Lynae
A Startorch Academy prep student whose head-turning, electric style hides an inner focus as explosive as a coiled spring.
Attribute: 
Spectro
Weapon: 
Pistols
Rarity: 5
Gender: Female
Country: New Federation
Affiliation: Startorch Academy
Chinese: Zhu Jing
English: Inoue Marina
Japanese: Choi Hyeon ji
Korean: Elsie Lovelock
Concerto Efficiency
Quick concerto energy regeneration
Basic Attack DMG
Deals higher Basic Attack DMG
DMG Amplification
Provides DMG Amplification for a specific Resonator in the team
Resonance Liberation DMG Amplification
Provides Resonance Liberation DMG Amplification for a specific Resonator in the team
Tune Rupture Response
Deals Tune Rupture DMG to targets
Tune Strain Response
Gains total DMG increase from Tune Break Boost
Tune Break Boost
Provides additional Tune Break Boost for a specific Resonator in the team
Lynae - Original Outfit
The Startorch Academy's prep uniform, "slightly modified" for Lynae's taste, tailored to minimize drag at high speeds. And yes, the splashes of color are a crucial part of the design!
Combo Tutorial
Lynae can switch between Resonance Mode - Tune Rupture and Resonance Mode - Tune Strain, which allows her to inflict Tune Rupture - Shifting or Tune Strain - Shifting on targets respectively.
Casting Prismatic Overblast and Visual Impact grants bonus to all Resonators in the team.
Outro Skill grants the incoming Resonator All-Attribute DMG Amplification and Resonance Liberation DMG Amplification.
While in Optical Sampling Stage, Normal Attack, Resonance Skill, Plunging Attack, and Dodge Counter recover Overflow.
With full Overflow, can cast Spark Collision and enter Kaleidoscopic Cruise, during which Overflow is continuously converted into Lumiflow.
While in Kaleidoscopic Cruise and skating on the ground, continuously recover Lumiflow. Casting Polychrome Leap consumes Lumiflow and recovers True Color.
While in Optical Sampling Stage, press Normal Attack+Normal Attack+Normal Attack or Resonance Skill to gain Overflow.
Spark Collision: When Overflow is full, hold Normal Attack to continuously convert Overflow into Lumiglow. Release Normal Attack to enter Kaleidoscopic Parade.
Kaleidoscopic Parade - Basic Attack: While in Kaleidoscopic Cruise, press Normal Attack to gain Lumiflow.
Polychrome Leap: With enough Lumiflow, press Jump to cast Polychrome Leap, gaining 1 point of True Color and inflicting Photochromic Flux on targets upon hit.
Visual Impact: With 3 points of True Color, cast Polychrome Leap and then press Normal Attack.
Prismatic Overblast: Press Resonance Liberation.
Details
Basic Attack
Press or hold Normal Attack to perform up to 3 consecutive attacks, dealing Spectro DMG.
Mid-air Attack
Consume STA to perform Plunging Attack, dealing Spectro DMG.
Dodge Counter
Press Normal Attack right after a successful Dodge to attack the target, dealing Spectro DMG.
Spark Collision
With full Overflow in the Optical Sampling Stage, hold Normal Attack to enter a charging state.
During this state, 15 points of Overflow will be converted to 12.5% of Lumiflow every 0.2s. Lynae is immune to interruption and and takes 40% less DMG.
Upon releasing Normal Attack or when Lumiflow is full, Lynae casts Spark Collision of varying strengths based on the ratio of Lumiflow, dealing Spectro DMG:
- Spark Collision Lv. 1: Lumiflow <50%
- Spark Collision Lv. 2: 50% ≤ Lumiflow < 100%
- Spark Collision Lv. 3: Lumiflow=100%
Kaleidoscopic Parade - Basic Attack
While in Kaleidoscopic Parade, Basic Attack is replaced with Kaleidoscopic Parade - Basic Attack.
Perform up to 5 consecutive attacks, dealing Spectro DMG.
With 120 points of Lumiflow, Kaleidoscopic Parade - Basic Attack Stage 1 &4 track enemies in a greater distance.
Kaleidoscopic Parade - Ground Heavy Attack
While in Kaleidoscopic Parade, hold Normal Attack on the ground to cast this skill. Consume STA to continuously attack the target, dealing Spectro DMG, considered Basic Attack DMG. Release to cast Kaleidoscopic Parade - Graffiti Blast, dealing Spectro DMG, considered Basic Attack DMG.
Kaleidoscopic Parade - Mid-air Heavy Attack
Gains 1 extra charge while on the ground.
While in Kaleidoscopic Parade, hold Normal Attack in mid-air to cast this skill. Consume STA to attack the target, dealing Spectro DMG, considered Basic Attack DMG.
Kaleidoscopic Parade - Mid-air Attack
While in Kaleidoscopic Parade, Mid-air Attack is replaced with Kaleidoscopic Parade - Mid-air Attack.
Consume STA to perform Plunging Attack, dealing Spectro DMG.
Kaleidoscopic Parade - Dodge Counter
While in Kaleidoscopic Parade, Dodge Counter is replaced with Kaleidoscopic Parade - Dodge Counter.
Press Normal Attack right after a successful Dodge to attack the target, dealing Spectro DMG.
While in Kaleidoscopic Parade, press Normal Attack shortly after casting this skill to cast Kaleidoscopic Parade - Basic Attack Stage 2.
Lynae-Style Palettes
Press Resonance Skill to deal Spectro DMG.
While in Kaleidoscopic Parade, hold Resonance Skill to attack the target, dealing Spectro DMG and exiting the Kaleidoscopic Parade.
Press Normal Attack with a certain time after this skill to cast Basic Attack Stage 2.
Lynae-Style Palettes and Additive Color share a cooldown.
Additive Color
During Kaleidoscopic Parade, press Resonance Skill on the ground to attack the target, dealing Spectro DMG.
Within a certain time after this skill is cast, press Normal Attack to cast Kaleidoscopic Parade - Basic Attack Stage 2.
Lynae-Style Palettes and Additive Color share a cooldown.
Optical Sampling Stage
Lynae is in Optical Sampling Stage by default. While in this state, Overflow recovers during certain skills.
Kaleidoscopic Parade
Casting Basic Attack - Spark Collision sends Lynae into Kaleidoscopic Parade. In this state, Lynae continuously recovers Lumiflow while moving on the ground or casting certain skills. Lynae will not Walk during this state and her Running and Sprinting will be replaced by the faster Free Skating and Speed Skating.
Basic Attack - Polychrome Leap
While in Kaleidoscopic Parade, with at least 1/3 of the max Lumiflow, Jump is replaced by Basic Attack - Polychrome Leap.
Consume 1/3 of the max Lumiflow to deal Spectro DMG. Inflict Photochromic Flux on targets hit. Successful Dodges can be triggered within a certain time after casting this skill. While airborne, Basic Attack - Polychrome Leap chains up to 3 stages.
While in combat, each stage of Basic Attack - Polychrome Leap cast recovers 1 point of True Color.
Within a certain time after Basic Attack - Polychrome Leap Stage 1 press Normal Attack on the ground to cast Kaleidoscopic Parade - Basic Attack Stage 2.
Basic Attack - Iridescent Splash
During Kaleidoscopic Parade, when Lynae is in mid-air, holding 3 points of True Color, if Basic Attack - Visual Impact is on cooldown, press Normal Attack or Resonance Skill to deal Spectro DMG, and inflict Photochromic Flux on targets hit.
This skill consumes 3 points of True Color.
Press Normal Attack within a certain time after this skill is to cast Kaleidoscopic Parade - Basic Attack Stage 2
Basic Attack - Visual Impact
During Kaleidoscopic Parade, when Lynae is in mid-air, holding 3 points of True Color, if this skill is not on cooldown, press Normal Attack or Resonance Skill to deal Spectro DMG, inflicting Photochromic Flux on targets hit.
This skill consumes 3 points of True Color and grants all nearby Resonators in the team 40 points of Tune Break Boost for 30s.
Press Normal Attack within a certain time after this skill is to cast Kaleidoscopic Parade - Basic Attack Stage 2
Resonance Mode
Inflict Photochromic Flux when hitting a target with Basic Attack - Polychrome Leap, Basic Attack - Iridescent Splash, Basic Attack - Visual Impact and Intro Skill - Time to Show Some Colors!.
Lynae can switch between Resonance Mode - Tune Rupture and Resonance Mode - Tune Strain:
- When in Resonance Mode - Tune Rupture, Photochromic Flux inflicts Tune Rupture - Shifting on targets for 25s..
- When in Resonance Mode - Tune Strain, Photochromic Flux inflicts Tune Strain - Shifting on targets for 25s.
Tune Rupture Response - Spectral Analysis
Deal an instance of Spectro DMG, considered Tune Rupture DMG, to targets within range affected by Tune Rupture - Interfered.
Overflow
Lynae can hold up to 120 points of Overflow.
While in Optical Sampling Stage, Overflow recovers during Basic Attack, Lynae-Style Palettes, Mid-air Attack, and Dodge Counter.
When Overflow is full, Basic Attack - Spark Collision becomes available.
Exiting Optical Sampling Stage removes all Overflow.
Lumiflow
Lynae can hold up to 120 points of Lumiflow.
During Kaleidoscopic Parade:
- Restore 20% of Lumiflow per second while Lynae is moving on the ground or casting Kaleidoscopic Parade - Basic Attack, Kaleidoscopic Parade - Ground Heavy Attack, Kaleidoscopic Parade - Mid-air Heavy Attack, Kaleidoscopic Parade - Mid-air Attack, Additive Color, Dodge, Intro Skill, or Basic Attack - To a Vivid Tomorrow!.
- Lumiflow starts to deplete by 20% per second when Lynae is standing still or off the field, or a certain time after the skills listed above is cast.
- Lumiflow does not change while Lynae is not in any of the states described above.
Exiting Kaleidoscopic Parade removes all Lumiflow.
With 120 points of Lumiflow, Lynae's roller skating speed further increases at the cost of STA over time.
True Color
Lynae can hold up to 3 points of True Color.
During combat, each time Basic Attack - Polychrome Leap is cast, gain 1 point of True Color. With 3 points of True Color, Basic Attack - Iridescent Splash and Basic Attack - Visual Impact become available.
Exiting Kaleidoscopic Parade removes all True Color.
Deal Spectro DMG. During this skill, all nearby Resonators in the team gain an 24% All-DMG Bonus increase for 30s.
Basic Attack - To a Vivid Tomorrow!
Press Normal Attack within a certain time after casting Resonance Liberation - Prismatic Overblast to cast Basic Attack - To a Vivid Tomorrow!, dealing Spectro DMG.
Deal Spectro DMG and recover 100 points of Overflow, inflicting Photochromic Flux on targets hit.
Let's Hit the Road!
Outro Skill
Attack the target and deal 100% Spectro DMG. The next incoming Resonator gain 15% All-DMG Amplification and 25% Resonance Liberation DMG Amplification for 14s or until they are switched out.
Lynae leaves the Kaleidoscopic Parade state upon casting Outro Skill.
Spectral Analysis
Tune Break
Lynae can inflict Tune Rupture - Shifting or Tune Strain - Shifting on targets.
Lynae can respond to Tune Rupture - Interfered and Tune Strain - Interfered.
Responding to Tune Rupture - Interfered: When Resonators in the team hit a target affected by Tune Rupture - Interfered, Lynae casts Tune Rupture Response - Spectral Analysis. Each target can be damaged by this skill up to once every 8s.
Responding to Tune Strain - Interfered: For each stack of Tune Strain - Interfered on the target, each point of Lynae's Tune Break Boost increases her total DMG against that target by 0.12%. When Lynae's nearby in the team, the target's max stack limit of Tune Strain - Interfered is increased by 1.
When the target's Off-Tuning Level is full, Lynae can cast Tune Break on the target.
Colors Never Fade!
Inherent Skill
After casting Basic Attack - Visual Impact, Lynae leaves Spray Paint on the ground and continuously inflicts Photochromic Flux on targets within the Spray Paint for 5s, triggered once every 2s. When Spray Paint is on the ground, switching to another Resonance Mode doesn't affect the Photochromic Flux effects inflicted by the Spray Paint.
With Lynae in the team, expedition motorbike's Energy Tank expands by 600 points. Lynae enters Kaleidoscopic Parade automatically while on the expedition motorbike and restore 20% of Lumiflow.
Adaptive Optics: Everyday Applications
Inherent Skill
Casting Intro Skill - Taste My Colors! increases Lynae's Spectro DMG by 10% in the next 8s.
During Kaleidoscopic Parade, if Lynae isn't in combat, dodging without directional input grants her Optic Camo for 15s, which will be removed when Lynae casts any skill other than dodging or is switched off the field. Performing environmental, gameplay or functional interactions, or entering combat removes the Optic Camo. With Optic Camo, Lynae may enter an enemy's aggro range without triggering combat.
Crit. Rate+
Stat Bonus
Crit. Rate increased by 1.20%.
Crit. Rate+
Stat Bonus
Crit. Rate increased by 2.80%.
ATK+
Stat Bonus
ATK increased by 1.80%.
ATK+
Stat Bonus
ATK increased by 4.20%.
Crit. Rate+
Stat Bonus
Crit. Rate increased by 1.20%.
Crit. Rate+
Stat Bonus
Crit. Rate increased by 2.80%.
ATK+
Stat Bonus
ATK increased by 1.80%.
ATK+
Stat Bonus
ATK increased by 4.20%.
Days to be Painted Like a Canvas
Node 1
The DMG Multiplier of Basic Attack - Polychrome Leap is increased by 120%.
The duration of Spray Paint is increased by 100%. Targets within the range of Spray Paint are pulled in towards the center every 6s.
Lynae is now immune to interruptions during Basic Attack - Polychrome Leap and Basic Attack - Visual Impact.
During Optical Sampling Stage, after staying out of combat for 2s, restore 120 points of Overflow.
Into Lights' Vanishing Point
Node 2
Gain 25% All-DMG Amplification.
Outro Skill gains the following effect:
Casting Outro Skill grants the incoming Resonator 25% All-DMG Amplification for 14s or until the Resonator is switched out.
For One Brilliant Moment
Node 3
The DMG Multiplier of Visual Impact is increased by 90%.
With Lumiflow ≥ 120 points. Lynae gains 1 stack of Premixed Hue every 1s, up to 25 stacks. Each stack of Premixed Hue increases the Spectro DMG dealt through Additive Color by 55%. No Premixed Hue is gained while casting Additive Color. When Additive Color ends, remove all stacks of Premixed Hue. Lynae loses a stack of Premixed Hue every 0.5s once Lumiflow is below 120 points.
If Lynae is not in combat, Premixed Hue replenishes at a doubled rate and depletes at a halfed rate.
Shadows of a Wind Racer
Node 4
ATK is increased by 20%.
Visions of a Future Unbound
Node 5
The DMG Multiplier of Resonance Liberation - Prismatic Overblast is increased by 70%.
Painted in My True Color
Node 6
Each time Kaleidoscopic Cruise - Ground Heavy Attack or Kaleidoscopic Parade - Mid-air Heavy Attack is cast, Lynae gains 1 stack of Color of Soul, up to 3 stacks. Each stack of Color of Soul increases the DMG dealt through Basic Attack - Polychrome Leap and Basic Attack - Visual Impact by 30%. After casting Basic Attack - Polychrome Leap or Basic Attack - Visual Impact, all stacks of Color of Soul are removed.
Casting Basic Attack - Polychrome Leap resets the charges of Kaleidoscopic Parade - Mid-air Heavy Attack.
Lynae now stays in Kaleidoscopic Parade after casting Outro Skill - Let's Hit the Road!.
The Lumiflow upper limit is increased from 120 to 360. At the max limit, Lynae's roller skating speed further increases.
If Intro Skill is cast during Kaleidoscopic Parade, restore 120 Lumiflow.
[Filed from Spacetrek Collective: Startorch Academy Student Records]
[Forte Examination Report RA2906-G]
Student Name: Lynae
Synchronist Qualification: Negative
Forte Overview: Tests reveal a Rabelle's Curve with a pronounced periodic waveform. Therefore, the student is classified as a Congenital Resonator. Her Tacet Mark is located on the posterior side of her left thigh.
According to the pre-admission personal file and the student's own account, the student exhibits a congenital sensitivity to visible light and an innate affinity for complex, uncommon colors. By using "pigment inks," she can change the wavelength or frequency of visible light within a limited area, effectively "mixing" colors at will. These colors are primarily used in spray paints. Testing indicates that these pigments differ from industrial materials, behaving more like non-physical optical projections.
Additionally, eyewitness reports from several students suggest that the subject can alter nearby visible-light wavelengths to disrupt frequency detection instruments, achieving an effect similar to "invisibility" from both visual and frequency-perception perspectives.
"Anyway, just make sure she doesn't use that ability to skip class again."
"…Also, can someone confirm whether that giant cat-head graffiti on the Energy Sciences building yesterday was her work?"
Rabelle's Waveform test sample analysis shows elliptical fluctuations and a stable Time Domain. No abnormal fluctuations were observed. Examination results are determined to be within normal parameters.
Diagnosis: Resonant Criticality is within normal range. Subject stability remains robust. No history and present risk of Overclocking.
Psychological counseling is currently deemed unnecessary.
"The test went smoothly. It's been ages since we've seen a waveform this stable, practically identical to the textbook samples by Mr. Rabelle… Honestly, it's so textbook that it feels a little unnatural."
Unlocks at Intimacy Lv. 1
In Startorch Academy's administrative system, Lynae's truancy record reads more like a colorful fantasy travelogue than a disciplinary file.
While her classmates sat in the lecture hall listening to Professor Mauclair's World Cultural History lecture, Lynae was several kilometers away, perched in a tree carefully reinforcing a nest of newly hatched Kronapuffs. While they drilled combat forms on the training grounds, she was in the Spacetrek Archive, helping a frantic Energy Sciences student recover crucial graduation data from a pile of corrupted files.
The hands once trained to grip weapons and crack security systems now wielded spray cans with the same precise, startling gentleness. Lynae simply couldn't sit still. Her curiosity tugged her from one corner of the Academy to the next, and her reasons for skipping class were always inventive.
"I was helping a senior stop her graduation project from escaping."
"I was recalibrating the cafeteria droid's seasoning algorithms. I may have accidentally triggered a system-wide strike."
"The Rimewisps in the sim pod were showing abnormal spectral fluctuations. Obviously, I had to document it!"
At first, Ms. Voss found it exhausting. That began to change. It changed with the formal commendation from the Engineering Department, crediting Lynae with safeguarding all upcoming frostlands survey equipment during a Void Storm. It changed as the suggestion box began to overflow with thank-you notes addressed to an anonymous "volunteer." It changed when Professor Mauclair, in an Energy Sciences meeting, excitedly presented a set of clear, unprecedented spectral data from a "special observation point," noting: "Provided by an anonymous student. Recommend inclusion in the curriculum."
Faced with Lynae's lengthy, bewildering, yet undeniably brilliant record, Voss could only sigh.
This girl was never in class, yet her presence was felt in every corner of the Academy. It seemed as though she was protecting the place she now called "home," in our own, unconventional way.
"…You still have to write the reflection report, you know."
"…Yes, ma'am."
Head lowered, Lynae shuffled out of the office. Still, her eyes twinkled at the familiar mix of exasperation and fondness in Ms. Voss's eyes.
Unlocks at Intimacy Lv. 2
The harbor at night loomed like a slumbering beast. She stood on the dock, her breath lost to the wind, her grip on the gun absolute. Its dark muzzle held the same cold stillness in her eyes, locked unblinkingly on the figure before her.
Even with the barrel pressed to his forehead, the "target" remained calm. A faint, taunting smile touched his lips as he met her stare.
"We both know this is just a game. And you? You're just a pawn in a much bigger lie."
"Look at you… so professional. But for what? Some fake promise? Put the gun down. Walk away. You could be anyone… anywhere."
"How long do you think you can keep hiding?"
—How long do you think you can keep hiding?
Her heart hammered. A bead of cold sweat rolled down her temple. That numb fear she thought she had long buried seized her once again.
"...Shut up."
Her own voice sounded foreign, hoarse, cracking like a stifled roar. Her finger trembled on the trigger.
"Bang—!"
The shot never left her gun, but a gunshot rang out. Lights blazed on. She flinched. The last bead of sweat fell, landing with a soft tap on the prop gun in her hands.
Then applause surged like a tidal wave.
"Cut! Yes, yes! That's it! Perfect!"
"...Lynae! That was incredible!"
"Arthus, your sound cue was early again!"
Blinking, Lynae looked around as if waking from a dream. The monochrome set began to fade. Color seemed to bleed back into the world, starting from her own palms. Her "target" approached excitedly, his expression no longer threatening but bright with admiration.
"You were amazing! Just like a real secret agent!"
"..."
—Of course, she was in the Drama Fan Club, standing in for a senior who had been injured during a field expedition. The play was adapted from a classic New Federation spy film.
Yet for a moment, she had truly felt as if she were…
"Lynae…? Are you okay?"
"…I'm fine," she said, forcing a smile and adding a theatrical wave. "Got a little too into it, hahaha. Blame Annan's script. It's just way too good!"
Laughter and chatter filled the rehearsal room again as members set out to prepare the next scene's set and props. Lynae sat in the corner as the club leader passed her a bottle of soda.
"Lynae, are you sure you don't want to join? Your acting is incredible!" the leader exclaimed, clenching his fists in excitement, "I've already got the perfect role for you at the next time at the Celebration—"
"Sorry, I think I'll pass…"
"Oh… no worries. I know you haven't joined any clubs yet, figured I'd ask. But if you ever want to, you're always welcome! You there, Germain! You can't place that prop like that!"
As the leader sprinted off to rescue the prop, Lynae's fingers tightened around the soda bottle.
—How long do you think you can keep hiding?
The words echoed again, prickling under her skin.
—How long do you think you can really stay here?
She didn't know. She didn't want to think about it.
So all she could do was live in the present and enjoy what was right in front of her.
Unlocks at Intimacy Lv. 3
At first, she dismissed them as phishing emails.
They would arrive without warning. Early in the morning, between classes, late at night, or even in the middle of laughing with friends. Lines of red, indecipherable code would suddenly flash across her Terminal. Seeing it was like having her chest pierced by a sharp needle. It threads itself through her heart, her veins, even her bloodstream itself.
It took time to decode them. But when she finally restored the original message, a chill seized her from head to toe.
The Fractsidus.
Perhaps she had known from the moment she picked up that acceptance letter, but had still clung to a sliver of hope. She chose not to think too much, allowing herself to sink blissfully into a campus life far more beautiful than anything she had ever dared imagine.
—Until that "mission" arrived.
"Infiltrate the Institute's system. Retrieve and alter the parameters of the Hyvatia Detector."
She knew the significance of the New Solar Ceremony to both the Spacetrek Collective and Lahai-Roi, and she knew how critical the Hyvatia Detector was to that event. A massive conspiracy was winding its way through the shadows of Lahai-Roi. In that moment, Lynae understood with chilling clarity: what she choose to do could very well plunge Lahai-Roi into danger. She didn't believe that a runaway mercenary like her could truly threaten an organization as big as the Fractsidus. Still, the thought circled her mind relentlessly, refusing to loosen its grip.
Startorch Academy, the "utopia" beneath the frostlands, had already become her home. How much longer could she turn a blind eye and play at this "school life" with a clear conscience?
Realizing she couldn't hide forever, she made up her mind. It was time for an end.
Step one: sever her role as their "inside person."
Her finger trembled slightly as she hit send. It was the first message she had ever written as the Fractsidus's insider:
"Target data extracted. Hand-off in person."
The attached coordinates pointed to the outskirts of the Voidworm habitat. After the gunshot sounded, the Void Storm would clean up any remaining evidence for her.
Message sent, she leaned against her motorbike and looked up at Lahai-Roi's sky.
The winds had already shifted. And this time, there would be no turning back.
Unlocks at Intimacy Lv. 4
It was meant to be another mission. Gray, black, pale as plaster. Just another task to eliminate several individuals the New Federation had flagged as "potential threats."
Why people who had done nothing threatening still needed to disappear was never a question she was allowed to ask.
She watched the target flee in panic through the dark alley. She was not the only hunter in the dark. Thin red targeting lines wove through the air, converging, locking, before delivering a silent, absolute end.
A harsh, static-laced gasp rasped in her earpiece.
"Don't worry… I'll arrive in Lahai-Roi at the appointed time… Startorch Academy…"
"I will complete… the Grand Architect's… mission…"
Futile resistance.
By the time Lynae approached her, the last trace of life was already gone.
It should have been an ordinary mission.
But this time, something was different. A streak of gold on a fallen acceptance letter caught her eye, like a blot of paint on chalk-white plaster, a sliver of light through a crack. She couldn't look away.
"Lynae"—the name embossed on the sheet felt like fate telling a joke, half lie, half truth. She bent down, brushing away dust and bloodstains. Her dark hair caught the reflected gold, igniting something in her chest that years of numb mercenary work had never been able to extinguish: a longing for freedom.
"Are you Lynae from the New Federation?"
Faced with the teacher's question, she felt a flicker of guilt. She curled a strand of her freshly dyed hair—once dark brown, now a soft pale gold, though she had kept a few strands of her original color—and nodded, summoning her brightest smile.
"Yes."
"No need to be nervous. We know how the New Federation treats Resonators… but here in Lahai-Roi, you're completely free. Every opportunity and every piece of knowledge is open to everyone."
She stayed quiet as the teacher flipped through the student file she had casually filled. She had assumed many disguises for missions, yet none had ever made her feel this tense.
"Hm? The 'Hobbies and Interests' section is blank…"
Not good. She should have written something... Graffiti, maybe? She did enjoy leaving a few flourishes of paint after a mission, a habit picked up from a movie, but a mercenary couldn't leave traces, so she always wiped them clean. Motorcycles, then? Nothing but the wind roaring in her ears as she sped down an open road, leaving a trail of pure, vivid color. Did those even count as "hobbies"?
"It's alright." Seeing her drift into thought, the long-haired woman with the hat closed the file. She smiled and placed a brand-new student ID card into her palm.
"You can take your time discovering them here."
Unlocks at Intimacy Lv. 5
Life after re-enrolling didn't feel all that different from before.
The first morning class still made her nod off despite her best efforts, though she had long mastered the art of feigning studious note-taking just before the teacher's sharp gaze found her. She had already taken this exact class before, written these same notes… So really, her drowsiness was perfectly justified.
Her breaks were still packed: helping Engineering seniors test new engines, crafting flashy "transition effects" for the Drama Fan Club's stage, and yes, still writing the occasional reflection report…
What was different, however, was getting to drag along the person who used to be her "junior" to stand in the cafeteria queue with her to try out some "new flavors."
Since enrollment, he had been even busier. This was one of their rare moments together. Now the two of them sat shoulder to shoulder on a bench in Stargram Plaza, sharing a can of the new "Canned Surprise" flavor Lynae had insisted on buying.
In the past, silence would make her anxious. She would rush to fill it with tasks or chatter. Now, it felt warm. Comfortable.
Lynae turned to look at that ever-composed profile beside her, only to see those golden eyes widen slightly after a particularly… surprising taste. She burst out laughing. It reminded her of the first time they met—he had worn almost the exact same expression.
Back then, Lynae had no idea whether Rover, who had literally fallen straight from the sky, had witnessed the exact moment she carried out her plan. She had watched him get back up from the ground, her finger instinctively tightening on the trigger. But the cold ruthlessness in her eyes vanished the instant she saw a fallen acceptance letter drift down between them. In that moment, she realized—
—She was no longer the "mercenary" moving through shadows. She was just a student now. Someone who wanted nothing more than to live a free life.
She stashed the weapon at once, breaking out in a cold sweat. Had she just crashed into a new student? That would look even worse on her record than her abysmal attendance! If he refused to forgive her, she was done for!
So she reached out immediately, hauling Rover upright and dragging him onto the back seat of her motorbike. And in the same moment, a Voidworm writhed across the ground, primed to unleash its malign intent on them both.
She didn't know it then, but the story that truly belonged to Lynae had already begun at that very moment.
After passing the entrance exam, Lynae received her very own acceptance letter, officially becoming a student of Startorch Academy. Once, a similar sheet of paper began an unknown journey. Now, this one marks her first true opportunity to choose her own path and her place of belonging.
Unlocks at Intimacy Lv. 2
A kit packed with all kinds of motorcycle mods and functional add-ons, including but not limited to a fireworks-launching module, folding glider wings, and a sidecar-mounted noodle cooker... Any single item is enough to send Mr. S.I.G.M.A. into a full blown system alarm sprint.
"I only built them to test the idea! I never actually installed them on a real vehicle!" That's Lynae's standard defense when the chaotic contents of her dorm are inevitably discovered.
Unlocks at Intimacy Lv. 4
A gift from a student Lynae once helped, given to welcome her to the Academy, said to be a classic design from her favorite New Federation road movie.
Soft, green, and shaped like a cactus, it is entirely thornless, resting not on sandy grit but on the plush bedding of her dorm bed. It stands silent guard over every vivid, colorful dream… if you can look past its uniquely expressive face.
"Hm? This pillow? It's cute! And it's the limited re-release version!"
Personality
Hey, you! I brought you some snacks. Nice day, huh? Whaddya say we get some scorch marks on the road? Oh, and I heard the cafeteria is serving some weird new dish. We should try it for lunch! Oh yeah, I also heard the Film Club is screening an old New Federation film this afternoon that I've always wanted to watch! Interested? And then tonight we could... Oh. Uh, my bad. Should I...? Yeah, I'll let you keep sleeping.
Unlocks at Intimacy Lv. 1
New spray cans, odd parts for my seniors, candy from Sigrika... Just a few souvenirs from the last school event. Yeah, just tidying up. You barely notice it happening, then all of a sudden you look around and your room's full of this stuff. Can't bring myself to toss any of it. Weird, right? There was a time I wouldn't even let myself have a potted plant. I'd just have to leave it behind anyway, ya know? Oh, I've got you something. Here. I finished painting this Exostrider model yesterday. Not bad, huh? Looks just like the real thing.
Unlocks at Intimacy Lv. 2
When I first got to Startorch, I used to wake up in a cold sweat... wondering if I could really just live like this. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. I was chasing this fragile, perfect idea of freedom all day, and then running from my old self in my dreams at night. Just... waiting for the bill to come. So I started making every choice like it was my last day here. "What would I do if this were it?" Yeah, and looking back, I guess the answer was almost always... "skip class."
Unlocks at Intimacy Lv. 3
I can tell, you know. Even if you don't say it. The weight of your past is a lot heavier than anyone knows. Hey, if you wanted to tell me about it, I'd be all ears. But I won't dig. The you I know and want to understand is the you standing right here. It's just... hauling that around must get heavy, right? So if there ever comes a day where you just want to drop it all, forget who you're supposed to be, and just... breathe... Let me know. I've got a few channels to set you up with a whole new look and story. Whatever identity you wanna try on for size, I can make it happen. Well... as long as it's not too crazy. But judging by that look on your face, I think I already know what your answer's gonna be.
Unlocks at Intimacy Lv. 4
I never could put down roots in my merc life. Anywhere. So I built my whole thing on taking what I could get in the moment. Little indulgences, you could say. That way, whenever I had to bail, I knew I'd gotten everything out of it. And now? Honestly? I still feel the same way. The difference is... that gnawing fear of losing it all? It's gone. Every day here is just... good. I just want to pour everything I've got into appreciating that. I guess what I'm trying to say is... next time we go for a joyride, let me drive. Just like the day we first met.
Custom paint jobs, skating, parkour, FPS games.... Hard to pick a favorite, but I'd put the feeling of a full throttle under the skies of Lahai-Roi in first place. Lately though, my list of hobbies has been out of control. There's just too much cool stuff to try. Wait... Overflowing Palette? What's that? Heh, now you gotta tell me!
Back in the day, it was all about my cover getting blown, or the Fractsidus pulling new crap, or dealing with moving on to someplace new... But now... Ugh. My biggest headache is figuring out how I'm gonna dig myself out of this credit deficit...
Lemme let you in on a little secret. Everything tastes amazing when you're eating it in class. Even instant noodles. Gah, just the thrill of it, you know? Like, you wait for the teacher to turn their back to write on the board and then... (Mimics a quick, sneaky slurp).
Anything bland. It's not hate, it's just... a trigger of some bad times. Washes the world out for a minute. So my motto stands, for everything: Go bold. Go bright. Never be boring.
A dream for the future... huh. Never thought I'd get to have one of those. Let's see, if I could just have more days like today... Yeah. That's enough for me.
When I came to Lahai-Roi, all I brought with me was that acceptance letter. The one that never really had my name on it. It was a key. One that unlocked this wild, colorful dream... and all the chaos that came with it. Without it, I never would've met you or anyone else. So... I don't regret what I did. And hey, like you said—This time, this admission letter will be my own.
The New Federation isn't all bells and whistles. If you're a Resonator, you do what you're told. If you're a merc like I was, you do it for cash. No loyalty. No higher purpose. The only fun I had was spraying a little graffiti after a job was done.... even if I had to scrub it off two seconds later. Anyway, enough about that. So, about our rides. What's the new paint job gonna look like?
Unlocks at Intimacy Lv. 1
What do Professor Mornye and I have in common? Easy. We both hate sitting through class! So I took her for a drive one time. Total stone face the whole time, but I could tell she was loving it. The best part was the welcome committee when we got back. A whole pack of her researchers, swarming the gates like I'd just pulled a full-blown professor-napping. I mean, hello?! I kinda like my life here. And let's be real... if I were actually trying to sneak her out, nobody would've had a clue.
Unlocks at Intimacy Lv. 2
When I first got here, Sigrika helped me get a handle on student life... She's super serious, the kind who never lets up on herself, you know? She never complains though, just bottles it all up inside. She's gonna hit a wall one day if she keeps that up... So, how about you and I... pull a little "intervention"? You know, take her out to have some real fun.
Unlocks at Intimacy Lv. 3
The first time I met Dr. Herssen at the infirmary, I got this weird feeling he could see right through me. Now I think I might've just imagined it. Anyway, the man can write a very generous doctor's note slip. I'll give him that.
Unlocks at Intimacy Lv. 4
First time I saw Chisa, I thought that quiet, intense vibe meant "keep your distance." Man, was I wrong. We clicked instantly. She took one look at my bike and knew exactly what part was malfunctioning. Way faster than any manual diagnostic I could've run! Now that's impressive...
Unlocks at Intimacy Lv. 5
An organization full of crazies. Too harsh? Doesn't make it less true. I'm done with them. Really hope I won't have to deal with them ever again.
Happy Birthday! A special day calls for special plans. Consider whatever you're working on handled. I'll help you finish it later. I promised you a surprise that'd blow your mind, so we're ditching the noise. Now, hop on! We're leaving all that boring stuff in the dust. Only thing on the agenda today is you. Oh, and one last thing... you're wearing this balloon hat.
Yeah... right there. A little more drip... Perfect.
*Effort Sound*
Heh. Time to shake off the rust... Good. Still got it.
Hey, name's Lynae. Just Lynae. Looks like I'm your new classmate here at Startorch Prep. So... be nice to the new girl, hmm?
Outlaw Blue, Apollo Orange, Hazard Yellow, Acid Green... Wanna guess what color is my next pick?
Back in action together again!
Ahem... "Just name the target."
Relax, I can play by the rules.
Unlocks at Ascension 1
The spectrum I'm seeing got a whole lot clearer...!
Unlocks at Ascension 2
Didn't think I could get this big of an upgrade... Don't hold back on me now!
Unlocks at Ascension 3
I guess someone's potential is like an Energy Gel Sachet. You think it's empty, but there's always a little more if you squeeze harder...
Unlocks at Ascension 4
...Sometimes I think you could stand up there and teach the class yourself. With what you know, you'd own that classroom.
Unlocks at Ascension 5
A bright, big place to call my own. Friends to learn with. Allies to fight beside... Everything I ever wanted is right here. So even when the training is over... this doesn't just end, right? Keep teaching me. Trust me with more. This peace, this beautiful life... I'm going to fight like hell to protect it.
Battle
Watch the corner!
Catch this!
Perfect arc!
I call the shots!
Name your color!
Yo, over here!
That's all you've got?
Zip!
Marked!
One more!
Woosh!
New look.
Need a ride, sugar?
Special delivery... goes boom!
Don't blink... you'll miss the best part!
Tie a bow and call that my signature!
Drive safe—
Tch, that sucked.
Hah, I'm just getting started.
Mind if... I bail here?
Tch… You haven't seen anything yet.
Knew this... day would come.
Not done fighting yet...
A world... of black and white...
Shake it up!
Guess who?
I heard something.
Next stop, the horizon!
Target acquired.
Gotta go fast!
Alright, what's the jackpot?
Not bad. This'll work.
She's all yours.