Abbas Oliver Serna's Questionnaire

Who

Where

wha- 

What?? Where am I? Where's my bow...

I'm just here for a interview...? 

... Oh I see... alright. 

I don't really live anywhere. I'm nomadic by nature, the Nian will never allow me to stay in one place. Not only that, but by nature, I go out to seek creatures that doesn't belong or threatens humans. I have no place I belong to... though I will state, I was born in a tribe, within the depths of the Amazon Rainforest. Due to this, I tend to live around nature, generally away from civilization, It gives me comfort and a sense of peace to just witness nature for what it is, compared to the strong stench of oil, gas, sewage, and the loud sounds of the city.

Isn't... that... a little personal? Well... I guess it depends on how open I answer...

My main source of income is from hunting and selling the scraps. I have a hunting license and I often hunt games and sell it to like, butchers, local groups, and the likes. Is a farmer having trouble with boars? I go out to take care of it. It's not great work, but it's honest work. Also since I don't actually have a house, I have significantly more spare income than most others.

Spending it? I mainly spend it on gears and supplies. From water to dried ration, to basic salt and arrow, occasionally, that includes tools too, things such as hammer, shovel, and such.

Hmm...

I mean... yea... let me think a little.

What I want... is multifaceted, rooted deeply in both my human and monster heritage. I'm striving to become the ultimate hunter, one who can seamlessly bridge the gap between the human world and the realm of monsters. This means not just being the best at what I do but understanding the deeper connections and balance between these worlds. I want to master my abilities, control the monster within me, and use it to protect those who cannot protect themselves.

I will face the most dangerous creatures, endure harsh environments, and push my body and mind to their limits.

Killing is a part of the hunt, but it's not something I take lightly. Each kill is a necessary action to protect and maintain balance, not a senseless act of violence. However, if it comes down to protecting innocent lives or ensuring the safety of the natural order, I would not hesitate to take a life.

As for risking my own life, I've come close to death more times than I can count. Every hunt is a brush with mortality, but I accept it as part of my path. The ultimate goal is worth the risk.

I've faced creatures that could tear me apart in seconds, ventured into territories where humans have no place, and endured physical and psychological challenges that would break most people.

Each scar on my body is a testament to my dedication and a reminder of the cost of this life. But I wouldn't have it any other way. The closer I come to death, the more I understand the value of life and the importance of my mission. In the end, my ambition is not just about being the best hunter but about finding my place in a world that often feels divided and chaotic. It's about discovering who I am and what I can become, despite—or perhaps because of—the monster within me.

I... there was two...

The first event, was the brutal encounter with the monstrous lion-like creature in the mountains of China that resulted in the tragic loss of my wife and child. This  event... reshaped every aspect of my existence and set me on the path I walk today.

It was supposed to be a joyous adventure, a simple family exploration in the serene mountains of China during the New Year celebrations. We were basking in the beauty of the landscape, our young son marveling at the new sights. Then, out of nowhere, we saw it—a lion-like beast with metallic jade-green skin, its body bristling with spikes, its tail aflame, and a broken chain suggesting it had escaped captivity. It was unlike anything I had ever encountered, and its predatory gaze locked onto us immediately.

in a heartbeat, the creature charged. I tried to get my family to run, but the beast was too fast. My modern weaponry, a pistol, was a poor substitute for the traditional tools I had grown up using. Each shot rang out loudly, the smell of gunpowder filling the air, but only one bullet struck true, embedding itself in the monster’s eye. The creature howled in pain, yet it was hardly slowed. With cold, calculated malice, it turned its fury on my family. In a gruesome display, it killed my wife and son right before my eyes, their screams and the sight of their blood seared into my memory.

As the monster approached me, intent on ending my life next, something inside me snapped. Under the intense pressure, fear, and rage, my latent abilities—gifts from my Encantado heritage—flared to life. I vanished with the wind, blending seamlessly with the trees, escaping death by the narrowest margin. Though this power saved me, it was fleeting, and I could not fully harness it again. Yet, this experience awakened something deep within me, a burning desire for vengeance and justice.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, I was a changed man. The raw grief and anger forged me into something new. I shed the remnants of my old life, embracing a path of relentless training and discipline. I learned to blend into my surroundings, to become nearly invisible. My movements, my way of speaking, even my natural stance—all were refined to make me a ghost in the eyes of my prey. I turned to the old ways, harvesting poisons and mastering the art of the hunt.

The second event, was much more recent. After a fight with the beast, leading to the burning of the Michigan forest, I returned to where I first met the beast... this lead me to talk with a old lady. Wise as she was, told me it was an illusion... after finding a moment to really really introspect myself... I find that the beast is from my own mind, yet how? I don't know...

Abbas struggles hard before he is injected with a syringe... his eyes dull out for a moment before he starts speaking...

Alice Serna was more than just my wife; she was my partner, my confidant, and the light in my life. A passionate researcher of the Amazon rainforest and an avid traveler, she had an insatiable curiosity about the world. Alice was intelligent, adventurous, and incredibly compassionate, traits that made her an excellent researcher and an even better partner. She had a unique ability to see the beauty in everything, from the smallest insect to the grandest landscape, and she shared that wonder with me and our son, Oliver. Her tragic death at the hands of the monstrous creature in China shattered me... 

Oliver, my son, was a bright and energetic child, full of life and curiosity, much like his mother. At just four years old, he already showed a keen interest in nature and loved exploring new places with us. His laughter was infectious, and his innocence reminded me of the purity and joy that still existed in the world. Losing him was an unimaginable pain that left a permanent scar on my heart. His memory serves as a constant reminder of what I fight...

Lanie... A close friend, one of the closes, someone that I met on the contract. She helped get me out of my slump, eventually recruiting me to assist her due to some problems inflicted by a contract. I appreciate her as a person and, while she was gentle, calming, and intelligent, she had her own flaws. Though she seeked to become a dog, I believe that she was a great friend, and someone that will be a even better therapist dog.

As his eyes are glazed with dullness, he doesn't seem to realize he is speaking...

My childhood was spent in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, on its outskirts where the dense foliage met the edges of human civilization. I grew up immersed in nature, learning to hunt, forage, and live off the land from my father. The rainforest was both my playground and my classroom. Every day was a lesson in survival, tracking, and understanding the delicate balance of the ecosystem. My father, Hector was a seasoned hunter and survivalist, a man deeply connected to the Amazon rainforest. He was stoic and pragmatic, teaching me the skills needed to survive in the wild. He was a man of few words but many actions, and he believed in the importance of balance and respect for nature. Hector was strict but caring, ensuring that I learned the ways of the forest from a young age. He was my primary caregiver, as my mother vanished shortly after my birth. My mother, on the other hand, was an Encantado, a mystical being from the Amazon River. She was enigmatic, embodying the beauty and mystery of the river itself. Her time in my life was brief; she disappeared back into her mystical realm shortly after I was born. Her departure left a void filled with questions and a latent power within me that I wouldn't fully understand until much later. My father never spoke much about her, just stating that she loved me plenty but that she had to go... 

I did not attend a traditional school. My education came from the forest and my father's teachings. The rainforest my classroom, and I learned its secrets through experience and observation. While I didn't have formal schooling, I received an education that few could match in terms of practical skills and knowledge of the world. The concept of "fitting in" was foreign to me. My life was isolated from typical societal norms, and the few times I encountered other people were either brief interactions with locals or rare visits to nearby towns for supplies. When I was around other children, I felt out of place. They lived in a structured world of schools and schedules.

Abbas eyes seems to shimmer and struggle as if they were tearing up, but they remain dull.

I met Alice during one of her research trips to the Amazon rainforest. She was a passionate researcher, fascinated by the flora and fauna of the jungle. Our paths crossed when she needed a guide to navigate the dense forest. I was captivated by her curiosity, intelligence, and unwavering spirit. Alice saw the world with a sense of wonder that was infectious, and she had a way of making even the most mundane aspects of life seem extraordinary. Our love blossomed as we spent more time together, exploring the depths of the Amazon and beyond. Alice was not just a researcher; she was an avid traveler, always eager to discover new places and cultures. We shared many adventures, journeying through forests, over seas, and across lands. We built a life filled with exploration and mutual respect for nature and each other. Our bond grew stronger with the birth of our son, Oliver, who became the center of our world. Our happiness was shattered during a trip to China. While exploring the mountains during the New Year celebrations, we encountered a monstrous lion-like creature. Its attack was swift and brutal. Despite my efforts to protect them, Alice and Oliver were killed before my eyes. The loss of my family was a blow that nearly broke me, plunging me into a pit of despair and rage.

Basically, yes, I have been in love. Alice was the light of my life, and her loss left a void that can never be filled. Our time together was a precious gift, one that I cherish even in the face of unimaginable sorrow. 

After a few hours, Abbas regains himself, coughing violently "Water... please"

Taking a good long drink, he places the cup down with a glare at the interviewer before steeling himself to just answer honestly.

My greatest fear is failing to protect innocent people from the monsters that lurk in the shadows, leading to more families suffering the same fate as mine. The loss of my wife and son was a traumatic event that left deep emotional scars. It drives me to hunt and eradicate these creatures, but it also haunts me. The thought of being unable to prevent another tragedy like mine fills me with a sense of dread and helplessness. I cannot bear the idea of more innocent lives being destroyed because of my inability to stop these monsters.

I also fear losing control of the abilities inherited from my heritage, either failing to harness them when needed or being overwhelmed by them.

My abilities surfaced during a moment of intense trauma and have been elusive and unpredictable since. While they give me an edge in hunting monsters, they are also a constant reminder of the unknown aspects of my heritage. The possibility of these powers failing me at a critical moment, or worse, overwhelming me and causing harm to those I aim to protect, is a terrifying prospect.

Lastly... as much as I hate to admit, I fear a life of perpetual isolation and loneliness, cut off from meaningful human connections.

My nomadic lifestyle and the nature of my mission have made it difficult to form lasting relationships. The loss of Alice and Oliver has left a void that is hard to fill, and my constant battle against monsters means I often push people away to keep them safe. The idea of living the rest of my life without the warmth and companionship of others, without love and friendship, is a bleak and harrowing thought.