Reed

[Code Name] Reed

[Gender] Female

[Combat Experience] 7 years

[Place of Birth] Victoria

[Date of Birth] Oct 16

[Race] Draco

[Height] 172cm

[Infection Status]

Originium crystals distributed across surface of body, confirmed Infected by medical examination.

[Physical Strength] Excellent

[Mobility] Excellent

[Physical Resilience] Standard

[Tactical Acumen] Excellent

[Combat Skill] Excellent

[Originium Arts Assimilation] Outstanding

Reed, identity unknown, records missing. As an Oripathy patient, Reed was escorted by Medic Operators following her rescue from ruins in the aftermath of a war in Victoria's County Hillock. Post-recovery from injuries unrelated to Oripathy, she demonstrated superb combat skills and powerful Originium Arts in a testing environment. Her onboarding is currently being reviewed.

Imaging tests reveal blurry outlines of this operator's internal organs, clouded with abnormal dark spots. Her circulatory system shows an abnormally high rate of Originium particulate matter, with other signs of Oripathy infection, we can confirm that the Operator is Infected.

[Cell-Originium Assimilation] 9%

Traces of Originium are visible on Ms. Reed's skin.

[Blood Originium-Crystal Density] 0.27u/L

Ms. Reed's condition is extremely serious, and her prognosis is not optimistic! Oripathy is rapidly eroding at her body, and the crystallization of her skin far exceeds normal values. Wh—What should I do...?

—Sussurro, Medic Operator

[Originium Arts Overview]

You call this fire? Listen, you can ask any other theorist or fire-based Caster. You can even ask that little imp, Ifrit... Yes, go ask Ifrit if something like this can be called fire.

Let me reiterate: combustion is nothing more than a reaction. We use Originium Arts to directly control the process of combustion. Whatever this is you've brought in—no, it's nothing alike.

Look at this diagram. Look carefully at the breakdown... the combustion phenomenon is only a side effect! In fact, this biological tissue spontaneously ignites because it cannot withstand such vigorous cellular activity, which depends on nothing of the flames themselves.

Simply put, in the first stage, all tissue she contacts is rapidly activated. In the second stage, said tissue uncontrollably metabolizes, and in the third stage, it explodes with enormous energy.

If you claim that all her Arts necessarily cause fire, then fine, give me another three months, and I might be able to figure out the underlying mechanism. However, let me state this clearly...

Her Arts are not based upon fire, but upon the manipulation of life itself.

—Lab notes from Skyfire, Caster Operator

[Precautions]

4. Unlike Skadi and Projekt Red, Reed works well in a team setting, enough to serve as a field commander. However, her repulsion towards communication is visceral, spontaneous, and subjective; therefore, in a daily life setting, communication with Reed requires a formal request and written permission.

6. Operators Bagpipe and Reed are not to make contact without designated supervision.

7. Temporarily halt Reed's involvement in supporting Originium research, and do whatever is necessary to meet needs in the medical aspect. The operability of artificial catalysis upon late-stage Oripathy patients must be re-examined to determine the source of said operation.

[Classified Log]

There's only one way. Don't let anyone else find her.

—Kal'tsit

[Selected Records]

'...Next, please turn to page 6 of the handout. I hope that everyone had an opportunity to preview the introduction last night.

The lions all claimed to be king, as the Dracos and Aslans each received equal opportunities. Under the terms of this ancient treaty, they were both qualified to become the sole monarch of Victoria. The Dracos symbolized unquenchable thirst for conquest, while the Aslans symbolized power through order. People believed that for countless generations, Victoria was influenced by three forces, including those two.

Let's not even talk about how many bloody uprisings have been caused by the succession of the throne... Ever since ancient times, people have known that Victoria is not a friendly country capable of handling its own affairs internally. The Aslans originated in Sargon, Leithanien, and even some other countries that have since been wiped out by Catastrophes. The Dracos, who were in power, had no reason to peacefully accept a group of outsiders, let alone allow them to rule their country.

The treaty that formed between the Aslans and Dracos could not have arisen in a stable and civilized environment. The most harrowing aspects of this history have been made light of, woven into a prologue for the legends that would follow. In this regard, the oral tradition preserved through gypsy bards and poets can be more reliable than 'official sources.'

However, there are always fragments of truth embedded within legends and tall tales.

Though a modern state, Victoria has paradoxically sustained its ancient tradition of rule. As early as two decades ago, the Draco bloodline was considered to have been severed, leaving none to threaten the Aslan's firm rule over Victoria.

What happened afterwards was covered in the second class session last month.

However, the status quo of Victoria is not the focus of this lecture. What I would like everyone to consider is this: 'Granted that the contract between the Dracos and Aslans was engraved somewhere even more conspicuous than the throne itself, what would happen if there was still a Draco alive out there that could challenge the Aslan rule?'

Nations that had been dissolved, ethnic groups which had been assimilated, civilizations that had been conquered... they all are waiting for a new banner.

However, one must still consider that depending on the nature of the leader, the ideology that takes root - and the subsequent strength of the movement that it grows into - can be quite different.

Nevertheless, I still wish to remind everyone that this so-called 'history' is happening around us right now, and the trajectory of the future may not be entirely determined by the origins of the ones who decided to set things into motion.

After all...

Hmm? Look at the time... that about concludes things for today's lecture. For next week's class, I'd like everyone to turn to page 14, and familiarize yourself with the life of a typical Draco king and see how his image in history differs from how it is presented in legend. Then, we will discuss the reasons for these differences.

You had a question, Miss Istina?

Ah, of course. History is the cause of current events. As for my personal interests...

When the Reunion Movement publicly announced its existence to a small number of political entities, most policymakers decided to respond to the threat of a show of power from the Infected with force; and a small number of them were so concerned that just the appearance of a Reunion leader would trigger an immediate response.

Combined with the fact that Rhodes Island has secretly received some new patients recently, I am looking forward to a day when these lions will no longer rear their heads. After two fulminating red dragons suddenly emerged from the heir of the lost Draco clans, Victoria may once again be cast into a storm of unrest.

Hmm, if the testimony is true... there might even be three.'

—Recording of Rhodes Island Lecture No. 43, History of the Empire, Lecturer Hypatia

'Hm? I don't recognize her. She doesn't recognize me either, right?'

Did you hope to find something we both hold in common? I'm afraid that's not going to work.

Dagda said she has some recollection? You should seek her out then.

Mm, sorry. When the time comes, I'll tell you everything I know, but now is not the time.

And no, I don't know anything about her.

No, I'm not offended. I have no issues with you asking me for advice.

Sorry, Doctor! Please wait.

Let me think about this a bit more, about why this young lady's so unwilling to disclose even the slightest bit of information. The truth might not be far from what I originally surmised.

First, she doesn't know if she should trust you, or the extent to which she should trust you. Just like me when I first joined Rhodes Island, I never would've placed my trust in a stranger.

And another reason, which I think is just as simple.

Perhaps telling you those things would bring about your death, whole and true.

Be careful.'

—Records of a conversation with Siege