Connor

Besides that shield that never leaves her hand, the closest companion of Connor is unequivocally her motorcycle. Such a vehicle doesn't exist in the Empire. When she saw it for the first time after arriving on the surface, she immediately became hooked on the feeling of riding it.

To her, her motorcycle isn't merely a great form of transportation but also an important partner that has been by her side throughout her time on the surface. She especially loves the sensation of being able to speed to her heart's content on vacant lands, and it never fails to put a euphoric smile on her face. In fact, the more recklessly she rides, the more fulfilling her experience is.

Nevertheless, Connor is well aware that her riding style often worries and scares others. When someone rides pillion on her motorcycle, she will slow down so as to let her passenger lean on her back with peace of mind.

"From today onward, your job is to protect this child."

"Y-You're handing such a critical mission to me?! I'm merely an ordinary soldier. I'm not up to it..."

The first time meeting that white-haired girl, Connor panicked, as she knew how important this child was for the entire Mundus Empire. It baffled her how such a major responsibility could've been entrusted to her.

"Are you opting to disregard the words of mine, the great sage, now?" asked an elegant, dignified woman with a smile. As a matter of fact, that was the first time she used her identity as the "Sage of the Tower" to pressure Connor.

"...All right, I'll do as you ask." Connor knelt to show her absolute allegiance toward this great sage. With her head bowed, she gently pressed her forehead on the back of the Sage's extended hand. "I shall undertake this sacred mission, fight to protect her, and remain eternally loyal and fearless unto death."

Even though that great one is no longer around and Connor had no choice but to leave her homeland, even though this child has already lost her memories, abilities, and name and has found a new life... Connor will never ditch the vows she made back then.

She's disappeared.

Upon realizing this, Connor fell into deep despair, in disbelief that the important girl whom the great one entrusted to her had disappeared into thin air the instant they stepped on the surface after an arduous trip. She searched with all her might, coming up with all kinds of ideas as a mercenary and even resorting to going back to the Empire a couple of times, but alas, the child remained nowhere to be found.

Just as Connor was at her wits' end, the BCRL officer who frequently assigned her jobs showed her the way. As all she saw from that middle-aged man's face was sincerity, she opted to trust this surface dweller and hence became one of them. With that, she began wandering around numerous people of the Empire to gather intel, win a suitable candidate over, or blatantly eliminate some pesky people in the name of a commission. Perhaps that wasn't the right thing to do, but failing at that person's last dying wish had already made Connor plunge into a deep well of shame.

At last, Connor ran into the person she had searched all over the planet for, the child having now assumed the name "Livia" and been employed as an assistant in COLUMBA CBCRR23's train crew. Livia had forgotten everything, save for Connor.

"I have to take her back to the Empire at all costs," thought Connor. However, it dawned on Connor that this child now has things of her own that she wants to do, not to mention she has met the person that she must meet no matter what.

Since that's Livia's choice, Connor will do anything to protect the girl. Despite knowing that the Ascension will never go easy on renegades, she's determined to see this through to the end.