The Absolver

Personal Info

A member of the group Hymnus, the Absolver is driven by an unshakable conviction to help others, whether they want it or not. Once she deems someone in need, no refusal can turn her away.
Fellow Hymnus members have repeatedly cautioned against this, but to little effect. She acts solely by her own judgment, aiding anyone she perceives as requiring assistance.
This zeal has made her a unique figure within Hymnus, the only member so fervently helpful that some Explorers actively avoid her.
She's just too kind and generous. She has purged evils from the Abyss and rescued countless souls from despair.
In regions where she's operated, many remember her fondly.

Chronicles

I was out on a mission when I spotted some bandits faking injuries to ambush Explorers. Unfortunately, they accidentally lure over the Absolver instead.
You should've seen those guys desperately trying to turn down her help! But they were no match for her. In the end, they had no choice but to obediently follow her. Hahaha.
I think most of those nasty rumors about the Absolver come from the bad guys. She's ruined plenty of their "business opportunities" after all.
— An Explorer

I'd just finished hunting a monster and was hauling it back to the Outpost when the Absolver noticed me. She took one look at the bandage on my arm and insisted on helping me take care of it.
It was literally just a scratch, but to her, it might as well have been a lethal injury...
So there I was. A grown man walking empty-handed behind this woman with a massive monster slung over her shoulders. I've never been more embarrassed in my life.
— A Monster Slayer

As a member of Hymnus, the Absolver performs admirably, consistently devoting herself to helping those in need.
However, her motivations extend beyond simply spreading compassion and justice; she genuinely enjoys the process.
Yes, she's said before that helping others brings her joy. However, I suspect her definition of "joy" differs somewhat from ours...
— The Merciful from Hymnus

I always taught that girl: "To help others is to help yourself. Especially when traveling, a little kindness goes a long way."
She took those words to heart, though there were times when her good intentions backfired... Those failures broke her heart deeply.
But those experiences taught her an important lesson: Good intentions aren't enough. You need the strength to back them up. That's when she started training under me.
She's done well, hasn't she? I hear she's joined some organization dedicated to bringing order to the Abyss. That's my good granddaughter.
— The Absolver's Grandfather

Record

When the Absolver first joined the team, some members worried she might impose her "help" in awkward or excessive ways.
To their surprise, she restrained herself. She only offered aid where it was clearly needed.
Aside from her striking attire, she appeared to be just another kind-hearted Explorer.
As time passed, initial unease gave way to curiosity.
The Absolver, in turn, proved open to their questions, even sharing stories about herself occasionally.

Whenever speaking of her grandfather, her voice fills with reverence.
A former core member of a renowned mercenary group in the Abyss, he was involved in countless legends in his youth.
His safe retirement, she claims, was only possible thanks to the unwavering support of his teammates, which is why he constantly reminded her of the value of helping others and trusting her team.
It's clear now: her grandfather's experience shaped the Absolver into who she is, a woman who helps not out of obligation, but because she truly believes in kindness.

Anecdote

While traveling to promote Hymnus, the Absolver saved a merchant caravan from bandits.
One of the merchants, clutching a weapon, was about to take justice into his own hands and execute the tied-up bandits. But the Absolver intervened.
"Killing is easy. But once blood stains your hands, it never washes away."
"I've known their cruelty firsthand. My own parents were killed by bandits years ago..."
"Then why stop me?!" The merchant trembled with rage.
"For men who live by the sword, a quick death is mercy. Not punishment."
The moment the Absolver finished speaking, the once-fearless bandits suddenly grew pale with fear. Convinced cruel torture awaited them, one of them even tried to end his own life.
The Absolver stopped him before continuing: "Hymnus saves lives. We don't take them."
"I'm giving you a chance to live. Of course, you're free to refuse... but then I won't stop this merchant from demanding justice."
The bandits stared in disbelief at this unexpected reprieve, then asked hurriedly, "What's the condition?"
"Like I said, Hymnus saves lives. Follow me, save one hundred people, and I'll grant you freedom."
"Save one hundred people?" The condition—and the number—made the outlaws exchange uneasy glances.
"Eight dead, four wounded by your hands today. Saving a hundred seems fair enough."
"Miss, they're murderers..." Puzzled, the merchant protested, trying to change her decision.
"I know exactly what they are. That's why saving lives will punish them far more than execution ever could."
"I'll be watching every move they make. Don't you trust me?"
Looking into her eyes, the merchant's lips parted, then closed, saying nothing more.
Meanwhile, terrified she might take back her offer, the bandits vowed to turn over a new leaf, each more desperate than the last.