Rossi Build
"Piece of cake for an elite like me!"
Calculate pity to pull Rossi →Guard (6-star, Sword) — Hybrid DPS dealing both Physical and Heat DMG; kit plays closer to a Striker than a typical Guard, converting enemy Arts Infliction stacks into Vulnerability she then detonates for burst crit damage.
Recommended Build
Role: Guard (6-star, Sword) — Hybrid DPS dealing both Physical and Heat DMG; kit plays closer to a Striker than a typical Guard, converting enemy Arts Infliction stacks into Vulnerability she then detonates for burst crit damage. Physical (primary) with Heat DMG components — a split-damage hybrid, not a pure single-element carry.
Best Weapons
- Lupine Scarlet (6-star Sword, signature) — Best-in-slot. Skill 'Fracture: Gnashing Wolves' grants ATK +44.8%; landing a Critical DMG hit with her skill gives 1 stack of Wolven Blood (+2.8% Physical/Heat DMG Dealt each, up to 16 stacks), and at max stacks grants a further +67.2% Physical/Heat DMG for 20s — directly amplifies her crit-heavy, Physical+Heat hybrid kit, boosting her crit damage and fitting perfectly with how she plays.
- Glorious Memory (non-signature 6-star) — Increases Ultimate DMG after Rossi applies Vulnerability — synergizes with her Battle/Combo Skill's Vulnerability-stacking loop feeding into her Ultimate burst.
- Rapid Ascent (non-signature) — Boosts damage from both Skills and Ultimate — a solid non-signature alternative for players without Lupine Scarlet.
Gear & Essence
- MI Security set (MI Security Body/Armor T1 + Redeemer Gloves + MI Security Scope T1) — endgame BiS Sub-stat priority: Crit Rate first (this combo reaches ~56.5% Crit Rate + 16% Ultimate Gain); Redeemer Gloves outperforms MI Security Gloves T1 in raw stats. The set's 3-piece bonus grants Crit Rate, then snowballs into ATK + additional Crit Rate after landing crits on marked targets; the Armor piece accelerates Ultimate availability, and Double Scope enhances burst consistency. — MI Security is her core endgame set — it directly feeds her crit-focused, mark-and-detonate playstyle. Caveat: only keep MI Security if her Ultimate Gain Efficiency need stays under ~49.4% (up to 56.4% if running Gilberta) — above that threshold, swapping out MI Security causes a massive damage loss the other way, i.e. removing it early is the mistake to avoid.
Team Comps
- Wulfgard (her brother) — One of her best pairings — Wulfgard applies Heat Infliction that Rossi's Combo Skill then consumes to convert into Vulnerability stacks and bonus Crit Rate/Crit DMG, which is mandatory since an enemy needs BOTH a Vulnerability stack and an Arts Infliction present for her Combo Skill's full effect to trigger.
- Mi Fu (near-mandatory in Hybrid DPS comp) — Mi Fu is mandatory for Rossi's Hybrid DPS team: she amplifies Rossi's damage, groups enemies, consumes Vulnerability stacks, and can also apply Vulnerability herself via her Ultimate.
- Camille (Arts application & SP generation) — Rossi and Camille mutually benefit — Camille applies the Arts/Heat Infliction Rossi needs to fuel her Combo Skill conversion loop, while generating SP for the team.
- Tangtang + Gilberta + Perlica (premium 'DPS ceiling' comp) — The highest-damage-ceiling team; Rossi + Perlica + Gilberta + a stack-consumer is a reliable/adaptable mid-tier fallback, and Rossi + Endmin + Perlica + Ardelia is an F2P-friendly option that still clears current content.
- Pogranichnik (SP-generation booster) — Pogranichnik can push SP generation even higher in her Hybrid DPS team, letting the squad benefit from both his Breach mechanic and Mi Fu's Crushes simultaneously.
Skill Priority: Battle Skill 'Crimson Shadow' first (core Vulnerability/Lift applicator and gateway to her Wolven Ambrage bonus hit) > Combo Skill 'Moment of Blazing Shadow' (2-sequence combo that consumes Arts Infliction stacks for burst DMG + Crit buffs — perfect-timing on Sequence 2 is non-negotiable for full value) > Ultimate 'Razorclaw Ambuscade' (Heat-DMG burst finisher, crit-scaling) > Basic Attack 'Seething Wolfblood' last. The Combo Skill's timing-sensitivity is a core execution requirement regardless of level order.
Playstyle: Setup-into-burst hybrid DPS: Rossi charges in with her Battle Skill to apply Physical damage, Lift, and Vulnerability stacks (bonus Heat hit — 'Wolven Ambrage' — triggers if the target already carries Vulnerability). She then fires her 2-part Combo Skill, where the second sequence consumes all of the target's Arts Infliction stacks for scaling Physical damage plus a Crit Rate/Crit DMG buff to herself (must be timed as a 'perfect' input to also add a Vulnerability stack). Her Ultimate closes the rotation with a multi-hit Heat DMG flurry plus a two-hit dagger slash that applies Heat Infliction and deals amplified DMG on crits. Because she is a Physical operator whose damage and Vulnerability generation both depend on consuming teammates' Arts Infliction, she is built around at least one dedicated Infliction-applier (e.g. Wulfgard or Camille) rather than played as a standalone carry.
Community-sourced · 9 nguồn
Operator Information
Basic Information
| Codename | Rossi |
|---|---|
| Gender | Female |
| Faction | Endfield Industries |
| Birthday | March 10 |
| Element | Physical |
| Race | Lupo |
| Chinese CV | 吳哲茹 |
| English CV | Giada Sabellico |
| Japanese CV | 日高里菜 |
| Korean CV | 이주은 |
Upgrade
Level Up
LV.1 | LV.20 | LV.40 | LV.60 | LV.80 | LV.90 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Strength | 9 | 28 | 48 | 68 | 88 | 97 |
Agility (Main) | 23 | 55 | 90 | 124 | 159 | 176 |
Intellect (Secondary) | 14 | 36 | 59 | 83 | 106 | 118 |
Will | 9 | 26 | 44 | 62 | 80 | 89 |
Base ATK | 30 | 93 | 159 | 225 | 291 | 323 |
Base HP | 500 | 1566 | 2689 | 3811 | 4934 | 5495 |
Cost | None |
Initial Data | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
Strength | 9 | None |
Agility (Main) | 23 | |
Intellect (Secondary) | 14 | |
Will | 9 | |
Base ATK | 30 | |
Base HP | 500 |
Attribute Increase | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
Strength | 28 | Auto Fill: |
Agility (Main) | 55 | |
Intellect (Secondary) | 36 | |
Will | 26 | |
Base ATK | 93 | |
Base HP | 1566 |
Attribute Increase | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
Strength | 48 | Auto Fill: |
Agility (Main) | 90 | |
Intellect (Secondary) | 59 | |
Will | 44 | |
Base ATK | 159 | |
Base HP | 2689 |
Attribute Increase | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
Strength | 68 | Auto Fill: |
Agility (Main) | 124 | |
Intellect (Secondary) | 83 | |
Will | 62 | |
Base ATK | 225 | |
Base HP | 3811 |
Attribute Increase | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
Strength | 88 | Auto Fill: |
Agility (Main) | 159 | |
Intellect (Secondary) | 106 | |
Will | 80 | |
Base ATK | 291 | |
Base HP | 4934 |
Max Data | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
Strength | 97 | Auto Fill: |
Agility (Main) | 176 | |
Intellect (Secondary) | 118 | |
Will | 89 | |
Base ATK | 323 | |
Base HP | 5495 |
Ability Matrix
Combat Skills
Seething WolfbloodBasic Attack
BASIC ATTACK:
An attack with up to 5 sequences that deals Physical DMG. As the controlled operator, Final Strike also deals 18 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 attack that deals massive Physical DMG and recovers some SP.
RANK 1 | RANK 2 | RANK 3 | RANK 4 | RANK 5 | RANK 6 | RANK 7 | RANK 8 | RANK 9 | Mastery I | Mastery II | Mastery III | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BATK SEQ 1 Multiplier | 27% | 30% | 32% | 35% | 38% | 41% | 43% | 46% | 49% | 52% | 56% | 61% |
BATK SEQ 2 Multiplier | 32% | 35% | 38% | 41% | 44% | 47% | 50% | 54% | 57% | 61% | 65% | 71% |
BATK SEQ 3 Multiplier | 34% | 37% | 41% | 44% | 48% | 51% | 54% | 58% | 61% | 65% | 71% | 77% |
BATK SEQ 4 Multiplier | 41% | 45% | 49% | 53% | 57% | 61% | 65% | 69% | 73% | 78% | 84% | 91% |
BATK SEQ 5 Multiplier | 50% | 55% | 60% | 65% | 70% | 75% | 80% | 85% | 90% | 96% | 104% | 113% |
Finisher ATK Multiplier | 400% | 440% | 480% | 520% | 560% | 600% | 640% | 680% | 720% | 770% | 830% | 900% |
Dive ATK Multiplier | 80% | 88% | 96% | 104% | 112% | 120% | 128% | 136% | 144% | 154% | 166% | 180% |
Cost | None |
Crimson ShadowBattle Skill
Charges to the target to deal Physical DMG and apply Lift.
If the target already has Vulnerability stack(s), the skill also unleashes a Wolven Ambrage that charges at the target to deal Heat DMG.
RANK 1 | RANK 2 | RANK 3 | RANK 4 | RANK 5 | RANK 6 | RANK 7 | RANK 8 | RANK 9 | Mastery I | Mastery II | Mastery III | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SP Cost | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
SEQ 1 DMG Multiplier | 85% | 94% | 102% | 111% | 119% | 128% | 137% | 145% | 154% | 164% | 177% | 192% |
SEQ 1 Stagger | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
SEQ 2 DMG Multiplier | 128% | 141% | 153% | 166% | 179% | 192% | 204% | 217% | 230% | 246% | 265% | 288% |
SEQ 2 Stagger | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 15 |
Cost | None |
Moment of Blazing ShadowCombo Skill
COMBO TRIGGER: When an enemy has both Vulnerability and Arts Infliction stacks.
Rossi's combo skill has 2 consecutive sequences.
COMBO SEQUENCE 1 deals Physical DMG to the target.
COMBO SEQUENCE 2 consumes all Arts Infliction stacks from the target, deals Physical DMG based on the number of Arts Infliction stacks consumed, applies 1 instance of Lift, and buffs Rossi's Critical Rate and Critical DMG Dealt at the same time.
If COMBO SEQUENCE 2 is cast with perfect timing, it applies 1 more stack of Vulnerability.
RANK 1 | RANK 2 | RANK 3 | RANK 4 | RANK 5 | RANK 6 | RANK 7 | RANK 8 | RANK 9 | Mastery I | Mastery II | Mastery III | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cooldown | 15s | 15s | 15s | 15s | 15s | 15s | 15s | 15s | 15s | 15s | 15s | 14s |
SEQ 1 DMG Multiplier | 67% | 73% | 80% | 87% | 93% | 100% | 107% | 113% | 120% | 128% | 138% | 150% |
SEQ 2 DMG Multiplier | 133% | 147% | 160% | 173% | 187% | 200% | 213% | 227% | 240% | 257% | 277% | 300% |
Bonus DMG Multiplier per Infliction Stack | 80% | 88% | 96% | 104% | 112% | 120% | 128% | 136% | 144% | 154% | 166% | 180% |
SEQ 2 Stagger | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Critical Rate Boost | 15% | 15% | 15% | 17% | 17% | 17% | 19% | 19% | 21% | 21% | 23% | 25% |
Critical DMG Boost | 30% | 30% | 30% | 34% | 34% | 34% | 38% | 38% | 42% | 42% | 46% | 50% |
Buff Duration (s) | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
Cost | None |
"Razorclaw" AmbuscadeUltimate
Rossi flutters her cape and unleashes a flurry of stabs that quickly deals multiple sequences of Heat DMG to the target. She then performs a two-sequence slash attack with her dagger that deals massive Heat DMG and applies Heat Infliction.
When this skill successfully scores a critical hit, it deals higher Critical DMG.
RANK 1 | RANK 2 | RANK 3 | RANK 4 | RANK 5 | RANK 6 | RANK 7 | RANK 8 | RANK 9 | Mastery I | Mastery II | Mastery III | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ultimate Energy Cost | 110 | 110 | 110 | 110 | 110 | 110 | 110 | 110 | 110 | 110 | 110 | 110 |
Stab Attack Total DMG Multiplier | 275% | 300% | 325% | 350% | 375% | 400% | 425% | 450% | 475% | 525% | 550% | 600% |
SEQ 1 Slash DMG Multiplier | 111% | 122% | 133% | 144% | 156% | 167% | 178% | 189% | 200% | 214% | 231% | 250% |
SEQ 2 Slash DMG Multiplier | 333% | 367% | 400% | 433% | 467% | 500% | 534% | 567% | 600% | 642% | 692% | 750% |
Stagger | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
Critical DMG Boost | 60% | 60% | 60% | 60% | 60% | 60% | 60% | 60% | 60% | 60% | 60% | 60% |
Cost | None |
Talent Nodes
Skirmisher
Talent Effect | Requirements | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Skirmisher | Operator Agility +10 | 20% trust with the Operator | Promote to E1 to unlock |
Skirmisher | Operator Agility +15 | 50% trust with the Operator | Promote to E2 to unlock |
Skirmisher | Operator Agility +15 | 100% trust with the Operator | Promote to E3 to unlock |
Skirmisher | Operator Agility +20 | 100% trust with the Operator | Promote to E4 to unlock |
Trust | Raise your operators' trust to unlock more skills and profile data. Operators with higher trust also interact with you differently aboard Dijiang. You can raise operator trust with gifts or by assigning them to the Dijiang Control Nexus. |
|---|
Nicks and Scratches
Talent Effect | Requirements | |
|---|---|---|
Nicks and Scratches 1 | Battle skill improved: After Wolven Ambrage deals DMG, Rossi applies Razor Clawmark to the target for 15s. This effect cannot stack. For the duration of Razor Clawmark, the target takes 25% ATK (Rossi's) of Physical DMG per second and suffers Physical DMG Taken and Heat DMG Taken +6%. | Promote to E1 to unlock |
Nicks and Scratches 2 | For the duration of Razor Clawmark, the target takes 30% ATK (Rossi's) of Physical DMG per second and suffers Physical DMG Taken and Heat DMG Taken +12%. Battle skill improved: After Wolven Ambrage deals DMG, Rossi applies Razor Clawmark to the target for 25s. This effect cannot stack. | Promote to E2 to unlock |
Seething Blood
Talent Effect | Requirements | |
|---|---|---|
Seething Blood 1 | When Rossi's skill deals Critical DMG to a Razor Clawmarked enemy, trigger another hit that deals 12% ATK (Rossi's) of Heat DMG and restores [Intellect × 0.04] HP to Rossi. If the target is also Combusted, then the aforementioned DMG and HP Restoration effects are increased to 1.5 times. | Promote to E2 to unlock |
Seething Blood 2 | When Rossi's skill deals Critical DMG to a Razor Clawmarked enemy, trigger another hit that deals 24% ATK (Rossi's) of Heat DMG and restores [Intellect × 0.08] HP to Rossi. If the target is also Combusted, then the aforementioned DMG and HP Restoration effects are increased to 1.5 times. | Promote to E3 to unlock |
Clan Etiquette
Talent Effect | Requirements | |
|---|---|---|
Clan Etiquette β | Assign to Reception Room to slow Mood Drop of all operators in it by 14% | Promote to E1 to unlock |
Clan Etiquette γ | Assign to Reception Room to slow Mood Drop of all operators in it by 18% | Promote to E3 to unlock |
Scent of the Hunt
Talent Effect | Requirements | |
|---|---|---|
Scent of the Hunt β | Assign to Reception Room to grant operator clue collecting efficiency +20% | Promote to E2 to unlock |
Scent of the Hunt γ | Assign to Reception Room to grant operator clue collecting efficiency +30% | Promote to E4 to unlock |
Elite
Promotion I
After Activation | Requirements | |
|---|---|---|
Promotion I | Activate this to raise operator level cap to 40 | Operator Lv.20 |
Outfitting I
After Activation | Requirements | |
|---|---|---|
Outfitting I | Activate this to let the operator equip blue quality gear | Promote to E1 to unlock |
Promotion II
After Activation | Requirements | |
|---|---|---|
Promotion II | Activate this to raise operator level cap to 60 | Operator Lv.40 |
Outfitting II
After Activation | Requirements | |
|---|---|---|
Outfitting II | Activate this to let the operator equip purple quality gear | Promote to E2 to unlock |
Promotion III
After Activation | Requirements | |
|---|---|---|
Promotion III | Activate this to raise operator level cap to 80 | Operator Lv.60 |
Outfitting III
After Activation | Requirements | |
|---|---|---|
Outfitting III | Activate this to let the operator equip gold quality gear | Promote to E3 to unlock |
Promotion IV
After Activation | Requirements | |
|---|---|---|
Promotion IV | Activate this to raise operator level cap to 90 | Operator Lv.80 |
Potential
Potential Phases
 | Origin of Admiration | Battle skill Crimson Shadow and combo skill Moment of Blazing Shadow improved: The DMG Multipliers of these skills are increased to 1.15 times of the original. Wolven Ambrage of the battle skill also returns 10 SP after hitting the enemy. |
|---|---|---|
 | Gap to Perfection | Agility +20, Critical Rate +7%. |
 | Tangible Duties | Talent Seething Blood improved: When triggered, it grants Base DMG Multiplier +8% and restores HP +[Intellect × 0.04]. |
 | Innocent Wish | Ultimate "Razorclaw" Ambuscade improved: Ultimate Energy cost -15%. |
 | Legendary Destination | Ultimate "Razorclaw" Ambuscade improved: DMG Multiplier is increased to 1.1 times of the original; Critical DMG Dealt is increased by +30%. |
Operator Snapshot | ||
|---|---|---|
A well-cuddled and much loved fruit grew in protecting hands. It transformed nourishment into a solid exterior and an incorruptible heart. Cherished Little PerlIllustrator: Yukuso  | Unlimited Future  A king ... a warrior ... a movie star! I really wish to be them all if I get to choose! Ahem... It's just a wish of mine. Illustrator: Whitebear | A World at the Tip of the Pen The canvas recorded the legends and stories. Plus the castle from last night's dream and the little wolf pup who chased away the disaster.  Illustrator: Yukuso |
Profile
Operator Intel
Faction
Endfield Industries
Race
Lupo
Expertise: 1
Being able to sniff out a scam is a dangerous talent for a child.
Expertise: 2
Rossi is tired of endless bickering. So, she mastered the means of getting both sides to shut up.
Hobbies: 1
A weird-looking stone and a sharp chisel have been selected. Now, who should this figurine look like?
Hobbies: 2
Tracking down a prey is a long process, but Rossi is very patient. No need to rush, for we are close to the scent of blood.
Profile
BASIC INFO
CODENAME: Rossi
GENDER: Female
AUTHENTICATION: The Pack
DOB: March 10
RACE: Lupo
[ORIPATHY INFECTION STATUS]
Oripathy positive (infected), based on medical examination reports.
[INTEGRATED PHYSICAL EXAMINATION]
PHYSIOLOGICAL STRENGTH: Standard
COMBAT SKILL: Standard
TACTICAL ACUMEN: Excellent
ORIGINIUM ARTS ASSIMILATION: Excellent
HUMAN RESOURCES SUMMARY
Operator Rossi, full name Rossina Wulfperl Luppino, is a member of a Landbreaker clan known as the Pack. As one of the clan's representatives, she has entered a cooperative partnership with Endfield Industries. Rossi now serves under the Specialist Tech Division.
Given the unique status of Operator Wulfgard, all collaborative affairs between Endfield Industries and the Pack are effectively focused upon Operator Rossi.
Rossi is not a permanent resident aboard Dijiang. She spends most of her time with the Pack and handling clan affairs. However, locating her is far less challenging than finding Wulfgard. She is also quite receptive to participating in some of Endfield Industries' training programs. Evaluations from Lil' Dodge states: "Exceptionally high tactical acumen. Possesses considerable leadership charisma and battlefield command talent."
Operator Rossi aligns more closely with public perception of what a member of the Pack should be: devoted to the family, conforms to the code, and respectful of their elders. On her very first day aboard Dijiang, she paid visits to nearly every department head as well as operators of considerable renown. Her well-mannered and conscientious demeanor left a strong impression on many.
However, if you were to face her in combat, you shall witness an entirely different side of Rossi: razor-sharp and utterly ruthless.
— Martin Marvin Malen, Assistant, HR Division, Endfield Industries
FILE 1
Nonno Rozzan is always so quiet when he walks. Davvero strano ... he's so tall, yet his footsteps are as light as if he were walking on a thick carpet. I've almost never seen him slip up. No matter where I hide, he always finds me.
Every time I watch Nonno Rozzan handle his gun, it feels like time just ... si ferma. Even the sound of breathing disappears. I don't know how long it lasts before he finally lowers it. I've never actually seen him pull the trigger. He just wipes the barrel down with a cloth, puts it back in its case, and that's the end of training. I've tried to imitate him a few times, but ... I can't hold the stance for nearly as long as he does.
...
Catello
Catello's always in a hurry. Seriously, what's he so busy with? As for his training methods ... annoyingly simple. Mind-numbingly boring strength drills mixed with a few sets of dynamic target practice, or just straight to live combat exercises... Così noioso. Absolutely nothing worth learning from. Skipping this!
...
Sorella Arclight
Sorella Arclight can move across steep cliff faces so quickly. Is it just a matter of pure speed? I asked her, and she said it requires some Arts... She also meditates during her training. She says it helps her clear her mind of distractions. Ugh... Staying completely still for that long is way too hard for me.
...
Endministrator
The Endmin always adjusts to the pace of other teammates so everyone can keep up. Totally different from Catello! And the Endmin's training is mostly about manipulating Originium and turning the rocks into razor sharp weapons. How can anyone do that? Something only the Endmin can do, I guess. No point trying to learn it...
FILE 2
Coming of Age? Within the Pack, everyone's rite of passage is different. For some, it's completing a solo hunt. For others, it's closing a complex business deal.
The Pack doesn't seem worried about these youngsters messing up. They boldly assign critical matters as trials to the young wolves, a practice that would seem utterly insane to anyone outside the Pack.
As for Rossina... Hunts and business deals? She'd already pulled those off at an even younger age. To her, they were just routine.
So the Pack arranged a special trial for her.
They left Rossina in a deserted village, with only five luckless bandits for company. Those outlaws were desperate men, each already eyeing whatever meager means of survival the others had left, just waiting for a chance to stab each other in the back.
The five of them kept each other in check, none daring to make the first move. But ... if that delicate balance was broken...
Rossina's first task was simply to survive the bandits. That wasn't enough on its own. Beast attacks were also frequent there. Sometimes a lone predator, sometimes an entire group.
The Elder Wolves dropped her off and left without a second thought. They seemed unconcerned whether she could survive in such an environment.
When they returned to the village two weeks later, the sight that greeted them left them stunned.
A fence had been erected around the village. The five bandits and Rossina were taking shifts on watch, vigilant against beast attacks. On days without raids, some of the five would go out hunting, others would gather fresh water. They had actually shaped into a proper, functioning team.
Those men once constantly viewed each other with suspicion. No one knows how Rossina got them to follow her lead. In her own words, she just "made them understand the only way to survive."
It's also worth mentioning that Catello went through the same trial. Well... He spent a few days killing all the nearby beasts, left enough food behind, then slipped away without anyone noticing. He only returned at the end of the trial.
— Interview Transcript with Pack associate, Marco Wulfhowl Luppino
FILE 3
"The Pack sent a tiny pup to talk? Did old Rozzan and his crew kicked the bucket or something?"
Rossi glanced at Erik, who was roaring with laughter along with his crew, and instantly lost any interest she might have had in the leader famously known as the "Cannon of the Wildlands".
This was Rossi's first time handling the clan's ... "business". A week prior, a merchant convoy bound for the Luppino family had been intercepted by Erik. Out of respect for the Pack's name, they hadn't dared touch the couriers, but a sizable portion of the goods meant for return had gone missing. With Catello absent from the clan at the time, Rossi had volunteered, eager to prove her mettle with this particular "deal".
But at that moment, Rossi was starting to regret her decision. This trip was even less interesting than a hunting trip in home turf. The so-called "Cannon of the Wildlands" was wriggling his bulky, bloated body while slapping the table with his hand. From the moment she'd walked in, he'd done nothing but attempt to provoke her.
True strength is reserved, unyielding, never showing a crack. That was a lesson Rossi had learned within the clan. No one, not even Rozzan or the Elder Wolves, ever boasted so crudely about their violence.
"Nonno Rozzan told me this is 'business.' From where I stand, every deal has one side that profits, and another that takes the loss."
Rossi's eyes swept across the tent. The scent of gunpowder drifted to her nose, and she pinpointed where the other side had planted the explosives. The amount was small. Clearly, killing her wasn't the goal. A live wolf seemed far more useful to them.
"The Pack doesn't mind letting our business friends wet their muzzles a little. Unfortunately, I haven't passed my rite of passage yet, so I'm not a true member of the Pack. And I only want profit. I don't do losses."
"Looks like the Pack isn't planning to sit down and talk this out properly, eh?"
A flicker passed through Erik's eyes. The bandits around them grew serious, some already resting their hands on their weapons.
Two swordsmen, two axemen, and probably several casters lying in wait outside the tent. Judging by their positioning inside, it'd be tough to clear them out quickly. So—
Having assessed the situation, Rossi toyed with a fork on the table, waiting for the right moment.
"Listen. From the very first day I set foot in this blighted place, someone's been blabbering non-stop in my years. I can't do this. I can't kill that. I must follow the rules — the Code of the Pack."
Erik's agitation grew. He stared hard at the girl who'd come alone. All these preparations were meant for Rozzan of the Pack. But the old man sent a bratty girl instead... Erik felt insulted.
"The Code? It's written by those who are bigger and holds more power!"
Erik hefted his cannon. The Pack prized their kin. Taking this girl hostage could prove far more useful.
In a flash, a fork shot toward Erik. Rossi sprang from her seat and suddenly disappeared. Erik swatted the utensil away and raised his weapon to aim.
"Behave and be still."
A dagger pressed against the back of his neck.
The surrounding bandits finally drew their weapons, but it was too late.
"STOP! DON'T GET ANY CLOSER!" Erik yelled, feeling a chilling prick of cold against the back of his neck.
"Counting on those casters at the door to bail you out? But that's odd ... it's way too quiet. Seems my clan wrapped things up even faster than I did. What were you saying again? Oh, right ... the Code..."
The icy tip of the blade seemed to press an inch closer.
"Do you understand what the Code of the Pack is?" Rossi sheathed her dagger.
Erik whirled around, furious. All his careful planning, ruined by a child like this? "I gave the goods to the Bonekrushers. Try and take them back if you have the guts for it! Once they've wiped you out, then I'll be writing up a new Code for this turf!"
"What did you say?"
A killing intent he had never felt before radiated from the girl standing before him.
Erik didn't know the price of bringing up the Bonekrushers around this girl, but he was about to learn. And soon.
Looking at the wrecked tent, Rossi couldn't help but sigh.
"Business is such a hassle."
FILE 4
Three tolls of the bell sounded. One by one, the people at the gathering removed their hats and stepped forward to place fresh flowers into the cold coffin.
Some wept quietly, others bowed their heads in silence. Rozzan scanned the surroundings, but he didn't spot that familiar crimson figure anywhere.
The last of the Elder Wolves who survived the incident laid in the casket. He spent the rest of his days in pain. Though the Bonekrusher's haze ravaged his organs and their blades pierced his limbs, the Elder Wolf held on tightly to the swaddled young pup ... until he passed her into the arms of another boy...
"She's still not here..."
The words reached Rozzan. He gave a slow nod, then quietly passed the rest of the service over to another Elder.
He knew where to find her. Whenever she was upset, she'd lose herself in the training grounds and stay there until late into the night.
Rozzan watched the girl in silence. She noticed him too, but neither said a word. With one last fierce thrust, she drove her sword into the training dummy and collapsed to the ground. No one knew how long she had been pushing herself here.
"He's gone."
Rozzan approached Rossi where she lay gasping on the ground, his voice quiet and flat.
"I know... I know..."
Rossi pulled her hood down over her eyes, but her voice shook uncontrollably. Ever since she was old enough to understand, she had visited the wounded Old Wolf every single week so he could see that she was growing up strong and well. To her, he was the last living thread connecting her to those lost souls.
"You should have been there. He would have wanted you there."
"But ... it was because of me... He did it all for..."
Rozzan hoisted her up and slung her over his shoulder before she could finish, carrying her toward the courtyard where the funeral was being held.
"I can't face him ... it was all my fault... I don't want to..."
Rossi thrashed and bit against Rozzan's shoulder. Her nails scraped his skin, her teeth sank into his arm. Rozzan's expression didn't flicker. He just kept walking toward the funeral.
Soon, Rossi's strength gave out. She slumped against Rozzan's back, arms hanging limp.
"I didn't become the wolf the Pack could rely on..."
Rossi murmured, unsure if she was speaking to Rozzan, or to someone no longer there.
"I never learned to stand on my own. I couldn't lead anyone. I haven't done a single thing right... I didn't deserve their sacrifice..."
Rozzan came to a stop. The courtyard was empty now, save for the ashes of burnt offerings and a solitary coffin. Inside, the elder lay peacefully, covered in flowers.
"Every time you came to see him, he'd always pull me aside afterward to talk. Maybe age caught up to the wolf and he never remembered what he told me. Just kept ranting the same stories on and on."
Rozzan set Rossi down. He rested a hand on the edge of the coffin, gazing at his old friend.
"He'd always go on about the glory days, the few times we butted heads. But the details ... those kept changing. One day he was the one who messed up, the next it was me. The same story was told different every time. Only one thing he ever said never changed."
Rozzan reached over and ruffled Rossi's hair.
"Every single time, he'd say that saving you was the greatest thing he ever did."
Rossi lowered her head. She took off the pale pendant from around her neck, the one the elder had given her, and placed it among the flowers.
The coffin sealed. The young wolf never cried again.
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Welcome to my world.
Here, dreams don't fade, and reality isn't sugarcoated.
I make the rules. You walked in, so now you play until the final move.
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Rossina Wulfperl Luppino, Wulfgard's younger sister, Pearl of the Pack, and leader of the clan. In a feud with the Bonekrushers, many elder wolves paid a bloody price to rescue her from danger. Rossi can never quite lift the weight of "responsibility" from her heart, but she occasionally fantasizes about embarking on adventures alongside legendary heroes.
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"Piece of cake for an elite like me!"
Rossina Wulfperl Luppino, younger sister of Wulfgard and the Pearl of the Pack. In a feud between the Pack and the Bonekrushers, many elder wolves paid a bloody price to rescue her. The blood that day stained her swaddling blanket red...
Wulfgard operates independently from the clan for years, but the Pack required a leader, and Rossi accepted that responsibility. She has always felt that her brother, who rose to fame at a young age, should be the one leading the entire Pack, and she constantly reminds and urges him to do so. While the elders of the clan hope Rossi can spend more time doing what she loves at her age, she ultimately cannot lift the weight of "responsibility" from her heart. She strives to become more reliable and powerful for the sake of her family and her clan.
Rossi, who longs for heroic tales, occasionally fantasizes that one day she will be able to fight alongside a legendary hero. This is the bit of "me time" she reserves for herself.
"They bit deep, but the Pack isn't afraid of more scars!"
