Turn 1: Familiar Apparatus


"Memory erodes yet actions remain."


I awoke once again to a familiar velvet couch, how long was I asleep. I recalled my thoughts leading up to I being here, Reunion left and I cured W's injuries. The power that I utilized irresponsibly might be the reason as to why I feel so awful afterwards.

"Welcome again to the Velvet Room, Doctor." Igor's voiced greeted my awakening, pleased with the events that occurred it seems. This is a place between mind and matter, I wouldn't put them pass the ability to know what I do outside this place past them.

Sherry stayed silent, playing with the document binder she took from one of the room's shelves.
"I see you have many questions Doctor." She casually spoke to me, not even sparing a glance.
"So, this wasn't a fever dream." I sighed, not that I mind the ability to protect my comrades; amnesia or not I should still wish to protect those who rescued me from that icy prison.

Igor produced a deck or cards with an intricate designed, fiddling with a bit and did something quite peculiar with it.
He threw the whole thing into the paper bin.
"Master, what's the matter?" Sherry voiced out my surprise, it seemed like those cards held some degree of importance to Igor.

"My, my" Igor pondered, and then he produced a set of vials, "Due to the bizarre circumstances of our guest's world, the tarot is as useful as an ordinary pack of cards."
Igor was deep in thought, suddenly he then also produced two cards with the same card back but showed images of a snowman and a creature in a jar. Then he crushed the paper cards, the only remnant of those objects being there were small crystals that glowed a bright blue and yellow.
"This is an interesting way to do this service I guess."
"What service may that be?" I inquired, as a guest I felt like I have the right to know that.

"To answer that, you might like to inquire answers about that power you now have." It's like Sherry knew of Ophiuchus' existence, "Do not be surprised Doctor, other guests before you possess this power."
Of course they do, I don't really care if they were five or six people that found themselves in the same room as me. If that were the case, I'd be better off here since that world had that many people needed to protect it.

I then willed the mask to appear and crushed it, making Ophiuchus appear behind me.
"Mind telling me, what exactly he is?" I exasperatedly asked, not taking all these sudden developments easily.

"He is called a Persona."
Persona, hearing that word makes my head heavy. That word sounds familiar…why is that?
"A Persona is the manifestation of one's soul." Igor elaborated on the term, "This power you have awakened is your hidden feelings made form."

Is that so? At least I am relieved that this power is just my sense of self mystified.
But the destruction he wrought upon Reunion a while ago, what does that say about me? I have no memories to verify but was I that violent? Then I remembered the catalyst of my rampage, Amiya being grazed by a stray arrow. I looked back at Ophiuchus, the Persona that for a second I was secretly fearful of.
"If she was the reason for my rage, maybe you're not so scary."

In my self-reflection I did not noticed that Igor pulled out the rest of his lab gear, a beaker and a test tube holder.
"Oh, this might be an interesting way to provide this service." He gleefully said as he set the two crystals from before into two vials. He then poured water into each of them, not going to question it since this a realm that is akin to dreaming.

"One must need the potential to awaken to a Persona and to face the hidden truths about themselves."
Igor further elaborated on this power, "But." This emphasis on the contraction made my eyebrows furrow, "There are special cases to the rule of this power, can you take a guess on what that is?" It seems like he's already expecting a lot of understanding of my situation.

"Were you previous guests, high-school kids or something?"

Igor chuckled, "Nice guesswork, my dear guest. Hence, I'm challenging you to make your theory on that rule." My guess is that you usually spoon-feed this kind of information; then again he's talking to an adult so he's reasonable on little guesses, it's not like we're strapped for time.

"You said "A" Persona, so most users can only have one?" It's not like I'm going to get punished if I get it wrong, I'm more confident that this is his way of having fun.

Igor smiled its normal but due to his appearance it's a bit creepy.
"Correct, however Wildcards have the capacity to bypass this rule; they can carry more Personas within them." Wildcards…
"One such person, who can do such, is you." How do I get more Personas though?
"That is why in accordance to the contract you've sighed we will be assisting the development of your abilities."

To summarize, Personas are the power of one's self and the few people that have that can only use one, the special minority can use multiple different Personas, acquisition method not elaborated. Is it safe to assume that previous guests have the Wildcard? Definitely otherwise the features of the Velvet Room are mostly useless, whatever these might be, Igor sure is taking his sweet time to elaborate on it.

I felt slight warmth in my chest, and Igor and Sherry like they sensed that change smiled.

I am thou; thou art I
the creation of a new bond is at hand
the crux of thy oath manifests as power
the contract of hearts shall be the catalyst that nulls segregation.

Hence, the discovery of the Fool Arcana shall guide you to the cure of thy heart
bestowing the gift of life in thy soul.

The Fool: The Velvet Room

"Due to certain differences between your world and the usual world the Velvet Room resides." Igor seemingly noticed the many questions I have about my power, "Fusing of Personas and the ways to obtain them may differ." Fusing Personas? However before I could ask for more elaboration Igor finally said, "While I and my assistant try to recreate the Velvet Room's services, it is best you wake up once more." With an air of finality, I was pulled from my slumber and await the questions that I will inevitably be inquired upon.

April 4, 20XX [Time: Unknown]

Being greeted by a whole medical staff is one of the most alarming things I've seen. Amnesia or not, you cannot deny that this being routine to someone is low.
"Doctor!" A familiar shout of concern echoed in wherever I am, "I'm glad you're ok."
"Amiya, don't rush at him." A strict voice scolded, "This is a medical bay."
I slowly lifted up my body to see Amiya and three unfamiliar people, "Where the hell…?" I slurred, feeling the sluggishness of someone who just woke up.
"You're in Rhodes Island." The strict girl said quickly, "You're place of work."
So we made it back, that's a relief, but the looks of the people here; the strict one having heavier eye bags than the other two.
"So you three were taking care of me while I was unconscious?" My rough voice asked and the girl just nodded, "I see, I am truly grateful." She was silent but I could notice a twitch in her eyes.

The girl in question no, woman, her mannerisms and aura of authority are enough for me to know that she is the leader of those two, has silver eyes and ears wearing a doctor's garments and the medic symbol on one of her sleeves covering her simple green dress. Her demeanor was more interesting, she puts her guard up in front of me, more so than her subordinates I bet. I must have known her before, whether she actually trusts me is a question for another day.
"My name is Kal'tsit." She introduced herself, "I am a Doctor in Rhodes Island as well."
"The clothes kind of gave it away." I joked trying to diffuse the tenseness of the air.
Again, her expression didn't changed save for the slight twitch on her face.

My clothes haven't changed, except for the broken helmet; someone must have put that on while I was asleep. Is my identity that important? I noticed that Dobermann narrowed her eyes at me when my face was revealed. Nevertheless, I jumped out of my bed, alarming everyone it seems luckily no one else was in the ward so I did not disturb anyone resting.
"Doctor, you mustn't stand up right now." Amiya insisted for me to go back to bed.
I sighed at Amiya's concern, she means well but she seems like the type of person who would burden herself with many doubts and concerns. I'd rather not be one of those burdens to her.
"I'm fine Amiya really; I'd much prefer a bath right now." I reassured them that I do not need further medical treatment. While Kal'tsit probably attributed my reassurance as me being stubborn it appears that she relented as she gave Amiya a key.

"Please guide the Doctor to his room Amiya."

A massive otherworldly being obeying the Doctor's orders… It sounds ridiculous but the records don't lie, an intense aptitude for ice ARTS that it manifested as a spirit? While that would explain that, if he had that ability a long time ago, he already used it before. The Doctor is not that secretive, that would go against his utilitarian methods and if he already had it then he would charge into battle and optimize it as fast and effective as possible.
… What exactly happened to him?
The reports Amiya and Dobermann gave said that he had amnesia, I can't even chew him out when he does not have an idea on who I- no everyone is except for Amiya.
I've long since rejected alcohol but what would I give to be drunk right now, this is just too much.

After a shower and some lunch made by an Operator named Gummy, I've been forced to meet with Kal'tsit once more. The comfortable couch that I was sitting on felt like sitting on concrete with the gaze she was giving me. The other person in the room, Amiya, closed and locked the door…this conversation must be in secret huh?

"Let's get straight to the point…" Kal'tsit began and she produced a projection of a picture a drone took,
"Can you explain this thing behind you Doctor?"
The thing in question is my Persona, Ophiuchus. I knew this would be asked of me when I left the Velvet Room, There's really no point on hiding it really, with the nature of our work this power will be revealed either way.
"How much time can you spare?"

I need a drink, screw my morals… after this I might actually take Closure up on her offer. How does this happen? What sequence of events does an amnesia fever dream equate to summoning a demonic, yet righteous manifestation of your sense of self? I'd secretly laugh this stuff off if we did not have audio-visual evidence, but we do, and now I'll curse the manufacturer of that drone's existence. Even then I can't believe I was seeing, Talulah, a master of ARTS and a really superb fighter overall being toyed by an amnesiac's raging self, given form.

Seeing it is truly believing.

I could take that all in, let Amiya and the Doctor leave then proceed to bash my face on my desk for an hour in frustration but the mentioning of alternate universes, a blue hospital, which our interior designer would probably faint in if she saw that, is located between mind and matter. The mere existence of that room shatters any pre-conceived understanding of sleep and consciousness that I have.
That thesis I wrote about that very topic did not account for literal power naps.

So then what to do…
If people found out about this, like people outside of Rhodes find out about this…Persona's existence all sorts of curveballs and schemes will be made. People like Wei Yanwu would have it in their best interest to keep the Doctor around for strength and also to study his power behind his back. Rhine Labs are much more concerned with Operator Ifrit so they aren't a threat. The fanatics however…chances are they would see him conjuring demonic looking beings and being associated with a pharmaceutical company, put two together and proclaim that he is the reincarnation of a legendary Saint-King from long ago. Annoying and outlandish that may be, the last one is not threat but rather a stressor, and Terra knows I don't need that.

"The ramifications of this thing's existence…" I groaned, Amiya just smiled she seems to be having a headache over this as well.

"I know that as well Doctor but," He began, "I know more than anyone how impactful this power is."
He looked down for a second seemingly thinking on his choice of words.
"Can you classify my Persona as ARTS?" Wait, that could actually work; by classifying it as an ARTS he can avoid the possibility of being hunted down because most important figures are arrogant enough to think his Persona is just an overcharged ARTS ability.

However, "What about the fact that your Persona can physically interact with other people?"
"Telekinesis," What a quick answer from him, although it could actually work.

Alright, if you're that insistent in freely using your Persona, I know the exact location that would accomplish what I think you want.
"Doctor, be prepared and go to Training Facility 005"
"How much time for such preparations?" He asked before leaving the room.
"Thirty minutes."

Before going to the training facility I went to my room, a high-end room, that has all I would need and more. Although with it being clean I can tell that I wasn't here for a long time and with how neat this place is it's like I barely go here even before my memory loss.

Something immediately caught my eye, a figurine of a small snowman with the crest of the Velvet Room as a decorative base.
"The Velvet Hotline…?" I saw a small paper rested on the figure and plugged that number on the Rhodes brand phone that Kal'tsit gave me earlier.

"Hello?" I started the conversation.
"Welcome to the Velvet Hotline what is ailing you?" I heard Sherry's voice echoed from the phone.
Should I ask as to how they managed to send a cute figurine along with a phone number?
"What do you need of me?" I asked formally, since they wouldn't send me this if there wasn't something off.
"You'll be delighted to know that there is a way to acquire new Personas." So they managed to fix whatever the hell is wrong in the Velvet Room, they really are invested in my growth.
"This new method is called Soul Forage."

"Are you alright Amiya?" Dr. Kal'tsit asked of concern, her shoulders slumped after a round of dealing with paperwork. I am drained after that encounter with Reunion but this mood that is weighing me down…
I sighed, putting down the Zentendo Shift I was playing with. "I wish I knew what's bogging me down Doctor Kal'tsit."
She sighed in return after hearing my predicament, "Is it because you were powerless to stop her?"
I stared at my Shift's screen for a long time before nodding slowly.
"If I was stronger, Ace and his squad wouldn't die and the Doctor wouldn't have to carry the weight of that power." I was not strong not now, not ever; the people with me, Rhodes Island they are my power.
Without them I am worthless.
"You shouldn't blame yourself for that." She said to me staring at me with a tired gaze, "They knew the risks and the Doctor sooner or later would awaken to that Persona of his from what he said about the Velvet Room."
The baggage that the Doctor has to carry adding to already being busy with Rhodes as a whole, his lost his memories and the world and us needs so much from him. Even if it is a duty from fate itself, I could only lament my sadness on not being much help to him again.

"Hey Silence is that really him? The Doctor?" A small Operator said to the other.
Training Area 005 is popular training area for a lot of the combat nuts within the mobile island. As to why Silence and the runt of an Operator are here, just because 005 is popular for fighters than does not mean it is only reserved for the warriors.

"That was amazing Saria!" The small Operator cheered, the defense drill that the dragon girl was ninety-percent optimized, a high rating.
"A decimal short" Silence jabbed at the taller lady, the two Operators have been at odds for a long time. However due to the smallest lady here, they have to tolerate each other well it was more of Silence's hidden hostility.

Being stared at while going to the Training Area is kind of annoying…is it because of my face?
"Doctor…" Amiya aside me said in concern as I went to the Armory to retrieve a weapon first. In it I saw a Lupos girl, her sword radiating an orange light and with a chocolate biscuit in her mouth she noticed us entering.
"Oh, hello Texas." That's apparently the Operator's name, that emblem I figured I saw that same logo on a Sankta eating at the cafeteria earlier.
The girl silently nodded, "A new Operator Amiya?" Nobody has really seen my face before huh?
"Oh, no he's the Doctor." Texas was surprised by this, so much so the biscuit in her mouth vanished.

Uh...hello? What's the matter with this girl? It's like she had seen a ghost or something.
Texas slowly recomposed herself and said, "My apologies, Doctor; Codename is Texas an operator from Penguin Logistics." She introduced herself and then went outside, weird.
"That was a bit off for Texas." Amiya pondered, "She's usually more aloof."
"You know Doctor, I'm happy that you are willing to fight alongside us again but I've never seen use a weapon before."

Perhaps, I never used one to begin with. However as a person with this power that must be kept hidden as a last resort or be shrouded in lies, I need a way of defending myself. Maybe it's the utilitarian in me? An Operator guarding my hide could be my comrade if I decide to own up to the blood we inevitably spill.

We browsed through the surprisingly big inventory weapons, we were long past the swords and crossbows and then we went to the more obscure weapons in the room.
That was where I saw my staple weapon, a regular sword…is what it looks but the difference is that it has a hook-like fixture connected to the back of the blade. The edges of the weapon are on the regular blade and the exposed part of the hook area.
"A hook sword?" Amiya was surprised at my choice of weaponry.
I tested it and it was light, as light as a dagger even though it's a sword, it has no guard whatsoever.
"Hook swords users are a rare sight nowadays." A new voice echoed out from behind.

The scruff man had a black coat and roguish demeanor, his voice as playful as his choice of clothing; a tux with a pink polo underneath.
"Midnight, are you done with your shift?" Amiya greeted the debonair.
"Yeah, and I went here because not a single lady wanted to accompany me in break." He laughed jovially.
So he's an aspiring playboy, however overall he seems to be nice even if a bit of a skirt-chaser.
"What do you mean about that earlier remark?"
Midnight took a pensive look almost like he's remembering something…

"If I remember from what Orchid told me before there was this guy." He said side-glanced, "He only uses Hook Swords and nothing else."

"I wonder why they are so difficult to use though."

After that encounter we went to the Training Area with the blade I was interested in equipped to my side. Once again people are wondering as to who I am, more evidence that they no one knows of my face. Kal'tsit is there wearing her usual clothes, meaning she isn't the one to test me.
Noticing my sheathed weapon she said, "Hook swords? A weird pick from the Armory"
"Shall we begin the testing?"

The luminescent red of the area really drives home the aggressiveness of the facility, from the observation area there were many operators looking at me. They probably noticed Kal'tsit conducting the test; I guess this always occurs when a new Operator joins. The weapon I carry being replaced temporarily with an identical less harmful counterfeit.
"Saria and Ifrit please enter the test chambers" Kal'tsit ordered from the speakers and soon after a Vouivre and a Sarkaz girl entered the room with me. Soon after a Liberi girl entered as well readying drones, a Medic Operator probably but since she came unannounced I assumed she requested Kal'tsit for this.
"This is the new guy?" Ifrit began, underestimating me. Do they only see the Doctor as a hooded man? Ah well, the reveal reaction would be worth it.
"Your name?" Saria inquired.
I explained that I have amnesia and do not know myself…that of course was a lie.
"I see, my name is Saria and that is Ifrit, a Defender and Caster Operator." The other girl does have a conduit for that, judging by the name she uses Fire ARTS like Talulah.
Saria readied a battle stance, "Do not burn him too badly Ifrit." She too is also underestimating me, these two are strong that is why they probably can afford to have this assumption.
"Yeah, yeah."

The hook sword I'm wielding feels easy to wield, I do not know why the staff here think so but I seem to have no problems with it as I swiftly attack Saria who is defending the Caster while throwing fire ARTS on the ground. Their teamwork is impeccable, however it is predictable.
I feint an attack and shifted to the side and…wait that smirk!
"Got ya!" Ifrit shouted and flames enveloped me.

They were meant to incapacitate but somehow I did not feel a thing. The audience and Kal'tsit were surprised; I guess Ifrit's flames are quite powerful even if she is holding back.
"Impossible." Ifrit voiced out her surprise, even Saria was shocked at this, seeing this I decided to attack her blind spot.
"Guhhh!" Blunt the weapon may be, I continued the flurry and sent her back.
Personas must have affinities that protect the user, that's the only way I could have come out of that unscathed.

Saria went was barely damaged even after that flurry.
"I know Casters that can repel Ifrit's flames…" Saria took on a more serious stance, "However never have I seen Operators that can fully tank a hit from that, weak they may be."
You're no slouch yourself; I hit you where you were completely vulnerable and you took a lot of punishment and just shrugged it off.
"My apologies for underestimating you."

The bout now proceeded to be more intense as Ifrit charged a brighter fire from her hand.

He has yet to use his Persona…
What's odd is that he can fight against Saria, be completely unaffected by a fireball from Ifrit immediately after coming out of a cryo-chamber and falling unconscious. I was hoping to see him use that Persona to at least understand it to see possible harmful effects but they prove to be the opposite, he was a skilled fighter in his heyday but as a newbie to be able to do this much…

Regardless, I still need that ARTS assimilation parameter.

"Use your Persona." I voiced to his communicator.

Use my Persona? I see…I never really think that I would reveal this power as early as my first fight.
Nevertheless I caught Saria off guard again getting use to her movements, and step back. I know that using my Persona doesn't take too much time but for a heavyweight fighter, Saria moves quite fast and I did not want to bet on that.

"Ophiuchus!" I called him out as broke the mask that appears on my face.

The breeze of my Persona's wing flaps giving the area a slight layer of frost.
"What the hell is that thing?" Instead of hesitating, Ifrit stood her resolve charging a more powerful spell it seems, even though it has no effect on me, however judging from her personality it is highly in character. Saria on the other hand immediately knew the threat Ophiuchus exudes and steeled herself.

"Bufu" The ice launched towards Ifrit, even though I held back in its strength this will still daze her a bit.
However instead of charging at me, Saria immediately pushed Ifrit out of the way hitting her directly, damaging her lightly however she seems to be in a daze.
"Saria!"
Ignoring Ifrit I focused my hand towards Saria's dizzy body and a brownish-crystal popped out of her,
"Soul Forage "is what I whispered to do this. Judging by the lack of alarmed eyes on what this does, Velvet Room given abilities must only be visible to the contractor. The crystal went to my head and I can suddenly feel new power.

"This is enough right Kal'tsit?" I said directly to the communicator and an alarm blared out in the arena, signaling the end of the test.

Casting Dia on Saria, I went to her to help her up.
"Bastard, don't go near her!" Ifrit shouted at me, she really cares for her huh? I can relate honestly, I did almost freeze a kid to death when a stray arrow almost hit Amiya.
"Are you alright?"
Saria nodded, patting ice and soot off her garments. "It slightly hurt but I was in a daze after being hit that ice ARTS." She set aside her shield, "That aside, what kind of ARTS is that?"
Now to lie about Personas…
"That is called Spirit ARTS." I explained like I am an expert on this made-up field, "I am this world's first user of it. "
Saria, curious of this made-up sub-sectioned inquired me more about this field, and I subtly dodged her questions while waiting for Kal'tsit to intervene.
"Alright Doctor, please report back to this room." Speak of the devil, and the look of the two combatants, and the audience; I even saw Midnight do a double-take after hearing that I was the "mysterious" Doctor.
Now that I think of it Ophiuchus feels a bit stronger after that battle

"So are you done with those results?" I asked Kal'tsit so that I could go and rest or at least be toured in the building, I mean it's not like I have to do some paperwork already. She didn't say a word but gestured for me to sit, immersed in the work and data shown.
Soon Amiya arrived, "That was amazing Doctor." Her eyes glinted, recalling the bout I had earlier.
I said that it wasn't much, we were both holding back after all. The Operators need to be used to my Persona's presence in order to be effective in battle.
"Why did you send a Caster who's ineffective to my Persona however?" I asked the other doctor as to her choice of Operators. Ifrit, a pyromaniac Caster and a stalwart Defender Ms. Saria, I read there profile data that Kal'tsit was willing to give.
"Indeed Dr. Kal'tsit Ifrit could have been seriously hurt." Amiya agreed. "However it was odd that Saria was struck down instead."
Kal'tsit sighed, and then I remembered that regardless of the element ARTS damage is always constant. Defenders, especially ones like Saria have huge ARTS resistance.
"That's the problem it was effective, we know Casters and Defenders have high resistance to ARTS however…"
The damage Saria took was definitely ARTS but the effects…
"According to what that Velvet Room explained, they have to adjust to this world's reality but Personas are not from this world originally thus."
Kal'tsit's words clicked and now I understand my Persona's attack treated the victim like it had a Persona. I voiced this conjecture and she nodded.
"Correct, as such it will still act as such to its targets." Kal'tsit flipped a page, "However if there are weaknesses like Saria's, resistances or outright nullification of your power is possible."
I see; how I can know which is which I wonder.

Persona…it is the mask we use to face the world. I learned that from reading the Doctor's books before, however I noticed that when the Doctor uses this power he feels liberated.
He did crushed masks to summon it; perhaps those two ideas are connected.

I approached Amiya who seems to be deep in thought, her features uneasy she was like that ever since we came back from Chernobog. Kal'tsit went to analyze the data some more so we loitered at her office, she didn't mind for some reason even though sometimes she looks a t me like she wants to unravel my body.
"Is something wrong?"
Amiya nodded as if she was fine, but her face carried a heavy smile.
"Was it because of Chernobog?" I decided to take a shot in the dark.
Amiya sighed perhaps knowing that if she held it in it will crash down, "Yes, if it weren't for your Persona we would all die…" She sniffed and I briefly saw Kal'tsit look over in concern.
"I see…but you never failed us Amiya you did all you could." Remembering the determined red look she was giving Talulah before I continued, "I don't think it's fair to hold that to yourself when it was a collective effort."
"It all happened because I was not strong enough…" Amiya insisted on her self-blame.
"We weren't strong enough you mean?" She is the leader of Rhodes so I understand as to why she blames herself for failures and losses judging from Kal'tsit's knowing look she was the only one she can confide with until I came back, me, a total stranger but not to her so for her sake…
"Amiya, in a group if someone fails all are responsible." She looked up at me, "It is fine to blame yourself for failure but we are a group and as such it is also our fault if we fail."
I remembered Ace and his squad sacrificing themselves, "However we did not fail, we succeeded in your mission." I waited for a bit to say the words I wanted to say to myself as well…

"Those who offer themselves up would be furious to the living that is ashamed of surviving."

I am thou; thou art I
the creation of a new bond is at hand
the crux of thy oath manifests as power
the contract of hearts shall be the catalyst that nulls segregation.

Hence, the discovery of the Magician Arcana shall guide you to the cure of thy heart
bestowing the gift of life in thy soul.

The Magician: Amiya

Amiya's face was no longer forlorn, "Thank you Doctor, I may not believe it myself but I will believe in the word of those who I looked up to." Happy to see that, Amiya, it has been a day but seeing your heart ache makes mine feel it in return.
I summoned the new power that I obtained from Saria and their eyes were full of intrigue.
"A new one? Where did you get it?" The bunny girl's eyes lit up in amazement, as that power manifested into a Wyvern. I explained Soul Forage's power and its ability to use the sea of souls as a way to obtain Personas, Items, and Blank Persona Crystals. As I explained the power the Velvet Room worked hard to bestow Kal'tsit' eyes are full of intrigue.

"That's amazing!" Amiya said after my brief explanation, "I wonder what other Personas look like."
I do too, and if Igor has discovered an alternative method to Fusion like he says maybe I can show some more. I wonder if that cute snowman is a Persona.

Kal'tsit was in deep thought afterwards, "I see, I wonder if these possible new materials could help in developing new medicine and equipment…" With a resolute face she then said,
"At first I was only considering you being a combatant Doctor, but with that revelation it would be of great benefit to us if you assist in combat as well as command." She handed an Operator ID, one of the ones given to a fighter I assume, "However any materials you acquire will be used to develop Rhodes Island products and equipment."

"I'm glad you trust me enough on that." I smiled at her feeling a connection with her, even though she is a bit cold to me.
"Do not get me wrong, I trust your competence nothing more." She coolly replied side-glanced, "Normally no one will put up with this lunacy it can't be helped."

I am thou; thou art I
the creation of a new bond is at hand
the crux of thy oath manifests as power
the contract of hearts shall be the catalyst that nulls segregation.

Hence, the discovery of the High Priestess Arcana shall guide you to the cure of thy heart
bestowing the gift of life in thy soul.

The High Priestess: Kal'tsit

"Anyways, why won't you go have lunch and take a breather Doctor?" Kal'tsit insisted on me leaving, "You have two weeks' worth of free time to adjust to this place before your first mission. Use it to get to know your Operators and earn their trust."

Personas are the strength of heart, Igor and Sherry did advise me to seek out bonds so that I can learn from them, even without that benefit I would like to know Rhodes Island as a whole.
"Amiya, would like to come with me?" I said as I opened the door outside.
Amiya walked toward me and without a word we left not before asking Kal'tsit if she wanted to take a break as well.
"I'm busy." She coldly turned down the invitation.

For two weeks, I forged bonds with my Operators, my friends. Soon we went to Lungmen where our resolved would be tested.

"Oh my… the Justice, the Hermit, and the Tower." I overheard Gitano, one of the Caster Operators say,
"I wonder what fate has in store for that man…"

Persona Data

Ophiuchus LV 4
Arcana: The Fool
Trait: Resourceful Transmutation
"Replaces SP cost to HP if user's SP is not enough for a spell."
Current Skills:
[Bufu] [Dia] [Mabufu]
"According to Roman/Greek Mythology, this was Asclepius after he discovered the cure to death. He was struck down by Zeus/Jupiter because this goes against the natural order. However he was later turned into a star in memory of his good deeds, that star was called Ophiuchus."
"In astrology, the sign Ophiuchus is an anomaly as it was only added when the established Horoscope is already the norm, thus disrupting the status quo."
Weak: Electricity
Resists: Bless
Null: Fire

Wyvern LV3
Arcana: The Chariot
Trait: Dragon Scaling
"Slightly increases defense, however Ice deals more damage."
Skills:
[Magna] [Rakukaja]
"A legendary bipedal dragon with a tail often ending in a diamond- or arrow-shaped tip. In modern media it is treated as a weaker version of a dragon."
Weak: Ice
Resists: Physical, Earth

Tips

Soul Forage
The power of the self is hard to access in this world according to Igor; to circumvent this Igor has bestowed the Doctor with the ability to contact the sea of souls. This can be only done if a foe is downed by focusing himself on the enemy he can open a conduit; this allows the Doctor to gain new Personas, items, or element crystals to create Personas from scratch. Essentially fishing for new stuff at the sea of souls as he has no control on what he will acquire.

Rhodes Development
Using the materials obtained through Soul Forage, Kal'tsit' medical division can develop various medicines and equipment, once a recipe has been discovered it can be commissioned to be made at a cost of funds.

Associates

The Fool: Velvet Room
Rank 1
"Adjusting to this world, Igor and Sherry find difficulty in providing services to the Doctor. They however are determined to fulfill the duty of guiding the guest to the World."

The Magician: Amiya
Rank 1
"Downtrodden after Chernobog, the Doctor reminds Amiya on the duty and risks of being a Leader. She looks to him for wisdom despite the other having no memories and also seems him as someone to confide in"

The High Priestess: Kal'tsit
Rank 1
"Being at awe of the power of Persona and the blessings of the Velvet Room she urges the Doctor in a "give-and-take"- like trust. Hesitant she may be she still wishes to help the doctor especially in covering the true nature of his newfound power"

Author Notes

Optional Associates will have their own chapters separate from the main story but will be in chronological order of discovery, these extra chapters will be called Respite and the first few will be about the two weeks of free time the Doctor was given. Turn 3 will be the Episode 2 of the game.

Why does the Velvet Room willingly allow the Doctor to tell of their existence to Amiya and Kal'tsit? Well…This isn't even their original world as they are foreigners who carry their duty to guide the Wildcard, that and it is a necessity since Personas manifest and are visible in Terra.