Arlen

Personal Info

Gentle and generous in nature, she has long dedicated herself to protecting the weak and punishing the wicked, which earned her the title of "Saintess."
At first, the name unsettled her. But with time, she grew accustomed to it.
Yet she wears it not as a badge of pride but as a reminder to strive further, to help more.

In the Abyss, Arlen has collaborated with many Explorers and teams.
Yet, few of them could be called exceptional. Most were average at best, some even lacking in strength.
Given her reputation and power, finding elite allies would be effortless.
So why does she choose otherwise? One can only speculate that she has a different approach when selecting partners.

Chronicles

Her parents and I once served on the same team. After the accident, I offered to take Arlen in as my own daughter. But she refused. That stubborn little thing! Hehe.
She was barely old enough to understand the world, yet knew how to stand on her own. So, all I could do was guide her training.
Surprisingly, she knew exactly what happened to her parents, yet instead of running from it, she embraced it and pushed herself relentlessly to take on the mantle of her parents.
— Arlen's Master

We've tried recruiting Miss Arlen countless times. Formal letters, personal visits, every approach imaginable. But she shook her head.
Asked why, and she said our team was "already competent enough" and that she wouldn't add much value. And we were "too busy with operations" to allow her freedom!
That was just an excuse, no? More skilled members always improve efficiency and safety! And heavy operations mean better profits!
Those struggling third-rate teams might have "freedom," but they barely scrape by in the Abyss.
— An Exploration Team Leader

Whenever Miss Arlen returns to the Port, she sleeps for days in her room. At first, I worried something was wrong until I realized she was simply exhausted.
One can easily tell that her work in the Abyss drains her completely. These days I bring meals directly to her door, giving every extra moment of rest I can.
This inn has become her second home. No matter how long she's gone, her room always stays ready for her next return.
— An Innkeeper

Record

During her first mission with the team, her seamless coordination stunned the others. But to Arlen, it was nothing unusual.
She had fought alongside countless teams, weak, strong, and everything in between. Deep teamwork experience has made adaptability second nature to her. Yet outside of battle, her habit took a curious turn.
She seized every possible moment to rest, yes, including intervals during a cleanup.
Her ability to sleep anywhere was impressive, but it also raised questions: What does she do when she's not on duty? Does she have any hobbies?

As trust grew, Arlen began sharing fragments of her past.
Her parents had left the Abyss long ago, until a friend's plea drew them back. They never returned.
After her parents met with misfortune, the neighbors took it upon themselves to provide her with various support and unwavering kindness, ensuring she grew up safe and sound.
When speaking of this, there was no bitterness toward the one who sought her parents' aid. Only gratitude for her parents' sacrifice, for the compassion that carried her forward.
Perhaps it was this very history that shaped her into the woman who now gives so freely and loves so fiercely.

Anecdote

Arlen's hometown was a peaceful, idyllic place, one she adored. Every day, she would stroll through its quiet streets.
Until a scrappy little stray dog arrived. The moment it spotted Arlen, he charged at her while yapping furiously, chasing her through the town.
It was barely knee-high but valorous and with a bark that could shake the heavens, so she named it Emperor!
Arlen was terrified of it and would rather make a detour than run the risk of meeting it. Though he'd never bitten her, she was convinced it was only a matter of time.
But before that day could come... Emperor fell ill.
She found it collapsed by the roadside, whimpering weakly and painfully, its breaths shallow and labored.

She cast every healing spell she knew, but nothing worked. Emperor's panting grew ragged, as if death could come at any moment.
"I've tried everything... I'm sorry. Please don't blame me..."
In response, the little dog let out a pitiful whine. Guilt twisted in Arlen's chest.
She had tried all the spells she knew. But had she given it her all? Her parents' study was lined with books of magic. There might still be a way.

With her incantation, a radiant and warm light enveloped Emperor. Slowly, its paws twitched and its eyes fluttered open.
Then, it regained its energy and sprang up, barking and bouncing around the study with a wagging tail.
"Ah! The books! The scrolls! Emperor is an idiot. I regret saving you!"
From that day on, Arlen resumed her daily walks through town. Only now, a lively dog trotted proudly beside her.

"To those in need, even the smallest act of kindness can be salvation."
"Yes, you're right, Mom." Her mother's words echoed in her heart. Now, Arlen understood. It really was just that simple.