Calcharo Ascension Materials and Skills

Leader of the “Ghost Hounds”, an international mercenary group. Ruthless, vengeful, unforgiving. A potential client must be mindful of the price to pay before making him an offer.

Upgrade Cost

Skill Upgrade Cost

To max out all of Encore’s skills, gather these Forte materials:

• 25 Crude Ring
• 28 Basic Ring
• 40 Improved Ring
• 57 Tailored Ring
• 25 Waveworn Residue 210
• 28 Waveworn Residue 226
• 55 Waveworn Residue 235
• 67 Waveworn Residue 239
• 26 Monument Bell
• 2,030,000 Shell Credits

Ascension and Level Cost

These are the materials you need to ascend Encore to Level 90:

• 4 Crude Ring
• 12 Basic Ring
• 12 Improved Ring
• 4 Tailored Ring
• 46 Thundering Tacet Core
• 60 Iris
• 170,000 Shell Credits

Skills

Basic Attack: Gnawing Fangs

Basic Attack

Calcharo performs up to 4 consecutive attacks, dealing Electro DMG.

Heavy Attack

Consumes Stamina to attack the target, dealing Electro DMG.

Mid-air Attack

Consumes Stamina to perform a Mid-Air Plunging Attack, dealing Electro DMG.

Dodge Counter

Use Basic Attack after a successful Dodge to attack the target, dealing Electro DMG.

Resonance Skill: Extermination Order

Calcharo performs up to 3 consecutive attacks, dealing Electro DMG.

If Calcharo is switched off field, or if Resonance Skill Extermination Order is not performed again in a while, this skill will enter Cooldown.

Resonance Skill Extermination Order does not interrupt Calcharo’s Basic Attack combo.

Resonance Liberation: Phantom Etching

Calcharo attacks the target, dealing Electro DMG and enters Deathblade Gear state. After Resonance Liberation Deathblade Gear state ends, Calcharo’s next Intro Skill is replaced with Intro Skill “Necessary Means”, which deals Electro DMG, considered as Intro Skill damage.

Deathblade Gear

– Basic Attack is replaced with Basic Attack Hounds Roar.

– Dodge Counter deals increased damage, considered as Resonance Liberation damage.

Hounds Roar

Calcharo performs up to 5 consecutive attacks, dealing Electro DMG, considered as Basic Attack Damage.

Inherent Skill: Bloodshed Awaken

When casting Heavy Attack “Mercy”, Calcharo’s Resonance Liberation DMG Bonus is increased by 10% for 15s.

Inherent Skill: Revenant Rush

When Heavy Attack “Death Messenger” hits the target, the damage taken by Calcharo is reduced by 15% for 5s.

Intro Skill: Wanted Outlaw

Attack the target, dealing Electro DMG.

Outro Skill: Shadowy Raid

Calcharo summons Phantom to support the on-field Resonator, clearing the targets in front with a slash. The Phantom’s attack deals Electro DMG equal to 195.98%+391.96% of Calcharo’s ATK.

Forte Circuit: Hunting Mission

Heavy Attack: “Mercy”

When Calcharo has 3 “Cruelty”, his Heavy Attack is replaced with Heavy Attack “Mercy”.

When casting Heavy Attack “Mercy”, Calcharo consumes 3 “Cruelty” to deal Electro DMG, considered as Heavy Attack damage, and recovers Resonance Energy and Concerto Energy.

“Cruelty”

Calcharo can hold up to 3 “Cruelty”.

Under Resonance Liberation Deathblade Gear state, “Cruelty” cannot be acquired.

When Resonance Skill Extermination Order hits the target, gain 1 “Cruelty”.

Heavy Attack: “Death Messenger”

When Calcharo has 5 “Killing Intent”, his Basic Attack is replaced with Heavy Attack “Death Messenger”.

When casting Heavy Attack “Death Messenger”, Calcharo consumes 5 “Killing Intent” to deal Electro DMG, considered as Resonance Liberation damage, and recovers Resonance Energy and Concerto Energy.

“Killing Intent”

Under Resonance Liberation Deathblade Gear state, Calcharo’s Forte Gauge is replaced with “Killing Intent”, stacking up to 5.

When Basic Attack Hounds Roar hits the target, Calcharo gains 1 “Killing Intent”.

Inherent Skill: Skillful Cooking

Has a chance to produce special dishes when cooking

Stat Bonus: Crit. DMG+

Crit. DMG increased by 2.40%.

Stat Bonus: ATK+

ATK increased by 1.80%.

Stat Bonus: ATK+

ATK increased by 1.80%.

Stat Bonus: Crit. DMG+

Crit. DMG increased by 2.40%.

Stat Bonus: Crit. DMG+

Crit. DMG increased by 5.60%.

Stat Bonus: ATK+

ATK increased by 4.20%.

Stat Bonus: ATK+

ATK increased by 4.20%.

Stat Bonus: Crit. DMG+

Crit. DMG increased by 5.60%.

Resonance Chain

Sequence Node 1: Covert Negotiation

When Resonance Skill Extermination Order hits a target, it additionally recovers 10 Resonance Energy. This can be triggered once every 20s.

Sequence Node 2: Zero-Sum Game

After Calcharo casts Intro Skill Wanted Criminal or Intro Skill “Necessary Means”, his Resonance Skill DMG Bonus is increased by 30% for 15s.

Sequence Node 3: Iron Fist Diplomacy

During the Resonance Liberation Deathblade Gear state, Calcharo’s Electro DMG Bonus is increased by 25%.

Sequence Node 4: Dark Alliance

After casting Outro Skill Shadowy Raid, Electro DMG Bonus of all team members is increased by 20% for 30s.

Sequence Node 5: Unconventional Compact

Intro Skill Wanted Criminal and Intro Skill “Necessary Means: deal 50% more damage.

Sequence Node 6: The Ultimatum

When casting Resonance Liberation “Death Messenger”, Calcharo will summon 2 Phantoms to perform Coordinated Attacks. Each Phantom deals Electro DMG equal to 100.00% of Calcharo’s ATK, which is considered Resonance Liberation damage.

Backstory

Forte Examination Report

Resonance Power

Phantom Hunters

Resonance Examination Report

Evaluation Basis: [Resonance Assessment 2300-G]

The Time of Awakening for Resonator Calcharo remains unclear. According to Calcharo’s report, he endured extended periods in hostile environments and faced numerous life-threatening situations. As a result, his Forte naturally awakened as a means of self-protection.

Resonator Calcharo’s Tacet Mark is located on his forehead. When Calcharo activates his Forte, a golden core manifests on his chest. Concurrently, various parts of his body displays characterstics of Tacet Discords, entangled with shadow-like thorns.

Notably, Calcharo’s body possesses a significantly higher amount of bioelectrical energy compared to the average human. He demonstrates exceptional awareness of and control over electric currents and magnetic forces.

The exact cause of Resonator Calcharo’s Awakening cannot be identified at the moment, as his Spectrum Pattern does not show similarity to any known samples.

Analysis of test samples has revealed a non-convergent Rabelle’s Curve with a gradual rise. Resonator Calcharo is thereby classified as a Natural Resonator.

“Actually… there is one strikingly similar Spectrum Pattern that we seem to have overlooked, or rather, we hesitated to entertain that possibility.”

“Yes… It’s the Tacet Discords.”

Resonator Calcharo’s waveform graph shows zigzag fluctuations. The pattern of Time Domain is irregular. Both the upper and lower peak values are high and manifest proximity to the Criticality level. The waveform displays segments of partial fuzziness and abnormal waveform can be seen.

Resonance Criticality: Relatively high, combined with extremely low stability. Risk of Overclocking is substantial.

Resonator Calcharo has a documented history of Overclocking. Maximum recorded Overclocking rating: Severe.

During Overclocking, signs of Tacet Discord erosion spreads on Resonator Calcharo’s body and the The golden Tacet Core on his chest flickers. Frequency fluctuations significantly intensifies. Multiple phantom-like entities appear.

No major incidents of civilian injuries or property damage from Calcharo’s Overclocking episodes have been found.

Resonator Calcharo possesses an extremely high risk of overclocking with an unidentified trigger. It is advised to raise his risk assessment level and closely monitor his condition.

“Dogs of War”

Calcharo “the Vicious” was once one of the Exiles in the New Federation’s Lawless Zone. He has long mastered all kinds of insidious strategies to survive. Nowadays, he has grown even more ruthless for his mercenary: Poisoning, assassination, bribery, kidnapping, bombs… He’d do whatever he found necessary to get the job done. Rumors of Calcharo’s impossible feats circulated endlessly. Some spoke of him staying in the desert for 7 days without water for a planned ambush, others of him donning bombs all over his body during a past negotiation. There were even whispers of him hiring killers to fake his assassination in a scheme to garner trust.

While potentially exaggerated, the rumors were not entirely unfathomable to those who knew Calcharo personally. However, the stories became even more outlandish as time passed…

“He single-handedly stopped a truck at 12; when he turned 15, his Forte made the whole New Federation shudder in fear. He even fought the entire country’s cops at 18 and left unscathed…”

“His chest is home to the dead spirits, and his forehead bears curses of the gods. Beneath his feet strikes thunder, and out of his eyes shoots flames. His rage will never be quenched until heaven burns down…”

“He has been to hell and back, time and time again… He will always come as a lightning, a phantom, and reclaim everything he deserves…”

The latest rumors about Calcharo have become one of the go-to topics among the mercenary members when off-duty.

But the man himself seems unfazed… He’s either desensitized already or scheming to capitalize on the rumors.

In the Lawless Zone, friends can become enemies in an instant — as common as changing air currents. Change is constant, even in the most unexpected places. What once seemed harmful can instantly become a useful tool. It all depends on how we choose to use it.

Rumors sow prejudices. Prejudices grow into misconceptions. Misconceptions produce misjudgments.

And in a cut-throat game, misjudgment of enemy strength is always a bane.

Quid Pro Quo

Calcharo started from scratch but made his reputation in only a few short years. His success stemmed from two factors: One, he was willing to take on dangerous but lucrative jobs others didn’t dare to tackle. Two, he had a flexible moral code that allowed him to work with all types of people.

He took the cash, he did the job. He promised, he delivered.

From armed protection to disposal of hazardous materials, he always got the job done flawlessly. But if his clients reneged on their end, they were in for a lifetime of being hunted by Calcharo.

Such “impartiality” earned him fear and acquiescence from other powers in the area.

Calcharo sees business as a mere exchange of values, where no job is too immoral, and no secrets are kept. Every transaction is fair game.

Nevertheless, value is not always weighed in terms of money. When faced with desperate, impoverished people begging for help, Calcharo would charge a symbolic fee of one Shell Credit in his own name. The grateful beneficiaries were unaware that this gift became their binding contract with Calcharo, and favors are never easy to repay.

Calcharo started from scratch but made his reputation in only a few short years. His success stemmed from two factors: One, he was willing to take on dangerous but lucrative jobs others didn’t dare to tackle. Two, he had a flexible moral code that allowed him to work with all types of people.

He took the cash, he did the job. He promised, he delivered.

From armed protection to disposal of hazardous materials, he always got the job done flawlessly. But if his clients reneged on their end, they were in for a lifetime of being hunted by Calcharo.

Such “impartiality” earned him fear and acquiescence from other powers in the area.

Calcharo sees business as a mere exchange of values, where no job is too immoral, and no secrets are kept. Every transaction is fair game.

Nevertheless, value is not always weighed in terms of money. When faced with desperate, impoverished people begging for help, Calcharo would charge a symbolic fee of one Shell Credit in his own name. The grateful beneficiaries were unaware that this gift became their binding contract with Calcharo, and favors are never easy to repay.

Never take an unprofitable job. This is Calcharo’s first creed, though he is flexible when it comes to the definition of unprofitable. Information, contacts, and consensus, these are as just valuable as money.

Wrought by toil and pain, many came to Calcharo for help. In their last ditch to sacrifice everything including their lives, Calcharo made an offer of “1 Shell Credit”, only with one extra condition: become his informers.

Nobody knew his intention behind such moves. But it certainly rendered Calcharo the Guardian Incarnate in the slums as his mercenary group grew.

After all, one can never know if the lady selling snacks back in the alley works for Calcharo.

The fear of unknowingly crossing paths with one of Calcharo’s associates keeps bullies from harming innocent civilians.

Beast Instict

Many Exiles were blocked from finding legitimate work in the New Federation, facing endless discrimination and prejudice.

They resorted to building camps in the country’s outskirts, and the place where they gathered became the “Lawless Zone”.

To better survive, Exiles in the Lawless Zone formed various gangs.

Back then, a gang named “the Underdogs” quickly rose to fame.

The first members of the Underdogs were just a bunch of children around the age of 12. As children, they were bullied and ousted, until one fearless boy united them. He observed those who were bullied and invited them to join. With strategic planning and unwavering bravery, the Underdogs gained notoriety among rival gangs.

In this gang, there was no hierarchy or politics — only a primal need for survival and freedom.

However, the members died one after another: murdered by rivaling gangs, betrayed by those they trusted, or trapped by deceitful patrons.

Time showed them no mercy in the Lawless Zone. It was every man for himself.

In the end, the leader boy decided to take fate into his own hands once again, risking it all in a daring gamble for power.

…

Years later, the New Federation waged war against “the Underdogs”, the last gang in the Lawless Zone. In a sudden twist, a new mercenary group known as “Ghost Hounds” annexed “the Underdogs” overnight and put an end to the chaos.

Only then did people discover that the mercenary group’s leader shared a name with the former head boy of “the Underdogs”.

He had returned in a horrific figure, almost like a ghost. He was surrounded by shadowy thorns, and accompanied by fearsome phantoms.

This time, he would reach the top of the ladder, and finish what he once failed to accomplish due to naivety, sympathy, and indecisiveness.

But despite all the time that had passed, he couldn’t shake off the memory of that one afternoon. The sun was shining down on them as they established the Underdog in a desolate dump site.

It was a rare moment of tenderness in his life.

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

“Always count your ammo, check your weapons, wear your protective gears, and make sure your Terminals are online…”

Though fully aware of the inherent danger in their profession, Calcharo still finds himself going over safety reminders before missions, or silently observing his team as they take on quests or report back. It’s a fatherly instinct he can’t shake, always worrying about their well-being despite the inevitable bloodshed.

To ensure their safety, Calcharo made a set of rules:

“Team formation is free, but members must be informed and not coerced.”

“Job details must be kept secret to external parties.”

“Observe local laws and regulations.”

“Betrayal is forbidden, punishable by execution.”

…

Behind the rules lies Calcharo’s deep care for his group.

Calcharo has always known that the abyss looks back. Staying in this kill-or-be-killed business is never the best solution.

Therefore, Calcharo decided to keep a low profile and start looking for legal business ventures.

However, his caution drew threats as some new rivals attempted to replace Ghost Hounds. In an act of provocation, they severely injured a Ghost Hound recruit, breaking one of the “unstated rules” of the underworld.

The group thought they had gotten away with their actions against Calcharo, but the following day they were wiped out from the surface of the planet. The incident was dismissed as an accidental fire. No one spoke out, though everyone knew the truth.

Barking dogs do not bite, but if you cross the sleeping dog’s line, it will be too late to run when it wakes and shows its teeth.

Domestication

When in Huanglong, you have to do as the Huanglong people do.

Because of reasons unspecified, Calcharo stumbled upon Jiyan’s troops inside the borders of Huanglong.

As a seasoned mercenary, Calcharo recognized the strategic value of Jinzhou and the threats it faced. He then proposed a deal: He would assist the Midnight Rangers in their “war” against Tacet Discords, and in return, Jinzhou would collaborate with him.

After careful consideration, Jiyan accepted this mutually beneficial deal.

Jiyan advised against Calcharo wearing his previous uniform while in Jinzhou city. Instead, he suggested adapting his attire to blend in and potentially stay for a long time due to the situation.

Following diplomatic etiquette and for practicality’s sake, Calcharo followed Jiyan’s advice and adopted Huanglong colloquialisms and attire. While his new combat uniform was functional and flexible, the decorative ribbons and patterns perplexed him. Likewise, the Jinzhou people’s unwarranted kindness left him bewildered.

Familiar with human cruelty, Calcharo could not help but suspect that this is all part of Jiyan’s secret plot against him. But Jiyan simply assured him that he’d become used to it.

Now, as the deal progressed, Calcharo has grown comfortable with the culture shock the Huanglong people brought him.

On the Loong-rising Day, one of the most celebrated festivals in Huanglong, Calcharo sat on a roof alone, watching over this “defenseless” city.

People danced in costumes of Lions and Loongs. The air was filled with joy and festivity.

Despite having endured countless battles and sacrifices, they still tried to live every day to the fullest.

These people showed him how grief is not the only way to honor the fallen. Celebrating life is another powerful way to say goodbye.

It wouldn’t be bad to permanently base the Ghost Hounds in this city, Calcharo thought.

Then something unusual interrupted his mulling.

Clouds were gathering, and thunder was crackling… Those were the omens of a forming Tacet Field.

If he and his people would eventually go live under the sun one day, then his mission was to dispel the darkness, as much as he could, before that shift eventually happened.

Calcharo unsheathed his blade and walked into the dark night. Behind him, the city’s lights glimmered with liveliness and prosperity.

The Underdog’s Nameplate

Calcharo’s nameplate from his childhood. It has lost its original color due to rust, all that remains visible are the rusty carvings of a dog. The markings appear to have been crudely drawn by a child.

Military Rations

For Calcharo, it’s a life-saving treasure.

It’s rough, but it’s good for the stomach.

In the case of extreme hunger, no matter what flavor you eat, it will feel like a heavenly delicacy.

Pungent, braised, spicy… According to him, the canned rations produced in Huanglong are a bit tastier than the ones from other regions.

Broken Fang

A short sword that Calcharo has carried since childhood.

It was there when he first rose to fame as the vicious Underdog.

Unfortunately, it was broken in an unknown encounter.

Calcharo doesn’t like to talk about the battle, but sometimes you can catch him touching the broken blade as a way to remember those who died and a time that has passed.

Character Voicelines

Thoughts: I

Misconceptions about us abound. Violence is just one tool in our arsenal, not our sole means to an end. Cooperation is our usual aim, but in a world of betrayal and deception, we must make sure backstabbing us is never worth the risk. To maintain efficient cooperation, we demand an ironclad contract with consequences… and that’s where necessary violence comes in play.

Thoughts: II

You’re quite good with your sword, but in a world like this, fighting alone will not suffice. Picture this: a single hound may not scare you, but what about a pack? Fear creeps in as you’re trapped alone, with no one to guard your back, surrounded by enemies on all fronts. They aren’t leaving without blood. Strength comes in numbers… Keep that in mind.

Thoughts: III

As a leader, one must excel in the art of deception, projecting an image of unwavering composure and offering false reassurance… Every decision you make could change lives. If a day comes when you are in charge of other people, or even the entire world, what choices will you make? Will you bear the weight of their fate, or prioritize your own desires above all else?

Thoughts: IV

You’ve done your homework on us, it seems. As mercenaries, we take on any job and always deliver… The pay is our only concern. Wherever war and chaos go, the Ghost Hounds will follow. We exist, because there is always demand for our service. How do you perceive us? Though I couldn’t care less about others’ opinions… I’m open to your thoughts.

Thoughts: V

Someday, I may need your aid. If my actions steer the Ghost Hounds off course, I’ll count on you to right my wrongs… or put an end to my existence. For now, I am happy to enjoy our current alliance.

Calcharo’s Hobby

Search, rescue, transportation, recon, group combat… Dogs are loyal and skilled in many ways. Me? I don’t keep dogs. It’s too dangerous… for the dogs, that is.

Calcharo’s Trouble

Hopefully, my guys aren’t stirring up too much trouble back at the base…

Favorite Food

Huanglong’s emergency rations. They taste slightly better than those made elsewhere.

Disliked Food

…Out in the wild, food preferences don’t matter. I only care about what’s edible.

Ideals

Humans or Tacet Discords, I’ll eradicate any danger to the Ghost Hounds. It is my sole focus to protect my people, and secure any form of momentary respite when I can.

Chat: I

The deaths of our kind are likely to go unnoticed. It’s our destiny—fleeting, like dust in the wind. Each of us bears a dog tag with our name and story etched upon it, as a form of legacy… A symbol of our existence, no less than a declaration of it.

Chat: II

In the Underworld, it’s all about survival of the fittest. Either you dominate as the apex predator, or you’re doomed to be devoured by those above you. It’s the brutal law of the land. In a world where might makes right, we must rise to the very top to remain free from others’ schemes, and preserve our autonomy.

About Jiyan

He’s a capable leader. He once recommended me an ancient tome on the art of war from Huanglong, one that I regret not acquiring sooner—it could have saved me some effort. As for the deal between us… *scoff* It was merely an exchange of interests. Nothing more.

About Mortefi

Pretentious, arrogant, and self-absorbed… That man epitomizes every trait associated with those snooty New Federation nobles. That said, I cannot deny his talent in crafting Tacetite Weapons. I can arrange a meeting with our trusted arms dealer, if he’s interested.

About Aalto

Need to reach Aalto? Here’s his contact. Mention my name for a twenty percent discount.

About Yinlin

Yinlin? That undercover agent who infiltrated my group? *huff* Easy there. I didn’t give her a hard time, provided she always stayed in her lane.

About Verina

I met her once. A prodigy in the field of botany at such a young age… Impressive.

Birthday Wishes

Happy birthday. Is there anyone or anything bothering you? On this special day, I can offer my services at a discounted price to help rid you of your problems.

Idle: I

Keep your fangs sharp.

Idle: II

*Effort Sound*

Idle: III

…I see my way clear.

Self-Introduction

Calcharo, leader of the Ghost Hounds Mercenary Group. I suppose you’ve heard about what we do. Don’t worry, your safety as my client will be guaranteed until the job is done.

Greeting

I’ll handle your commission, alone.

Join Team: I

You should have the payment ready by now.

Join Team: II

Curious you’d want me to join you in person…

Join Team: III

Let’s see if the gains will be worth the effort.

Ascension: I

This power you just gave me… Do you always trust others so easily?

Ascension: II

…Your kindness, I have certainly received. Naturally, I’ll work for you in return.

Ascension: III

Follow our rules and never betray us. As long as I’m alive, the name “Ghost Hounds” should command enough respect to grant you free reign over the continent.

Ascension: IV

*amused huff* Impressive, you’ve got a much bigger ambition than I thought. The offer you made is too enticing to ignore… Very well. I will repay you with my unwavering loyalty.

Ascension: V

I owe you a debt that cannot be easily repaid. The Ghost Hounds have their stance to maintain, and I cannot make decisions for my people lightly. However, I am willing to accept this “contract”… on my own terms. Speak, and your wish will be granted, no questions asked.

Resonance Skill: I

Sever!

Resonance Skill: II

Strike!

Resonance Skill: III

Exterminate!

Resonance Liberation: I

War spares no one!

Resonance Liberation: II

Misery follows!

Resonance Liberation: III

Unleash the fangs!

Liberation: Intro & Outro Skills

Let slip the dogs of war!

Dodge

Saw that coming.

Parry Attack: I

Weaklings.

Parry Attack: II

Do your worst.

Parry Attack: III

Pointless.

Evasion Attack: I

Caught you.

Evasion Attack: II

Too slow.

Evasion Attack: III

Now!

Evasion Attack: IV

Crush.

Evasion Attack: V

Shred.

Evasion Attack: VI

No escape.

Hit: I

Stay put.

Hit: II

Caution.

Hit: III

*Effort Sound*

Injured: I

Stay calm.

Injured: II

The dice is cast.

Injured: III

Stand down.

Fallen: I

Live… no matter what…

Fallen: II

My day… has come…

Fallen: III

I can hear the… calling…

Echo Summon

Fight for me.

Echo Transform

“All is fair in war.”

Intro & Outro Skills

Target confirmed.

Enemies Near

Who’s the prey now?

Glider

Keep your eyes open.

Grapple

*Effort Sound*

Sensor

Nowhere to hide.

Dash

It’s time.

Wall Dash

Follow me.

Supply Chest: I

The loot we find is not part of my pay. It’s all yours.

Supply Chest: II

I trust you can use it to the full.

Supply Chest: III

…This should come in handy.