Catcher

CODENAME: Catcher

GENDER: Male

AUTHENTICATION: Endfield Industries

DOB: August 16

RACE: Perro

[ORIPATHY INFECTION STATUS]

Oripathy positive (infected), based on medical examination reports.

[INTEGRATED PHYSICAL EXAMINATION]

PHYSIOLOGICAL STRENGTH: Standard

COMBAT SKILL: Standard

TACTICAL ACUMEN: Standard

ORIGINIUM ARTS ASSIMILATION: Standard

Given Operator Catcher's medical history, his test results actually astounded us. We could hardly imagine how he managed to raise his physiological strength to his current levels despite his health disadvantages. Having reviewed numerous concerns, the Medical Division shall closely monitor Operator Catcher's regular health examinations in the future.

Operator Catcher (ID name: Ruy van Catcher) was born to a military family in the Civilization Band. Following Operator Akekuri's applications, Catcher is now a member of Operations Team Z7.

Existing operational feedback reports indicate that Mr. Catcher is the most reliable operator of Z7. He has never been absent from duty, always hands in his reports on time, does not engage in habits of vice, and is an exceptional team player.

However, we have noticed that Mr. Catcher has a tendency to place extremely severe demands on himself (which may be a result of his childhood influences). Simply put, he often forces himself to take on operational duties and goals that were not originally assigned to him. When assigning tasks to Mr. Catcher, we advise referencing, where possible, the recommendations of Op Team Z7 Captain Akekuri.

— Martin Marvin Malen, Assistant, HR Division, Endfield Industries

Catcher is, without a doubt, the most trusted member of Op Z7. Though he seemed more comfortable hanging back in silence and appeared disinterested in the chatter around him, Catcher would immediately provide a fitting response whenever he was mentioned in conversation. We have reason to believe that he heard everything, from start to finish.

That's right. You can't pick a bone with our omni-butler. Sometimes I suspect he writes a review report after every operation — and even reads the ones he wrote earlier. Why? Because I don't think any ordinary person could remember that they forgot to bring a flashlight three operations ago. I know I couldn't.

— Fluorite

Catcher is so simple and straightforward that he felt kinda unreal... He's got control over his face, just as good as Antal. His expressions hardly change... Yeah, except for that time when I accidentally threw some cream cake onto his greatsword. It was a cream cake I left lying around for a week... I saw Catcher frowning at me for the first time. He's incredibly restrained and controlled.

— Estella

He is an expert in solving difficult issues and appreciates the importance of being a listener. However, he is a human of few words, and his social skills are potentially worrying. Fortunately, he knows how to roast fowl fillets, and the flavor in on par with those roasted by my own grandmother. Hence, there is nothing to worry about — people who can roast fowl properly can handle anything that comes their way.

— Antal

Everyone thinks that Catcher is the "Z7 teammate that I'm least worried about", but I disagree. He has a habit of putting the feelings and needs of others before his own, both in business and in private ... and that's definitely not something I like to see as the Z7 team captain. So, whenever I see Catcher taking on extra work without being asked to, I adjust his subsequent task assignments. I don't want him overworking himself.

— Akekuri

Seven years ago, during the autumn when I left Juniper Security, I worked as a part-time instructor at a youth training camp somewhere close to home. I was hoping to take care of my sick father and make some money for his treatment. My main job description was to share various tidbits about military basics with children who had probably never set foot in the Band Fringes. I worked in the youth camp for three years, and a 15-year old student named Ruy left quite an impression on me. He was the only one in the cohort who signed up temporarily. They told me his parents did not want him to join, but conceded upon the boy's strong insistence. I often reflect upon this moment and think I should have taken this as a warning sign for things to come. Despite being so thin that he looked malnourished, Ruy was not as obedient as he appeared.

Ruy only attended eleven courses throughout the entire term, and he "found problems" in eight of them. These problems ranged from slight deviations from textbook examples of military poise to one or two minor memory slips. In fact, he pointed out any non-conformances in my course that could be considered errors. Things escalated to the point where I had to rehearse my materials before every class just so the boy wouldn't call out my mistakes.

On the eve of graduation, I finally eased off my usual sternness as an instructor and asked the boy a question that had troubled me for months, "I need to know why you're so obsessed about finding your instructor's mistakes? Did I make you angry at some point?" I still remember the expression on his face. He shook his head, and then took out a copy of How to Be a Proper Soldier? (Young Adults Edition) published by the TGCC. The manual was flipped through so many times that the corners curled. Then he pointed the book at me and gave me a serious look.

"No, Instructor Luca. Your classes were very interesting, and your examples made things way more engaging than the manual. I actually liked your lessons a lot... But you probably didn't know that everything in this manual was the only fount of strength that's kept me this far."

"I... I really care about every pointer in the manual because I want to put them to use on a real battlefield... I've been dreaming about this since I was nine..."

After hearing these words, I finally learned about Ruy's childhood from another instructor and a close friend of mine — turned out that young Ruy contracted Oripathy due to momentary familial negligence. Though timely treatment was provided, the poor lad was almost forced to live out the rest of his life on a sickbed.

I do not know what he experienced or sacrificed in order to receive training like the other students... But as his instructor, I do approve of his efforts and proudly call him a student of mine, despite the fact that many of his actions had caused no small trouble on my part.

Come to think of it, if not for Ruy's constant, incessant, and persistent corrections, I would never have worked so hard to ensure conformance to the training materials. I probably would never correct my habits of mindless and rote memorization back in the force. And I most certainly would never have made it into the elite armed security training program or become an formal instructor for a mercenary outfit.

After my father passed away, I left Alloycarrot and drifted away from my training camp colleagues... I did not know where Ruy went afterwards.

An accidental encounter with a former student of mine informed me that Ruy seemed to have joined a relatively famous company as part of their security detail... Truth be told, I was a little surprised. I thought that boy would have become an officer or instructor...

Regardless, I sincerely hope he will make good use of the knowledge he acquired and fulfill his childhood dreams.

— An excerpt from Those Not Remembered, an autobiography by the legendary instructor Luca Londi

"Mr. Catcher! You're finally here! Your name is in the recipient's section, but we all believe that you should come by and verify the package in person... It's now in the unloading area. Yes, the biggest package there! Right next to the facility scale model that Mr. Andre purchased."

"Can you show me the sender's address and name?"

"Sure. No problem. Let me take a look... Address is somewhere in Seš'qa and the sender is ... Cassandra? Sounds really familiar to me..."

"...Got it. The package is mine."

"Are ... are you really sure? Routine inspections found that someone has specifically cast anti-tracking Originium Arts upon this thing."

"Don't worry. The package is really meant for me... My older sister sent it to me. She has a habit of applying protective measures given the nature of her work."

"Your sister? Wait! I remember... Is she that Cassandra? Cassandra of the Mist? That famous bodyguard who made her name while working for Seš'qa merchants?!"

"Yeah."

"Fine... I think I know where she's coming from. The 'protective measures' might be necessary, then."

"Phewie. Processing is complete. Mr. Catcher, you're free to take this parcel."

"Can I open it here?"

"Of course you can! In fact, we can also give you delivery support if you need help carrying it."

"Wha — What the hell is this?! Is this some type of ... exoskeletal frame?!"

"...Stop, Mr. Catcher! What's that thing you're holding in your hand? Maybe you should only press the button at a more spacious—"

(Recorded audio file starts to play)

"Ruy, baby, got the prez?"

"Sorry. Too much work is catching up to your sis. I'm afraid I can't celebrate your birthday at your place."

"Ay, caramba. When I heard our broder said he got an urgent order to head north, I planned to take a few days off but the boss suddenly got us a major order that cuts through the middle of nowhere. I had to do this myself..."

"So I got you the latest civilian-grade U-47 Heavy Exoskeleton for your birthday this year. Hurhur. It's far cooler than the DIY alloy greatsword that broder gave you last time, right?"

"Anyway, people say you got plenty of field missions, so I applied for a 5-year warranty. Wear it when you head out. It'll make Papa and Mama feel safer..."

"You know. Papa and Mama never feared anything except you getting hurt by accident and ending up like last time..."

"So please pay close attention to your health. Don't forget the promise you made to me and our broder. And don't forget what Papa and Mama told you, k?"

"Finally, happy birthday, Ruy. You're the baby broder I am always worried about."

"Your sister will always keep you in my heart."

(End of recorded audio file)

"Turns out to be my birthday gift this year... Ugh. Forget it. At least it's better than the Octo-Herbal Tisane Mega Giftpack last year."

DOCUMENT: A yellowed piece of medical history

PATIENT NAME: Ruy van Catcher

AGE: 4 yo

ADMISSION DATE: Aug 15

INSTITUTION: Browning Hospital, Free City of Alloycarrot

ATTENDING PHYSICIAN: Raman Harrent

PRESENT ILLNESS: Patient was injured by an accidental Originium device failure 3 hours ago, resulting in minor injuries to the cervical vertebrae. Patient symptoms 1 hour after admission include: dizziness, hyperhidrosis, weakness of the lower limbs, and nausea. Patient also exhibits giddiness and reduced consciousness after onset of symptoms. Tests reveal continuous reduction in muscle strength. Recommend immediate hospitalization and surgical treatment.

DIAGNOSIS: Acute Oripathy with accompanying complications. Continue monitoring.

DOCUMENT: Medical logs from 10 years ago

"Young Master Catcher, as your attending physician, I believe I am obliged to give you these reminders. Conclusions based on our current medical monitoring tell us that your Oripathy is now under control. However, your physical strength and fortitude are now far below average. You might need to spend quite a bit of time in bed. I'll also advise against getting off bed or moving around. Any action that unnecessarily stresses your body might endanger your life... I hope you can pay attention to that, you and your family."

DOCUMENT: Medical logs from 6 years ago

"Once again I must emphasize, Young Master... Okay. Perhaps you prefer it that I address you as Mr. Catcher. Well then, Mr. Catcher, though there is no sign that your sickness has worsened, your physical exercises have far exceeded the levels I've recommended for your case. It is with my strongest advice that you attend at least 3 rounds of full physical examinations and my personal inquiries at the hospital in the coming months. And ... if you decide to persist in rehabilitative exercises of such excessive nature, please make sure you do so in the presence of a family member or professional caretaker within ten yards of yourself. I am also prescribing you another list of medication. But also keep in mind that given the state of your health, even the most effective pharmaceutical products would have limited use...

DOCUMENT: Medical logs from 2 years ago

"Okay. I am now forced to admit there are certain things ... certain accidents in the world that go against medical norms. Mr. Catcher, it is by 'miracle' ... but also primarily your personal force of will and determination, that you have molded your body to its current standards... I did not expect to see a second case of such phenomenal and dramatic recovery as yours. Of course, as your attending physician, I still hope you'll come in for your semiannual examinations, just to be on the safe side."