Jessica

Personal Info

Humble and reserved, the unfussy Explorer approaches every task with tireless diligence, striving for perfection.
Coming from an ordinary family with some basic, limited training, her knowledge remained noticeably incomplete as an Explorer.
When first arriving at the Port, she knew little about the Abyss and was no more capable than a novice.
Yet through relentless effort and sharp learning ability, she soon mastered essential techniques, her overall capabilities advancing by leaps and bounds.
Strangely, she seemed oblivious to this growth, still carrying herself with a beginner's humility.

Chronicles

Miss Jessica always claims she's "just a novice" who "doesn't know anything." Just take that with a grain of salt.
When we first teamed up, we actually believed it. Then she bailed us out of countless troubles.
Modesty is a virtue, yes, but Jessica takes it to another level. Judging by her skills, you'd never know how good she is.
— An Exploration Team Leader

I was working as a private tutor when her mother came to me, begging to let Jessica be an observer in my classes. I refused at first.
But after her mother's persistent pleas—and the girl is actually an Explorer material—I relented.
Between odd jobs, she attended sporadically, yet kept pace with full-time students. I wanted to give her extra attention.
But she was very considerate and dreaded being a nuisance to me or other students. She'd wrestle with problems alone rather than ask for help.
With a proper teacher and real opportunities... that girl could have soared so much higher.
— Jessica's Mentor

Before her father's injury, we were comfortable and had plans for her future. Then everything collapsed.
Medical bills drained us. I alone could barely feed us, let alone fund her education.
While other children played and studied, Jessica worked odd jobs with me to make both ends meet.
She never once complained and would do anything to lighten my burden. But that very maturity made my heart ache more. She's supposed to be cherished and cared...
After her father passed, I returned to the countryside. Now, the least I can do is stay out of her way and let her chase a future unshackled.
— Jessica's Mother

Record

Outside combat, Miss Jessica preferred solitude, handling challenges alone.
Even when teammates approached, she'd only respond with polite detachment, as if intentionally keeping her distance.
Yet sometimes, watching others getting along, a fleeting longing would surface. Though expertly concealed, it is visible to observant eyes.

The team's favored approach of "Fixed Partnership" bore fruit. After weeks of paired missions, Jessica's relationship with designated partners improved markedly.
According to these partners: "Turns out she's great to work with."
Dig deeper, though, and you'll find the real issue: Jessica's convinced she's the weak link. Too inexperienced. Always one step behind. So she keeps to herself, instead of passing the emotional burden to anyone else.
What is more concerning is that she lacks a clear purpose. Right now, she's just going through the motions because "that's what Explorers do."
This warrants ongoing attention. When she's ready to talk, we'll be there with answers and guidance.

Anecdote

Jessica lost her team in pursuit of a cunning, vicious monster. By the time she realized what had happened, she found herself in an unfamiliar place. As she debated whether to wait or backtrack, the monster paused.
Seeing her prey lower its guard, Jessica silenced all hesitation and struck...

The victory came at a price. The monster's desperate attacks before death left her badly wounded, while Miasma seeping into her injuries brought waves of excruciating pain.
As she struggled to tend her wounds, rustling foliage announced new threats. More monsters emerged from the woods.
At that moment, despair washed over her.
How ironic, she thought with a bitter smile. Stumbled into being an Explorer... now I'll lose my life for nothing just as one.
Even her lingering regrets couldn't muster the strength to grip her weapon. For the first time, Jessica stopped fighting.
All her lifelong efforts... and in the end, nothing changed. She closed her eyes, ready to let go.
Until she heard someone calling her name...

"Jessica is heavier than she looks!"
"Uh... shouldn't we avoid that topic? Even among girls?"
"Sorry... I've become a deadweight again..."
"Jessica, you are awake?! A-are you okay? Does it still hurt?"
"Stop being so formal! We're friends, not strangers! This is what friends do!"
"Friends..."
"Seriously though, you took down that monster alone? That's insane!"
The rest blurred. Rocked from side to side on a friend's back, Jessica pondered what "friends" truly meant...