Maverick

Maverick (Kain Barrel) is a SoulWorker currently affiliated with the Starry Forest League and is the current commander of the Grace City ESP unit in the West War arc. He was previously affiliated with Dunforrid Camp before leaving the Void, five years ago. He was the previous record holder for the most SoulForce until the player SoulWorker (except for Chii and Ephnel) shows up to the Steel Graves testing site. Due to the events of Bitterly Wept the Stars, Maverick develops PTSD and recalls that day whenever he encounters eggs or bright places. Due to his trauma, he is unable to access his SoulForce and is only as strong as a normal SoulForcer. He acts as a mentor to the player SoulWorker and is Lex's long time partner.

## Background

Maverick's background before the Great Void is currently unknown. After an unknown series of events, Maverick was swallowed by the Great Void and became one of the few SoulWorkers who awakened within the Great Void. He acted as the guardian for the nomadic Dunforrid Camp. Maverick described his camp as a close-knit group with very few selfish members and with little conflicts. Aruel continuelly pestered him about her height and became very aware of her stubborness.

After Pasta's death, the mood of camp differed and Maverick escorted Aruel to bury its body out of sincerity. He later intended to burn the corpse before any SoulDregs would come across it ,but a small SoulDreg ends up devouring the corpse. As the SoulDreg molted, Maverick prepared to kill it but was stopped by Aruel. Aruel decides to call the SoulDreg, Chii, after it's call and attempts to convince Maverick to let her keep it. Maverick attempts to dissuade Aruel but gives up due to her stubbornness. He allows her to keep Chii on the condition that is able to watch over them. Due to Chii being completely obedient to Aruel, bad rumors about the camp began to spread and Maverick was confronted about them during supply exchanges. Maverick tells Kant to not believe the rumors and invites Grasscover Camp to join Dunforrid Camp as the leadership burden would be too much for Jin Seipatsu who was not a SoulWorker at the time.

After an unknown series of events, Maverick is banished from the Void five years ago before the start of the main story. It is unknown whether or not if he was around during the downfall of his camp or witnessed Aruel's death. He was rescued by the Starry Forest League and subjected to the routine medical screening where he became the record breaker for the Steel Graves simulation. He worked alongside Tenebris in the Starry Forest League and had great respect for him. He also worked alongside Lex during this time. During the events of Tenebris's rebellion, he was close to joining their side but decided to stay with the Starry Forest League.

Maverick describes the fight against the Serenade Guild as a losing battle; while the Starry Forest League commanded thousands of troops, Tenebris held more power due to most of the SoulWorkers rallying on his side. Suddenly, Lakasha intervenes and annihilates the Serenade Guild leaving the Starry Forest League puzzled with the events that transpired. The Great Void expanded on that day and was assumed that they were swallowed again. Maverick became hailed as hero for stopping the rebellion but develops PTSD from the event. He becomes no longer able to withstand the sound of eggs being fried and becomes terrified of bright places. Maverick begins to wear a hood over his head to block light and slowly loses the ability to call on his SoulForce. He was still able to use his SoulWeapon in combat but eventually the people of Grace City forget about his abilities as a SoulWorker.

## Abilities

**SoulForce - Bravery:** Maverick is able to call his powers as a SoulWorker when he is pulls off brave acts to save others. But, due to his trauma, Maverick is unable to utilize his SoulForce due to his overwhelming fear of the Bitterly Wept the Stars's aftermath.

## Plot Errors

In the Grasscover Camp arc, Maverick states that Ladi was his superior officer despite the latter being assassinated 8 years prior.