Cantarella Build Guide, Skills, Combos & Teams Wuthering Waves

Basic Information

Cantarella
Havoc

Cantarella

The current head of Fisalia, Cantarella, the Bane. A mysterious noblewoman, her beauty as captivating as it is perilous. She resides in a crown-like castle perched atop the mountain, where illusory dreams flow like streams, meticulously spun by her own hands.

Element:
Havoc
Weapon Type:
Role:
Support and Healer
Concerto Efficiency
Basic Attack DMG
Coordinated Attack
Havoc DMG Amplification
Resonance Skill DMG Amplification
Special Dish:

Resonator's Stats

Resonator's stats per level

Stat Lv 1Lv 20Lv 40Lv 50Lv 60Lv 70Lv 80Lv 90
HP HP
928
3032.43
5215.17
6615.9
8016.53
9417.25
10817.97
11600
ATK ATK
32
107.24
185.17
236.13
287.1
330.07
373.03
400
DEF DEF
90
289.22
495.87
628.36
760.86
893.35
1025.84
1100

Resonator's Graduation Stats

HP HP

16000+

ATK ATK

1500 - 2200+

DEF DEF

1100+

Energy Regen Energy Regen

140% - 150%

  • Cantarella requires a significant amount of ER to perform her optimal rotation. The amount of ER she requires will depend on the teammates she is supporting.
  • For most teams, we recommend building between 140% - 150% ER. As always, you may be able to get away with less (or need more), depending on your specific circumstances.
Crit. Rate Crit. Rate

60% - 70%+

Crit. DMG Crit. DMG

270% - 290%+

Havoc DMG Bonus Havoc DMG Bonus

30% - 82%+ (Depending on set and echo used)

Skills & Resonance Chains

Skills

Illusion Collapse
Illusion Collapse Normal Attack

Basic Attack
Perform up to 3 consecutive attacks, dealing Havoc DMG.

Heavy Attack
Consume STA to attack the target, dealing Havoc DMG.

Heavy Attack - Delusive Dive
When Cantarella has Trance, Heavy Attack becomes Delusive Dive, dealing Havoc DMG to the target, and then Cantarella enters Mirage. While in Mirage, casting Delusive Dive does not activate Mirage again.
Can be cast in water.

Mid-air Attack
Consume STA to perform Plunging Attack, dealing Havoc DMG.

Dodge Counter
Press Normal Attack right after a successful Dodge to attack the target, dealing Havoc DMG.

Dance with Shadows
Dance with Shadows Resonance Skill

Graceful Step
Attack the target, dealing Havoc DMG.

Flickering Reverie
When in MirageResonance Skill becomes Flickering Reverie, which is considered an Echo Skill when being cast. Attack the target, dealing Havoc DMG, and send them into Hazy Dream.
Can be cast in mid-air.

Hazy Dream
Reduce the target's movement speed for 6.5s. When the target takes damage, Jolt is triggered once, removing Hazy Dream to deal Havoc DMG, considered Basic Attack DMG.
Attacks by other Resonators in the team will not Jolt a target influenced by Hazy Dream and will remove the Hazy Dream.
Coordinated Attacks and damage from Utilities will not Jolt a target.

Between Illusion and Reality
Between Illusion and Reality Forte Circuit

Mirage
Basic Attack becomes Basic Attack Phantom Sting. Perform up to 3 consecutive attacks, dealing Havoc DMG. Can be cast in mid-air. When cast mid-air, Basic Attack Phantom Sting consumes STA, and the combo does not reset when Cantarella is airborne.
- Hitting the target with Basic Attack Phantom Sting consumes 1 points of Trance to obtain 1 points of Shiver and heal all nearby Resonators in the team.
- The third stage of Basic Attack Phantom Sting triggers 3 Coordinated Attacks, dealing Havoc DMG.
Mid-air Attack becomes Abysmal Vortex. Press Jump to perform a Plunging Attack at the cost of STA, dealing Havoc DMG.
Dodge Counter becomes Dodge Counter Shadowy Sweep. Attack the target, dealing Havoc DMG. Press Normal Attack right after casting the skill to cast Basic Attack Phantom Sting Stage 2.
- When Mid-air Attack Abysmal Vortex or Dodge Counter Shadowy Sweep hits a target, consume 1 points of Trance to obtain 1 points of Shiver and heal all nearby Resonators in the team.
- Mirage lasts for 8s.
Mirage ends when Trance is depleted.

Forte Circuit - Perception Drain
If Cantarella has 3 points of Shiver when in MirageResonance Skill becomes Perception Drain.
Consume all Shiver to attack the target, dealing Havoc DMG, considered Basic Attack DMG. Send the target into Hazy Dream and heal all Resonators in the team.
Casting this skill is also considered as casting Echo Skill.
Can be cast in mid-air.

Abyssal Rebirth
After casting Intro Skill, Cantarella enters Abyssal Rebirth, which lasts for 25s and can be activated once every 25s. In the duration, for up to 6 times, when Resonators in the team cast Echo Skill, Cantarella recovers 6 points of Concerto Energy. Echoes with the same name can only trigger this effect once.
When in water, Cantarella's swimming speed increases and STA cost decreases.

Trance
- Cantarella can hold up to 5 points of Trance.
- Casting Intro Skill recovers 1 points of Trance.
- Hitting a target with Basic Attack Stage 3 recovers 1 points of Trance.
- Casting Resonance Skill Graceful Step recovers 1 points of Trance.
- Casting Resonance Liberation Flowing Suffocation recovers 3 points of Trance.
- When in the water, recover 1 points of Trance every 5s.

Shiver
- Cantarella can hold up to 3 points of Shiver.
- Hitting the target with Basic Attack Phantom Sting recovers 1 points of Shiver.
- When Mid-air Attack Abysmal Vortex or Dodge Counter Shadowy Sweep hits a target, restore 1 points of Shiver.

Beneath the Sea
Beneath the Sea Resonance Liberation

Flowing Suffocation
Attack the target, dealing Havoc DMG (considered Basic Attack DMG). Grant Diffusion to all Resonators in the team. Casting this skill is also considered as casting Echo Skill.
Can be cast in mid-air close to the ground.

Diffusion
When the Resonator on the field deals damage to a target, summon Dreamweavers to perform Coordinated Attack, dealing Havoc DMG (considered as Basic Attack DMG).
- Within 3s after the Resonator deals damage, summon 1 Dreamweavers per second. This effect can be triggered once per second. Damage dealt by Dreamweavers cannot trigger this effect.
- Up to 1 Dreamweavers can be summoned each second, max 21 Dreamweavers in total.
- This effect lasts for 30s or until reaching the maximum number of Dreamweavers.

Cruise
Cruise Intro Skill

Ripple
Attack the target, dealing Havoc DMG.
Press Normal Attack shortly after casting this skill to start the Basic Attack combo from Basic Attack Stage 3.

Tidal Surge
When in MirageIntro Skill becomes Tidal Surge, which triggers 3 coordinated attacks on hit, dealing Havoc DMG. Casting Tidal Surge resets the combo of Basic Attack Phantom Sting.

Gentle Tentacles
Gentle Tentacles Outro Skill

Amplify the incoming Resonator's Havoc DMG by 20% and Resonance Skill DMG by 25% for 14s. Switching Resonators ends this effect.

Resonance Chain

Embrace the Endless Waves Embrace the Endless Waves
Sequence Node 1

Casting Resonance Skill recovers 1 points of Trance. The DMG Multiplier of Resonance Skill Graceful Step, Resonance Skill Flickering Reverie, and Forte Circuit Perception Drain is increased by 50%. Immune to interruptions while casting Perception Drain.

Surrender to the Illusive Reverie Surrender to the Illusive Reverie
Sequence Node 2

Resonance Liberation Flowing Suffocation now sends the target into Hazy Dream. The DMG Multiplier of Jolt triggered by Cantarella is increased by 245%.

Gaze into the Abyss Gaze into the Abyss
Sequence Node 3

The DMG Multiplier of Resonance Liberation Flowing Suffocation is increased by 370%. After casting Resonance Liberation Flowing Suffocation, enter into Mirage. If already in Mirage, casting Resonance Liberation Flowing Suffocation does not activate the Mirage state again.

Behold Your Own Soul Behold Your Own Soul
Sequence Node 4

When in Mirage, Healing Bonus is increased by 25%.

Rest in Your Reflection Rest in Your Reflection
Sequence Node 5

The maximum number of Dreamweavers Cantarella can summon through Resonance Liberation Diffusion is increased by 5.

Fall, Fall... and Fall Deeper into the Dream Fall, Fall... and Fall Deeper into the Dream
Sequence Node 6

Increase the DMG Multiplier of Basic Attack Phantom Sting by 80%. Casting Resonance Liberation Flowing Suffocation makes Cantarella's DMG ignore 30% of the target's DEF for 10s.
For the first 1.2s of Hazy Dream, when the target takes an instance of DMG that does not inflict Hazy DreamJolt will not be triggered on the target.

Skill Priority

Between Illusion and Reality Forte Circuit
>>
Beneath the Sea Resonance Liberation
>>
Dance with Shadows Resonance Skill
>>
Illusion Collapse Normal Attack
>>
Cruise Intro Skill

Weapons

Whispers of Sirens (R1)

Cantarella's signature weapon is expectedly perfect for her, as it gives her a huge boost to many stats including CRIT DMG, ATK, Basic ATK DMG Bonus and can even ignore Havoc RES. These buffs activate naturally quickly in her rotation, making the weapon especially powerful.

Rime-Draped Sprouts (R1)

Cantarella can make great use of the passive effects of Zhezhi's signature weapon since she heavily benefits from Basic Attack DMG Bonus. It also has CRIT DMG and ATK% - 2 stats Cantarella enjoys as a damage dealer. Having 3 uses of her Resonance Skill, Cantarella is able to exploit this weapon's passive effects well too. This makes this option an outstanding choice for her if you own it.

Stringmaster (R1)

Yinlin's signature weapon is a versatile option that gives a lot great stats such as CRIT Rate, All-Type DMG Bonus and ATK, especially if the character deals off-field damage or uses Swap Cancels. Because of this, it almost always lands as the #1 or #2 weapon of choice for rectifier damage dealers. However, on Cantarella specifically, this weapon gives stats that can be diluted by some of her best teammates buffs, making Rime-Draped Sprouts equal or slightly better than it with other Supports buffing Cantarella.

Luminous Hymn (R1)

Phoebe's signature works as a pure stat stick for Cantarella — the buffs that it provides are linked to Spectro Frazzle so beyond an extra 12% ATK and 36% CRIT Rate this weapon's effects are completely unexploitable, however it gets enough stats to stand out as an option if you own it.

Cosmic Ripples (R1)

The standard banner weapon does many good things for Cantarella. It offers a minor amount of Energy Regen that she very much appreciates, it gives a lot of ATK% for the extra damage and it has a stackable Basic ATK DMG Bonus effect that Cantarella heavily benefits from. Overall an amazing F2P-friendly option if you choose to acquire it.

70.8%
Augment (R5)

Outstanding generic Rectifier option, offering base CRIT RATE for excellent scaling but also an easily activatable and maintainable bonus ability granting ATK% after the wearer's Resonance Liberation is activated. Almost any character who can use CRIT RATE and ATK will be more than happy to have this weapon available only losing to 5★ options.

Fusion Accretion (R5)

Despite this weapon being in direct competition with other F2P 4* options, this weapon is very solid for any ATK% scaling characters. The ATK% boost it provides when casting your Resonance Skill is great on most characters. On Cantarella specifically, the extra Energy you get from its passive after casting your Resonance Skill is especially appreciated as Cantarella needs a lot of Energy funneled into her, making this fully F2P option perform way better than usual.

Jinzhou Keeper (R5)

A good alternative 4★ Rectifier to Augment, offering an easy to maintain bonus ability granting ATK% after using an Intro skill and a good amount of ATK% as a main stat.

Echo set

Echo set 1

Midnight Veil
Midnight Veil

5pcs Set: When Outro Skill is triggered, deal additional 480% Havoc DMG to surrounding enemies, considered Outro Skill DMG, and grant the incoming Resonator 15% Havoc DMG Bonus for 15s.

Midnight Veil is the best-in-slot 5-pc echo set for Cantarella as it deals decent Havoc DMG while boosting the next Resonator's Havoc DMG Bonus.
Lorelei

Transform into Lorelei and attack surrounding enemies, dealing 405.00% Havoc DMG.

The Resonator with this Echo equipped in their main slot gains 12.00% Havoc DMG Bonus and 12.00% Basic Attack DMG Bonus.

CD: 25s.

This echo provides Cantarella with extra Havoc DMG Bonus and Basic Attack DMG Bonus, which she both scales off.

Echo set 2

Moonlit Clouds
Moonlit Clouds

5pcs Set: Upon using Outro Skill, increases the ATK of the next Resonator by 22.5% for 15s.

This set improves upon Cantarella as a Sub-DPS as it increases the next Resonator's ATK and damage dealt with Impermanence Heron.
Impermanence Heron

Transform into Impermanence Heron to fly up and smack down, dealing 310.56% Havoc DMG.

Long press to stay as Impermanence Heron and continuously spit flames, each attack dealing 55.73% Havoc DMG.

Once the initial attack lands on any enemy, the current character regains 10 Resonance Energy. If the current character uses their Outro Skill within the next 15s, the next character's damage dealt will be boosted by 12% for 15s.

CD: 20s

Maximizes her outro skill buffs for the next resonator on the field.

Echo set 3

Empyrean Anthem
Empyrean Anthem

5pcs Set: Increase the Resonator's Coordinated Attack DMG by 80%. Upon a critical hit of Coordinated Attack, increase the active Resonator's ATK by 20% for 4s.

Empyrean Anthem is also a good option for Cantarella as it maximizes her Coordinated Attacks to deal as much damage as possible while also increasing the active Resonator's ATK.
Hecate

Summon 3 twirling Crescent Servants around you. Crescent Servants attack enemies with their spinning blades, dealing 45.59% Havoc DMG. Triggering a Counterattack with the Echo attacks resets the Crescent Servants' duration.

The Resonator with this Echo equipped in the main slot has their Coordinated Attack DMG increased by 40.00%.

CD: 20s.

Hecate as the main echo provides further Coordinated Attack DMG Bonus, making it a decent option for Cantarella.

Echo stat

4-3-3-1-1
4 cost
Crit. Rate Crit. Rate
Crit. DMG Crit. DMG
3 cost
Havoc DMG Bonus Havoc DMG Bonus
3 cost
Havoc DMG Bonus Havoc DMG Bonus
ATK% ATK%
Energy Regen Energy Regen
1 cost
ATK% ATK%
1 cost
ATK% ATK%
Echo substat
Crit. Rate Crit. Rate
=
Crit. DMG Crit. DMG
>>
Energy Regen Energy Regen
>>
ATK% ATK%
>>
ATK ATK
=
Basic Attack DMG Bonus Basic Attack DMG Bonus

Synergies & Team Formation

Synergies

Camellya

While not Camellya's strongest pairing, thanks to Cantarella's 20% Havoc DMG Amplify on her Outro, her additional healing and good off-field damage, the two work naturally together. Cantarella with Camellya falls behind both Sanhua and Roccia in damage but boasts more comfortable sustain thanks to the extra heals, making it a viable option.

Rover: Havoc

Similarly to Camellya, Havoc Rover will tend to prefer Danjin or Sanhua when focusing on damage (Camellya and Havoc Rover primarily doing Basic Attack DMG). With that being said, a chunk of Havoc Rover’s damage is also concentrated within both their Skill and Ultimate, so they appreciate the Skill amplification and the general Havoc amplification for their Ultimate as well. The extra healing Cantarella provides is also comfortable in any case. This makes the pairing very strong.

Danjin

Cantarella is the first character to properly enable Danjin to function as a potent Main DPS. She replaces the imperfect alternative of Mortefi, by allowing Danjin to exploit her multiple damage types thanks to her Skill and Havoc DMG Amplify Outro. The two together make for the best 4-star Main DPS team in the game (especially with S6 on Danjin), approaching the strength of some 5-stars (while still performing slightly lower). However, be wary that Danjin's HP loss mechanic is especially accentuated when playing her as a Main DPS, so this team will take a lot of effort to learn.

Carlotta

Cantarella and Carlotta pair effectively thanks to Cantarella's ability to amplify Carlotta's overwhelming Skill DMG with her Outro. However, due to Cantarella's low energy generation, Carlotta will need to build more Energy Regen than usual for her Ultimate to accomodate for this. Outside of this restriction the combo is a good alternative to Zhezhi.

Jinhsi

Like Carlotta, Cantarella can work well with Jinhsi thanks not only to her Skill DMG Amplification, but also her ability to execute Coordinated Attacks. Unfortunately, Energy Regen is once again an issue forcing Cantarella to need to run an Energy Regen main stat Echo in a lot of cases or unless she's built on Moonlit Clouds. On top of this, Jinhsi will also suffer not able to use her Ultimate more than once every 3 rotations. These factors hinder the pair compared to Zhezhi or even Yinlin, however it's still viable.

Verina

One of the usual Healing Support options that can slot into any team. Super easy to use, provides amazing team-wide ATK% buffs and 15% DMG Amplify with one of the fastest rotations in the game

Shorekeeper

Similar to Verina, a premium Healing Support option who can not only slot into any team, but also provide insane 12.5% Crit Rate, 25% Crit DMG, 25% ATK and 15% DMG Amplify buffs to your whole team. One of the best but also easy to use characters in the game.

Team Formation

Double Havoc

Use Cantarella on Midnight Veil here. It's recommended to use Verina with Danjin because she takes a ton of field time as a Main DPS.

Carlotta Team

Main Position
Sub Position
Support Position

Carlotta is a DPS unit that also benefits from having her Resonance Skill buffed and from Coordinated Attacks, which Cantarella both provides.

Jinhsi Team

Main Position
Sub Position
Support Position

Strongly recommended to use Cantarella on Moonlit Clouds to alleviate Energy requirements. Verina is a better pick than Shorekeeper due to requiring less field time and providing extra Coordinated Attacks.

More Info

Cherished Items

Coral Parasol Coral Parasol

The parasol carried by Cantarella.

Its round canopy resembles a soft, plump jellyfish with long, graceful tentacles that seem to float effortlessly in the air. The ribs of the parasol are crafted from deep-sea coral, meticulously shaped into perfect curves that gleam with a subtle glow, both beautifully delicate and unyieldingly strong. At the handle, a sapphire is embedded, a symbol of the unshakable authority of the family head.

Violence has never been Cantarella's first choice, but when forced to defend herself, she merely spins her parasol, and in an instant, the canopy radiates brilliant light. From it, a mesmerizing swarm of jellyfish unfurls, drifting into a phantasmal sea of illusion.

Drawing her enemies into this enchanting yet perilous sea of dreams is the signature art of Cantarella. Like its owner, the parasol may appear soft and fluid, yet when the need arises, it is always indestructible.

Cauldron of Sweet Dreams Cauldron of Sweet Dreams

The cauldron used by Cantarella, the Sea Witch, for potion brewing. The sapphire adorned on it marks Cantarella's authority as the head of the Fisalias.

She often allows her whims to guide her, carelessly tossing in unexpected ingredients, such as jellyfish tentacles, fish scales, tears from the heartbroken, and even the murmurs that linger in the air.

Whatever she adds, the result is always a pot of sweet dreams that dissolves the bitterness of reality, gently soothing those lost in the abyss.

Potion Vial Potion Vial

Cantarella always carries this potion vial, adorned with a sapphire as bright as the one she wears as a mark of her authority. Inside, she keeps a special brew, one she carefully prepares to ease weariness and calm nightmares.

However, ever since you brought her away from the Sea of Ghosts, the nightmares have ceased.

Now, this vial is imbued with her rare sincerity and tenderness, like a soft light piercing the abyss, reflecting the gentle murmurs hidden in the rolling waves. It is now a symbol of the trust Cantarella has placed in you, the one who has navigated the dark tides and reached the depths for her.

Archives and Stories

Forte Examination Report - Sea of Dreams

Level: Public
Fisalia Apothecary Rosemary's Examination Record: Special Edition Approved by the Family Head

It is clear that the current head of the Fisalia family, Lady Cantarella, represents the pinnacle of the family's poison-related Forte. It is a great honor to have been invited to the castle to conduct her checkup, as well as to have been granted unrestricted access to the garden of Porto-Veno Castle for research purposes.

Lady Cantarella's ability is a rare form of hallucinogenic toxin, distinct from the more commonly seen lethal poisons found within the family. Unlike typical poisons, this toxin does not cause immediate death. When swarms of jellyfish emerge from her parasol, an exquisite sea of illusions forms around her. The poisoned individual will first experience hallucinations, perhaps of their deepest desires or crafted illusions. Should they linger too long within this sea, paralysis will set in, followed by unconsciousness, and ultimately, if the effects persist, death.

Lady Cantarella's control over her ability is nothing short of masterful. At its most refined, she can induce hallucinations without causing any physical harm.

Although such power is a double-edged sword, often causing harm to the user as well, Lady Cantarella's graceful and composed manner suggests she is not overly affected by the "Dreams." Or so it seems… perhaps?

Note: Lady Cantarella is well aware of her abilities. It's a rare exception that she allowed me to examine her. To be honest, that makes me a little nervous… I hope I didn't make any mistakes.

Level: Top Secret
Fisalia Butler Sebastian's Record: Family Head's Mental Health Management

Childhood experiences, the trials, and the prolonged use of her Forte "Sea of Dreams" have caused irreparable damage to both Milady's mind and body.

At present, part of her frequency record is missing. Judging by the waveform increments, the missing part should be steep, bordering on the threshold of Overclocking...

The remaining waveforms exhibit a rare form of bipolar divergence, and at its worst, several distinct waveforms seem to have emerged:
* The α waveform fluctuates wildly.
* The β waveform is extremely stable, with no signs of abnormal fluctuation.
* The γ waveform is short in amplitude and seemingly underdeveloped.
* The δ waveform is▇#%/@▇▇
(*…(@!#¥#…¥▇▇▇▇▇▇%&#%¥#%&¥%▇▇#……%)

System error, warning. System error, unreada▇▇▇%&#

Round Table
Unlocks at Intimacy Lv. 1

The light filtered through the stained glass, casting a speckled pattern across the crimson sofa.

Dim lamps flickered softly in the misty purple room. Around the round table sat several indistinct figures. Some lounging in the light, others half-immersed in the shadows. The lady who arranged this gathering, or at least, by her position, that's what it seemed, spoke first. She had long, silky purple hair, and her indigo eyes, veiled in a soft mist, gave her an ethereal, dreamlike vibe. Lounging lazily on the sofa, she absentmindedly toyed with the sapphire pendant on her chest, a habit she indulged whenever lost in thought.

"I've gathered everyone today to discuss one thing: where should we stay? In the 'Illusory Dream,' or in reality?"

"Since we've been wandering the edge of dreams, should we remain here, in this illusion, where everything is familiar, light and delicate as bubbles? Or should we step forward, into reality, where we might face the unknown… but also see sights we've never known?"

A lazy but resolute voice cut through her words. "How weak of you, Cantarella. You may be head of the family now, but from what I see, you're far from being capable."

A figure emerged from the shadows, a woman with long hair cascading like a waterfall. She wore the same sapphire pendant and carried an air of grace similar to Cantarella's, but with the undeniable weight of experience and authority. Her deep purple eyes glinted with an unquestionable edge.

"This meeting is pointless. Just pour the 'Velvet Dream' into the waterfall behind the castle, and let all of Ragunna fall into a dream under your control. That way, we will be queen wherever we go."

"Invalid answer. Or, if you insist, it will be counted as a vote for 'Illusory Dream.' Though it sounds a little wild and impractical, I'll still write it down for fairness. This is our discussion, after all." A young girl sitting beside them answered, opening a notebook full of strange doodles. She found a small space nearly buried under potion recipes and seriously drew a neat line.

"I abstain," she said casually. "This discussion probably won't change anything. You already have your answer, don't you? For me, it doesn't matter where we stay." She closed the notebook with a soft snap and shook out her white shawl. The light caught her blue, hazy eyes.

"Why can't we just keep it simple and follow our hearts? Cantarella, you like watching the birds outside the window and long for a life of freedom, right? Then just do what feels right," said the youngest one, sprawled on the sofa, her hands lazily chasing the dust motes dancing in the light.

"This is an important decision and should be discussed seriously," Cantarella replied, her voice tinged with a hint of helplessness. "Let's start with you then. Please explain your choice and the reasoning behind it."

Thorned Crown
Unlocks at Intimacy Lv. 2

The deep purple, venomous crown, when first placed upon the brow, brings a sharp sting. Yet, the blood that seeps from the forehead nourishes it, making it shine ever brighter. Soaked in the blood and tears of countless souls, this crown of toxic thorns rises from the depths of the sea, symbolizing those who work silently against the chaos to support the weight of the Celestial Steed's tail feathers.

Such is the glory of the Fisalia family, and its inescapable fate.

But what of each member of the family? In the dark, deep sea, they suffer the gnawing whispers, until the faintest glimmer of true faith in their hearts fades, lost to the abyss. The next in line to wear the crown will take up the duty, and so the cycle endures, unbroken, with no beginning or end.

Fragrant yet toxic blooms,
Colorless, flavorless tears of poisons,
Twisted organs and venomous breaths,
Neurotoxins,
Biotoxins,
Metallic toxins…

The poisons and toxins the Fisalias so pride themselves on and the abilities birthed from them will inevitably be undone by the whispers… In the end, they only come in handy when used to seek the end of life, either for the Fisalias themselves or their kin.

This had long been the norm until I developed the "Illusory Dream." When the thorned crown burrowed into my flesh, the blood flew in strange, shimmering hues. Black tea steeped in mercury tasted like rich, honeyed nectar, while scones soaked in Jellyrose juice had a delicate sweetness. The heat in my throat was searing, as if hastily swallowing an entire cherry, and the suffocating sensation was like drifting in an endless sea… Slowly, the pain faded, and both body and mind became light as air. The bottles of poisons shattered on the floor, and our expressions turned relieved. The whispers were powerless in the world woven by the sea of dreams, for it gently dissolved all discord. Amidst the colorful waves, the once harsh thorned crown was softened… So soft that it formed delicate folds, resting lightly on my head. It became light and pure, like the tail feathers of the Celestial Steed.

That's why I cast my vote for "Illusory Dream." After all, what harm is there in this illusion? Have we not all wandered here for so long? Pour the "Velvet Dream" into the waterfall behind the castle, and let the whole of Ragunna fall into a dream shaped by my hand… Rest assured, this is but a joke. I do not seek to control but only wish for all to live more peacefully.

You see, the "Illusory Dream" flows within our veins, and whether we like it or not, it's a permanent and inseparable part of us.

Jellyfish Lamp
Unlocks at Intimacy Lv. 3

In the dimly lit room, heavy with a peculiar scent, a faint yellow light illuminated an old notebook and a strange cauldron. The young woman, wrapped in a white shawl, scribbled notes in the book while casually tossing ingredients into the cauldron. The smoke rising from it darkened her clothes, leaving patches of black and purple. Her once-clean apron was now speckled, but she wiped her face carelessly, unfazed by the mess.

Distilled water, peppermint, castor bean, barnacle fish leaves, rosemary… The scent was fresh, the toxicity mild, with soothing and analgesic effects. It could treat the common Infantile Gray Matter syndrome seen recently… I'll write this recipe on a small note and leave it for Chloe later.

Hilo grass, sea okra, barnacle fish leaves, sea apple juice… The scent was unpleasant, and the toxicity potent, though it could counteract some nerve paralysis reactions. Hmm, but the side effects… Never mind, I'll keep it.

Sea okra mucilage, barnacle fish leaves dried and crushed, a splash of sea apple juice, a touch of Jellyrose juice… The toxicity of Jellyrose is too strong. Effective, but too risky.

Crush the barnacle fish leaves, drizzle with Violacas juice, mix with sea okra mucilage, add a bit of sea apple juice, and let it ferment in a glass vial… Done. Once consumed, it soothes the spirit and neutralizes most poison reactions. I should distribute some to everyone to get through the trials in the coming days. And the name… okay, I'll call it Velvet Dream.

The ingredients, processing method, sequence of preparation, and environmental temperature… Handle each step at the right moment, and I can brew the perfect elixir. I believe the same applies to life. In the right moment, with the right steps, most problems can be solved. No matter how illogical the rules or how brutal the situation is, there is always a way to find the right approach.

Therefore, I stepped into the darkness with the lamp, facing my fears. The abyss mocked me—reclusive, weak, incapable of adapting. Its taunting howls echoed through the corridors, the twisted frequencies of past family heads surging forward, engulfing me. Serious, rigid, pale, gloomy, silent… They knew me too well, able to predict my every move and trap me effortlessly.

But still, I played my very first and last trick as I drank a large dose of Velvet Dream in advance. The moment the jellyfish's poisonous thorns pierced my skin, I pressed the Jellyrose Medusa to my head. The violent toxins clashed within my veins, nearly tearing me apart. My soul rolled between life and death, on the verge of spilling out through my burning throat. I couldn't tell if it was blood, tears, or sweat mixed with the remnants of the potion… It dripped onto the almost extinguished lamp.

A small jellyfish wobbled out from the faint light. When I raised my eyes, the darkness lifted, and my blurred vision filled with colorful, vivid illusions.

It worked.

So, like I said, any situation can be solved with the right steps at the right time, even if you're just one part of the process. Since then, I've remained in a perpetual state between life and death, between dreams and reality. I often catch glimpses of lingering illusions, like the girl in the red hat. Who is she? Is it me? Or someone else? I can't figure it out.

Anyway, I'll abstain from voting. It doesn't matter whether it's in the dream or reality. I've been used to it, and I can survive anywhere.

Uncaged Bird
Unlocks at Intimacy Lv. 4

Since I could remember, I had always been in that big, empty house. I would walk from one end to the other, knowing every tile on the floor and every potion bottle on the shelves. The house was gray, dark, and quiet. The only time it ever felt alive was when a bird flew past the window. I would watch its white wings flutter up and down until it became nothing more than a tiny dot in the sky. Beyond that, the sky turned a clear blue, and the trees shone a bright green. It was such a beautiful sight.

That was when I would wonder… what was happening in that thick forest? Maybe a princess was having an adventure.

I imagined a clever princess who knew how to spot a poisoned apple. When a snake chased her, a little bird would swoop in to save her, carrying her high into the sky. There, she would find a girl in red shoes who couldn't stop dancing and save her. Then, they would dive into the sea to rescue a siren who was on the verge of turning into foam. In the end, the bird would carry them all, flying as far as it could until it could fly no more, finally landing in a castle… But what was the castle like? I only hoped it wasn't like the manor I lived in—big and boring.

Sorry, that probably sounds all over the place, doesn't it? Well… Mother and Father always said that girls from the Fisalia family didn't need to read silly fairytales or have strange ideas like that. We were supposed to read books—books like The Complete Guide to Poison RecipesThe Fisalia Family's Secret Elixirs, and 108 Poisons You Never Knew About. They were interesting, but after reading them too many times, they became dull.

Still, Mother and Father insisted that I memorize everything so that one day, I could save myself, or perhaps even become a Maiden or the family's leader. It sounded like a huge responsibility. I didn't really understand it yet, but I did what they told me.

They were always busy, always rushing around. Whenever they left, they locked the door extra tight and checked it over and over again. I never understood why they grew busier and thinner. And why did they drink so much "water" and mumble strange words?

I had learned to say those words too: "It's the glory and fate of the Fisalias."

Eventually, I grew older and had to move to a different house. When I left, Mother and Father looked proud, but their eyes were full of tears.

"Indeed, milord, our child has great talent, especially in brewing poisons."
"Yes, becoming a candidate for the trials is the glory and fate of the Fisalias."

That was the first time I ever left home. As I stepped outside, my footsteps startled the crows perched on the dead tree near the gate. They flapped their black wings and took off, flying toward a strange castle in the distance.

Oh, sorry, I went off track again. What I meant to say was... after spending so long flying through dreams, you start to miss the feeling of your feet on the ground. Sure, you might step into mud or get pricked by sharp stones, but there was something comforting about taking each step on solid earth.

So, when it came time to vote, I chose reality—The Other Side of the Dream, as the adults liked to call it. They always used fancy terms like that. But deep down, you already knew what your heart truly wanted, didn't you? Not just in dreams, but in reality, too. You could open the door, step outside, and go with everyone. Just fly alongside the white birds and chase after the happily-ever-after ending for everyone.

Lucid Dream
Unlocks at Intimacy Lv. 5

In the misty purple room, voices blended together—the majestic and enchanting, the cold and resolute, and the genuine and innocent. They intertwined, forming a dreamlike symphony. The sapphire light shimmered with quiet authority, the pages of a book rustled softly, and the scent of freshly baked pastries mingled with the warmth of the room, creating a sweet, ethereal atmosphere.

Cantarella lifted the delicate teapot and poured the tea, a change from the usual. No longer the alluring purple hues, but a cup of tea with a refreshing clarity.

"Thank you for your invaluable opinions," she said, setting the teapot down. The fresh aroma filled the room. "Now, I've made up my mind."

"I will continue to wear the crown of thorns, for the poison has already sunk deep into my bones, and the dream is a part of me I cannot remove."

"I will keep brewing potions, for they are needed not just by the Fisalias, but by all in struggle."

"I will step outside and follow the flight of birds, into the mountains and the streets. The whispers that once trapped us are gone, and now we are free."

"I am still within the dream, but I will strive to feel the ground beneath my feet… In that fleeting moment between dream and reality, I will hold on to what is real."

Cantarella took a deep breath, slowly opening her eyes. She had just woken from a brief afternoon nap, stepping out from a hazy yet lucid dream. The sunlight at three in the afternoon filtered through the glass window, casting a quiet glow over her lonely figure in the room. The only sounds left were the gentle bubbling of the tea and her steady breathing.

She picked up her cup and took a sip. The fresh aroma soothed the restless Tacet Mark in her mouth. It no longer draws power from illusion or pain. This was the tea she had bought earlier this morning in Ragunna, just ordinary tea. The faint sweetness and subtle fragrance reminded her of a breeze in the countryside, of dew drops hanging on fresh leaves…

So, this was the taste of peace and happiness after everything had settled.

The door creaked open. She poured another cup and offered it to the guest who had just arrived. The guest had black hair and golden eyes, a presence of calm and unwavering strength that grounded the room. This quiet, tranquil afternoon was a miracle granted by no other but PlayerName.

The soft sunlight brushed through the room, and the refreshing fragrance lingered between them, filling the space around the two teacups. She lifted her violet-blue eyes, the mist long faded, her gaze now like a calm sea, with just the ripple of gentle feelings.


All Comments 0

Chưa có bình luận nào. Hãy là người đầu tiên bình luận!