Emma

Personal Info

Born into a family of mages, Emma once displayed extraordinary magical talent until a training accident stripped her of that power. Forced to abandon the arcane arts, she turned to martial arts instead.
When she first appeared at the Port as an Explorer, rumors followed her like shadows.
Some claimed she was a disgraced heir, exiled to the Abyss to die.
Others insisted her search for some impossible cure suggests she was overestimating her abilities.
Emma ignored them all. Whether the rumors spread or not, she never bothered to argue; she simply continued her journey through the Abyss at her own pace.

Chronicles

My sister Emma only had herself to blame. She refused to accept her mediocrity and was too eager for quick results.
Hmph. If she'd known her place just like me, she wouldn't have ended up like this.
With her talent, had she just trained properly, she might've become a passable mage. Nothing remarkable like I did, but at least not an embarrassment to our family name.
— Emma's Brother

We were all devastated after what happened to her. We spared no effort trying to heal her. But nothing worked and it was hopeless. She simply cannot practice magic again.
So the family's legacy must pass to her brother. As for Emma... she'll have to settle for an ordinary life.
We know how cruel this is to her, but reality won't change just because we wish it. There is nothing more that can be done.
That's why we didn't stop her when she turned to martial arts or even when she wanted to become an Explorer. If she's found something to live for, we should be happy for her.
— Emma's Father

When the former magic prodigy first came to me, I assumed it was just a whim or she was just looking for a distraction.
I never imagined she'd seriously pursue martial arts after losing her magic. She was too proud. Yet she proved me wrong.
At first, she could barely swing a sword properly. But within weeks, she'd mastered several techniques others take longer to learn.
That's when I was convinced by her iron resolve. I stopped holding back and taught her everything I knew.
Though she started late, with that level of determination and perseverance, I have no doubt she'll make her mark.
— Emma's Martial Arts Master

Record

Training, combat, even mundane tasks. Emma would complete anything with perfection.
Her focus is absolute. Once engaged in a task, the world around her ceases to exist. The only thing that matters is the task at hand.
This discipline made her frighteningly efficient and somewhat cold.

Though Emma rarely spoke of her history, she never avoided it.
When she first joined the team, members tiptoed around any mention of magic, fearing to bring up painful memories.
Then one day, Emma herself broached the subject. What's more, she told everyone there was no need for caution since she had changed.
That being said, it's still considerate to avoid topics that might evoke painful associations, but now that she's made her stance clear, there's no need to tread too carefully.
Moreover, in a rare moment of openness, Emma addressed the rumors about herself directly:
"I'm no disgraced heir, nor am I chasing some impossible cure in the Abyss. I'm simply here to start life anew."

Anecdote

On her way back from a mission, Emma came across a young man surrounded by monsters.
Despite locked in a brutal battle, his face still wore an expression of pride and confidence, with no intention of retreating.
Emma didn't intervene; she simply watched from a distance. Only when exhaustion led to a critical mistake did she finally step in.

"New to the Abyss?" Emma stood beside him as he tended to his wounds, making no move to help.
The young man responded with a terse grunt, refusing to even look up. The two didn't say a word.
After a moment, Emma turned to leave, but paused after a few steps.
"I won't thank you. I could've handled them myself!" He snapped, assuming she expected gratitude.
"I know." Her tone was flat. Without waiting for a reply, she continued...

"I once knew someone called a once-in-a-century magical prodigy. From the moment she began training, every move she made drew attention."
"Then she hit a wall. The praise dwindled right as her younger brother started to stand out. Overnight, the spotlight shifted to him."
"Desperate to reclaim her glory, or maybe just the adoration, she resorted to reckless training..."
"... What happened after?" The young man couldn't help but ask when Emma trailed off.
"After, she became ordinary. Even a so-called prodigy loses all value the moment her body is damaged and her future is lost."
With a faint sigh, Emma waved dismissively and walked away.
"Farewell, rising star. Courage isn't a flaw... but it isn't always a virtue, either."

"He is too proud to admit a mistake until it was too late. That's why I didn't act sooner."
"Why I knew he was a rising star? He reminded me of a friend of mine. So desperate for validation, they'd risk everything without hesitation."