OVA
Description
Elle Ragu, the 59th Sevalle of the ancient warrior kingdom Kuruda, is renowned as Shadow Skill. She earned this fighting nickname through mastery of the martial arts style of the same name, a discipline emphasizing kicks and footwork developed long ago by female gladiators denied use of their hands. Elle achieved the distinction of becoming Kuruda's youngest female Sevalle at age 14, three years before the main narrative begins.
Orphaned by disease in childhood, Elle contracted the same illness. Her older brother, Diaz Ragu, abandoned his warrior training to become a mercenary, undertaking dangerous missions to fund her medicine. Though Elle survived, Diaz's body was left severely weakened, shattering his dream of becoming a Sevalle and forcing him into blacksmithing. Elle carries persistent guilt, believing Diaz deserved the title more than she did.
Elle later encountered Gau Ban, a child orphaned by bandits who destroyed his village. She adopted him, though their initial motivations were selfish: Gau sought to steal her money and learn her techniques, while Elle wanted to test her ability to train someone to strength. Over time, they forged a genuine sibling bond. Gau trains under her to become a Sevalle, though he initially resists fully utilizing Shadow Skill’s power.
Her personality is marked by impulsiveness, heavy drinking, and frequent brawling. These tendencies cause substantial property damage, leaving her perpetually indebted; any financial windfalls are immediately claimed by debts or damages. Despite her combat prowess, Elle struggles to express emotions outside of battle, particularly toward Diaz.
Elle's combat abilities encompass mastery of Kuruda-style Kōsappō, divided into Hyōgi (Open Skills, focusing on punches and throws) and Eigi (Shadow Skills). Her signature Shadow Skill techniques include Sword (a flame-encased kick), Dagger (a vertical cross kick), Chainsaw (high-speed revolving kicks), and Boomerang (a neck-grabbing spin kick). As a Sevalle, she also wields Gates Genesis techniques like Cannon (a disintegrating energy blast) and Kamui (hyper-acceleration that erases her presence).
A significant early rival was Fia Arcana, later known as Faulink Maya. Fia blamed Elle for her father’s death and sought vengeance using forbidden talismans. After a duel in a collapsing mine, Elle saved Fia from debris, prompting Fia to question her guilt. They later discovered Fia’s father was actually killed by another disciple, Louie Francil. This revelation transformed their rivalry into a deep, sister-like friendship, with Fia often acting as Elle’s moral compass.
Throughout her journey, Elle faces numerous challenges, including battles against high-level warriors seeking to claim her Sevalle title. She participates in critical conflicts like the defense of Kuruda against the Soulfan army, where Gau confronts her former comrade-turned-traitor Kain Phalanx. Her growth is intertwined with mentoring Gau, whose emergence as a formidable warrior forces her to reconcile her role as both fighter and guardian.
Orphaned by disease in childhood, Elle contracted the same illness. Her older brother, Diaz Ragu, abandoned his warrior training to become a mercenary, undertaking dangerous missions to fund her medicine. Though Elle survived, Diaz's body was left severely weakened, shattering his dream of becoming a Sevalle and forcing him into blacksmithing. Elle carries persistent guilt, believing Diaz deserved the title more than she did.
Elle later encountered Gau Ban, a child orphaned by bandits who destroyed his village. She adopted him, though their initial motivations were selfish: Gau sought to steal her money and learn her techniques, while Elle wanted to test her ability to train someone to strength. Over time, they forged a genuine sibling bond. Gau trains under her to become a Sevalle, though he initially resists fully utilizing Shadow Skill’s power.
Her personality is marked by impulsiveness, heavy drinking, and frequent brawling. These tendencies cause substantial property damage, leaving her perpetually indebted; any financial windfalls are immediately claimed by debts or damages. Despite her combat prowess, Elle struggles to express emotions outside of battle, particularly toward Diaz.
Elle's combat abilities encompass mastery of Kuruda-style Kōsappō, divided into Hyōgi (Open Skills, focusing on punches and throws) and Eigi (Shadow Skills). Her signature Shadow Skill techniques include Sword (a flame-encased kick), Dagger (a vertical cross kick), Chainsaw (high-speed revolving kicks), and Boomerang (a neck-grabbing spin kick). As a Sevalle, she also wields Gates Genesis techniques like Cannon (a disintegrating energy blast) and Kamui (hyper-acceleration that erases her presence).
A significant early rival was Fia Arcana, later known as Faulink Maya. Fia blamed Elle for her father’s death and sought vengeance using forbidden talismans. After a duel in a collapsing mine, Elle saved Fia from debris, prompting Fia to question her guilt. They later discovered Fia’s father was actually killed by another disciple, Louie Francil. This revelation transformed their rivalry into a deep, sister-like friendship, with Fia often acting as Elle’s moral compass.
Throughout her journey, Elle faces numerous challenges, including battles against high-level warriors seeking to claim her Sevalle title. She participates in critical conflicts like the defense of Kuruda against the Soulfan army, where Gau confronts her former comrade-turned-traitor Kain Phalanx. Her growth is intertwined with mentoring Gau, whose emergence as a formidable warrior forces her to reconcile her role as both fighter and guardian.