SERENA ANTONIETTA

The Generation of Despair refers to the first wartime generation, born on the brink of the Apocalypse and forced to grow up in a crumbling world. Trapped in a world that was collapsing around them, with evacuation and hunger as their only companions, the Generation of Despair grew up brighter than most people that were forced to live in such times. Since their lives began with war, there was never peace to be taken away from them.

Maybe that is why the Generation of Despair, contrary to its name, symbolizes the hope of the surviving members of humanity. When the Magisters joined humanity and conducted a census for the Arche Factor, this generation had the highest rate of Arche manifestation. Later records would reveal that out of the "Firsts," including the very first Descendant, Raley, nearly half were from the Generation of Despair. Included among them was the Military Chaplain, Serena Antonietta, the holy fire spewing "Sister of Light".

Serena was devoted enough to join the antiquated Order of Knights while hundreds of knights were dying daily at the hands of the Vulgus and the Colossi.

Serena's rise to prominence came when the Magisters, who had defected to humanity, awakened Arche in human DNA. Serena was also tested for Arche at this time and was determined to be a new kind of soldier, called a "Descendant." Among these "Descendants," she had the easiest time adapting to modern firepower, and was particularly adept at using it to develop her Arche abilities.

Serena's abilities manifested in the form of emitted Arche light particles. Serena's abilities became known as "Holy Fire" and were powerful enough to rival beam weapons, but could also be used to target Vulgus DNA. Using an extremely high concentration of radiation, she could burn out the Vulgus mutations. Applying these properties, Serena used her Arche to cure the Vulgus infection. Her light was a beacon of hope for her people and of dread for her enemies. Another unexpected benefit of her Arche was that she was able to spend time with her crush, fellow Descendant Raley, while healing him.

But the shy feelings faded as the Descendants were deployed to the frontlines. Serena's mission at the time was to investigate the epicenter of the Apocalypse in order to prove the Magisters' Dimension Isolation Theory. Serena promised her family of Knights, her comrades-in-arms, and her crush, Raley, that she would return soon... But, no one knew it would be the last time they'd see her. The epicenter of the Apocalypse was the most heavily polluted area, now called Sigma Sector, and it contained not only Void Contamination, but also a darker plot than anyone could have ever imagined. As the last light was extinguished, Serena faced despair for the first time. Death seemed so far away, but there also seemed to be no hope of waking again. There was only pitch-black darkness enveloping her body... as all her senses began to shut down.

Serena prayed with all her might, until her consciousness faded. If only I could wake once again, I would burn with a light that would never be extinguished. I will restore hope to all, I will be a ray of sunshine for Raley...

After the echoes of her wish reverberated for a century, Serena's prayers were finally answered. She opened her eyes once again, still in Sigma Sector, but, with unfamiliar Descendants standing over her, surprised. Serena realized instinctively, that The Age of Despair had not ended yet. As she promised herself in her hundred years of prayer, she joined the new generation with an unquenchable radiance.

This time, with a new prayer, to never again have to feel such despair...

Attributes

Fire / Singular / Dimension

Base Stats (Level 40)

Max HP: 1,402
Max Shield: 413
Max MP: 243
DEF: 2,325
Shield Recovery (Out of Combat): 3.96

Skills

Divinity — Passive Skill
Serena gains an additional stat bonus when firing a firearm in midair.

Sacred Flame — Active Skill (Singular)
Fires flames in the direction of the crosshairs to deal damage and inflict Repentance. On hitting an ally, grants Blessing. Repentance acts the same as Burn. Firearm attacks against enemies inflicted with Repentance have a chance to recover Rounds for the firearm in use. Additionally, when an enemy with Repentance is killed, inflicts Repentance on nearby enemies. Flames pierce terrain when used on the ground and explode when colliding with terrain when fired in midair.

Ascension — Active Skill (Singular)
Greatly decreases gravity while this skill is active. Firearm attacks while in mid-air have additional effects depending on the Rounds in use. However, Jump and Grappling Hook charge times have been adjusted.

Soar — Active Skill (Dimension)
When used on the ground, Serena shoots into the air. When used in midair, Serena moves quickly in the direction of movement and Reloads the currently equipped weapon. Additionally, Serena's number of Jumps is reset and holding down the skill key increases the distance traveled.

Redemption — Active Skill (Dimension)
When used on the ground, removes all debuffs on Serena and all allies within range, and grants Prayer of Redemption. When used in midair, grants Redemption's Judgment to self.

Modules

Ancestor Module (mandatory): Hope’s Resolution – the only Ancestor Module available for Serena.

Best Modules for Gun-Build / Airtime Focus:

• Focus on Fire: +77.2 % Fire Skill Damage, -6.1 % Cooldown
• Singular Specialist: +76.1 % Singular Skill Modifier
• Dimension Specialist: +76.1 % Dimension Skill Modifier
• Midair Fire: +15 % Air Accuracy, +64.2 % DEF
• Hymn: Increases flight distance and movement speed in midair
• Superconductive Bombing: Bomb drop while hovering
• Nimble Fingers: -25.6 % Skill Cooldown
• Skill Expansion: +92.3 % Skill Range
• Time Distribution: -14.3 % Cooldown +52.4 % HP
• Battering Ram (Trigger): Reduces Fire Resistance in a 12 m radius by up to 25 %
• Divine Surge: Replaces normal flight with a dash that leaves a fire trail

Weapons

Serena is extremely weapon-dependent. The best weapons for the Gun-Build (Airtime + Fire synergy) are:

1. Ancient Knight – perfect Air synergy with Soar and Float

2. Divine Punishment – strong Buff/Debuff synergy with Sacred Flame

3. Enduring Legacy – Burn synergy through Repentance

4. Truly Deadly Arson – pure Fire specialization

→ The Supreme Art of War (complete weapon recommendations for Serena)

Reactor & External Components

Best Reactor: Burning Singularity (Skill Duration + Skill Cooldown or Skill Cost)

Best External Set: Ascending Armory (4-Piece) – Max HP + DEF on all pieces

Faction Effectiveness

Colossus Weaknesses