
Connor
Connor is Livia's old acquaintance. According to both her and Livia, she was once an Empire soldier. She stands out among mercenaries with her outstanding skills and valiant bearing, and has earned a good reputation. Her chivalric demeanor makes it easy for people to trust her, and many Imperials with mercenary experience on the surface have been under her care. After encountering many experiences, Connor has had one thing in mind. How should she change for the happiness of those important to her?
Connor has been fascinated by the Empire's popular legend of knights since she was a child. Fortunately, no matter if it was her physique or physical fitness, she was considered the cream of the crop among people her age. These factors altogether were enough to make the young Connor set the ambitious goal of being an Empire knight.
However, in today's Empire, knights seem to have lost their original purpose and have become ornamental existences for the wealthy. Connor chose not to box herself in with the title and instead carried out her knighthood in a more down-to-earth method. With that, she became an Empire soldier who could protect civilians at the frontline, though it came with the price of losing her glamorous identity.
With firm goals and impressive capabilities, Connor never forgot to look out for her companions as she marched on with valiance. She was the most trusted and dependable partner of her comrades. One day, a bigwig selected and entrusted Connor with an exceedingly consequential "thing," which turned out to be a task that wholly changed her life.
Besides that shield that never leaves her hand, the closest companion of Connor is unequivocally her motorcycle. Such a vehicle doesn't exist in the Empire. When she saw it for the first time after arriving on the surface, she immediately became hooked on the feeling of riding it.
To her, her motorcycle isn't merely a great form of transportation but also an important partner that has been by her side throughout her time on the surface. She especially loves the sensation of being able to speed to her heart's content on vacant lands, and it never fails to put a euphoric smile on her face. In fact, the more recklessly she rides, the more fulfilling her experience is.
Nevertheless, Connor is well aware that her riding style often worries and scares others. When someone rides pillion on her motorcycle, she will slow down so as to let her passenger lean on her back with peace of mind.
"From today onward, your job is to protect this child."
"Y-You're handing such a critical mission to me?! I'm merely an ordinary soldier. I'm not up to it..."
The first time meeting that white-haired girl, Connor panicked, as she knew how important this child was for the entire Mundus Empire. It baffled her how such a major responsibility could've been entrusted to her.
"Are you opting to disregard the words of mine, the great sage, now?" asked an elegant, dignified woman with a smile. As a matter of fact, that was the first time she used her identity as the "Tower Sage" to pressure Connor.
"...All right, I'll do as you ask." Connor knelt to show her absolute allegiance toward this great sage. With her head bowed, she gently pressed her forehead on the back of the Tower Sage's extended hand. "I shall undertake this sacred mission, fight to protect her, and remain eternally loyal and fearless unto death."
Even though that great one is no longer around and Connor had no choice but to leave her homeland, even though this child has already lost her memories, abilities, and name and has found a new life... Connor will never ditch the vows she made back then.
She's gone.
Upon realizing this, Connor fell into deep despair, in disbelief that the important girl whom the great one entrusted to her had disappeared into thin air the instant they stepped on the surface after an arduous trip. She searched with all her might, coming up with all kinds of ideas as a mercenary and even resorting to going back to the Empire a couple of times, but alas, the child remained nowhere to be found.
Just as Connor was at her wits' end, the B.C.R.L. officer who frequently assigned her jobs showed her the way. As all she saw from that middle-aged man's face was sincerity, she opted to trust this surface dweller and hence became one of them. With that, she began wandering around numerous people of the Empire to gather intel, win a suitable candidate over, or blatantly eliminate some pesky people in the name of a commission. Perhaps that wasn't the right thing to do, but failing at that person's last dying wish had already made Connor plunge into a deep well of shame.
At last, Connor ran into the person she had searched all over the planet for, the child having now assumed the name 'Livia' and been employed as an assistant in COLUMBA CBCRR23's train crew. Livia had forgotten everything, save for Connor.
"I have to take her back to the Empire at all costs," thought Connor. However, it dawned on Connor that this child now has things of her own that she wants to do, not to mention she has met the person that she must meet no matter what.
Since that's Livia's choice, Connor will do anything to protect the girl. Despite knowing that The Ascension will never go easy on renegades, she's determined to see this through to the end.
Former Mundus Empire's soldier, Connor. Working as a bodyguard now for some reason. Pleased to meet you.
Holler if you need me. I'll be here.
Me? I've nothing to hide. I used to be a soldier fighting for my country and family. Now, I'm just a mercenary trying to keep that belief from fading.
The shield is the best defensive gear. Once the attacker knows their attacks can't penetrate the shield, they'll give up.
Although I don't understand many mechanical devices on the surface, I do have some experience in riding motorcycles. To be able to craft such a convenient and neat riding tool is very impressive.
Come, come come, delicious food~~ Mmm~~ You look pretty today too, nyaa~~
Livia's black tea is very good, but unfortunately, I don't know anything about tea... If it were my friend who's a tea expert, they would definitely give more valuable feedback.
Come on~~ You're a good kid today, nyaa~~~ Hmm?... W-When did you start watching?
Doze off earlier, eh? Don't be stubborn. Take a break, and I'll wake you in an hour.
When I was at my lowest, I was practically a walking dead... But I swear I won't succumb to despair anymore.
Get me some water, Conductor. That's the cup you used? Hahaha! If it's your cup, I don't mind at all.
At this point, I'm not protecting you solely out of a sense of guilt... It's different from mere responsibility.
W-Why are rumors about me liking cats spreading everywhere lately!? Did you go around gossiping, Conductor!?
I haven't forgotten the regrets and sorrows of the past, and that's precisely why, I want to cherish the time spent with all of you.
I think it's my turn. Let's go!
Keep up! We'll take them down all at once!
I'll go distract them!
On me! Push forward!
Do not fear! Keep charging!
You win some, you lose some... Retreat!
I lost this time... But there won't be a next...!
I've used everything I experienced during enlistment. Next time, we'll be safe and sound as well.