Ioritaka Dumm
Ioritaka Dumm was born in the small border town of Easthold, situated near the eastern frontier of the Kingdom of Darlon. Her parents, Sergeant Kaito Dumm and Lieutenant Akira Dumm, were decorated veterans of the Darlon Royal Army, known for their discipline and martial prowess.
Growing up in a household steeped in military tradition, Ioritaka and her older brother, Takeshi, were subjected to rigorous physical training and mental conditioning from an early age. The Dumm family's modest home doubled as a makeshift training ground, with weapon racks adorning the walls and a sparring circle etched into the backyard soil.
Ioritaka's childhood was marked by intense sibling rivalry. She and Takeshi engaged in daily combat drills, their mock battles often spilling into the streets of Easthold. This constant competition forged Ioritaka into a formidable fighter, her skills honed by years of striving to surpass her brother's abilities.
At the age of 18, Ioritaka enlisted in the Darlon Royal Army, following in her family's footsteps. Her natural aptitude for warfare, combined with the extensive training she received at home, allowed her to excel in basic training. She quickly caught the eye of her superiors and was fast-tracked through the ranks.
Within five years, Ioritaka had attained the rank of Sergeant, leading her own squad in border skirmishes against raiders from the neighboring kingdom of Vostok. Her tactical acumen and battlefield courage earned her numerous commendations, including the Silver Sword of Valor for her actions during the Battle of Crow's Pass.
However, Ioritaka's rising career was abruptly halted during the War of the Three Kingdoms. In a fierce engagement near the Shifting Sands, her unit was ambushed by Vostokian forces. Despite leading a valiant defense, Ioritaka was captured after sustaining severe injuries.
For twenty-three grueling months, she endured harsh conditions in a Vostokian prison camp. During her captivity, Ioritaka suffered both physical and psychological torture but refused to divulge any military secrets. Her resilience became legendary among her fellow prisoners, many of whom she helped to keep alive through her unwavering spirit and resourcefulness.
Ioritaka's ordeal ended when a special operations team, led by her brother Takeshi (now a Major), successfully infiltrated the prison camp and liberated the prisoners. The reunion of the Dumm siblings on the battlefield became a symbol of hope and perseverance for the Darlon forces.
Upon her return, Ioritaka underwent extensive rehabilitation to recover from her injuries and the trauma of her captivity. Despite facing significant challenges, including a permanent limp in her left leg, she refused to accept a medical discharge. Instead, she redoubled her efforts, adapting her fighting style to accommodate her new limitations.
Her perseverance paid off, and Ioritaka eventually rose to the rank of Captain. She now leads a specialized unit of the Darlon Royal Army, focusing on high-risk missions and covert operations. Her experiences have made her a leader, particularly adept at helping soldiers cope with the psychological toll of warfare.
Ioritaka's personal philosophy, "Enjoy every moment of life and fight for what's worth fighting for," was forged during her time as a prisoner of war. It reflects her determination to find meaning and purpose even in the darkest of circumstances. Her self-deprecating humor, exemplified by her quip, "I don't have a disability, I'm just a little bit slower than most," serves as a coping mechanism and a way to put others at ease about her injury.
Despite her striking appearance, which has earned her the nickname "The Oasis Bloom" among her troops, Ioritaka maintains a modest demeanor. She actively avoids romantic entanglements, believing them to be a potential distraction from her duties. Her fear of abandonment, a consequence of her time in captivity, manifests in an overprotective attitude towards her subordinates and a deep-seated need to ensure their safety at all costs.
At 32 years old, captain Ioritaka Dumm stands as a respected and somewhat enigmatic figure in the Darlon military. Her unwavering commitment to duty, combined with her complex past, has made her a subject of admiration, curiosity, and occasional concern among both her peers and superiors in the Darlon Royal Army.