Catcher is a Greatsword-wielding defender. He deals Physical DMG.
BASIC ATTACK: An attack with up to 4 sequences that deals Physical DMG. As the controlled operator, Final Strike also deals 22 Stagger. DIVE ATTACK: Basic attack performed in mid-air becomes a dive attack that deals Physical DMG to nearby enemies. FINISHER: Basic attack performed near a Staggered enemy becomes a finisher that deals massive Physical DMG and recovers some SP.
Raises a shield that can block attacks, grants Protection to self and nearby operators, and immediately returns some SP. When attacked while the said shield is raised, perform a retaliation bash that deals Physical DMG and applies 1 stack of Vulnerability to the attacking enemy.
COMBO TRIGGER: When an enemy starts charging up a skill, or when the controlled operator is attacked and falls below 40% HP. A powerful downward punch that deals Physical DMG to the enemy, while granting shields to self and another teammate (controlled operator prioritized). DEF can further increase Shield points.
Swings the greatsword to perform 2 consecutive slashes to deal Physical DMG and apply Weakness, followed by a powerful downward slam that deals massive Physical DMG and applies Knock Down to all enemies within the area of effect.
Assign to Control Nexus to grant all operators' Mood Regen +8%
Reach E1 to unlock
Assign to Control Nexus to grant all operators' Mood Regen +12%
Reach E3 to activate
Assign to Growth Chamber to slow Mood Drop of all operators in it by 14%
Reach E2 to unlock
Assign to Growth Chamber to slow Mood Drop of all operators in it by 18%
Reach E4 to activate
Battle skill Rigid Interdiction and ultimate Textbook Assault improved: After hitting the enemy, deals another strike that deals [300 + DEF×5] of Physical DMG.
DEF +20, Will +10.
Combo skill Timely Suppression improved: Shield duration +5s.
Ultimate Textbook Assault improved: Ultimate Energy cost -10%.
Battle skill Rigid Interdiction improved: Hitting an enemy while the shield is active returns 10 SP.
CODENAME: Catcher GENDER: Male AUTHENTICATION: Endfield Industries DOB: August 16 RACE: Perro [ORIPATHY INFECTION STATUS] Oripathy positive (infected), based on medical examination reports. [INTEGRATED PHYSICAL EXAMINATION] PHYSIOLOGICAL STRENGTH: Standard COMBAT SKILL: Standard TACTICAL ACUMEN: Standard ORIGINIUM ARTS ASSIMILATION: Standard Given Operator Catcher's medical history, his test results actually astounded us. We could hardly imagine how he managed to raise his physiological strength to his current levels despite his health disadvantages. Having reviewed numerous concerns, the Medical Division shall closely monitor Operator Catcher's regular health examinations in the future.
Operator Catcher (ID name: Ruy van Catcher) was born to a military family in the Civilization Band. Following Operator Akekuri's applications, Catcher is now a member of Operations Team Z7. Existing operational feedback reports indicate that Mr. Catcher is the most reliable operator of Z7. He has never been absent from duty, always hands in his reports on time, does not engage in habits of vice, and is an exceptional team player. However, we have noticed that Mr. Catcher has a tendency to place extremely severe demands on himself (which may be a result of his childhood influences). Simply put, he often forces himself to take on operational duties and goals that were not originally assigned to him. When assigning tasks to Mr. Catcher, we advise referencing, where possible, the recommendations of Op Team Z7 Captain Akekuri. — Martin Marvin Malen, Assistant, HR Division, Endfield Industries
Catcher is, without a doubt, the most trusted member of Op Z7. Though he seemed more comfortable hanging back in silence and appeared disinterested in the chatter around him, Catcher would immediately provide a fitting response whenever he was mentioned in conversation. We have reason to believe that he heard everything, from start to finish. That's right. You can't pick a bone with our omni-butler. Sometimes I suspect he writes a review report after every operation — and even reads the ones he wrote earlier. Why? Because I don't think any ordinary person could remember that they forgot to bring a flashlight three operations ago. I know I couldn't. — Fluorite Catcher is so simple and straightforward that he felt kinda unreal... He's got control over his face, just as good as Antal. His expressions hardly change... Yeah, except for that time when I accidentally threw some cream cake onto his greatsword. It was a cream cake I left lying around for a week... I saw Catcher frowning at me for the first time. He's incredibly restrained and controlled. — Estella He is an expert in solving difficult issues and appreciates the importance of being a listener. However, he is a human of few words, and his social skills are potentially worrying. Fortunately, he knows how to roast fowl fillets, and the flavor in on par with those roasted by my own grandmother. Hence, there is nothing to worry about — people who can roast fowl properly can handle anything that comes their way. — Antal Everyone thinks that Catcher is the "Z7 teammate that I'm least worried about", but I disagree. He has a habit of putting the feelings and needs of others before his own, both in business and in private ... and that's definitely not something I like to see as the Z7 team captain. So, whenever I see Catcher taking on extra work without being asked to, I adjust his subsequent task assignments. I don't want him overworking himself. — Akekuri
Seven years ago, during the autumn when I left Juniper Security, I worked as a part-time instructor at a youth training camp somewhere close to home. I was hoping to take care of my sick father and make some money for his treatment. My main job description was to share various tidbits about military basics with children who had probably never set foot in the Band Fringes. I worked in the youth camp for three years, and a 15-year old student named Ruy left quite an impression on me. He was the only one in the cohort who signed up temporarily. They told me his parents did not want him to join, but conceded upon the boy's strong insistence. I often reflect upon this moment and think I should have taken this as a warning sign for things to come. Despite being so thin that he looked malnourished, Ruy was not as obedient as he appeared. Ruy only attended eleven courses throughout the entire term, and he "found problems" in eight of them. These problems ranged from slight deviations from textbook examples of military poise to one or two minor memory slips. In fact, he pointed out any non-conformances in my course that could be considered errors. Things escalated to the point where I had to rehearse my materials before every class just so the boy wouldn't call out my mistakes. On the eve of graduation, I finally eased off my usual sternness as an instructor and asked the boy a question that had troubled me for months, "I need to know why you're so obsessed about finding your instructor's mistakes? Did I make you angry at some point?" I still remember the expression on his face. He shook his head, and then took out a copy of How to Be a Proper Soldier? (Young Adults Edition) published by the TGCC. The manual was flipped through so many times that the corners curled. Then he pointed the book at me and gave me a serious look. "No, Instructor Luca. Your classes were very interesting, and your examples made things way more engaging than the manual. I actually liked your lessons a lot... But you probably didn't know that everything in this manual was the only fount of strength that's kept me this far." "I ... I really care about every pointer in the manual because I want to put them to use on a real battlefield... I've been dreaming about this since I was nine..." After hearing these words, I finally learned about Ruy's childhood from another instructor and a close friend of mine — turned out that young Ruy contracted Oripathy due to momentary familial negligence. Though timely treatment was provided, the poor lad was almost forced to live out the rest of his life on a sickbed. I do not know what he experienced or sacrificed in order to receive training like the other students... But as his instructor, I do approve of his efforts and proudly call him a student of mine, despite the fact that many of his actions had caused no small trouble on my part. Come to think of it, if not for Ruy's constant, incessant, and persistent corrections, I would never have worked so hard to ensure conformance to the training materials. I probably would never correct my habits of mindless and rote memorization back in the force. And I most certainly would never have made it into the elite armed security training program or become an formal instructor for a mercenary outfit. ............ After my father passed away, I left Alloycarrot and drifted away from my training camp colleagues... I did not know where Ruy went afterwards. An accidental encounter with a former student of mine informed me that Ruy seemed to have joined a relatively famous company as part of their security detail... Truth be told, I was a little surprised. I thought that boy would have become an officer or instructor... Regardless, I sincerely hope he will make good use of the knowledge he acquired and fulfill his childhood dreams. — An excerpt from Those Not Remembered, an autobiography by the legendary instructor Luca Londi
"Mr. Catcher! You're finally here! Your name is in the recipient's section, but we all believe that you should come by and verify the package in person... It's now in the unloading area. Yes, the biggest package there! Right next to the facility scale model that Mr. Andre purchased." "Can you show me the sender's address and name?" "Sure. No problem. Let me take a look... Address is somewhere in Seš'qa and the sender is ... Cassandra? Sounds really familiar to me..." "...Got it. The package is mine." "Are ... are you really sure? Routine inspections found that someone has specifically cast anti-tracking Originium Arts upon this thing." "Don't worry. The package is really meant for me... My older sister sent it to me. She has a habit of applying protective measures given the nature of her work." "Your sister? Wait! I remember... Is she that Cassandra? Cassandra of the Mist? That famous bodyguard who made her name while working for Seš'qa merchants?!" "Yeah." "Fine... I think I know where she's coming from. The 'protective measures' might be necessary, then." ............ "Phewie. Processing is complete. Mr. Catcher, you're free to take this parcel." "Can I open it here?" "Of course you can! In fact, we can also give you delivery support if you need help carrying it." ............ "Wha — What the hell is this?! Is this some type of ... exoskeletal frame?!" "...Stop, Mr. Catcher! What's that thing you're holding in your hand? Maybe you should only press the button at a more spacious—" (Recorded audio file starts to play) "Ruy, baby, got the prez?" "Sorry. Too much work is catching up to your sis. I'm afraid I can't celebrate your birthday at your place." "Ay, caramba. When I heard our broder said he got an urgent order to head north, I planned to take a few days off but the boss suddenly got us a major order that cuts through the middle of nowhere. I had to do this myself..." "So I got you the latest civilian-grade U-47 Heavy Exoskeleton for your birthday this year. Hurhur. It's far cooler than the DIY alloy greatsword that broder gave you last time, right?" "Anyway, people say you got plenty of field missions, so I applied for a 5-year warranty. Wear it when you head out. It'll make Papa and Mama feel safer..." "You know. Papa and Mama never feared anything except you getting hurt by accident and ending up like last time..." "So please pay close attention to your health. Don't forget the promise you made to me and our broder. And don't forget what Papa and Mama told you, k?" "Finally, happy birthday, Ruy. You're the baby broder I am always worried about." "Your sister will always keep you in my heart." (End of recorded audio file) "Turns out to be my birthday gift this year... Ugh. Forget it. At least it's better than the Octo-Herbal Tisane Mega Giftpack last year."
DOCUMENT: A yellowed piece of medical history PATIENT NAME: Ruy van Catcher AGE: 4 yo ADMISSION DATE: Aug 15 INSTITUTION: Browning Hospital, Free City of Alloycarrot ATTENDING PHYSICIAN: Raman Harrent PRESENT ILLNESS: Patient was injured by an accidental Originium device failure 3 hours ago, resulting in minor injuries to the cervical vertebrae. Patient symptoms 1 hour after admission include: dizziness, hyperhidrosis, weakness of the lower limbs, and nausea. Patient also exhibits giddiness and reduced consciousness after onset of symptoms. Tests reveal continuous reduction in muscle strength. Recommend immediate hospitalization and surgical treatment. DIAGNOSIS: Acute Oripathy with accompanying complications. Continue monitoring. DOCUMENT: Medical logs from 10 years ago "Young Master Catcher, as your attending physician, I believe I am obliged to give you these reminders. Conclusions based on our current medical monitoring tell us that your Oripathy is now under control. However, your physical strength and fortitude are now far below average. You might need to spend quite a bit of time in bed. I'll also advise against getting off bed or moving around. Any action that unnecessarily stresses your body might endanger your life... I hope you can pay attention to that, you and your family." DOCUMENT: Medical logs from 6 years ago "Once again I must emphasize, Young Master... Okay. Perhaps you prefer it that I address you as Mr. Catcher. Well then, Mr. Catcher, though there is no sign that your sickness has worsened, your physical exercises have far exceeded the levels I've recommended for your case. It is with my strongest advice that you attend at least 3 rounds of full physical examinations and my personal inquiries at the hospital in the coming months. And ... if you decide to persist in rehabilitative exercises of such excessive nature, please make sure you do so in the presence of a family member or professional caretaker within ten yards of yourself. I am also prescribing you another list of medication. But also keep in mind that given the state of your health, even the most effective pharmaceutical products would have limited use... DOCUMENT: Medical logs from 2 years ago "Okay. I am now forced to admit there are certain things ... certain accidents in the world that go against medical norms. Mr. Catcher, it is by 'miracle' ... but also primarily your personal force of will and determination, that you have molded your body to its current standards... I did not expect to see a second case of such phenomenal and dramatic recovery as yours. Of course, as your attending physician, I still hope you'll come in for your semiannual examinations, just to be on the safe side."
Hmm? A new mission?
I am ready to go.
If you need cover and logistics, you can leave them to me.
Let's hope this mission is decently planned and involves less risks.
Practical and versatile. It'll see us through assault operations in various scenarios.
Standardized gear... We only read about them in boot camp textbooks... The real thing is better machined than I expected.
I would usually prepare extra contingency plans. They ... always come in handy.
O ... kay. There! I've jotted down all the keypoints... The Captain shall receive my summary on her desk.
Thank you. You shall have my best performance in our future missions.
You can now give me the tougher assignments. I believe I can now see them through.
Really appreciate your approval, Endmin. In return, I have completed mission prepwork for the ... next ninety days. You may review them at any time.
I sometimes think about what might've happened if I went along with my family's wishes. Perhaps I'd be living a different life. One that's simpler yet more comfortable... But I'd made up my mind when I took the sword and left my home that morning. I do not intend to look back.
Catcher, Op Team Z7. My role is giving the team cover and logistics support. I specialize in defensive operations and I'm good with the blade... And I hope I'll be an effective addition to your team.
Need defensive cover? I shall give you my best.
I believe we should be better prepared.
Orders received. I've tagged them as my top mission priorities.
Greetings, Endmin. Is there another assignment?
Endmin, I've compiled ten folders of post-battle summaries for Team Z7. Do you wish to review them?
You're looking for me, Endmin? Well, I got thirty minutes before five back-to-back sessions of swordfighting... And I'll be free for the rest of the time.
I have recently reviewed everyone's suggestions and improved my wildlands stew recipe... Feel free to give it a taste if you're curious, Endmin.
Whenever I return to Dijiang, I always get this sense of comfort and relaxation that I could hardly describe... Antal insists that it was the coziness of the dorm mattresses... Of course, I don't intend to disagree with him.
I have complete faith in my teammates during missions. Yet, I have zero faith that they will heed the Captain's orders and get proper R&R afterwards. One would stay up all night at the library, and another would be pulling pranks on raw recruits at the game room... Such nonsense can only end when I personally "escort" them back to their cabins.
I paid my family a visit two days ago. They don't really like my career choice but I told them what Team Z7 was really like. They didn't say much to that, except giving me a few rucksacks of local specialties. Z7 would need six months to go through all that... Endmin, I think you should get half a sack as well.
Life is very fulfilling. I actually feel useful and everyone actually appreciates it... That's what being an Endfielder means to me. There are occasions where I get too exhausted to sleep, but I take that in stride. It only means that I've earned someone's approval.
It's just some minor gifts, Endmin... But I hope you can accept them.
For me? Thank you so much, Endmin. It shall be secured in a proper safe.
Oh, sorry, Endmin! I was thinking how I should prepare for the next mission. Wait! I got a question for you. Which of these do you think is more useful: a handheld welder, antigrav modulator, or Originium dustproof mask? Hmm... I'll just bring everything.
I was born to a regular family. My parents were soldiers. My brother is a military instructor in the TGCC while my sister is an armed escort working for the Seš'qamam. I was the youngest child and they kept me protected. Everyone wanted to give me a peaceful life instead of following their footsteps and joining the military... But family protection doesn't last forever, especially in Talos-II.
I don't miss my childhood before I turned nine. It made me dislike the smell of iodine and peroxide... Back then, I couldn't even lift a water canteen. The doctors also kept telling my family to keep me inside the house. I was only allowed to have fun outdoors in the rarest of occasions... Even now I could still remember my recovery and my first walk in broad daylight. It felt as though I was brought back to life.
Some might find Z7 to be an unimpressive operations team. They're not entirely wrong. Captain Akekuri is a little too young, Fluorite's bite is a little too nasty, while Estella and Antal both need a little more common sense. Nevertheless, I'm more than willing to stay in Z7... In fact, I wouldn't mind being a permanent member of the team.
When I first joined Endfield, I doubted if I had what it takes to earn the trust of my betters... But the whole of Team Z7 and even you, Endmin, always made this clear to me — I could achieve far more than I believed and meet everyone's expectations.
Boot camp was pretty standard. Just some basic combat courses with a bit of field survival added to the mix. Hardly anyone expects boot camp to teach you things that are actually useful in real battles... I might be the exception, as I spent an entire drill session debating with my instructor how his demonstrations deviated from the standard positions depicted in the manual. What happened next? Well, I convinced him before the third drill session began.
I'm actually the least talented soldier of the family. My physical strength and combat technique fall far behind the family norm... Even then, I never gave up and simply devoted myself to greater training — I woke up two hours before my brother and trained thrice as hard as my sister... And I've kept at it till this very day.
Why did I start learning how to cook? I don't really have a reason. When I first joined Z7, I tried the food prepared by other teammates. On day two, I asked Instructor Lil' Dodge for help. And this was how I received several weeks of Training for Ensuring Survival in the Wilderness.
I interned with a few PMCs before joining Endfield but all of them wanted me to be more "professional"... In layman's terms, they wanted me to take the pay and stop asking questions. They made their point and were reasonable about it. Unfortunately, I couldn't bring myself to comply.
I just hope no one gives Antal and friends any more strange ideas for the next assignment. We've already made enough trouble for our Arsenal Engineer this month... Yeah, you guessed right. The Captain has a stack of Feedback Reports she couldn't finish, and they're all sitting in my bunk. Don't worry. If I got no assignments on the following day, I'll just pull an all-nighter and blitz through everything.
We have a responsible Captain who deeply cares for everyone in Z7... but it'd be great if she took a little more care of herself. Even at team gatherings, she always puts others' tastes before her own. *Sigh* Honestly, I wish she'd just admit she loves Higashinese snacks. Then I wouldn't have to keep pretending I made them "by coincidence."
I knew Bander mercs like her. Cunning, avaricious souls who kept to themselves, whose smiles looked scarier than their growls... But Fluorite started discussing techniques for throwing Originium Slugs with Antal... So, I guess we could ... give her some time before getting judgmental.
I don't know why, but Estella always appears ... shocked whenever she reads my reports. I simply described everything that took place in the mission... and only added a few immature ideas at certain sections... Nothing about my reports should be considered surprising. They're all pretty standard, especially when compared to her ... creative compositions.
Antal is knowledgeable and happy to answer questions. Problem is, he gets too eager when it comes to answering questions. Estella just casually mentioned: "Why do long-ears have such long ears?" Then Antal decided to spend the rest of the day giving us a lecture on ecobiology. It only ended when we got back to Dijiang — And he said he only gave us a summary that left out seventy percent of key contents.
Experience tells me that there are gatherables over there.
There's something over there... It's worth looking into, even if we need to take a detour.
Threat level unavailable. We should be cautious.
If combat is required, I'll ready our exit plan in advance.
A rare material. We should gather them quickly.
We are always more efficient working as a team... Let's mine this together.
Great. We've gathered plenty of useful supplies.
This must be the Aurylene mentioned in the manual...
Blight is more dangerous than what is commonly believed. We must deal with it carefully.
Adequate rest is conducive to mission completion. That's what the work manual says.
Take this. We still got plenty.
...I miscalculated.
Watch it. Don't push yourself.
My blade is still intact.
Sorry... I've let everyone down again...
Impressive maneuver.
Such teamwork deserves a feast.
You ... flatter me.
Well, everyone helped.
We should play it safe and approach with care.
I shall fulfill my role of support.
Area neutralized? Better run another check.
We achieved an ideal outcome.
Impressive... Only you could pull that off.
In any case, we still completed the mission objectives.
Most of my experiences in life taught me one thing: Accept your defeats, and find a way to surmount them.
Get lost.
Your turn.
Back off!
Halt!
Take cover!
Waiting's over.
My turn.
Tank this!
Taste this!
There's no escape.
It's over.
I'm taking you down!
No one's getting past me!
OUT OF MY WAY!
