Laurentina

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Laurentina (劳伦缇娜)
Alias(es)	Shark; Painter; “ordinary bounty hunter” (cover identity)
Species/Race	Abyssal Hunter
Gender	Female
Affiliation	Abyssal Hunters; later travels with Zuo Jian and Skadi
Occupation/Role	Hunter; combatant; traveling artist under the “Painter” identity
Status	Active
First Appearance	Chapter 2 2

Background / History

Laurentina is an Abyssal Hunter separated from her squad during an operation. After collapsing on the shore, she was captured by the Church of the Deep and held for a month and nine days, enduring repeated injections and torture while restrained in a prison cell. Despite this, she retained enough will to communicate rationally with Zuo Jian after he awakened inside her body. 3

Zuo Jian had possessed Laurentina while she was dying at sea, allowing her to reach shore alive. His presence initially horrified her—she attempted to destroy the eye that appeared on her hand—but she eventually accepted him as someone to speak with during captivity. Their conversations and his ability to block her pain helped her recover emotionally from the isolation and experimentation. 3 4 6 9

With Zuo Jian absorbing the Originium solutions used in the experiments and reshaping her flesh into weapons and clothing, Laurentina broke free from the Church of the Deep. She killed the lead surgeon and numerous cultists, then pursued Bishop Quintus through the church complex. Her first escape attempt nearly failed when exhaustion, wounds, and concern for Zuo Jian stopped her from fighting as recklessly as she once would have. 8 9 10

After defeating Quintus, Laurentina left the church disguised as a nun and set out for Saltwind City, determined to locate Gladiia and her other missing Hunter companions. Along the way, she met Irene and later became involved in the Inquisition’s investigation of the Church of the Deep. 14 15 17

In Saltwind City, Laurentina adopted the identity of a wandering Painter and befriended Anita. She and Zuo Jian intervened against the Church’s exploitation of the city, helped its residents begin rebuilding their lives, and left behind Xiu Tina, a consciousness created from Laurentina’s blood and Zuo Jian’s material. 26 27 49 50

After leaving Iberia, Laurentina traveled through Victoria with Zuo Jian, Skadi, and later the Doctor. She reunited with Skadi only after the latter mistook her regenerative body for a Seaborn creature and attacked her. 85 87

During the Sarkaz cult incident, Laurentina’s rage at seeing Elara captive drove her into an uncontrolled assault. Zuo Jian ultimately regained control of her body by using their emotional bond, preventing her from killing Theresa, another victim of the cult. 178 183 185 After Zuo Jian’s temporary departure, Laurentina awakened with greatly amplified senses and flesh-manipulation abilities; she later reunited with him when he awakened in Theresa’s body. 186 187

Appearance

Laurentina is a silver- or white-haired young woman with crimson eyes and a delicate face. Her appearance can be altered through Zuo Jian’s fleshcraft, allowing her clothing, hair, and even facial presentation to change rapidly. 15 33 85 170

• Silver-white hair and clear crimson pupils. 10 15
• Often wears a living dress formed from Zuo Jian’s flesh; its hem can move as limbs or form weapons. 6 9
• Can manifest Zuo Jian’s azure eye through her hand, clothing, or sapphire-like brooch. 3 6
• Uses a shark-toothed Hunter hat and mantle-like combat attire when preparing to fight. 10 170
• Her body can regenerate severed limbs and reconnect them, though damage to her head remains dangerous. 85

Personality

Laurentina is exceptionally strong-willed. Prolonged torture and isolation did not break her, and she adapted to Zuo Jian’s presence rather than rejecting him outright. She values companionship deeply, especially after the loneliness of captivity, and remains worried about the fate of Gladiia and her squad. 3 4 6 14

She is playful, teasing, and highly interested in clothing and aesthetics. She enjoys provoking Irene, argues with Zuo Jian over whether she should call herself a sculptor or painter, and eagerly critiques the outfits he creates for her. 7 16 23 26

In combat, Laurentina can be ruthless and intensely violent toward the Church of the Deep and similar threats. She nevertheless shows empathy toward victims, risks herself to save Dario, treats Anita patiently, and develops maternal affection toward Xiu Tina. 9 20 26 49

Laurentina is also impulsive and possessive. She sometimes acts before considering danger, such as cutting through unstable Originium crystal clusters, and becomes distressed when Zuo Jian leaves her side without warning. Her attachment gradually develops into openly expressed romantic feelings and a determination to remain beside him. 42 57 158 170

Abilities & Skills

Abyssal Hunter Physiology

Laurentina possesses exceptional strength, speed, and combat instincts as an Abyssal Hunter. Her training allows her to shift rapidly from civilian behavior into a combat-ready posture. 20 32 170

• Vaulted over a church wall and collapsed a tunnel ceiling with a weapon-assisted dive. 20
• Tore a passage through a vast Originium crystal field in under half an hour. 57
• Her physical output became strong enough to crack stone underfoot and overwhelm opponents at close range. 32
• Her battle instincts remain intact even when she has not fully changed into Hunter attire. 170

Symbiosis with Zuo Jian

Zuo Jian has assimilated with Laurentina’s body, acting as an external brain and providing protection, regeneration, sensory support, and biological reshaping. He can also take control of her body when necessary. 3 4 12

• Zuo Jian can sever Laurentina’s pain signals, shielding her from the Church’s injections. 3
• He absorbs Originium solution injected into her, preventing its intended effects on her body. 6
• He can reinforce her body, repair wounds, and expel embedded projectiles. 9
• He prioritizes protecting Laurentina’s brain during combat; severe head trauma remains a significant concern. 85
• Separation from Zuo Jian leaves Laurentina emotionally distressed but appears to amplify her perception and flesh-shaping potential. 186

Flesh Manipulation

Through the symbiosis, Laurentina can reshape parts of her body and clothing into hardened biological constructs. 5 6

• Her left arm can become a steel blade, though the altered limb is awkward to wield as a weapon. 5
• Her clothing can form hands, tentacles, mirrors, mouths, eyes, and humanoid disguises. 6 9 61
• She can create temporary detached bodies, though she cannot perfectly reproduce every appearance Zuo Jian has used. 95
• She can rapidly change into disguises or her Hunter outfit while moving. 14 170
• A forcibly detached construct weakens and shrivels within roughly two seconds. 5

Meat Saw

Laurentina’s primary manifested weapon is the Meat Saw, a serrated flesh-and-blood weapon with forms ranging from a handheld cleaver-saw to an oversized long-handled circular saw. 5 10 20

• Its folding form is designed to feel closer to holding a conventional weapon than transforming her arm into a blade. 5
• It can be enlarged by additional flesh to increase its cutting power. 20
• Laurentina uses it for high-mobility attacks, including pole-vaulting and diving strikes. 12 20
• By mobilizing blood into the weapon, she can drastically increase its rotational force and shredding capability. 12
• The construct disperses when she is too exhausted to maintain her connection to it. 8

Enhanced Perception and Mapping

Laurentina can use her transformed biology for scouting and battlefield awareness. Her sensory range expands dramatically after Zuo Jian leaves her body. 171 186

• Created a real-time three-dimensional map of her surroundings while traveling. 171
• Can share the view of a remotely extended eye with Zuo Jian. 58
• Upon awakening after Zuo Jian’s departure, sensed every humanoid lifeform throughout the Duke of Warwick’s residence and felt her range continuing to extend. 186

Social Adaptability

Laurentina can speak Iberian and the mainland common language, though she is far less confident with writing and local customs. She learns through observation and is willing to use cover identities to navigate unfamiliar land-dweller society. 15 24 44

• Presented herself as a bounty hunter to Irene. 15
• Later settled on “wandering Painter” as her preferred cover identity. 26
• Her attempts to communicate with Saltwind City residents initially caused major misunderstandings. 24
• She relies on Zuo Jian for written Iberian and broader cultural knowledge. 44

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Meat Saw — Living serrated weapon manifested through her symbiosis with Zuo Jian. 5
• Sapphire brooch — A decorative form of Zuo Jian’s eye, usually worn on her chest. 6
• Hunter outfit and weapon case — Combat attire associated with her Abyssal Hunter identity. 170
• Abyssal Hunter emergency bank card — Part of a three-card safehouse reserve intended to fund land operations. 79
• Terra Guide — Reference book carried during her travels and used to research local peoples and regions. 58

Relationships

• Zuo Jian — Symbiote, external brain, traveling companion, and the person most important to Laurentina after her captivity. He saved her life at sea, supported her escape, and helps regulate her abilities. Laurentina fears being left behind by him and later openly expresses her wish to be his. 9 42 158 170
• Gladiia — Laurentina’s captain. Laurentina remembers her as demanding but caring and remains determined to find her after their separation during an operation. 6 14
• Skadi — Fellow Abyssal Hunter and companion. Their reunion begins with Skadi attacking Laurentina under the belief that she is a Seaborn impostor; they later travel together and interact like close friends or sisters. 85 170
• Irene — Iberian Inquisitor whom Laurentina rescues and repeatedly teases. Irene is wary of Laurentina but continues to work alongside her against the Church of the Deep. 15 16 43
• Dario — Grand Inquisitor saved by Laurentina and Zuo Jian after being gravely wounded beneath the church. Their relationship begins with distrust and a confrontation but develops into cooperation over Saltwind City and Iberia’s corruption. 20 32 43
• Anita — Saltwind City girl who befriends Laurentina through her Painter identity. Laurentina shows unusual patience with Anita and is moved by her optimism despite the city’s hardship. 26 27
• Xiu Tina — A secondary consciousness formed using Laurentina’s blood and Zuo Jian’s material. Laurentina names her, is protective of her resemblance to herself, and treats her with maternal affection. 49 50 166
• Doctor — Traveling companion and frequent source of rivalry. Laurentina is possessive toward the Doctor, though she also shows concern for her injuries and safety. 70 74
• Vina — A rescued girl toward whom Laurentina initially displays jealousy and competitiveness. 110
• Elara — Friend whose captivity triggers Laurentina’s rage during the Sarkaz cult incident. 178

Story Role / Major Arcs

Church of the Deep Captivity

• Endures over a month of imprisonment, torture, and Originium experimentation before Zuo Jian awakens within her. 3
• Accepts Zuo Jian as a companion after he helps suppress her pain and offers to limit his control over her body. 3 4
• Escapes the Church, kills the lead surgeon, and fights the cult’s forces despite exhaustion and injury. 8 9
• Defeats Bishop Quintus using the Meat Saw and her enhanced body. 12

Saltwind City and Iberia

• Travels to Saltwind City to search for her missing Hunter companions. 14
• Meets Irene and Dario, becoming entangled in the Inquisition’s investigation of the local Church of the Deep. 15 17
• Helps save Dario by allowing Zuo Jian to temporarily replace his damaged organs. 20 22
• Befriends Anita and aids Saltwind City’s residents through the Painter identity. 26 27 49
• Leaves Xiu Tina behind to guide and support the city’s survivors. 50

Victoria Journey

• Travels through the wilderness with Zuo Jian, learning to temper her impulsiveness and adapt to life on land. 57 58
• Meets the Doctor and later reunites with Skadi after a violent misunderstanding. 61 85
• Uses her Hunter emergency funds to support the group’s life in Victoria. 78 79
• Assists against gang threats, relying on the Meat Saw’s blunt form to defeat attackers without necessarily killing them. 112

Sarkaz Cult Incident

• Pursues Zuo Jian after cultists use Laurentina’s body as a puppet and imprison him in another body. 178 181
• Loses control in her attempt to rescue him and Elara, becoming powerful enough to shatter Skadi’s greatsword. 183 185
• Is stopped when Zuo Jian uses Sanity Liquid and their emotional connection to regain control of her body. 185
• Awakens with heightened abilities after Zuo Jian’s departure, then reunites with him when he returns in Theresa’s body. 186 187

Notable Quotes

“I just think having someone who can draw inside me means we'd probably have plenty to talk about. Since you don't mean me any harm, I might as well treat you as an extra person to chat with.” 4

“I don't care! I want you back! Right now!” 42

“I just wanted to experience what it feels like to be Zuo Jian—to face everyone every day with his feelings and state of mind.” 170

Trivia

• Laurentina initially insists on calling herself a sculptor, but changes to “Painter” after realizing it is easier for Saltwind City’s residents to understand. 23 26
• She is interested in fashion and enthusiastically reviews the clothing Zuo Jian creates from her flesh. 7
• Her written Iberian is poor despite her confidence in her spoken language skills. 44
• She considers Zuo Jian a weapon-companion in a sense similar to the lessons she received from Ulpian. 49