The Solace

Personal Info

Member of the special organization Hymnus. She travels across the Abyss, devoting herself to soothing the weary and healing the wounded.
This particular Solace is gentle by nature—kind-hearted, sincere, and warm. Anyone who spends time with her walks away feeling as if they've been wrapped in spring sunlight.
Of course, kindness alone isn't enough to survive in the Abyss. The fact that she can move safely through such places speaks volumes about her skill.
According to several captured rogue Explorers, they couldn't make out her movements at all. By the time they realized what had happened, they were already pinned to the ground.
From their accounts, it's clear she stands above most Explorers in raw ability. She simply has little interest in showing it, keeping her true power carefully hidden.

Chronicles

Back then, our outpost was hit by a massive flood. The riverbank collapsed, the defenses went with it, and monsters poured straight into the camp... It was utter chaos.
Just when everyone was ready to flee, when it looked like the whole place was about to fall, the Solace was the one who brought us hope.
She rallied the scattered Explorers, wiped out every last monster inside the outpost, and then immediately led us to rebuild the riverbank, putting an end to the disaster once and for all.
No matter what needed to be done, she was always the first to step forward. To us, she was a true messenger of the divine, bringing back the blessings that had long faded from this world.
— An Outpost Manager

The Solace? Yeah, I never forget her. The guys and I in this cell are all here because of her.
Don't let that “wouldn't-hurt-a-fly” face fool you. When she fights, she doesn't hold back. And she's sharp, too. We all split up and ran in different directions, but she still rounded us up within hours.
Exaggerating? Why the hell would I lie? We're literally sitting in prison. Bragging ain't gonna do us any good.
Wait, you're interviewing us? This is gonna be public?! She's gonna see this?!
Shit. We're done for... If she finds out we haven't been repenting sincerely...
— A Prisoner who Refuses to Say More

Sigh... every time someone comes looking for me, it's always about the Solace or the Merciful. Getting close to those two isn't exactly easy, you know.
You just want to hear what she's like in her day-to-day life? You're serious? The Abyss really doesn't lack eccentric types, I see.
But well... if you insist. Aside from her gorgeous figure, I don't actually remember much...
Ah! Right. She loves eating. Anything and everything. Never picky. Maybe that's how she manages to keep that perfect body of hers!
— ??? from Hymnus

Record

With the Solace joining in, the expedition team now counts several Hymnus members among its ranks. Yet contrary to expectations, they neither chat warmly nor naturally band together.
After a brief exchange of greetings, each one quietly returns to their own tasks, and it's rare to see them show up at the same time unless necessary.
It's only in casual conversation with the Solace does it become apparent: every member of the Hymnus carries out justice in their own way.
They may share a banner, but beyond certain circumstances, they do not interfere with one another's missions.
Her decision to join the expedition was made purely because she believed it aligned with the justice she upholds. Nothing more, certainly not because of any other Hymnus member.

Outside of expedition duties, she sometimes wanders off on her own, but more often she stays at camp and samples whatever meals the team cooks up. No matter the taste or the ingredients, she always looks genuinely delighted.
It's never out of politeness. Just sincere enjoyment.
Her pleased reactions always make the others happy, and that contented look of hers only pushes them to cook even more dishes for her to enjoy.

Anecdote

In a dim back alley, a group of bandits was dividing up their latest loot.
They jeered at the incompetence of the Settlement wardens and boasted about their generous haul, until a graceful figure appeared at the mouth of the alley.
The hell you staring at? Get lost! Quit bothering us!
She was only passing by. But hearing their threats and spotting the scattered luggage on the ground, she immediately understood what was going on.
Instead of leaving, she stepped forward.
Oi! You deaf or something? I said get lost!
The leader frowned, raised a hand to silence his underling and slowly stood, with his weapon in hand.
She saw us. Don't let her walk away.
Got it, boss!
As the bandits closed in, the girl stopped.
Oh, I see. Because I witnessed your crime, you plan to kill me? May the Goddess forgive your sins.
Her lack of fear—and the way she casually laid bare their intentions—made the leader pause.
What? Regretting it now? Too late for that!
Too late...? If you're willing to repent, you still have a chance.
...What are you talking about?
I am the Solace of the Hymnus. I walk the Abyss to dispel evil and bring peace.
Your deeds have strayed far from the path of justice. But if you sincerely repent, the Goddess will guide you toward redemption.
Boss, she's just some crazy preacher.
It doesn't matter if you don't believe in the Goddess. So long as you believe in worldly justice, there is still hope for salvation.
...
The Solace went on and on about their crimes and urged them to confess. But her gentle lecture only irritated them further.
Damn lunatic! I've robbed more people than you've had meals! Change of plan. Grab her alive!
At the leader's shout, the gang charged. The Solace sighed softly, then began to chant.
Boss, she's too strong! We can't take her!
Scatter! Run for it!
As the bandits fled in panic, the Solace simply shook her head. With a quick read of their routes and speed, she set off in one specific direction...