Lothaire

Lothaire is a survivor of the Fallen Ark who rebuilds himself as a Pugilist and assassin after EsGod steals his awakened Esper ability. He joins the Black Star Army to repay Han Xiao for capturing EsGod, becomes its lone Shadow Guard and the founder of the Assassin's Society, and eventually advances to Beyond Grade A.

Biography

The Flickering World

Lothaire loses his home when Fallen Ark attacks his colonial planet, then survives EsGod tearing away the Esper ability that had briefly saved him. Rescue workers recover him from space, and his hatred drives him through harsh Pugilist training until he becomes a bounty hunter dedicated to killing Fallen Ark criminals. News that Black Star captured EsGod leaves him grateful but purposeless, so he joins the Army and accepts Han Xiao's observation. Once trusted, he performs independent assassinations against the Blood Gold Organization and begins building the covert Assassin's Society as an Army subsidiary. (Chapters 898–914 and 956)

Intelligent Plague and the Association

Han Xiao sends Lothaire into Modo territory with the Deity Assassinator and a broad mandate to eliminate strategically valuable targets. After years of attacks, Lothaire independently decides that assassinating one of the Modo Three Kings will do more than continuing to kill subordinate officials. He succeeds, escapes the immediate hunt through stealth and careful movement, and teleports out with a King suit delivered by Han Xiao's forces. The killing destabilizes Modo's leadership and hastens its withdrawal from the Flickering War, while Han Xiao responds by hiding Lothaire and suspending the Assassin's Society for decades. (Chapters 986–994 and 1178–1184)

Sanctum Revival and the Super Crisis

Lothaire spends his enforced disappearance training under extreme load and remains committed to being Han Xiao's “blade in the dark” rather than seeking independence. Decades of growth culminate in his advancement to Beyond Grade A, with sharpness and armor penetration becoming the defining traits of his Pugilist energy. He then helps train Karlot, imparting martial insight while refining his own control. During the World Tree war, Lothaire fights Holy Tree Emissaries directly; Karlot rescues him from a poisoned ambush, after which Lothaire suppresses the toxin and returns to the battle alive. (Chapters 1235, 1249–1251, 1314–1315, and 1424)

Appearance and personality

Lothaire is a middle-aged man with a hoarse voice compared to worn bellows. As a bounty hunter he wears a mechanical mask, while later training scenes show him as a tall suited warrior. He is laconic, indifferent to praise, disciplined, and extraordinarily persistent. Revenge initially gives his life direction, but loyalty to Han Xiao gradually becomes an equally important motive. He is decisive enough to exceed his orders, yet calmly accepts reprimand and years of enforced seclusion afterward. (Chapters 898, 901, 913–914, 1184, and 1235)

Abilities and class

Lothaire is a stealth-focused Pugilist who grows from Calamity Grade into Beyond Grade A. He can reduce his presence, conceal tracks, survive in vacuum because of the bodily changes left by his lost Esper ability, and execute precise high-value assassinations. He also possesses a Medium Luck Glow. After advancement, his energy emphasizes cutting sharpness and armor penetration, complementing his daggers and close-range technique; even so, his last battle shows that concentrated Beyond Grade A opponents and specialized toxins can still endanger him. (Chapters 898, 994, 1183–1184, 1314, and 1424)

Relationships

• Han Xiao: Han Xiao's capture of EsGod gives Lothaire closure, and his later training, equipment, protection, and trust make Lothaire fiercely loyal. Lothaire repeatedly refuses the option to leave and found an independent force.
• EsGod: EsGod destroys Lothaire's home and steals his first Esper ability, becoming the object of a lifelong revenge campaign until Han Xiao captures him.
• Karlot: Lothaire trains Karlot in practical combat after reaching Beyond Grade A. Karlot later saves him from a killing blow and demonstrates that his own martial art has surpassed his teacher's power.

Items

Lothaire's signature mission weapon is the Deity Assassinator, a broken golden spear that grows more effective against highly influential targets and is used to kill a Modo leader. After advancing to Beyond Grade A, he instead requests a customized pair of daggers from Han Xiao. His heavy training suit is load equipment with no combat capability. (Chapters 986, 1180, 1235, and 1314)