Position
Attack Type
Tags
Archetype
Traits
Has reduced Redeployment Time, can use ranged attacks
runtime_cost = -9999
Operator Description
Ines's past is unimportant. Anyway, she wishes to say, 'It's been a while.'
Operator Quote
Always keep an eye on the shadow beneath you. Don't let it expose what's on your mind.
Obtain Approach
Headhunting
Operator can only be obtained through Headhunting (Gacha).
| Headhunting: Yes | Recruitment: No |
| Release Date (CN) | 4/6/2023 |
|---|---|
| Release Date (Global) | 10/24/2023 |
Potentials
Potential Item
Ines's Token
A sharp, unassuming embroidery needle. Ines does not need anything eye-catching to prove her identity. This pointed yet lackluster object is her most appropriate justification.
Potentials
-1
-4
+8
-1
Trust extra status
+50
+30
Talent
The first hit on each enemy Bind the target for 3 seconds and Steal 50 ATK (effect expires when enemy is defeated or Ines retreats)
Info
The first hit on each enemy Bind the target for 3 seconds and Steal 60 (+10) ATK (effect expires when enemy is defeated or Ines retreats)
Info
The first hit on each enemy Bind the target for 5 seconds and Steal 90 ATK (effect expires when enemy is defeated or Ines retreats)
Info
The first hit on each enemy Bind the target for 5 seconds and Steal 100 (+10) ATK (effect expires when enemy is defeated or Ines retreats)
Info
Enemies within Attack Range lose Invisible and have -30% Movement Speed; after retreating, Ines leaves behind a Shadow Sentry with the same effect (Max 1)
Info
Talents from Module Upgrades
Stats
HP
ATK
DEF
Arts Resist
0
Redeploy Time
35
DP Cost
9
Block
1
Attack Interval
1
Skills
- Skill 1
- Skill 2
- Skill 3
SP Cost:
5
5
5
4
4
4
3
3
3
3
Initial SP:
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
2
3
Skill Effect
The next attack deals 25% ATK as Arts damage to the target every second for 3 seconds (does not stack), gains 2 DP
The next attack deals 30% ATK as Arts damage to the target every second for 3 seconds (does not stack), gains 2 DP
The next attack deals 35% ATK as Arts damage to the target every second for 3 seconds (does not stack), gains 2 DP
The next attack deals 40% ATK as Arts damage to the target every second for 3 seconds (does not stack), gains 2 DP
The next attack deals 45% ATK as Arts damage to the target every second for 3 seconds (does not stack), gains 2 DP
The next attack deals 50% ATK as Arts damage to the target every second for 3 seconds (does not stack), gains 2 DP
The next attack deals 55% ATK as Arts damage to the target every second for 3 seconds (does not stack), gains 2 DP
The next attack deals 65% ATK as Arts damage to the target every second for 3 seconds (does not stack), gains 2 DP
The next attack deals 70% ATK as Arts damage to the target every second for 3 seconds (does not stack), gains 2 DP
The next attack deals 80% ATK as Arts damage to the target every second for 3 seconds (does not stack), gains 2 DP
| cost | 2 |
|---|---|
| bleed_atk_scale | 0.25 |
| bleed_duration | 3 |
| cost | 2 |
|---|---|
| bleed_atk_scale | 0.3 |
| bleed_duration | 3 |
| cost | 2 |
|---|---|
| bleed_atk_scale | 0.35 |
| bleed_duration | 3 |
| cost | 2 |
|---|---|
| bleed_atk_scale | 0.4 |
| bleed_duration | 3 |
| cost | 2 |
|---|---|
| bleed_atk_scale | 0.45 |
| bleed_duration | 3 |
| cost | 2 |
|---|---|
| bleed_atk_scale | 0.5 |
| bleed_duration | 3 |
| cost | 2 |
|---|---|
| bleed_atk_scale | 0.55 |
| bleed_duration | 3 |
| cost | 2 |
|---|---|
| bleed_atk_scale | 0.65 |
| bleed_duration | 3 |
| cost | 2 |
|---|---|
| bleed_atk_scale | 0.7 |
| bleed_duration | 3 |
| cost | 2 |
|---|---|
| bleed_atk_scale | 0.8 |
| bleed_duration | 3 |
SP Cost:
30
29
28
27
26
25
24
23
22
20
Initial SP:
5
5
5
10
10
10
15
15
15
15
SP Charge Type
Skill Activation
Duration
12 Seconds
12 Seconds
12 Seconds
12 Seconds
12 Seconds
12 Seconds
12 Seconds
12 Seconds
12 Seconds
12 Seconds
Skill Effect
Attack range expands, gains +40% ATK and Invisible, each attack grants 1 DP and Steal4 ASPD from the target (Caps at 40, lasts until skill ends or Ines is retreated)
Attack range expands, gains +45% ATK and Invisible, each attack grants 1 DP and Steal4 ASPD from the target (Caps at 40, lasts until skill ends or Ines is retreated)
Attack range expands, gains +50% ATK and Invisible, each attack grants 1 DP and Steal4 ASPD from the target (Caps at 40, lasts until skill ends or Ines is retreated)
Attack range expands, gains +60% ATK and Invisible, each attack grants 1 DP and Steal5 ASPD from the target (Caps at 50, lasts until skill ends or Ines is retreated)
Attack range expands, gains +65% ATK and Invisible, each attack grants 1 DP and Steal5 ASPD from the target (Caps at 50, lasts until skill ends or Ines is retreated)
Attack range expands, gains +70% ATK and Invisible, each attack grants 1 DP and Steal5 ASPD from the target (Caps at 50, lasts until skill ends or Ines is retreated)
Attack range expands, gains +80% ATK and Invisible, each attack grants 1 DP and Steal6 ASPD from the target (Caps at 60, lasts until skill ends or Ines is retreated)
Attack range expands, gains +90% ATK and Invisible, each attack grants 1 DP and Steal6 ASPD from the target (Caps at 60, lasts until skill ends or Ines is retreated)
Attack range expands, gains +100% ATK and Invisible, each attack grants 1 DP and Steal6 ASPD from the target (Caps at 60, lasts until skill ends or Ines is retreated)
Attack range expands, gains +110% ATK and Invisible, each attack grants 1 DP and Steal7 ASPD from the target (Caps at 70, lasts until skill ends or Ines is retreated)
Skill Range
| cost | 1 |
|---|---|
| atk | 0.4 |
| attack@steal_atk_speed | 4 |
| attack@steal_atk_speed_max | 40 |
| cost | 1 |
|---|---|
| atk | 0.45 |
| attack@steal_atk_speed | 4 |
| attack@steal_atk_speed_max | 40 |
| cost | 1 |
|---|---|
| atk | 0.5 |
| attack@steal_atk_speed | 4 |
| attack@steal_atk_speed_max | 40 |
| cost | 1 |
|---|---|
| atk | 0.6 |
| attack@steal_atk_speed | 5 |
| attack@steal_atk_speed_max | 50 |
| cost | 1 |
|---|---|
| atk | 0.65 |
| attack@steal_atk_speed | 5 |
| attack@steal_atk_speed_max | 50 |
| cost | 1 |
|---|---|
| atk | 0.7 |
| attack@steal_atk_speed | 5 |
| attack@steal_atk_speed_max | 50 |
| cost | 1 |
|---|---|
| atk | 0.8 |
| attack@steal_atk_speed | 6 |
| attack@steal_atk_speed_max | 60 |
| cost | 1 |
|---|---|
| atk | 0.9 |
| attack@steal_atk_speed | 6 |
| attack@steal_atk_speed_max | 60 |
| cost | 1 |
|---|---|
| atk | 1 |
| attack@steal_atk_speed | 6 |
| attack@steal_atk_speed_max | 60 |
| cost | 1 |
|---|---|
| atk | 1.1 |
| attack@steal_atk_speed | 7 |
| attack@steal_atk_speed_max | 70 |
SP Cost:
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Initial SP:
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
SP Charge Type
Skill Activation
Duration
9 Seconds
9 Seconds
9 Seconds
11 Seconds
11 Seconds
11 Seconds
13 Seconds
14 Seconds
15 Seconds
16 Seconds
Skill Effect
The first deployment costs 0 DP, places a Shadow Sentry on the field, and immediately refreshes Redeployment Time
After deployment, +60% ATK, immediately retrieves the Shadow Sentry, and deals 80% ATK as Physical damage to up to 4 enemies it passes through; while active, gains 1 DP for each attack on an enemy
After deployment, +60% ATK, immediately retrieves the Shadow Sentry, and deals 80% ATK as Physical damage to up to 4 enemies it passes through; while active, gains 1 DP for each attack on an enemy
The first deployment costs 0 DP, places a Shadow Sentry on the field, and immediately refreshes Redeployment Time
After deployment, +70% ATK, immediately retrieves the Shadow Sentry, and deals 90% ATK as Physical damage to up to 4 enemies it passes through; while active, gains 1 DP for each attack on an enemy
After deployment, +70% ATK, immediately retrieves the Shadow Sentry, and deals 90% ATK as Physical damage to up to 4 enemies it passes through; while active, gains 1 DP for each attack on an enemy
The first deployment costs 0 DP, places a Shadow Sentry on the field, and immediately refreshes Redeployment Time
After deployment, +80% ATK, immediately retrieves the Shadow Sentry, and deals 100% ATK as Physical damage to up to 4 enemies it passes through; while active, gains 1 DP for each attack on an enemy
After deployment, +80% ATK, immediately retrieves the Shadow Sentry, and deals 100% ATK as Physical damage to up to 4 enemies it passes through; while active, gains 1 DP for each attack on an enemy
The first deployment costs 0 DP, places a Shadow Sentry on the field, and immediately refreshes Redeployment Time
After deployment, +90% ATK, immediately retrieves the Shadow Sentry, and deals 110% ATK as Physical damage to up to 4 enemies it passes through; while active, gains 1 DP for each attack on an enemy
After deployment, +90% ATK, immediately retrieves the Shadow Sentry, and deals 110% ATK as Physical damage to up to 4 enemies it passes through; while active, gains 1 DP for each attack on an enemy
The first deployment costs 0 DP, places a Shadow Sentry on the field, and immediately refreshes Redeployment Time
After deployment, +100% ATK, immediately retrieves the Shadow Sentry, and deals 120% ATK as Physical damage to up to 4 enemies it passes through; while active, gains 1 DP for each attack on an enemy
After deployment, +100% ATK, immediately retrieves the Shadow Sentry, and deals 120% ATK as Physical damage to up to 4 enemies it passes through; while active, gains 1 DP for each attack on an enemy
The first deployment costs 0 DP, places a Shadow Sentry on the field, and immediately refreshes Redeployment Time
After deployment, +110% ATK, immediately retrieves the Shadow Sentry, and deals 130% ATK as Physical damage to up to 4 enemies it passes through; while active, gains 1 DP for each attack on an enemy
After deployment, +110% ATK, immediately retrieves the Shadow Sentry, and deals 130% ATK as Physical damage to up to 4 enemies it passes through; while active, gains 1 DP for each attack on an enemy
The first deployment costs 0 DP, places a Shadow Sentry on the field, and immediately refreshes Redeployment Time
After deployment, +120% ATK, immediately retrieves the Shadow Sentry, and deals 140% ATK as Physical damage to up to 5 enemies it passes through; while active, gains 1 DP for each attack on an enemy
After deployment, +120% ATK, immediately retrieves the Shadow Sentry, and deals 140% ATK as Physical damage to up to 5 enemies it passes through; while active, gains 1 DP for each attack on an enemy
The first deployment costs 0 DP, places a Shadow Sentry on the field, and immediately refreshes Redeployment Time
After deployment, +140% ATK, immediately retrieves the Shadow Sentry, and deals 160% ATK as Physical damage to up to 5 enemies it passes through; while active, gains 1 DP for each attack on an enemy
After deployment, +140% ATK, immediately retrieves the Shadow Sentry, and deals 160% ATK as Physical damage to up to 5 enemies it passes through; while active, gains 1 DP for each attack on an enemy
The first deployment costs 0 DP, places a Shadow Sentry on the field, and immediately refreshes Redeployment Time
After deployment, +150% ATK, immediately retrieves the Shadow Sentry, and deals 180% ATK as Physical damage to up to 5 enemies it passes through; while active, gains 1 DP for each attack on an enemy
After deployment, +150% ATK, immediately retrieves the Shadow Sentry, and deals 180% ATK as Physical damage to up to 5 enemies it passes through; while active, gains 1 DP for each attack on an enemy
The first deployment costs 0 DP, places a Shadow Sentry on the field, and immediately refreshes Redeployment Time
After deployment, +160% ATK, immediately retrieves the Shadow Sentry, and deals 200% ATK as Physical damage to up to 6 enemies it passes through; while active, gains 1 DP for each attack on an enemy
After deployment, +160% ATK, immediately retrieves the Shadow Sentry, and deals 200% ATK as Physical damage to up to 6 enemies it passes through; while active, gains 1 DP for each attack on an enemy
| cost | 1 |
|---|---|
| atk | 0.6 |
| atk_scale (Attack Scale) | 0.8 |
| max_target | 4 |
| projectile_range | 1.4 |
| cost | 1 |
|---|---|
| atk | 0.7 |
| atk_scale (Attack Scale) | 0.9 |
| max_target | 4 |
| projectile_range | 1.4 |
| cost | 1 |
|---|---|
| atk | 0.8 |
| atk_scale (Attack Scale) | 1 |
| max_target | 4 |
| projectile_range | 1.4 |
| cost | 1 |
|---|---|
| atk | 0.9 |
| atk_scale (Attack Scale) | 1.1 |
| max_target | 4 |
| projectile_range | 1.4 |
| cost | 1 |
|---|---|
| atk | 1 |
| atk_scale (Attack Scale) | 1.2 |
| max_target | 4 |
| projectile_range | 1.4 |
| cost | 1 |
|---|---|
| atk | 1.1 |
| atk_scale (Attack Scale) | 1.3 |
| max_target | 4 |
| projectile_range | 1.4 |
| cost | 1 |
|---|---|
| atk | 1.2 |
| atk_scale (Attack Scale) | 1.4 |
| max_target | 5 |
| projectile_range | 1.4 |
| cost | 1 |
|---|---|
| atk | 1.4 |
| atk_scale (Attack Scale) | 1.6 |
| max_target | 5 |
| projectile_range | 1.4 |
| cost | 1 |
|---|---|
| atk | 1.5 |
| atk_scale (Attack Scale) | 1.8 |
| max_target | 5 |
| projectile_range | 1.4 |
| cost | 1 |
|---|---|
| atk | 1.6 |
| atk_scale (Attack Scale) | 2 |
| max_target | 6 |
| projectile_range | 1.4 |
RIIC Base Skills
Personnel Management β
Lvl: 1
(人事管理·β)
Room Type:
Office
When this Operator is assigned to the HR Office, HR contacting speed +35%
Shadow Gathering
Lvl: 1
(聚影)
Room Type:
Reception Room
When this Operator is assigned to the Reception Room, Clue search speed increases by 20%, then by another 2% per hour, up to a maximum of 30%
Quick Evaluation
+ Strong damage, competitive among the best Vanguard skills.
+ Tons of utility, much of it extremely strong and unique.
+ Talent 1: The Bind from her Talent is incredibly powerful, facilitating both early map and late map holds.
+ Talent 1 and S2: Steal aspects are twice as strong as the numbers appear since they both buff Ines and debuff the enemy.
+ S2: Instantly activatable with Bagpipe
+ S2: Incredibly fast cycle means she doesn't even need to be redeployed.
+ S2: Presuming a target to attack, DP generation is competitive with Flagbearers.
+ S2: Has true Invisibility, which protects her from splash and environmental damage, instead of the more common Camoflauge which does not.
+ S3: High damage and control potential.
+ Talent 2: Shadow Sentinal cannot be disrupted by enemies, making it very effective for both snare and invisability reveal.
- Needs an enemy to attack to generate DP so can be inconsistent on some stages
+ Tons of utility, much of it extremely strong and unique.
+ Talent 1: The Bind from her Talent is incredibly powerful, facilitating both early map and late map holds.
+ Talent 1 and S2: Steal aspects are twice as strong as the numbers appear since they both buff Ines and debuff the enemy.
+ S2: Instantly activatable with Bagpipe
+ S2: Incredibly fast cycle means she doesn't even need to be redeployed.
+ S2: Presuming a target to attack, DP generation is competitive with Flagbearers.
+ S2: Has true Invisibility, which protects her from splash and environmental damage, instead of the more common Camoflauge which does not.
+ S3: High damage and control potential.
+ Talent 2: Shadow Sentinal cannot be disrupted by enemies, making it very effective for both snare and invisability reveal.
- Needs an enemy to attack to generate DP so can be inconsistent on some stages
Operator Overview
Ines first appeared in the Darknights Memoir event, a mercenary who worked alongside W and Hoederer. Luckily for all Doctors who were captivated by her obscure powers and engaging storyline, reports of her death (or rather “deaths,” plural) have been greatly exaggerated. Now she owes Rhodes Island a debt, and she’s ready to repay it with her services as a 6* Agent Vanguard who places shadow clones and steals enemy stats to increase her own.
Agent Vanguards came out of the gate strong with Cantabile, and Ines is everything you could want in an Agent Vanguard and more. She boasts the usual qualities of Agents—fast redeploy time and ranged attacks—as well as a new mechanic: Steal. This reduces the enemy’s stats by a set amount and increases Ines’s corresponding stat by an equal amount (up to a cap). The effects of Stealing remain until Ines or her opponent die, whichever happens first. Her E1 Talent, Shadow Weave, demonstrates this effect perfectly: the first time Ines attacks a given enemy, Shadow Weave Steals a set amount of ATK from the target (and also inflicts a Bind effect). Steal also figures prominently into Ines’s Lightless Night S2. Lightless Night expands her attack range, greatly increases her ATK, and adds two effects to her attacks: each attack generates DP and also Steals ASPD from her target. On top of that, she also gains Invisibility, making her almost impossible to hit for the Skill duration.
The rest of Ines’s kit does not involve Steal, but instead revolves around interesting deployables. First, her E2 Talent, Shadow Whistle, passively reveals stealthed enemies within her attack range and reduces their movement speed. But when Ines is retreated, she leaves behind a Shadow Whistle deployable that maintains the effect in her previous location. Her other deployable comes from her S3, Lone Shadow’s Return, which modifies her deployment altogether: the first time she is deployed does not consume DP but instead places a Shadow Clone on the field and refreshes Ines’s redeployment timer. Once the timer is up and you place her down for real, the Shadow Clone is recalled to Ines’s position, damaging enemies it passes through and generating DP for each target hit. Afterwards, Ines gains a massive ATK buff for several seconds.
It's easy to underestimate Ines due to her unimpressive base stats and short attack range. Once she hits the field, however, she impresses again and again. Her short attack range is compensated by quick ASPD and the ability to hit flying units. Her offense is always higher than expected due to her Stealing mechanic constantly buffing her power levels. Her defense is covered by the Invisibility from Lightless Night. She generates a lot of DP. She reveals stealthed units. She Binds enemies with guaranteed success. She nukes the hell out of enemies with Lone Shadow’s Return. It’s no surprise she’s survived multiple apparent deaths. It’s only surprising there’s anybody alive who still thinks they can kill her.
Newbie Tier List Explanation
A flexible unit that can provide strong DP Gain, DPS, and utility in a single package. A strong unit at all points in the game, new players will slot her into the default team and almost never take her out.
Skill Discussion
 |
S2M3 | S++ | S++ | S++ |
 |
S3M3 | B+ | A+ | B+ |
Ines is the best single Vanguard in the game which is really saying something given how long Flagpipe has been at the forefront of the meta. She is really the best of all worlds across the board, mixing good DP generation, strong damage, and a huge heap of good quality utility. Of particular note are her Steal and Bind utilities, which make her incredibly valuable in both early holds and late holds, a value no other Vanguard can match.
As far as Masteries, she is a solid M6 consideration, but her S2 comes out ahead by fair margin. Both S2 and S3 have comparable DP generation during skill uptime, thanks to the ASPD Steal on S2. However, the charge time on S2 is so short that it tends to come out significantly ahead, in addition to Invisibility and Attack Range utility. Bagpipe even mitigates the potential windup problem. Mastery is particularly important on S2 as well, upping the Steal, damage, and very important SP cost.
In comparison, S3 leans a bit more towards the gimmick-y side. It has more damage potential and similarly strong Mastery gains, which on a unit as powerful as Ines, makes S3 a worthy secondary Mastery consideration. However, much of that is reliant on the flying dagger which makes it more situational, and you lose a lot of flexibility in exchange since her redeployment time is much longer than S2's cycle time.
Pass on her S1. It may find some occasional value as an AFK skill or as a source of Arts damage, and is an improvement over Puzzle's similar S1, however it just doesn't compare well to S2 or S3. If you need damage, you won't be using the skill, and if the initial activation matters, you'll be using the instantly available and more impactful S3 instead (or S2 + Bagpipe) leaving relatively little space for S1 to be useful.
Operator Featured Articles
Skill Upgrade Costs
| Level | Requisites | Materials |
|---|---|---|
| 1 ➝ 2 |
Lv1
|
x5
|
| 2 ➝ 3 |
Lv1
|
x5
x5
x4
|
| 3 ➝ 4 |
Lv1
|
x8
x5
|
| 4 ➝ 5 |
Lv1
|
x8
x4
x3
|
| 5 ➝ 6 |
Lv1
|
x8
x6
|
| 6 ➝ 7 |
Lv1
|
x8
x5
x3
|
| Skill | Level | Requisites | Materials |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Lv1
8h
|
x8
x4
x5
|
|
Lv1
16h
|
x12
x4
x8
|
|
|
Lv1
24h
|
x15
x6
x6
|
|
| 2 |
|
Lv1
8h
|
x8
x4
x7
|
|
|
Lv1
16h
|
x12
x4
x9
|
|
|
|
Lv1
24h
|
x15
x6
x5
|
|
| 3 |
|
Lv1
8h
|
x8
x4
x8
|
|
|
Lv1
16h
|
x12
x4
x5
|
|
|
|
Lv1
24h
|
x15
x6
x6
|
Overall Skill Cost
Elite Upgrade Costs
Total Cost
Operator Profile
 Artist |
板板 |
|---|---|
 CV |
恒松步 |
 CV (EN) |
Erica Lindbeck |
| CV (CN) |
张若瑜 |
| CV (KR) |
申娜利 |
| Gender | Female |
|---|---|
| Place of Birth | Kazdel |
| Birthday | Feb 19 |
| Race | Undisclosed |
| Height | 168cm |
| Combat Experience |
19 years
|
| Infection Status | Confirmed Infected by medical examination. |
| Nation |
|---|
| Physical Strength | Standard |
|---|---|
| Mobility | Excellent |
| Physiological Endurance | Excellent |
| Tactical Planning | Standard |
| Combat Skill | Standard |
| Originium Adaptability | Excellent |
Profile
Former Sarkaz mercenary, Ines. She briefly participated in Kazdel's chaotic civil war, until faking her death and disappearing during the Chernobog Incident. She proceeded to conceal her tracks, but ultimately reestablished contact with Rhodes Island during the Londinium Incident. The details of her experiences in the meantime remain unverifiable, but with Ascalon's guarantee, she ultimately signed strategic cooperation terms with Rhodes Island.
Clinical Analysis
Increase Trust to 25.Imaging tests show the indistinct outlines of internal organs, obscured by abnormal shadows. Originium granules detected in the circulatory system. The subject is confirmed to be infected with Oripathy.
[Cell-Originium Assimilation] 11%
Ines's infection shows on her body, but she refuses to do any cosmetic concealment.
[Blood Originium-Crystal Density] 0.21u/L
Due to her prolonged activities in the Kazdel region and extended exposure to the wilderness, Ines's infection status was predictable. However, much like W, her being Infected did not cause her much trouble.
Our medical operators attempted multiple times to assist her with comprehensive examinations in order to formulate an appropriate treatment plan. Unfortunately, her indifferent attitude, neither resisting nor cooperating, greatly frustrated the confidence of our colleagues in Medical. Especially when the examinations finally reached the crucial data collection phase, she would mysteriously vanish like a ghost, and remain absent for a long time afterward. Out of concern for the operator's well-being, we have reached out to her supervisory personnel in hopes of gaining assistance.
—A Medical Operator
Rejected. She knows the score.
—Operator Ascalon
[Cell-Originium Assimilation] 11%
Ines's infection shows on her body, but she refuses to do any cosmetic concealment.
[Blood Originium-Crystal Density] 0.21u/L
Due to her prolonged activities in the Kazdel region and extended exposure to the wilderness, Ines's infection status was predictable. However, much like W, her being Infected did not cause her much trouble.
Our medical operators attempted multiple times to assist her with comprehensive examinations in order to formulate an appropriate treatment plan. Unfortunately, her indifferent attitude, neither resisting nor cooperating, greatly frustrated the confidence of our colleagues in Medical. Especially when the examinations finally reached the crucial data collection phase, she would mysteriously vanish like a ghost, and remain absent for a long time afterward. Out of concern for the operator's well-being, we have reached out to her supervisory personnel in hopes of gaining assistance.
—A Medical Operator
Rejected. She knows the score.
—Operator Ascalon
Archive File 1
Increase Trust to 50.When Ines first came to Rhodes Island, many colleagues were intrigued by this enigmatic operator who seemed to appear and disappear at will. Most shared the same question: What kind of woman could fight alongside W for such a long time?
And so, many of them attempted to approach her, but the result was many 'expert' trackers among the Lupos returning empty-handed. They could not determine Ines's whereabouts.
As the number of failed attempts increased, the operators on the ship started taking the 'Find Ines' game more seriously. After all, not everyone would willingly admit that the Sarkaz mercenary, who spent so much time in the wilds, possessed recon and counter-recon skills surpassing our well-trained operators.
Interviews with the participants all mentioned shadowy marks deliberately left by Ines during their attempts to track her. These marks laid bare what they held dear or feared deep in their hearts. There are no secrets before her, making the operators both fearful and grave when dealing with her.
In recent days, Dr. Kal'tsit finally intervened to put an end to these games. However, a simple tracking investigation is the least effective approach. I believe my understanding of Ines far surpasses that of the others.
I reexamined the progression of the entire incident and realized that most were drawn in by Ines's outstanding abilities and overlooked two major doubts.
Doubt one: Despite her extensive experience in intelligence work, she couldn't possibly have immediately familiarized herself with the full layout of the ship upon her arrival at Rhodes Island, let alone better than the operators who had lived on board for years. I speculate that Ines must have boarded this ship a long time ago, possibly spending a significant period of time here. Considering she faked death records, I also have a bolder hypothesis.
Doubt two: While there is a wide variety of recorded Sarkaz Originium Arts, there are few accounts of mind probing or emotional interference. Moreover, such Arts are more prevalent in certain areas of Leithanien. However, Ines has been active in the Kazdel region for a long time, indicating a more direct connection.
Thus, I started my investigation with Ines's former partner, W. I cross-referenced logs and documents in the archive for major events over the past decade and, remarkably, found Ines's presence in each of them. During all these events, she has always stayed clear of the center of action, but seemed to be restrained by an inescapable force, preventing her from truly breaking free. Perhaps I need to request a higher clearance to investigate further. I feel I'm getting close to uncovering Ines's secrets.
[Classified Log]
Ines initiated contact with this overly curious desk worker, who subsequently abandoned further investigation. This record has been requested to be filed and sealed. I have reassigned him to a department where he can better utilize his talents. This is also to prevent him from causing similar issues for other operators.
—■■■
And so, many of them attempted to approach her, but the result was many 'expert' trackers among the Lupos returning empty-handed. They could not determine Ines's whereabouts.
As the number of failed attempts increased, the operators on the ship started taking the 'Find Ines' game more seriously. After all, not everyone would willingly admit that the Sarkaz mercenary, who spent so much time in the wilds, possessed recon and counter-recon skills surpassing our well-trained operators.
Interviews with the participants all mentioned shadowy marks deliberately left by Ines during their attempts to track her. These marks laid bare what they held dear or feared deep in their hearts. There are no secrets before her, making the operators both fearful and grave when dealing with her.
In recent days, Dr. Kal'tsit finally intervened to put an end to these games. However, a simple tracking investigation is the least effective approach. I believe my understanding of Ines far surpasses that of the others.
I reexamined the progression of the entire incident and realized that most were drawn in by Ines's outstanding abilities and overlooked two major doubts.
Doubt one: Despite her extensive experience in intelligence work, she couldn't possibly have immediately familiarized herself with the full layout of the ship upon her arrival at Rhodes Island, let alone better than the operators who had lived on board for years. I speculate that Ines must have boarded this ship a long time ago, possibly spending a significant period of time here. Considering she faked death records, I also have a bolder hypothesis.
Doubt two: While there is a wide variety of recorded Sarkaz Originium Arts, there are few accounts of mind probing or emotional interference. Moreover, such Arts are more prevalent in certain areas of Leithanien. However, Ines has been active in the Kazdel region for a long time, indicating a more direct connection.
Thus, I started my investigation with Ines's former partner, W. I cross-referenced logs and documents in the archive for major events over the past decade and, remarkably, found Ines's presence in each of them. During all these events, she has always stayed clear of the center of action, but seemed to be restrained by an inescapable force, preventing her from truly breaking free. Perhaps I need to request a higher clearance to investigate further. I feel I'm getting close to uncovering Ines's secrets.
[Classified Log]
Ines initiated contact with this overly curious desk worker, who subsequently abandoned further investigation. This record has been requested to be filed and sealed. I have reassigned him to a department where he can better utilize his talents. This is also to prevent him from causing similar issues for other operators.
—■■■
Archive File 2
Increase Trust to 100.Unlike your run-of-the-mill wandering Sarkaz mercenaries, Ines has changed teams a few times in her lengthy career. Betrayal and animosity were common in the Scar Market, yet regardless of how her employers changed, Ines always seemed loyal to her partner—Hoederer.
Whether the word 'loyalty' accurately describes it or not, Ines has refused to reveal more about her personal relationships. Since the Victoria Incident, Rhodes Island's contact with Sarkaz forces has become more frequent. Ordinary operators were not aware of that background, but for those of us who have been with Dr. Kal'tsit and Amiya for some time, seeing an old acquaintance didn't feel nostalgic so much as heavy.
—Anonymous Sarkaz operator
Ines may be too shy to say it, but not Hoederer. I've heard the story of how they met, and they were probably just teenagers at the time. The Sarkaz don't really observe anniversaries, nor are they particularly aware of dates in battle. But I guess Ines still remembers those days.
She remembers how she, in the white birch forest, was forced to stain her hands with fresh blood, how she survived by hook and by crook. She remembers how that Sarkaz youth with a knife suddenly descended from the sky, coldly counting bodies, calculating bounties, and unexpectedly extending a hand to her... When Hoederer talks about these things, his expression doesn't change at all. He talks like he's recounting a war story. He doesn't even blush!
In any case, shortly thereafter, Ines became Hoederer's right-hand woman, even though the young Hoederer didn't have his own team at the time. According to him, after leaving the white birch forest, Ines spent each day honing her skills physically and also modifying them with Arts, all to become a true Sarkaz.
What? Invading an employee's privacy? Do you really think it's beneficial for Rhodes Island when a Sarkaz mercenary uses 'privacy' as an excuse to conceal her history and relationships? That's called due diligence!
Furthermore, they've been partners for so many years and have even worked with Ascalon and Scout. You make it sound like all that can stay under wraps... Huh? Fear of retaliation? Her Arts? Oh my... In an office shadow-stepping contest, only Ascalon can beat me. Wait, do her Arts not require contact with shadows?
—■■■
Ines has always maintained a certain distance from other mercenaries—and operators. Her Originium Arts make her uniquely skilled at knowing how to treat others with caution—especially on the battlefield. But Ines doesn't preclude herself from interpersonal interactions because of this. She understands well the benefits that come with investing 'trust' in the right people, and her Arts happen to be adept at screening for 'trust.'
Therefore, during the Kazdel civil war, Ines's skills as a spy were without equal. Her nurturing of informants and orchestration of defections were always impeccable. Perhaps Rhodes Island doesn't have need of these brutal methods right now, but I hope the Doctor recognizes her abilities as a soldier—not just an operator—and will manage to win her 'trust.' She used to be very distrustful... of who you were then.
By the way, among the 'Rhodes Island operators' that the Doctor is familiar with, Scout was among the first to earn Ines's 'trust.' As for Chernobog, Ines will one day clarify things herself. I won't speak for her.
—Ascalon
Ahaha, that night in the white birch forest, that's too good, need a copy of this. Let Kal'tsit know for me.
—Anonymous access record; even though I can guess who did it, HR gave up the investigation for security reasons.
Whether the word 'loyalty' accurately describes it or not, Ines has refused to reveal more about her personal relationships. Since the Victoria Incident, Rhodes Island's contact with Sarkaz forces has become more frequent. Ordinary operators were not aware of that background, but for those of us who have been with Dr. Kal'tsit and Amiya for some time, seeing an old acquaintance didn't feel nostalgic so much as heavy.
—Anonymous Sarkaz operator
Ines may be too shy to say it, but not Hoederer. I've heard the story of how they met, and they were probably just teenagers at the time. The Sarkaz don't really observe anniversaries, nor are they particularly aware of dates in battle. But I guess Ines still remembers those days.
She remembers how she, in the white birch forest, was forced to stain her hands with fresh blood, how she survived by hook and by crook. She remembers how that Sarkaz youth with a knife suddenly descended from the sky, coldly counting bodies, calculating bounties, and unexpectedly extending a hand to her... When Hoederer talks about these things, his expression doesn't change at all. He talks like he's recounting a war story. He doesn't even blush!
In any case, shortly thereafter, Ines became Hoederer's right-hand woman, even though the young Hoederer didn't have his own team at the time. According to him, after leaving the white birch forest, Ines spent each day honing her skills physically and also modifying them with Arts, all to become a true Sarkaz.
What? Invading an employee's privacy? Do you really think it's beneficial for Rhodes Island when a Sarkaz mercenary uses 'privacy' as an excuse to conceal her history and relationships? That's called due diligence!
Furthermore, they've been partners for so many years and have even worked with Ascalon and Scout. You make it sound like all that can stay under wraps... Huh? Fear of retaliation? Her Arts? Oh my... In an office shadow-stepping contest, only Ascalon can beat me. Wait, do her Arts not require contact with shadows?
—■■■
Ines has always maintained a certain distance from other mercenaries—and operators. Her Originium Arts make her uniquely skilled at knowing how to treat others with caution—especially on the battlefield. But Ines doesn't preclude herself from interpersonal interactions because of this. She understands well the benefits that come with investing 'trust' in the right people, and her Arts happen to be adept at screening for 'trust.'
Therefore, during the Kazdel civil war, Ines's skills as a spy were without equal. Her nurturing of informants and orchestration of defections were always impeccable. Perhaps Rhodes Island doesn't have need of these brutal methods right now, but I hope the Doctor recognizes her abilities as a soldier—not just an operator—and will manage to win her 'trust.' She used to be very distrustful... of who you were then.
By the way, among the 'Rhodes Island operators' that the Doctor is familiar with, Scout was among the first to earn Ines's 'trust.' As for Chernobog, Ines will one day clarify things herself. I won't speak for her.
—Ascalon
Ahaha, that night in the white birch forest, that's too good, need a copy of this. Let Kal'tsit know for me.
—Anonymous access record; even though I can guess who did it, HR gave up the investigation for security reasons.
Archive File 3
Increase Trust to 150.[Classified Log]
From the moment she pulled me out of the blaze in Auchterigg Borough, I noticed that her shadow flickered in the flames. She still tries to present herself like she was, but it doesn't work on me. You've changed her, to some extent, for sure, even though she remains unaware of the change and tries to evade the impact it's had on her.
I'm different. Working with you won't change me. So, give up trying to influence my perspective on you or on that Crown on the Shard. I'm just trying to survive in the cracks of the battlefield. Your grand ambitions don't interest me at all.
Still, I care about how you treat W. We trusted you once, and let her stay by your side, but we both know what happened. I have a responsibility to my people; it's a set of outdated rules we mercenaries have to keep to.
I've always tried to understand what it means to be Sarkaz. Thanks to Hoederer, I overthink lots of things I shouldn't, but it's only clarified my one goal—to stay alive.
W is... obtuse. She never realized the implications of her Sarkaz identity, what she bears. She dedicates too little time to reflection, blindly adopting that elusive ideal as her purpose in life.
You guided her down that path, but I don't think you've really thought through the consequences it might have on her again. Your shadow tells me you have your own plans, and you better know where she stands in them.
Hmph, I'm not asking for your word; that's not worth much to a Sarkaz. As long as she insists, I'll trust you once again, but this time, I'll be there by her side, the both of us will.
I'm just a mercenary. The most brutal price I can pay is to be broken and shattered one more time. Luckily, I'm familiar enough with the experience that it doesn't scare me anymore.
Yes, you can take that as a threat. That's exactly how I intended it.
—Words from Ines to the Doctor
She's so sweet on W? Really? No foolin'? Did W bribe her?
—Closure
From the moment she pulled me out of the blaze in Auchterigg Borough, I noticed that her shadow flickered in the flames. She still tries to present herself like she was, but it doesn't work on me. You've changed her, to some extent, for sure, even though she remains unaware of the change and tries to evade the impact it's had on her.
I'm different. Working with you won't change me. So, give up trying to influence my perspective on you or on that Crown on the Shard. I'm just trying to survive in the cracks of the battlefield. Your grand ambitions don't interest me at all.
Still, I care about how you treat W. We trusted you once, and let her stay by your side, but we both know what happened. I have a responsibility to my people; it's a set of outdated rules we mercenaries have to keep to.
I've always tried to understand what it means to be Sarkaz. Thanks to Hoederer, I overthink lots of things I shouldn't, but it's only clarified my one goal—to stay alive.
W is... obtuse. She never realized the implications of her Sarkaz identity, what she bears. She dedicates too little time to reflection, blindly adopting that elusive ideal as her purpose in life.
You guided her down that path, but I don't think you've really thought through the consequences it might have on her again. Your shadow tells me you have your own plans, and you better know where she stands in them.
Hmph, I'm not asking for your word; that's not worth much to a Sarkaz. As long as she insists, I'll trust you once again, but this time, I'll be there by her side, the both of us will.
I'm just a mercenary. The most brutal price I can pay is to be broken and shattered one more time. Luckily, I'm familiar enough with the experience that it doesn't scare me anymore.
Yes, you can take that as a threat. That's exactly how I intended it.
—Words from Ines to the Doctor
She's so sweet on W? Really? No foolin'? Did W bribe her?
—Closure
Archive File 4
Increase Trust to 200.Ines always has one piece of advice for operators heading to Kazdel for the first time—don't get hung up on Kazdel's friction with Rhodes Island's values.
The longstanding conflicts in the Kazdel region have bred a thriving trade of opportunistic arms smuggling. Smugglers are eager to incite various mercenary factions through covert manipulation or direct bounties. However, these foreigners walking the paths of Kazdel have also become lucrative prey for mercenaries. Many arms smugglers from Leithanien and small contractors from Columbia have gambled everything only to be left empty-handed after a raid.
As a mercenary operating in Kazdel, Ines had her share of such operations. She once witnessed her team swiftly wipe out a convoy of Leithanian smugglers, leaving behind only a Caprinae boy. Such displaced foreign children in Kazdel are not rare; after their parents' deaths, they hold no value. Sarkaz aren't inclined to bother with them, either leaving them to fend for themselves or driving them into the harsh northern forests to experience the land's cruelty.
Sarkaz mercenaries revel in such 'entertainment.' There must be someone to exact revenge for the flames these smugglers help fan, and these bewildered young outsiders often make the best targets. As for the Caprinae boy, Ines did what a Sarkaz should. She gave him two choices—stay by his parents' corpses and perish, or be thrown into the solitude of the northern birch forests to die alone.
'Why not give the boy a chance? He's no threat.'
'Only a Sarkaz can survive in Kazdel. Before I tossed him into the forest, I gave him a file to use. His one lifeline.'
Perhaps Rhodes Island can save the unfortunate souls before us, but what about those we can't even perceive? Our abilities are ultimately limited. The chaos of Kazdel is like a vortex, drawing in all ambitious ripples, brewing greater waves, waiting to engulf everything.
'Stow the excess sympathy. At least until the day when the war ends for real.'
And for those operators doubting the authenticity of Ines's words, she'd recommend they take a trip to the northern birch forests.
'The only difference between me and that Caprinae is I walked out of the forest and survived to this day. I learned from it.'
She describes it as a place filled with not only bones and beauty, but also traces of the many who tried to survive.
'In those forests lies the secret to surviving in Kazdel.'
'It's not every time that someone comes to your rescue,' Ines concludes softly.
The longstanding conflicts in the Kazdel region have bred a thriving trade of opportunistic arms smuggling. Smugglers are eager to incite various mercenary factions through covert manipulation or direct bounties. However, these foreigners walking the paths of Kazdel have also become lucrative prey for mercenaries. Many arms smugglers from Leithanien and small contractors from Columbia have gambled everything only to be left empty-handed after a raid.
As a mercenary operating in Kazdel, Ines had her share of such operations. She once witnessed her team swiftly wipe out a convoy of Leithanian smugglers, leaving behind only a Caprinae boy. Such displaced foreign children in Kazdel are not rare; after their parents' deaths, they hold no value. Sarkaz aren't inclined to bother with them, either leaving them to fend for themselves or driving them into the harsh northern forests to experience the land's cruelty.
Sarkaz mercenaries revel in such 'entertainment.' There must be someone to exact revenge for the flames these smugglers help fan, and these bewildered young outsiders often make the best targets. As for the Caprinae boy, Ines did what a Sarkaz should. She gave him two choices—stay by his parents' corpses and perish, or be thrown into the solitude of the northern birch forests to die alone.
'Why not give the boy a chance? He's no threat.'
'Only a Sarkaz can survive in Kazdel. Before I tossed him into the forest, I gave him a file to use. His one lifeline.'
Perhaps Rhodes Island can save the unfortunate souls before us, but what about those we can't even perceive? Our abilities are ultimately limited. The chaos of Kazdel is like a vortex, drawing in all ambitious ripples, brewing greater waves, waiting to engulf everything.
'Stow the excess sympathy. At least until the day when the war ends for real.'
And for those operators doubting the authenticity of Ines's words, she'd recommend they take a trip to the northern birch forests.
'The only difference between me and that Caprinae is I walked out of the forest and survived to this day. I learned from it.'
She describes it as a place filled with not only bones and beauty, but also traces of the many who tried to survive.
'In those forests lies the secret to surviving in Kazdel.'
'It's not every time that someone comes to your rescue,' Ines concludes softly.
Promotion Record
Upgrade to Elite LV2.'How does it feel to stand here now?'
'Hmm, not great. I'm not exactly the guard type. I'm more comfortable in my old role, but it's convenient enough to do things like this for now.'
'Please don't see yourself as just a guard. Considering the situation, she's not entirely ready yet, and this is the best choice.'
'You can tell that to Ascalon. But you... you've changed a lot. Your shadow used to be full of complex emotions that were hard to decipher, but now...'
'Calm?'
'Hmm... You're still not that likable. No wonder W prefers to spend time with that Cautus.'
'How do you perceive everything before you?'
'Do you want to hear a Sarkaz answer, or my genuine thoughts?'
'...'
'One's word doesn't mean much. Sarkaz history has proven that lots of times. War will come again sooner or later. The question is, who will be the next spark? Next time, you'd better think carefully about where you want to stand.'
'Hmm, not great. I'm not exactly the guard type. I'm more comfortable in my old role, but it's convenient enough to do things like this for now.'
'Please don't see yourself as just a guard. Considering the situation, she's not entirely ready yet, and this is the best choice.'
'You can tell that to Ascalon. But you... you've changed a lot. Your shadow used to be full of complex emotions that were hard to decipher, but now...'
'Calm?'
'Hmm... You're still not that likable. No wonder W prefers to spend time with that Cautus.'
'How do you perceive everything before you?'
'Do you want to hear a Sarkaz answer, or my genuine thoughts?'
'...'
'One's word doesn't mean much. Sarkaz history has proven that lots of times. War will come again sooner or later. The question is, who will be the next spark? Next time, you'd better think carefully about where you want to stand.'
Voice Lines
Default
| Appointed as Assistant | You can keep me in the shadows. My KIA status comes in handy, so no running your mouth about me being here. |
|---|---|
| Talk 1 | ...I'd put down that tray, if I were you. It's one of W's 'wake-up calls' she makes for all of us. The woman's brain's like those wilds around Kazdel, taken by her overgrown madness by the year. And anyone who trusts a lunatic like her... Heh, is probably just as insane. |
| Talk 2 | There was one who hoped to flee the war, but only ended up sinking deeper and deeper into its quagmire. Heh, Pathetic, isn't it? But that's exactly how we live. We either give up and resign ourselves to death, or... we kill this very way of life. |
| Talk 3 | Your eyes aren't deceiving you. Yes, it's a sewing kit. A needle drinks as much blood as a sword, in the hands of a merc. Besides… it's a tall order to look decent on battlefield, and a smart cookie like you should know that well, right? |
| Talk after Promotion 1 | On the northern side of Kazdel... is a birch forest. Those gray and white trees wither in the frigid wind, then struggle to regain their vitality the following year. But when the last trees died, they had no idea that spring would never come back. |
| Talk after Promotion 2 | For all the people to fall into peaceful slumber?' Not half bad for a fancy dream of yours. I only hope people could have a chance to struggle on in the face of war and death, and perhaps after that, some energy leftover to hold a grude. That is why I'm signing this agreement with Babel… with you, Rhodes Island. |
| Talk after Trust Increase 1 | Those faint lights out the window... They're campfires in the wilderness. W says I like campfires? Hehe, that's because the shadows under the fire don't lie. I see myself in them. |
| Talk after Trust Increase 2 | A merc who lived her life staring death in the face, but chose to die for a pipe dream in the end… Sounds like a bad joke, doesn't it? But if you had to make sense of it, the merc probably hopes her death could be more than a sneaky battlefield tactic. That's all. |
| Talk after Trust Increase 3 | My eyes tell me that this ship, that doctor, Her Majesty, and you... have all changed. W thinks you're too good of an actor. She doesn't want to admit it, but she's changed a lot too. It's not like there's anything we could do about it anyway. The shadows beneath our feet keep getting longer and longer. |
| Idle | ...Your dreams are a lot more peaceful than I expected. |
| Onboard | Ascalon showed you my files. Messenger or mercenary, you ask? Doesn't matter. I'm not after your life for now , 'Doctor.' |
| Watching Battle Record | Are you sure I need to watch these? Back in Kazdel, you used to lead my people. |
| Promotion 1 | Hmph, great. Even in the middle of a war, you people still insist on these goddamned ceremonies. |
| Promotion 2 | For us mercs, life is war, and war is life. The only escape is death. Our struggle will never end, as long as we live. |
| Added to Squad | Getting this crew together wasn't easy. You better make them count. |
| Appointed as Squad Leader | W, on my team? Whatever, I'm just wondering what crap she's up to this time. |
| Depart | Let's see... Which insect is falling into my trap? |
| Begin Operation | The shadows are trembling. |
| Selecting Operator 1 | I know what to do. Don't order me around. |
| Selecting Operator 2 | Don't keep me waiting. |
| Deployment 1 | Picked out your bait yet? |
| Deployment 2 | I'm listening. |
| In Battle 1 | You can't hide your fear. |
| In Battle 2 | Nothing can mask the scent of despair. |
| In Battle 3 | Better watch your step. |
| In Battle 4 | I will sink your corpse into shadow. No one will find it. |
| 4-star Result | You always win, just like the old days. But this time, your joy is real. |
| 3-star Result | Take a breather and tally up your losses. Nothing worth celebrating here, we might be dead in a second or two. |
| Sub 3-star Result | Wow, you kept everyone alive. Congrats. |
| Operation Failure | ...An arm, an eye, or maybe something else. More than enough to trade for a few enemy heads. Or, would you rather bear the price of failure? Tch, suit yourself. |
| Assigned to Facility | 'Rhodes Island'... This landship sure has gotten a lot brighter. |
| Tap | Not the safest way to say hello. |
| Trust Tap | If you want to make small talk, Hoederer's your guy. Or... I guess you'd rather stand here in silence with me for a while. |
| Title | Arknights. |
| Greeting | Ascalon forced me to take this 'bodyguard' gig. Pick your jaw up off the ground, Doctor. You'll be seeing a lot more of me for a while. |
