Ash
Lancer
One of City Eight's latest transfers, Michael Wagenbach stands out not for his physical presence—which is modest and unassuming—but for the quiet strength and resilience that define his character. His journey to City Eight began under duress: forced conscription into the Union, a fate shared by many in the aftermath of global upheaval. This transition marked the start of a new chapter, one that would test both his endurance and his sense of self.
At his core, Michael is a charmer at heart—compassionate, analytical, and deeply empathetic. He had just graduated from Yale University in 2001, specializing in psychology, when the portal storms and the collapse of international order upended life as he knew it. Raised in a culturally rich, middle-class American household, Michael's upbringing was shaped by his Japanese mother and German father. His mother’s heritage, with strong family ties that persisted in the United States, played a significant role in his identity. When forced to relocate and America was no longer an option, Michael chose Japan—a decision that honoured his mother’s roots and offered a sense of continuity amid chaos.
Now formally in City 8, Michael aims to work under the union, specifically as a collaborator. Michael views this as a way of stabilizing things, whereby his cooperation with the union, with the intention of helping others, is far greater than any form of resistance. Justifying loyalty with a blend of logic and trauma experienced from both the war and conscription. He understands the combine's motives are cold and brutal; however, it is far more preferable than outright death.
This character biography will detail the overall development of this character and his venture through Lancer 3.
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