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"Sorry, seems our dance ends here, twin tails. I'd like to have keep going but orders are orders. A shame too as I was hoping to figure you out more." |
Dario Espada (エスパダ・ダリオ, Esupada Dario) is a member of the Magic Council and a recently promoted Executioner within the Avalon Brigade. Previously holding the rank of Squad Captain and leader of his own unit, Dario has since become recognized as one of the most talented individuals within the organization.
Dario's approach to justice is notably unique among his comrades within the Brigade as instead of blind adherence to orders, he exercises personal judgment, evaluating situations through his own lens rather than strictly following the Brigade and Council's decrees. He'll follow his orders as best he can however but it's this philosophy that sets him apart, highlighting his belief in a nuanced approach to law and order.
During the ambush on Francine Azure, the leader of the Cross Sector Guild, he encountered Niten Dōraku, an S-Class mage from Northern Light, who not only matched but exceeded his abilities. This battle sparked an unusual interest in Dario, igniting a unexpected motivation within the squad captain to face her again as he trains digilently under Ichijou Kaneyasu, the Brigade's most skilled swordsman.
Appearance[]
Dario's general appearance.
Dario's physical appearance is characterized by his dark hair, which falls slightly over his forehead in a relaxed manner, complementing the laid-back aspect of his personality. His expression is stern yet passive and is always seen with a cigarette in his mouth, further enforcing his easy-going, carefree demeanor despite the formal attire.
His usual attire is a sophisticated military-style uniform that exudes a sense of casual authority. The uniform is primarily a black themed style, which is accentuated by bold, golden trimmings that outline the contours of the outfit. The trim is meticulously placed, running parallel to the edges of his high-collared jacket, which adds to the structured and formal appearance.
His jacket features ornamental golden braids that loop across the right chest area, a detail that often signifies rank and distinction within military regalia. The shoulders are reinforced with what appears to be epaulets, adding a sharp, commanding presence to his silhouette.
Dario's appearance after his training under Ichijou.
After undergoing intense training under Ichijou Kaneyasu and becoming an Executioner, Dario's appearance has transformed to reflect the rigorous discipline and refined swordsmanship he has acquired. His laidback demeanor remains, but there’s now an unmistakable edge to his presence, one that signals his newfound strength and focus. Physically, Dario's build has become more defined as his lean, athletic frame has gained even more toned muscle. His dark hair is now longer and more controlled, falling past his shoulders but still maintaining a somewhat tousled, effortless look. It is often tied back in a low ponytail to keep it out of his way during combat.
Dario now dons a more streamlined version of his military uniform. The black and gold color scheme remains, but the design is more fitted and functional, allowing for greater mobility during combat. The high-collared jacket has been replaced with a simpler, sleeker coat that still carries the same golden accents, though they are more subdued, reflecting his shift away from outward displays of rank to a more practical, battle-ready style. His coat is secured by a single belt at his waist, which now carries the katana given to him by Ichijou, a symbol of his dedication to mastering swordsmanship.
The ornamental golden braids that once decorated his chest have been removed, replaced by more subtle markings of distinction. His epaulets remain, though they are less pronounced, indicating that while Dario still holds authority, his focus has shifted towards honing his skills rather than displaying his rank. His black gloves now feature reinforced padding, further indicating his readiness for combat at a moment’s notice.
Personality[]
Dario has a very laidback personality and tends to approach life with an easy-going attitude. He doesn't let much rattle him, even in the heat of battle, where he's been known to exchange friendly compliments with his opponents, as he did with Niten Dōraku. Despite his relaxed nature, Dario is sharp and perceptive, always calculating his next move when it matters. His brilliance is undeniable, but his laziness often overshadows his true potential. He’s the type who could easily rise to the top if he cared enough to put in the effort—but more often than not, he’s content with taking the path of least resistance.
What sets Dario apart from his comrades in the Avalon Brigade is his distaste for unnecessary violence. While many of them take pleasure in the thrill of killing, he doesn’t share that bloodthirsty appetite. He’ll follow orders when necessary, but his personal code leans more toward a nuanced sense of justice. Dario prefers to evaluate situations on his own terms, sometimes bending the rules if he feels it’s the right thing to do. This streak of independent thinking doesn’t always sit well with his superiors, but it’s what makes him such a unique force within the Brigade.
However, when something manages to light a fire under him, Dario becomes incredibly focused. His unfinished duel with Niten, where she clearly had the upper hand, has driven him to seek out new heights of power. For the first time in a long while, Dario is pushing himself, undergoing intense training under Ichijou Kaneyasu, all with the goal of challenging Niten again. This determination reveals a deeper side to Dario—one that craves improvement and won’t rest until he’s satisfied with his own growth.
Relationships[]
Avalon Brigade[]
Gen'ichirō Itozuma[]
Dario’s relationship with Gen'ichirō Itozuma is one of reluctant respect as while Gen'ichiro is the Supreme Commander of the Avalon Brigade, Dario doesn't agree with many of the iron-clad rules the man has installed. He often plays the role of the dutiful subordinate, following his orders and staying within the boundaries set by his superior, but his laidback and independent nature contrasts sharply with Itozuma’s ideals.
There’s an unspoken understanding between them that Dario while brilliant and reliable when needed, is very unmotivated and lazy that causes no amount of headaches for Gen'ichiro who recognizes that potential.
Ichijou Kaneyasu[]
Ichijou represents everything Dario aspires to be when he's truly motivated: disciplined, focused, and unflinchingly powerful. As the Brigade’s master swordsman, Ichijou commands both fear and admiration, and it’s this skill that has drawn Dario to him. Though Dario is notoriously lazy, his encounter with Niten sparked a rare fire within him, leading him to seek out Ichijou for training.
Ichijou is one of the few who can see through Dario’s lackadaisical demeanor, recognizing the untapped potential within him alongside Gen'ichiro.
Trident Alliance[]
Northern Light[]
Niten Dōraku[]
Dario’s battle with Niten Dōraku was a turning point in his life, one that shook him from his usual lethargy and ignited a competitive fire within him. During their confrontation, Dario found himself both outmatched and utterly captivated by Niten as her beauty and her strength/skill exceeded his, and rather than being frustrated by the loss, Dario was intrigued. He even flirted with her mid-fight, impressed by her technique when she managed to easily fend off his stronger attacks. She has become a source of motivation for Dario, pushing him to train harder under Ichijou in the hopes of facing her again.
He usually calls her by the nickname "Twin-tails"