Yao

This special power allows precise control over physically inextinguishable flames. These flames disregard physical combustion points and burn everything they touch, tainting it deeply with Mania until the subject stops the attack or the target is completely destroyed.

According to the MBCC Chief's investigation, the subject had awakened as a Sinner before the Eastian disasters. At the time, her ability was a channeling Mania power very commonly seen in Eastia. Later, her power underwent significant changes for unknown reasons during Eastia's ten-sun disaster in N.F. 106.

The subject's body is covered in contamination, closely resembling that of the Apostle of Ashes - Sun Crow. With a high level of corruption, she relies on the shackles to suppress the Mania and maintain a certain degree of human mentality.

A mysterious woman who appeared in Chief's dream, foretelling the calamity of the Ten Scorching Suns. Her true identity is unknown, but she is suspected to have a deep connection with the S-Class Apostle of Ashes - Sun Crow who wreaked havoc across the Eastian continent.

The subject has returned to WhiteSands, fighting against the Tide of Ashes by instinct. Her threat level is currently deemed low, and Paradeisos has arranged for personnel to closely monitor her. Emergency measures will be taken immediately if any danger arises.

After Ten Scorching Suns ended, with the Apostle of Ashes - Sun Crow defeated, the MBCC's Chief temporarily lost connection with the Sinner. Later, with the help of Eastian Sinner Yanyan, a child form of the alleged target Sinner was found in the heart of WhiteSands.

After the defeat of the Sun Crow Apostle, the subject was reborn as a child. Chief personally cared for her and suppressed the Sun Crow Apostle's Mania power inside her with the shackles, thus keeping her sane and preventing her from turning into an Apostle. The Bureau collected samples of her flames during her sleep and sent them to Paradeisos for evaluation. Chief's judgment proved correct. It is indeed Sinner Yao's ability and the juvenile Sinner's identity is confirmed as Yao.

The subject has been growing at an astonishing rate. In just a few months, she has grown into an adult female form. However, her consciousness and cognition are still in need of guidance and she still exhibits animalistic, instinctual behaviors, and sometimes even goes into an Apostle-like state. Close attention from all staff is constantly required.

It has been confirmed that the Bureau's Tide of Ashes alarm was triggered by an unrecorded Apostle of Ashes lurking in the depths of WhiteSands. This Apostle's power is comparable to that of Sinner Yao. This has led the authorities to believe their power shares the same source and that as the subject's ability grows, the corresponding power of the Apostle of Ashes will also intensify. Therefore, Paradeisos has made an exception and approved the continuous detention and supervision of the subject by the Minos Bureau of Crisis Control. However, the Chief of the Bureau is to closely monitor the subject and her growth for information necessary for deductions about the Apostle of Ashes.
It is noted that the subject is currently allowed to reside in WhiteSands and return to the Bureau regularly for examinations and interrogation.

During the early stages of detention, as the subject was still very young and didn't have perfect control of her power, she would sometimes leak out sporadic flames unknowingly, burning a total of thirty-seven items in the Bureau. Following repeated reminders from Chief, she's begun learning to control it, and the staff also make sure not to let flammable objects near her.

Due to her animalistic nature, the subject sometimes demonstrates non-human behaviors such as flying, eating without utensils, and sleeping while standing. As long as she doesn't disrupt the normal operations of the Bureau, Chief and the staff generally do not intervene in these behaviors.

Upon reaching adulthood, the subject can communicate normally with people. However, perhaps inheriting part of her parent's temperament (real reason to be explored), she doesn't always tell the truth, and the genuineness of her words requires verification. Currently, having mistakenly believed what she says, some Sinners have begun to sleep standing, believing they can grow wings for flying that way.

Having spent her childhood alongside Chief, the subject displays complete trust and a certain dependency on Chief. After returning to her life in WhiteSands, she regularly returns to the Bureau for examinations and to visit Chief. Chief stores the fiery feathers left behind by the subject during each visit in a special storage box in the office.

[Yao is staring out the window, an intense look on her face.]

Yao: Ah, it's you. Would you care to join me?

Chief: ......

• Prompt: Join you... in enjoying the scenery?
• Yao: Sungazing... allows a careful observer to see signs of what is to come.
• Yao: 😐

• Prompt: Really? What did you see then?
• Yao: The sun is radiant in a clear blue sky. An auspicious sign indeed... There will be no natural disasters in the near future.
• Yao: 😘

[Yao seems to have taken an interest in the warm light lamp in the corner of the hall.]

Yao: Is this... an imitation of the sun by humanity? A poor imitation, I might add.

Chief: ......

• Prompt: In a manner of speaking... Be careful. Don't damage the lampshade!
• Yao: With the shell removed, there's only a small spot of light underneath...
• Yao: 😦

• Prompt: Ah, it's just for illumination.
• Yao: Is that so? This is a far cry from what's used for illumination in my homeland...
• Yao: 😐

[On a street somewhere, a lantern event is taking shape. Colorful lanterns emerge under the hands of artisans while passersby hurry to and fro.]

Yao: The lantern event... is still being prepared. What kind of lanterns do you prefer?

• Prompt: The brighter ones.
• Yao: Lantern light that cut deepest through the dark... Those are the ones people remember.
• Yao: 😐

• Prompt: The one you're holding looks lovely.
• Yao: ...Then this lantern is yours, Chief.
• Yao: 😐

⚠ A Dilemma

The members of the Ghost Story Club have mixed feelings about Yao.

System Notifications: Upon learning of the club where Sinners gather at night to share ghost stories, Yao asks to join. Her first appearance, however, leaves the organizer in a dilemma. The consensus is that Yao's stories are engaging, but her mere presence renders the surroundings as bright as day and ruins the spooky atmosphere.

• Prompt: How about I have a light-blocking cloak made for you?

⚠ Unsalable Fuel

Since Yao's arrival at the Bureau, Faye has been having a hard time selling her portable stoves and fuel.

System Notifications: You notice that Faye has been doing sales promotions offering discounts on portable stoves and solid fuels. This is a departure from her usual business practices. Upon inquiry, it becomes clear that this change has been prompted by Yao's arrival. The lovers of hot pots and barbecues among the Sinners have developed a habit of asking Yao for fire, and Faye's merchandise has lost favor with them.

• Prompt: It's not that they can't afford them.

Chief: But why buy them when you can get them for free?

⚠⚠ An Unlikely Savior

Yao has been spending an unusual amount of time in the greenhouse recently.

System Notifications: While perusing the Sinners' behavior analysis report today as a matter of routine, you find that the places Yao has frequented this month differ from those in the previous months.

Chief: Why has she suddenly taken a liking to the greenhouse? She used to avoid it, worried about her effect on the growth of plants.

• Prompt: Go to the greenhouse to find Yao

Coquelic: These few are in much better shape now. They should be able to bloom when the time comes. You've been a great help. Thanks!

Yao: You're very welcome. I thought I would never get the chance to appreciate flowers up close. I never imagined such a peculiar plant existed. I hope you'll invite me back when it blooms.

Coquelic: Of course I will. Anyone who appreciates the beauty of flowers is welcome to my garden.

Chief: Is that... Coquelic? She seems to be getting along with Yao. Is she the reason why Yao has been frequenting the greenhouse lately?

• Prompt: Approach and ask

Chief: Yao, Coquelic, what are you two doing here? This is the cactus that was delivered here last month... Does it bloom?

Yao: Yes. I heard this peculiar plant doesn't need a lot of water but needs plenty of sunlight, which means I can get close without killing it, so I thought I'd come by and tend to it.

Coquelic: Tend to it? You saved it. Different plants need different conditions to grow and bloom. The fellows who delivered this cactus knew nothing about plants. They delivered it while the sunlight simulator was being serviced, and without the right conditions, it couldn't grow.

Chief: I see... That's why you have been spending so much time in the greenhouse lately. You're here to provide heat and light for the plant, right?

Yao: Yes. I'd thought my presence would cause the plants and their flowers to wither. But to my surprise, they thrived with less water. It's strange.

Coquelic: There is no lack of water and fertilizer around here. Some "botanists" come almost every day to water them. Thanks to their loving care, these plants have been "drowning." You help evaporate some of the water. I believe they'll grow better now.

Chief: I see... Yao, I guess you don't have to give the greenhouse a wide berth anymore, right? You can come here more often to relax.

⚠⚠ Mysterious Fires

The monthly number of fire alerts at the Bureau has reached a record high.

System Notifications: The comprehensive report on this month's fire alerts and their handling has been sent. Please check it promptly.

• Prompt: View the report

Chief: Hmm, why were there so many fire alerts this month? All were small fires... And why did the locations overlap with Yao's movements?

Chief: Hasn't she already gone through some special training in controlling her power? It's been a long time since she caused an accident of this nature. Could something have happened? Gotta have a talk with her.

System Notifications: When you track her down in the Outdoor Activity Area, Yao is surrounded by a group of Sinners, her hands hovering over the head of the Sinner sitting cross-legged in front of her. She is immersed in what appears to be a religious ritual, while the bystanders watch with bated breath.

Chief: Is this some kind of secret meeting hosted by some mysterious priest? Luvia Ray... What are you doing here?

Luvia Ray: Ah, Chief! So news of Miss Yao's reputation has reached you too, huh? Haha, I've come at just the right time, it seems. She is like a big sister to me. With her help, I'm definitely gonna nail the audition!

Chief: Big sister? She may be younger than you... That's not the point here. The point is you shouldn't believe everything she says. Did she "predict" the outcome of your audition for you? For all I know, she probably has no idea what an audition is.

Luvia Ray: Predict the outcome of my audition? What are you talking about, Chief? I'm just here to have my hair permed. Aren't you here to get a new hairstyle too?

• Prompt: A perm...?

Yao: Well, that should do it. One minute longer, the hair might start smoking; I don't want to set off the alarm. Now, what do you think of the perm?

Luvia Ray: Wow, it looks amazing! The curls look so natural. Please do my hair now! I want the same perm. The character I'm auditioning for has natural curls too!

Chief: So you are doing perms for people... Could this have anything to do with those fire alerts?

Yao: Sorry, I think I'm the one to blame. My skill still leaves much to be desired; I tend to use too much heat. Besides, I don't have any previous experience; not many Eastians are fond of curly hair...

Chief: Oh, it's quite all right, as long as there is no actual risk of fire. Anyway, I'm surprised that you're willing to use your power to do perms for others.

Yao: Why not? It brings me joy using my power to make others feel good about themselves. Much better than using it to burn everything to the ground. If you're interested, I'm more than happy to offer you my services.

⚠⚠⚠ Gift Exchange

What does Yao prepare for the gift exchange at her first Bureau party?

System Notifications: The Bureau's annual party is just around the corner, but Yao seems clueless about the party and its gift exchange segment.

• Prompt: Explain to her

Chief: The word exchange may be misleading. It's more like a prize draw, due to the sheer number of participants. It is a random process; no one knows whose gift they're gonna get. I suggest you prepare something that anybody can find a use for. Nothing too expensive...

Yao: I didn't realize that this gift-exchange event was not as simple as it seemed. Thank you. I'll give it some thought.

System Notifications: Then comes the day of the party. The Sinners place their boxes in the designated area. You put down yours, which contains a coupon that grants the receiver your cooperation in the event of their choice for 24 hours.

Chief: This pink one must be Oliver's. Ah, No. 6 is a big one... Could it be Yao's? It must be. She has certainly put her heart into her gift. Who will be the lucky one?

Chief: Me?

System Notifications: Nightingale, the MC for the event, has just announced that you'll be the receiver of Gift No. 6. You take the box. It's surprisingly light. Inside is a fluffy square pillow.

Yao: I hear that it doesn't snow in DisCity. Still, I figure it must be cold in winter. I couldn't think of anything else that would make a decent gift... You can hug this pillow to your chest when the weather is cold. It'll keep you warm.

Chief: Thanks, Yao. It feels soft and warm—

System Notifications: You find yourself suddenly lost for words. The pillow in your hands is giving out a gentle heat. At first, you thought it was due to some kind of new thermal technology, but upon closer inspection, you realize the pillow seems to be filled with...feathers?

• Prompt: Ask her what the filling is
• Chief: Um, Yao, may I ask what you used as filling for this pillow?
• Yao: My feathers... Don't worry. The feathers I chose are among the softest and have a relatively low temperature. There is no risk of getting burned.
• Chief: Y-You shouldn't have. Thanks...
• Yao: It's nothing. By the way, if you ever find the pillow not warm enough, do come to me for some of my freshly shed feathers. Just be careful not to get burned from prolonged exposure to moderate heat.
• Chief: Ah, this is filled with feathers, and the filling is replaceable... I mean, thank you. I'll be careful. Thank you for being so thoughtful.

• Prompt: Ask her how much of the filling is feathers
• Chief: Um, Yao, may I ask how much of the filling comes from your...?
• Yao: You needn't worry about me. The bulk of the filling is from my quilt; my feathers constitute only a small portion.
• Yao: I only picked feathers that had been shed quite some time ago. They're among the softest and have a relatively low temperature. There is no risk of getting burned.
• Chief: I see... Only a small part is feathers.
• System Notifications: You breathe a sigh of relief, tearing your eyes away from Yao's well-feathered wings.
• Yao: Hmm, judging by the look in your eyes... Am I correct in assuming that you thought I had yanked them out?
• Chief: I, um, I was just worried about the harm it might do to your body...

⚠⚠⚠ Special Training

Yao has been frequently seen holding an egg lately. What's behind that?

System Notifications: Due to a sudden surge in strength upon reaching adulthood, Yao, despite the fact that she already trained in fire manipulation in her youth, has to remain at the Bureau for another private training session.

Chief: That silhouette... Yao? You've hardly seen her lately. Has she finished her special training?

• Prompt: Greet

Chief: Good evening, Yao! Are you here in the cafeteria for some late-night snacks too?

Yao: Good evening. Yes, I'm here for a late-night meal. My appetite has been enormous lately. Thankfully, this is just a phase, the side effect of my rapid growth...

Chief: The Bureau's budget for food is quite considerable. So why only a boiled egg? No need to be so frugal. Feel free to eat your fill.

Yao: This? Oh, this isn't for eating.

Chief: Really? Sorry, I shouldn't have just assumed. Let me guess, this has something to do with the training in your fire-manipulation ability.

Yao: You guessed correctly. Would you like to guess how exactly this egg helps my training?

Chief: Give me a second. Um...

• Prompt: By making a soft-boiled egg out of it
• Chief: Maybe the researchers want you to cook the egg to a specified doneness?
• Yao: Oh, that's a good guess. It really goes to show how well you know your Sinners.
• Yao: Unfortunately, that's not the correct answer. What I need to do is control the humidity and temperature around the egg. If it hatches, it will mean my fire-manipulation ability is good enough.
• Chief: Good enough? I'd say it's exceptional. It will mean you have precise control of your power.
• Yao: There's always more to learn. In these troubled times, it's imperative that we stay humble and keep pushing forward. However, this is indeed a challenge; it's easier to utilize fire for destructive purposes than for creative purposes.
• Chief: If anyone can do it, it will be you.

• Prompt: By making it hatch
• Chief: Maybe the researchers want you to make the egg hatch by controlling the temperature and humidity around it?
• Yao: Precisely. I'm truly impressed.
• Chief: I know those researchers well. They always aim to kill two birds, even three, with one stone. Having you cook an egg will only get them, well, a cooked egg, while having you hatch it might serve some other purposes down the line.
• Chief: Like using your power to help preserve endangered species.
• Yao: You're right again. This is a chicken egg. I hear they'll have me try eggs of other avian species next. It's an ongoing project.
• Yao: It fills me with emotion to think that I might be able to help bring a new life into this world...
• Chief: It is awe-inspiring and soul-stirring to witness the birth of a new life. I still remember the exhilaration I felt when I witnessed your rebirth...

⚠⚠⚠ Special Training

Yao has been frequently seen holding an egg lately. What's behind that?

System Notifications: Due to a sudden surge in strength upon reaching adulthood, Yao, despite the fact that she already trained in fire manipulation in her youth, has to remain at the Bureau for another private training session.

Chief: That silhouette... Yao? You've hardly seen her lately. Has she finished her special training?

• Prompt: Greet

Chief: Good evening. Yao! Are you here in the cafeteria for some late-night snacks too?

Yao: Good evening. Yes, I'm here for a late-night meal. My appetite has been enormous lately. Thankfully, this is just a phase, the side effect of my rapid growth...

Chief: The Bureau's budget for food is quite considerable. So why only a boiled egg? No need to be so frugal. Feel free to eat your fill.

Yao: This? Oh, this isn't for eating.

Chief: Really? Sorry, I shouldn't have just assumed. Let me guess, this has something to do with the training in your fire-manipulation ability.

Yao: You guessed correctly. Would you like to guess how exactly this egg helps my training?

Chief: Give me a second. Um...

• Prompt:By making a soft-boiled egg out of it
• Chief: Maybe the researchers want you to cook the egg to a specified doneness?
• Yao: Oh, that's a good guess. It really goes to show how well you know your Sinners.
• Yao: Unfortunately, that's not the correct answer. What I need to do is control the humidity and temperature around the egg. If it hatches, it will mean my fire-manipulation ability is good enough.
• Chief: Good enough? I'd say it's exceptional. It will mean you have precise control of your power.
• Yao: There's always more to learn. In these troubled times, it's imperative that we stay humble and keep pushing forward. However, this is indeed a challenge; it's easier to utilize fire for destructive purposes than for creative purposes.
• Chief: If anyone can do it, it will be you.

• Prompt:By making it hatch
• Chief: Maybe the researchers want you to make the egg hatch by controlling the temperature and humidity around it?
• Yao: Precisely. I'm truly impressed.
• Chief: I know those researchers well. They always aim to kill two birds, even three, with one stone. Having you cook an egg will only get them, well, a cooked egg, while having you hatch it might serve some other purposes down the line.
• Chief: Like using your power to help preserve endangered species.
• Yao: You're right again. This is a chicken egg. I hear they'll have me try eggs of other avian species next. It's an ongoing project.
• Yao: It fills me with emotion to think that I might be able to help bring a new life into this world...
• Chief: It /is/ awe-inspiring and soul-stirring to witness the birth of a new life. I still remember the exhilaration I felt when I witnessed your rebirth...

Strange attire depicted in the mythology guide. Worn and stretched along the edges from prolonged use.

Sun Crow arose, ten suns followed, fires ablaze, all beings burned to ash.