Hold Resonance Skill to enter Ready Stance, during which Zani is immune to interruption. This state ends early when Zani is switched off the field. While in Ready Stance, release Resonance Skill button within a certain time to consume Blaze and perform Heavy Slash - Daybreak. When attacked in a certain time after entering Ready Stance, reduce this instance of damage by 100% and Stagnate nearby targets, then perform Heavy Slash - Lightsmash, consuming Blazes and further reducing their Vibration Strength by 10%. Zani's DMG taken within the next 2s is reduced by 30%. After casting Heavy Slash - Lightsmash, Basic Attack is replaced with Heavy Slash - Nightfall, consuming up to 40 Blazes on hit, with each Blaze increasing the DMG Multiplier of Heavy Slash - Nightfall. If Heavy Slash - Nightfall Stage 1 is interrupted, press Basic Attack again to cast Heavy Slash - Nightfall Stage 2. Upon releasing the button after a certain time or when Ready Stance ends, immediately perform Heavy Slash - Nightfall. When Blaze is no less than 30, Basic Attack is replaced with Heavy Slash - Daybreak. After entering Inferno Mode, casting Basic Attack immediately replaces the current Basic Attack with Resonance Skill Scorching Light. Hold Basic Attack to enter Ready Stance. After performing Heavy Slash - Daybreak, press Basic Attack immediately to perform Heavy Slash - Dawning at the cost of Blaze. After performing Heavy Slash - Dawning, Basic Attack is replaced with Heavy Slash - Nightfall. If Basic Attack is not replaced with Heavy Slash - Nightfall after a successful Dodge and Zani has no less than 30 Blazes, press Normal Attack within a certain time to perform Heavy Slash - Lightsmash at the cost of Blazes. Redundant Energy Zani can hold up to 100 Redundant Energy. Obtain Redundant Energy when Normal Attacks hit a target. Obtain Redundant Energy when casting Intro Skill Immediate Execution. Obtain Redundant Energy when casting Resonance Skill Standard Defense Protocol. Obtain Redundant Energy when casting Pinpoint Strike. Cannot obtain Redundant Energy while in Inferno Mode. Blaze Blaze is capped at 100 when not in Inferno Mode. Blaze is capped at 150 in Inferno Mode. Casting Targeted Action or Forcible Riposte grants 10 Blazes. Every stack of Heliacal Ember converted from Spectro Frazzle grants 5 Blazes. Casting Resonance Liberation Rekindle grants 50 Blazes.
Resonance ChainSequence Node 1: When the Alarm Clock RingsCasting Targeted Action or Forcible Riposte gives a 50% Spectro DMG Bonus for 14s. Resonance Skill Heavy Slash - Nightfall can't be interrupted.Sequence Node 2: Stale Bread With Energy DrinkCrit. Rate is increased by 20%. The DMG Multiplier of Targeted Action and Forcible Riposte is increased by 80%.Sequence Node 3: Each Day A New CommuteWhen in Inferno Mode, every 1 Blaze consumed increases the last stage DMG Multiplier of the subsequent Resonance Liberation The Last Stand by 8%, maxed at 1200%.Sequence Node 4: More Efficiency, Less DramaWhen Intro Skill Immediate Execution is cast, the ATK of all Resonators in the team is increased by 20% for 30s.Sequence Node 5: Delivered In Full On TimeThe DMG Multiplier of Resonance Liberation Rekindle is increased by 120%.Sequence Node 6: First Things First? Clock Out!The DMG Multipliers of Heavy Slash - Daybreak, Heavy Slash- Dawning, Heavy Slash - Nightfall, and Heavy Slash - Lightsmash are increased by 40%. Every Blaze consumed increases the DMG Multiplier of Heavy Slash - Nightfall by 40% on hit. Gain following effects when in Inferno Mode: - When Blaze is lower than 70, restore 70 Blazes immediately. This effect is triggered once in Inferno Mode. - Within 8s after entering Inferno Mode, Zani will remain standing with at least 1 HP if hit by a fatal blow.StoriesScorched Radiance[Averardo Vault Employee Profile—Access Permission Confirmed] Employee Name: Zani The Awakening history of Employee Zani remains unknown. Her Forte development level and usage frequency are both high. Zani's Tacet mark runs diagonally across her back. Post-Awakening, she has undergone significant physical mutations, including the emergence of ram-like horns and a slender tail extending from her coccyx. When Zani activates her Forte, she can temporarily store excess kinetic energy within her body to enhance her physical capabilities. This stored energy manifests visibly as bright energy streams that overflow from her horns, tail, and hair. Additionally, glowing marks appear across her upper body. According to Zani, they are scars that have healed over time, leaving only faint marks that are barely visible to the naked eye. It is presumed that the delicate structure of the healed skin facilitates the concentration of energy in these areas. Zani recounts an incident several years ago, during which she was severely injured in an attempted assault orchestrated by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇. It was in the midst of this attack that she awakened her Forte, successfully repelling her assailants with her newfound abilities. The Resonance Spectrum Pattern analysis was unable to determine the cause of her Awakening. Analysis of the test sample has revealed a non-convergent Rabelle's Curve. Therefore, Zani is identified as a Mutant Resonator with an incubation period. "Zani's distinctive physical traits from her Awakening remind me of those long-forgotten legends the family collected. Those tales spoke of eerie, supernatural entities said to lurk in the shadows long before the Lament. Could there be a connection between those legends and the cause of her Awakening? Or is it just an odd coincidence?" "Don't overthink it. Maybe she was awakened by a Tumbleyak or a goat."[Averardo Vault Employee Profile—Access Permission Confirmed]
This employee's waveform graph shows elliptical fluctuations. The Time Domain pattern is regular and no signs of abnormal fluctuations are observed. The test results are assessed as being within the normal phase.
Resonant Criticality: High. This employee possesses high stability with minimal risk of Overclocking.
Records indicate no history of Overclocking. There is no current need for psychological counseling.
"Honestly, I'm not surprised by these results. Ms. Zani's mental fortitude is probably stronger than the Vault's explosion-proof walls! With all the stress she deals with at work, I wouldn't be shocked if she's discovered some rather effective ways to unwind. I think I'll ask her about it once I wrap up my schedule today. It'd be great to share her methods with the other Resonators in the family."—Research Department Memo
"My stress-relieving methods? Well, sometimes I do... ugh, some voluntary work after hours. Does that count?"—Zani's reply"A Regular"It was already past midnight, and the lights in the shop windows had flickered out, leaving the lively city of Ragunna cloaked in a solemn, silent embrace. Even Signor Octopus on the bell tower seemed to have drifted off to the land of dreams. Well, if Echoes can dream, that is.
"Looks like there won't be any more customers tonight," Margherita yawned. "Aye, best finish up with cleaning and head home."
"Ciao, Margherita. Same as usual. A Nectarwine and potato wedges. Extra gemberry jam and black pepper. Thanks."
Margherita froze at the sudden familiar voice coming from behind her. It carried the unmistakable weight of exhaustion and weariness, as if the spirit of its owner had been whisked away to the heavens by Imperator, leaving behind only a weary shell. To anyone unfamiliar with Ragunna, that lifeless tone might have sent them running.
"It's been a while since you last came by, Ms. Zani," Margherita said, still focused on tidying up the pizza crumbs in the oven. "Just getting off work? You've been busy lately?"
"Well, sort of," Zani replied, her gaze fixed on the counter as if she were staring at a pile of freshly-printed reports instead of some appetizing pizzas. "You know, with the Carnevale just around the corner, the Bank is working one like three. Not that it really matters. The workload never seems to end anyway."
"To us Montellis, the Carnevale is both an opportunity and a challenge," Zani recalled Alberto's words when she received that assignment. "For Ragunna's future, we all must play our part."
To Zani, those words felt hollow. She worked for the Bank because they paid her. She wasn't an actor there to "play a part." Still, she had to admit that the guest she was tasked to protect did spark a small flicker of curiosity in her heart. The sizzling potato wedges in the fryer released a mouthwatering aroma that made her stomach grumble in protest.
"What should I have for breakfast tomorrow?" she pondered. "The pancake this morning was cold and gave me a bit of a stomachache. Maybe I should go for porridge with baked eggs... Oh, and definitely two spoonfuls of sugar..."
Just then, a faint cracking sound pierced the midnight air. Margherita, busy with the fryer, didn't notice. Perhaps the entire slumbering city of Ragunna didn't notice either. But Zani did. She looked up and saw a shadow dart across the rooftops. The sound had come from a loose tile knocked off by his careless foot.
The Carnevale attracted more than just law-abiding tourists. With a resigned sigh, Zani pulled out her wallet and placed a few Shell Credits on the counter. So much for her midnight snack.
"Ta-da! Your potato wedges are ready, Ms. Zani—" Margherita called out, turning around with a plate in hand, only to find the seat where Zani had been sitting now empty.Shadow of the BlazeExcerpt from the Pioneer Express special edition: Guardian of the Night: An Incarnation of Justice or a Cunning Criminal?
"Just as my scream caught in my throat, they swooped right over my head! He... No, no, she. Yeah, I think it was a woman. She was moving so fast, and in the darkness of the night, it was hard to see anything clearly. But I swear, there was something on her head, like some strange hairpins. Or maybe it was just her hair whipping in the wind? I can't say for certain..."
—Sabrina (Female, 36), one of the known eyewitnesses.
"The brothers of the Chamber of Discipline finally reached a consensus, declaring that outlaw a righteous one. I was vehemently against their judgment then, and I still am! This outlaw is responsible for dozens of assaults in Ragunna! Yes, yes, I know the ones she attacked were criminals, but they should've been apprehended by the Chamber of Discipline under Imperator's name and sentenced under the Sentinel's solemn gaze! Not by some thug dishing out street justice! This is a blatant defiance of the Sentinel's authority! Here in Ragunna, only the Sentinel has the right to judge the guilty!"
—Anonymous Acolyte from the Chamber of Discipline
"Yes, several neighbors of mine have seen her. Her methods are getting more extreme lately. They even call her the 'Butcher of Criminals'... She never kills, huh? Well, I don't buy that. She's dealing with the worst of the worst, after all. I don't think anyone can hold back when their life is on the line. Unless she's much stronger than those criminals, but could that even be possible?”
—El Lawson (Male, 42), from Egla Town, commenting on this mysterious figure's intervention during the attack on the Plushie Echoes by the "Plushie Slaughterer." Since Egla's residents strictly avoid going outside after dark, no one saw her face.
"I've been tracking this avenger sent by the Sentinel. Why do I believe she's connected to the Sentinel, you ask? Haven't you heard about the blazing Flames of Retribution that surround her? Those holy flames must be a gift from the Sentinel. The greater the evil she faces, the fiercer the light burns. Some call her a demon? Oh, that's absurd... What kind of demon fights for justice?"
—Rhea (Female, 33), Acolyte from the Chamber of Discipline. She participated in an investigation into this mysterious figure several years ago.
"I was working late that night. As I passed the gate of the Chamber of Discipline, I saw Talos from the Black Alley tied up with his gang, all unconscious. Well, maybe it was just my imagination, but in the dim morning light, I think I saw someone squatting on the rooftop across from the Chamber. She was gone in a blink. I remember she was covered in wounds, like she had just fought through hell. What? You mean to say she took down Talos and his gang all by herself?!"
—Archived audio recording from years ago. The speaker remains unknown. Most of these cases occurred years ago, and the eyewitness accounts collected thus far are often contradictory and lack detail. However, one thing remains clear: the second Dark Tide and the Carnevale incident a decade ago inflicted severe damage on Ragunna. During the chaos that followed, a mysterious figure emerged, punishing evil under the cover of night. In those dark days, many who had lost faith formed gangs, reveling in crime. It wasn't until this mysterious woman began hunting them down one by one, delivering them to prison, that order was finally restored to Ragunna. Few in the city are willing to talk about those painful years. Like the traditions of Carnevale, the people of Ragunna believe that Imperator wishes them to embrace joy rather than dwell on the scars of the past. As a result, records of this mysterious figure—or the so-called "Blazing Nightwalker"—have faded into distant legend. However, around the recent Carnevale, whispers began to circulate once more, as someone claimed to have seen a figure resembling the legends, roaming the streets.
To Ragunna, is this an omen of another crisis? Or merely an imitator of a past hero? Only time will tell.Best Employee"Yes, the Figaro family claimed they settled the payment three days ago. Their 'respected' guarantor? Vanished into thin air. Now they're trying to spin this flimsy evidence into a bookkeeping error on our part." Zani shrugged, her tone calm and casual, as if she were simply chatting with the Sword Acorus in the garden. "Yes. Apparently, they're trying to chisel us. An old trick that's been around since the Ragunnesi first started fishing from Gondolas. No worries, I'll 'negotiate' with them. Alright, that's settled then. Ciao."
Zani hung up the call, tucking the ledger under her arm as she stepped out of the office. Behind her, hushed whispers spread through the workplace. It wasn't that her colleagues doubted her abilities. They all knew too well how this would end. A minor matter like this wouldn't make the front page of the newspaper. At most, it would be squeezed into the bottom corner of a column, alongside lost-and-found notices and cheap advertisements. The papers certainly wouldn't mention Zani or the Montelli family. Perhaps there would be a brief report about a few Figaro members getting bruised by a toppled scaffolding near the clock tower or how the head of the Figaros generously funded the arts for their loyal business partner, the Montelli family.
Was Zani the best employee at the bank? Without a doubt.
Her outstanding job performance often piqued the curiosity of new hires. She worked late into the night every single day, arriving at work exhausted, dark circles under her eyes. On top of that, she handled the most dangerous fieldwork, yet never botched a single assignment. The older employees spoke of her in reverent tones, almost as if she were an omnipotent divinity. It was said that if she were assigned to catch Cetus the Tidebreaker with nothing but a soggy noodle, she would return with that "little" whale the next morning, right on time, as if it were merely a takeout pizza.
How did she do it? No one knew.
Some rookies were keen to imitate Zani's every act and habit, believing it would unlock the secret to her excellence. They noticed she was never without an energy drink and assumed that was the source of her superhuman stamina, like the Heliobane Fungia for a Riccioli sailor in an old comic. So, they gulped down energy drinks, convinced it would fuel them through nights and help them complete legendary projects, just as it did for Zani. Yet, they often found themselves slumped over their desks, sore from sleeping in their chairs, only to be scolded by supervisors for underperforming the next day.
What was she thinking? No one knew.
The older employees still vaguely remembered the Zani who first joined the bank. A silent, distant young woman, a bit reckless, and a bit too comfortable with violence. But within two months, she had mastered every procedure, and in another two, she was almost on par with the bank's best employees. By her third year, the "Best Employee" badge was nothing more than a trinket she received alongside her paycheck.
But what drove her to go this far? The answers varied. Some believed she had a deep love for Ragunna and felt it was her duty to protect the city. Others thought she was ambitious, aiming to earn the Montelli surname and perhaps even coveting the position of head of the family. Still, some suspected the Montellis were paying her a hefty sum beyond her standard salary to bind her to them through financial incentives.
If anyone ever asked Zani herself, she would simply blink, unfazed.
"That's interesting. But I'm just an ordinary employee. Though I do have an idea. If you're convinced that my department pays so well, why not transfer over? Help take some load off me. Since it's just an internal transfer, I don't think it'd violate any non-compete agreements, right?"Night's Solitary Path...There was just enough time. Zani darted through the shadowy alleyways, the sharp pain in her shoulder a stark reminder of her close call. That brute of a man, whose wrists were nearly as thick as her neck, had nearly done her in. She had planned to knock him out before he could react, but he was faster than she had anticipated. Good thing her reflexes were sharper than his. Otherwise, that knife wouldn't have just left a deep gash on her shoulder but would have gone straight into her heart. It wasn't her first injury. She had long lost count of the wounds she'd collected in the past few months of fighting crime. They healed, after all. Besides, she was certain that the ones who gave her those wounds had ended up far worse than she did. Her strategy was simple: give those criminals a real hard time without them ever knowing her identity, then vanish before the Chamber of Discipline arrived to clean up the mess. It wasn't about heroism. It's just that she wasn't foolish enough to paint a target on her back and risk being driven out of Ragunna, hiding in some miserable town without the blessings of pizza and Nectarwine. It was always safer to be a nobody. Someone unremarkable. Someone no one saw as a threat. Tonight's targets were kidnappers. She had been tracking them for days, and their leader—the tough man from earlier—wasn't just muscle. A tricky Resonator. But he had made a fatal mistake by wandering off alone, giving her the perfect opportunity to strike. Now, all she had to do was take down the rest before they realized their boss was missing. She tightened her grip on her brass knuckles, rolling her wrists. "Boss should be back soon, huh? That kid's home isn't that far,” a lanky man yawned, glancing over at the little girl curled up in the corner of a wooden cage, clutching a doll. He lifted his chin at her, "So, what's the plan after we get the money? I say we just let her go."
"But she's seen our faces," the shorter man sighed. "If we just let her go, we might end up being hunted by that... What's their name? The Blazing what?"
"The Blazing Nightwalker," the lanky man corrected. "I get why the boss is worried, but a deal's a deal. We take the money, we let the girl go. Killing her is overkill."
"By Imperator's name, Ragunna has long been a land without rules," the short man muttered, a grim silence falling between them. The lanky man turned to look at the girl in the cage, but quickly snapped his gaze away as if burned.
"...I need some air."
The lanky man stood up, irritated, and opened the door of their hideout. The cold air sent a shiver down his spine but that didn't last long. Before he could react, a cold, metallic object smashed into his forehead, and darkness swallowed him whole.
"Who, who the hell are you?"
The short man scrambled for the gun on the other side of the table. He nearly made it, but the intruder was faster. Just as his consciousness began to fade, he felt his fingers brushed the gun's handle. That was it.
I made it, Zani thought, letting out a sigh of relief. The wound on her shoulder had opened again, but it was still worth it.
With a single punch, she shattered the lock on the wooden cage, shrugging off the lanky man's coat and draping it over the trembling girl. She had sent an anonymous letter to the Chamber of Discipline on her way here. If everything went smoothly, they would arrive soon. It was time for her to leave.
"Ex-excuse me..."
Zani turned at the sound and found the little girl standing behind her, hesitating. Summoning all her courage, the girl held out her cherished toy.
"This, this is for you! Thank you for saving me!"
No need. I didn't do it for your gratitude.
However, Zani swallowed her words before they could leave her lips. She squatted down, meeting the girl's wide, fearful eyes. In those innocent eyes, she saw herself, her past self. The lonely Zani. The helpless Zani. The Zani who couldn't do anything.
So, she smiled and reached out her hand, ruffling the girl's hair before taking the doll from her hands.
"Thanks," she said softly. "I'll take good care of it."Eve of the CarnevaleZani might have dreamed. Or maybe she didn't. If she had, it had slipped from her mind too smoothly like a butter. She opened her eyes and silenced the alarm clock still ringing by her bedside. The morning light streamed through the windows, outlining the edges of the carpet in a soft, golden glow. She took a minute to force herself to fully wake up, and with that, the last fragile fragment of the dream dissolved into nothing. Not that it mattered. It probably wasn't a good dream anyway. With all the recent overtime, even Zani's dreams had become meaningless and fragmented, often juat mishmashes of unfinished tasks running through her mind. There was no escape from the pressures in waking life, so why would she ever expect to find one in dreams?
"Alright, enough of that. I've got an important job to take care." Zani gave her cheeks a light slap to snap herself out of her thoughts. She knew she needed to handle this assignment the right way if she ever wanted to secure that promised paid vacation from her supervisor. Facing the mirror, she straightened her attire meticulously, adjusting her tie until it was just right. She didn't know much about the mysterious guest. All Zani knew was that she had a very special Echo, and that the family had provided her with a fair sum of funds. For some reason, she felt like there was more than met the eye. Perhaps it was just lingering unease from that strange dream, but she couldn't shake the feeling that whatever she and this guest did over the next few days would determine the fate of many in Ragunna. "Heh, come on. I'm just an ordinary employee." So ordinary that if a billboard in the Montelli Quarter fell, she'd be crushed along with a dozen others. Zani pulled her cloak off the rack and draped it over her shoulders, just like she did every morning. She yawned. Thankfully, none of her colleagues saw her.
She wasn't assigned too many tasks today. Mr. Alberto had said she'd be free to leave once she helped that esteemed guest in black complete her business at the bank. After that, her only responsibility was to serve as her bodyguard and guide until the Carnevale ended. Sounded like an easy task. "Just do my job and I'll be good." Zani took a deep breath. Strangely enough, she felt nervous, her tail swishing behind her without her even realizing it.
"If she arrives at lunch time, I can suggest dinning at Trattoria Margherita for Ragunna's specialities. And if she refuses, I'll go with the backup plan," Zani quickly ran through her itinerary. "We can have pizzas at Bratta's Bakery and enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the Whisperwind Haven..." She went over the schedule again and again, only allowing herself to relax when she couldn't find any more gaps.
A small smile tugged on the corners of her lips. There, through the bank's gate, she spotted that esteemed guest, dressed in black. With a pair of golden eyes to boot. Just as she had been expecting.
"We've been expecting you, Rover. Welcome to Averardo Bank, miss."Personal Memo
A notebook, Zani's constant companion. It's not just for jotting down daily schedules and important tasks. It also keeps life hacks she's gathered along the way.
From recipes she stumbled upon in a forum to success tips pulled from a bestseller, and even a quick tutorial on fixing a washing machine in five minutes, Zani collects all sorts of seemingly useless tricks. Correction. Completely pointless tricks.
But for Zani, each note is a valuable piece of her daily life. She holds onto the hope that one day, these tricks will come in handy. Maybe today when she's off from work, or on her next, distant vacation, or maybe...
"Master of Time Management"
An alarm clock, Zani's constant companion. This alarm clock is a bit of a hybrid. It looks like a pocket watch from its design and material, but is much larger. Every weekday morning, its ring jolts Zani awake, signaling the start of her day.
As a Montelli employee, Zani handles immense wealth and hidden secrets, and even a minute's delay could lead to catastrophic losses. That's why punctuality is crucial for her.
Zani divides her day into meticulously timed segments, ensuring she meets all her deadlines with precision. While some might think she has a natural knack for time management, only the old employees know the truth: Zani has worked tirelessly to achieve such efficiency.
A Token of Gratitude
For Zani, lending a helping hand is just part of her everyday routine, nothing to brag about or seek recognition for. Having once been in a tough spot herself, she understands the value of support. Once she gained the strength to stand against cruelty, she chose to be that helping hand. No strings attached, it's simply who she is.
A few of the scars on her body are reminders of a past abduction case long forgotten by Ragunnesi. After a long struggle, she managed to rescue the kidnapped girl. In gratitude, the girl gifted Zani this toy before her parents arrived.
While Zani sees her actions as normal, they were life-changing for someone else. While she doesn't dwell on it, she still keeps the toy as a quiet reminder of her past.
Voice LinesThoughts: ISo, Rover, were you satisfied with how I handled your reception before the Carnevale? Why bring this up now, you ask? Well, gathering client feedback is part of my job. As the Montelli family's esteemed guest, your opinion naturally holds a special weight for me.Thoughts: IIFor an employee of the Montelli family, appearance is everything. No matter how busy the day gets, always present yourself flawlessly. The Employee Manual puts it best: "Impeccable etiquette and attire give you the upper hand in negotiations."Thoughts: IIII don't hate work or overtime, so long as it serves a purpose. If I'm forced to sit idly at a desk doing nothing or sacrifice my personal time on trivial tasks... Then what I'm earning isn't a salary, it's compensation for the piece of my soul that's been taken.Thoughts: IVYou look tired, Rover. I understand you're shouldering some heavy burdens. But I suggest you catch a break whenever you can. You don't want to end up like me. Once I pulled my first overtime, I soon found myself working around the clock. Trust me, saving the world can wait.Thoughts: VI used to think life was nothing but living the same day on repeat. Grinding through trivialities, running in circles until even the smallest joys faded away. But then you came along, just as I'd grown numb to this way of living. Like the Carnevale itself, you brought a burst of color into my life.Zani's HobbyI love my job! Really. No joke. Was I smiling? No? Then you get the idea.Zani's TroubleListen, efficiency is everything at work. It's all about hitting the nail on the head. Some people just don't get it. Instead, they waste so much time on unimportant details, prioritizing form over substance. A shame, really. That won't solve anything. All it does is complicate things even more.Favorite FoodMy go-to restaurant is Trattoria Margherita. Nothing fills my stomach and soothes my soul quite like a slice of pizza freshly baked by Signorina Margherita after a long day at work.Disliked FoodEmployees of the Montelli family swear by espresso—straight, no sugar or milk—to keep themselves energized. But as for me, work is already hard enough... I'd rather treat myself to something sweet.IdealsI grew up in Ragunna, and I know every corner of this city like the back of my hand. The sea breeze that greets you, the bustling plaza filled with familiar faces, the shiny new products in shop windows, the aroma of food from Trattoria Margherita. I hope this quiet life never ends. I hope everyone finds their place. For me, that would be enough.Chat: IHmm? Why is this pocket watch so big? Well, this is not a pocket watch per se, but an alarm clock. In the early days when I worked for the Montellis, I almost caused a major incident by being late. After that, I've carried this alarm clock with me everywhere and I haven't been late since.Chat: IIMy past? Nothing worth mentioning, really. I clock in, do my work, clock out—then do it all over again. Now and then, I straighten out a few troublemakers. Were you expecting some "white-collar hero saves the day" kind of story? Then you've read too many comic books.About CarlottaLady Carlotta? Her vision has never been limited to Ragunna, or even Rinascita. Hers was about the world beyond the sea horizon. I don't know what kind of future she sees, but I'll stand by her until the day her vision becomes reality.About PhoebeTo me, Ragunna's fate lies in the will of its people, not the Sentinel. Many Acolytes would call this heresy, but not Phoebe. That's what makes her unique. She would never dismiss another's beliefs or efforts just because they do not align with her own.About CantarellaThe Fisalia family has always clung to Ragunna's traditions, stubbornly resisting change. But Signorina Cantarella, the current head, isn't as traditional as people imagine. As an employee, I do not get to influence how the Montellis handle their relationship with the Fisalias... but personally, I wouldn't mind working with her.About BrantBrant is a skilled actor, a respected captain, and a fighter willing to sacrifice everything for truth and justice. But what I envy most is that he's never weighed down by stacks of paperwork. If I knew anything about acting, I'd quit this job, join the Troupe of Fools, and live the carefree life he does... Now, now. Just a pipe dream to keep me going.About CiacconaI've seen Ciaccona perform a few times outside the city. She often sings about Rinascita's old folklore. I once asked her if she thought the age of heroes described in her poems had ended, whether heroes had already exited the stage of history. She answered that as long as there is suffering, someone will rise up to be the new hero.Birthday WishesIt's your birthday today right? According to Ragunnesi tradition, we must put aside all work and throw a grand party with all our friends. Nobody leaves before midnight! Rest assured, I've already lined everything up in Palazzo Agrotta. Today, my job is to make sure you have all the fun.Idle: IAlright, where are we off to next?Idle: II(Effort Sounds)Idle: IIITime to get back to work.Self-IntroductionI am Zani. I work for the Montelli family. Hmm? Oh, that's not eyeshadow. It's proof of my hard work, a badge of honor for my dedication. Ha, if I keep saying that, I might actually start believing it myself.GreetingAlright, what's the first thing on today's to-do list?Join Team: IYou're in good hands.Join Team: IIRest assured. I'm on call 24/7.Join Team: IIIIs that the alarm... Alright, time to work.Ascension: IAs the Montelli saying goes, "A blade only stays sharp if it's regularly honed." Even if it's just for work, exercise is necessary.Ascension: IIHmm? Have I become more... productive? How am I supposed to act busy now...Ascension: IIISuch radiant lights... I hope it shines on every shadow and leaves no darkness to hide in.Ascension: IVAh, such power... Perfect. Now I can be the shield that protects more people.Ascension: VWords alone can't repay all you've done for me. Now, it's my turn to fight for you. Happen to need an unbreakable sword or a shield that can withstand anything?Basic Attack: IThat all you got?Basic Attack: III'm just getting warmed up.Heavy Attack: IAnd that was me holding back.Heavy Attack: IIPathetic.Heavy Attack: IIII'm just getting warmed up.Resonance Skill: IICome at me!Resonance Skill: IIGive me your worst!Resonance Skill: IIIYou barely made a dent.Resonance Skill: IVIs that all?Resonance Skill: VJust in time.Resonance Skill: VITry this!Resonance Skill: VIIHmph, you asked for it.Resonance Skill: VIIIDon't stand in my way!Resonance Skill: IXReduced to dust.Resonance Liberation: II don't have all day.Resonance Liberation: III can spare a minute to knock some heads around.Resonance Liberation: IIIAll of you at once. I don't do overtime.Resonance Liberation: IVUgh, now I have a report to write.Resonance Liberation: VThat's a wrap!Resonance Liberation: VIWhat a waste of time.Intro & Outro Skills: INo contest.Intro Skill: IIShatter!Intro & Outro Skills: IIIHuh? Overtime?Hit: IUgh. An oversight...Hit: IIDidn't block it...?Hit: IIII'll return the favor tenfold.Injured: IMy shield can withstand more than that.Injured: IIThat's... just a scratch.Injured: III...You've made it personal now.Fallen: INo… I've still got work to do...Fallen: IIImpossible...Fallen: IIIJustice... shall be served.Echo SummonAll yours.Echo TransformI'm off duty, it's your turn.Enemies NearFine. Comes with the job, I guess.GliderPerfect wind to glide.Sensor...Mmm. Got ya.DashEfficiency above all.Supply Chest: ISome pocket money? Won't say no to that.Supply Chest: IIWindfall profits.Supply Chest: IIII'll take it as my overtime fee.
Normal Attack: Routine Negotiation
Resonance Skill: Restless Watch
Resonance Liberation: Between Dawn and Dusk
Intro Skill: Immediate Execution
Outro Skill: Beacon For the Future
Forte Circuit: There Will Be A Light
Inherent Skill: Quick Response
Inherent Skill: Skillful Cooking
Sequence Node 1: When the Alarm Clock Rings
Sequence Node 2: Stale Bread With Energy Drink
Sequence Node 3: Each Day A New Commute
Sequence Node 4: More Efficiency, Less Drama
Sequence Node 5: Delivered In Full On Time
Sequence Node 6: First Things First? Clock Out!
