Story & Voice
Lore beats, character story moments, and voice lines to learn more about Suoming.
Character Story
1The Return
"So... what do we do now?"
Suoming looked into the distance, raising a hand toward Huating. Its massive gates were sealed tight against the black curtain of rain.
"They shut us out to be bait for the Evil Miasma... but I will bring everyone home."
Beyond the walls, the land had long been forsaken. Alongside the constant threat of the Evil Miasma, bands of ruthless outlaws ran rampant. Suoming walked every village outside Huating, bearing witness to orphans left adrift, families driven out, and survivors who had lost everything. The people beyond the walls needed order, and Suoming needed the supplies and strongholds to keep them alive. She scattered the bandits, stood against the Evil Miasma, and shielded the villages. Year by year, people gathered at her side until a true sanctuary took shape.
Suoming was ready.
When the Evil Miasma finally pressed down upon the city once more, Huating's garrison retreated behind their walls as always, intent not on saving, but only on keeping the desperate out.
Suoming advanced alone to face the
Suoming's gaze passed over the anxious crowd, over the sprawling rooftops, and rested on the grand manor towering above the city center. Resplendent amid the storm-tossed ruins, it was the residence of Huating's Chief of Records.
Suoming nodded quietly to herself. The path she had spent years planning had finally taken its first step.
2The Covenant
The first was the city's most arrogant swordsman. Hired at great expense by the Chief of Records, his formidable Forte allowed his blade to slice through iron like mud. Relying on that reputation, he gathered a gang of his own. Many who despised the Chief of Records still trembled before his steel.
When Suoming tracked him to a tavern, his men snickered as they let the petite young woman upstairs: "What does a kid know about drinking?"
Moments later, the second-story window shattered. A single sword hurtled downward, embedding itself in the street below. The gang fell dead silent as they recalled a rumor from the West Gate: the leader who had broken into Huating was a short girl with red hair.
Sobered instantly, the swordsman picked himself up and clashed with Suoming for dozens of rounds before collapsing in exhaustion. Suoming looked down at him. "With skill like yours, why serve evil? Come with me, and we'll wipe out the Evil Miasma."
The swordsman would go on to become the Third Seal. He later admitted that Suoming's grand ambitions had meant little to him at first. What won him over was her willingness to wield absolute power without ever bullying the weak, and the shame that realization stirred in him.
With the chief's blade dealt with, Suoming turned her sights toward the city's other power—its wealthiest merchant clan. For generations, they had amassed inexhaustible fortunes in gold, jade, and brocade. Suoming intended to request their financial support, but upon her visit, she met only the clan’s young lady. The girl asked hesitant questions about the outside world, hiding a secret too heavy to speak aloud.
The First Seal sensed something amiss and advised caution. But when the clan head openly boasted that the Evil Miasma was an opportunity to hoard goods and inflate prices rather than fight, Suoming realized words were pointless. That night, she slipped into the estate and brought the young lady out, learning the truth from her own lips.
The young lady possessed a Forte that could replicate any object, which is in fact, the true secret behind her family's vast fortune. In return, they had kept her imprisoned in the inner halls year after year, forcing her to copy every treasure brought before her. Once the Evil Miasma isolated the city, she became the clan's source of endless treasures. However, years of captivity and constant depletion of her Forte had left her spirit withered.
Suoming told her plainly: "I can free you, but beyond freedom, I have nothing to give." The young lady followed without a second thought.
Years later, whenever the Fourth Seal combed Suoming's long hair, Suoming would often sigh: "I should have simply freed you from that mansion and left it at that. I never should have dragged you into this war."
The Fourth Seal would only shake her head, gather up Suoming's red hair, and hum a quiet verse of her own making. It's her gentle way of giving thanks.
3The Umbrella
"Huating hangs on your every word now. People placed faith in your strength. If you raised a single hand, the whole city could march out and wipe the Evil Miasma away forever."
"But the people behind these walls haven't seen the true calamity. They've never watched black rain drown the soil and wither the earth. They've never seen a loved one eroded past recognition. We have. When I built that pin for you, my only goal was to bring the stranded home. As for defeating the Evil Miasma... I never thought it possible. So don't try to talk me into this again. I won't waste what little strength I have left on a futile cause. And I suggest you... stop chasing it, too."
Suoming looked down at the cup of clear local white tea before her. At the bottom, the emblem of the
"Huating today isn't my doing alone. The Sixth Seal reads people well and is eloquent beyond measure. It was she who walked the streets, maneuvering deftly among the city's competing factions to earn the people's trust for me. Without her, Huating might never have believed."
"As for the Evil Miasma... there is a physician who, too, has witnessed firsthand the Blight Rain that gnaws bone and the Miasmic Thunder that devours men. Had she surrendered to grief, she would never have probed the nature of the Evil Miasma, nor found a way to combat it. The Fifth Seal has designed a mask capable of resisting the erosion. It awaits only a master craftsman to forge it. Once complete, the Fourth Seal can replicate as many as we require. With those, we will finally be equipped to step into the Blight Rain. But that alone is not enough. I need you to forge a weapon..."
The old man leaned in, waiting for her to continue.
"I will claim its power. In battle, I will weaken the Evil Miasma. Even if I can seize only a wisp of Blight Rain or a thread of Miasmic Thunder, I will seal it within the weapon. My body may have its limits, but I will master its power and find a way to conquer it."
"Then... what kind of weapon do you envision? A sword? A broadblade? With internal mechanisms, it could—"
"An umbrella would be best."
"An umbrella...?" He turned toward the window, gazing into the distance. "I see. Against the Blight Rain that fills the heavens, there is indeed no finer shield than an umbrella to shelter Huating from the storm."
He turned back to Suoming.
"Very well... by your own ranking, where do I stand now? Am I the Seventh Seal?"
Suoming finally raised her teacup, a rare smile gracing her lips.
"I have been holding that place for you all along, Second Seal."
4The Strategy
It was the Seventh Seal who volunteered. As a soldier of the
When Suoming had originally ousted Huating's Chief of Records, the Ministry of War was freed from its shackles. Most of its soldiers eagerly pledged their support, save for the Seventh Seal, who stubbornly refused to yield. To him, no matter how heinous the chief's crimes, he remained Huating's legitimate authority. Suoming, a mere commoner, had no right to replace him. In those early days, the Seventh Seal opposed her at every turn.
It was only when Suoming escorted him beyond Huating's walls to witness the villages buried beneath the Blight Rain that his resolve shattered. Standing silent among the ruins, he asked her with reddened eyes: "Could Huating truly be spared such tragedy from now on?"
The answer needed no words. From that day forward, the Seventh Seal remained the same steadfast, rule-abiding soldier. He shouldered every burden while insisting that, regardless of Suoming's standing, she was still a citizen of Huating, and it was his duty to protect her.
Accepting his goodwill, Suoming set about sealing a fragment of his frequency into her lock. Moments later, a wisp of mist materialized in her palm—faint, but unmistakably the Seventh Seal's Forte. Simultaneously, the umbrella resting beside her violently shuddered. With a deafening roar, a bolt of crimson-black thunder burst from the umbrella, shattering the courtyard wall.
As the others stood in stunned silence, the Eighth Seal approached the rubble, inspecting the Miasmic Thunder still crackling among the debris.
"Have you ever wielded two powers at once before?" she asked after a quiet pause.
Suoming shook her head.
"A fraction of your mind is constantly spent suppressing the Evil Miasma sealed within your umbrella. Borrowing the Seventh Seal's power alongside it likely triggered the instability."
The Eighth Seal had been brought into the fold by the Seventh Seal. Suoming remembered their first meeting, when the Eighth Seal had bypassed formalities to ask for an exhaustive account of every battle she had fought against the Evil Miasma over the years. They spoke for an entire day, emerging only as dusk faded into night. Afterward, Suoming announced to the others that their plan was complete.
According to the Eighth Seal's design, one would have to venture directly into the swirling black clouds alongside Suoming. The moment Suoming bound the entity, this ally would drive a dagger charged with the Eighth Seal's Forte into its core, forcing it out of the cloud's protection and into an open battle with them all.
Yet every Seal already bore a vital role, and none could be spared for such a perilous gambit.
They needed someone else. One last person...
5The Entrustment
She paused, taking a moment before continuing. "Our meeting was rather ordinary. That day, I was walking down the street alone when I spotted a piece of... floating rice cake."
At that, the
"She was starving, and using her Forte to stay invisible, she was stealing food from the street vendors. So I stood there and waited. When she drifted past me, I stuck out my foot and tripped her. Ninth tumbled to the ground, her invisibility breaking. She turned around to curse me, but stopped dead in her tracks."
"You frightened her."
"Yes." Suoming nodded gently. "My expression must have been terrible, because I knew she was the one—the Ninth Seal. I would have her draw close to the Evil Miasma to strike the killing blow, and then... she would be discovered and killed on the spot."
"And you told her all of this."
"I did." Suoming reached out, her fingers brushing the Vermillion Locks at her side. "But what good did it do? Ninth loved to trail behind me, calling me 'Sister Suoming' at every turn. Whatever I said, she simply nodded along. She even styled her hair to match mine. Within days, she had stopped fearing me entirely. No matter how I reasoned with her, no matter what I told her, she only smiled... afraid of nothing."
Suoming's voice grew softer, fading into silence with a quiet sigh. The Sentinel knew she needed no comfort. Even this grief, she wished to carve deep into her heart. It required no empty words, only a path forward.
"Suoming, I appreciate everything you have done for Huating. But I have nothing left to reward you with. I must even ask you to keep fighting for
"It's fine." Suoming lifted her head, the gloom vanishing from her eyes. "Tell me what you need of me. Tell me how to ensure the Evil Miasma never threatens Mengzhou again."
"...Very well. Take out the Vermillion Locks. I have one final duty to entrust to you."
Voice Lines
Thoughts: I
For a century, the <te href=260002>Ministry of Sentinel Affairs</te> has spoken on behalf of Hsin the Moon Fox to every <te href=850084>Magistrate</te>. It has held the line, generation after generation, through every crisis <te href=850154>Mengzhou</te> has faced. I deeply respect that. Now, with you, the Arbiter, aiding Hsin the Moon Fox in fulfilling Her grand cause, the <te href=850083>Sentinel</te> has returned. Remnants of the threat remain, but Mengzhou's future now holds promise.
Thoughts: II
Beyond <te href=850083>Sentinel</te> affairs, the Ministry also handles astronomy and the calendar. Each city's branch has its own duties, and here in <te href=850154>Mengzhou</te>, we—Ahem... Pardon me. You mentioned you weren't very familiar with the Ministry's responsibilities, and I've let myself ramble. In short, we serve the Sentinel. So, Arbiter, if you have need of anything, regardless of what it is, I will see to it.
Thoughts: III
At Sentinel Hsin's behest, I joined the <te href=260002>Ministry</te> to purge Balanophora's remnants, restore order, and find a path forward. When I first read of the "Arbiter" in the <te href=850117>Grand Library</te>, I wondered what kind of person could guide a <te href=850083>Sentinel</te>. Meeting you today... I can tell that you truly live up to your title.
Thoughts: IV
The members of the Ten Seals Covenant were all bound by their obsessions—for a vow, for family, or for me. They said they were drawn to me. That they would follow wherever I led. But... it was their refusal to yield, their unrelenting drive toward what they wanted, that moved me and pushed me forward. Arbiter... you, too, have that effect on me.
Thoughts: V
Arbiter, if you stood where I did back then, what would you have chosen? Your homeland ravaged, completely alone. Facing it head-on might buy a glimpse of hope, but at the cost of your friends' lives. Apologies. Forget I asked. It's just... I've never been able to let it go. And I just knew you would understand. I just... needed to say it out loud.
Suoming's Hobby
Rain clouds gather in the afternoon. A cool breeze, a light drizzle against the eaves… I sit by the window listening, dusting the Vermillion Locks. A somber scene, I know... and yet, I find I quite like it.
Suoming's Trouble
As for my major concerns, they are the future of <te href=850154>Mengzhou</te> and Balanophora's whereabouts. Beyond that... I cannot say if it's just my imagination, but ever since Sentinel Hsin returned, Mengzhou seems to have more sunny days. My eyes have always been sensitive to light, so this has become a bit of a personal grievance.
Favorite Food
The Huating of the past was mired in hardships. Resources were scarce, and fine cuisine a distant dream. The only exception was the local white tea. Truly exceptional. Even now, at the <te href=260002>Ministry</te>, I often find myself craving it. Every time I drink it, I think of them. As if that chapter of my life is... steeped in the color of the tea.
Disliked Food
There is nothing I truly dislike. But ever since I mentioned, rather casually, that bitter things do not agree with me, sweets began to appear on my desk with some regularity. I've even heard them call it "feeding the beast." Heh... Youthful antics. I let them have their fun.
Ideals
I've always dreamed of returning to Huating one day to live in a small cottage. If I am needed, I will help. If not, I will simply watch the world go by in peace, alongside Ninth and the others. That would be enough for me. But of course, that is still a long way off. For now, Hsin and <te href=850154>Mengzhou</te>'s future must come first.
Show more voice lines (61 remaining)
Chat: I
"If we fall, Seal Master, lock our frequencies away." Knowing my Forte, that was what they asked of me. I didn't refuse. Together with the Second Seal, we forged the Vermillion Locks. When the work was done, the others gathered around, laughing—praising the Second Seal's craftsmanship, remarking on how the color suited me. They treated them like mere keepsakes, rather than vessels for their final rest. The least I can do now... is not waste what they gave me.
Chat: II
My past? Mm... it's been ages since I last spoke of it. Very well, then. I will share it with you one rainy day.
About Hsin the Moon Fox
After our bitter victory over the Evil Miasma, I resented the <te href=850083>Sentinel</te> for failing to appear while the black rain fell upon Huating. But when I finally stood before It, seeing <te href=850154>Mengzhou</te> as it was and finding It gravely wounded yet still straining to hold the enemies at bay... How could I hold onto my hatred? In the end, I accepted the <te href=260002>Ministry of Sentinel Affairs</te>' mandate and dedicated everything I have to It and to Mengzhou.
About Hsin
If we speak of age, Hsin is actually a bit younger than me. Having assisted the <te href=850083>Sentinel</te> for so long, watching Her grow into who She is today naturally carries a certain fondness. Whether it was Her solitary effort to remold the <te href=800053>Civilization Capsule</te> in the past, or Her finally stepping into Her role as the Sentinel now... Hsin has never once let the Sentinel down.
About Balanophora
When I took up the Intendant's mantle, the <te href=850083>Sentinel</te> and I made a pact: It would find the root of the Evil Miasma's spawning, and I would end it with my own hands. Now that I know it all stems from Balanophora's wounding of the Sentinel... her fate is sealed.
About Ninth
She was a pitiful child. The Evil Miasma had left her stealing food on the streets, and out of all people, I was the one who discovered her ability to turn invisible. If I were to start talking about how she might've lived longer if she'd never met me, she'd only be upset... How I wish to hear her calling me Sister Suoming again.
Birthday Wishes
I was wondering what blessing would be fitting for an Intendant to offer the Arbiter. In the end, I realized that words from the heart are what matters most on this special day.<br/>So, happy birthday, Arbiter. The <te href=850154>Mengzhou</te> <te href=260002>Ministry of Sentinel Affairs</te> will always have your back. May all be well in Hsin's keeping, and may your journey ahead be safe.
Idle: I
Ninth Seal: Sister Suoming!<br/>Suoming: Mm.<br/>Ninth Seal: Whoa!<br/>Suoming: Look.<br/>Suoming: Mm...
Idle: II
(Effort Sound)
Idle: III
Hm? You don't even think to call me Seal Master? Hehe, just kidding.
Self-Introduction
Suoming, Seal Master of the Ten Seals Covenant, and Intendant of <te href=850154>Mengzhou</te>'s <te href=260002>Ministry of Sentinel Affairs</te>. Any enemy of Mengzhou is an enemy of mine.
Greeting
When the Blight Rain and Miasmic Thunder fade, what remains is only... locked obsessions.
Join Team: I
To battle? Alright. May all be well in Hsin's keeping.
Join Team: II
Mm, let's begin.
Join Team: III
Nine Shadows... Ready to strike.
Ascension: I
I'd almost forgotten this feeling of being honed.
Ascension: II
Each form of the Nine Shadows demanded rigorous practice to master. Ah, those old training days are coming back to me.
Ascension: III
The Third Seal taught me the sword. The Seventh, the spear. And now, you've left your mark on me as well.
Ascension: IV
This is the quiet at the center. Arbiter, for a breath, the weight of my obsessions lifted. But only for a moment.
Ascension: V
I know the Ten Seals Covenant fell to the Evil Miasma, but I still carry the guilt. It was my weakness that led to that tragedy. I will never let history repeat itself.
Basic Attack: I
Threefold shatter.
Basic Attack: II
Scatter!
Basic Attack: III
Fivefold sever.
Basic Attack: IV
Sevenfold flash!
Basic Attack: V
Sixfold collapse!
Heavy Attack: I
Eightfold sweep.
Heavy Attack: II
Whirling rend!
Heavy Attack: III
Nine Shadows!
Heavy Attack: IV
Nine—Shadows!
Heavy Attack: V
Metal Canopy, full unleash!
Aerial Attack
Twofold descent!
Resonance Skill: I
Onefold tremor.
Resonance Skill: II
Fourfold cut.
Resonance Skill: III
Ending...
Resonance Skill: IV
Thunder...
Resonance Liberation: I
Thundering peaks, seal evil rain!
Resonance Liberation: II
Step into... the Blight Rain.
Resonance Liberation: III
Hmph. Nine Shadows... Unfold!
Intro Skill: I
I put my body on the line.
Intro Skill: II
Seals aligned!
Intro Skill: III
Vermillion Lock, release!
Dodge
Too easy.
Counterattack
Caught!
Dodge Counter
Sundering bloom!
Hit: I
Tch.
Hit: II
I slipped?
Injured: I
A mere smudge on the hem.
Injured: II
Hahh... Need to be cautious.
Injured: III
I will not repeat history...
Fallen: I
Finally... I'll see you all again.
Fallen: II
Our journey ends here...
Fallen: III
The rain... has it stopped?
Echo Summon
Fight with me.
Echo Transform
Myriad forms.
Enemies Near
Canopy out, I'll take it from here.
Glider
On the wind, I fall.
Sensor
Sighted.
Dash
Hurry up.
Supply Chest: I
A worthy harvest.
Supply Chest: II
Ninth would love these.
Supply Chest: III
Mm, you'll have use for this.