Meinya

Meinya is affectionate, curious and comfortable around Prushka and the travelers she befriends. Its behavior is animal-like, but it responds readily to people and can communicate simple reactions through movement and vocalization.

Despite its small size, Meinya remains comparatively composed during dangerous situations. Its unusual physiology also allows it to accompany travelers into environments that would severely affect ordinary surface animals.

Meinya's most important property is the scent produced by its fur. By smelling Meinya, a person can temporarily perceive the flow of the Abyss's force field.

This allows humans such as Prushka and Riko to identify safer routes when ascending, reducing their exposure to the Curse. It does not make them immune; they must still move through paths where the force field is sufficiently thin.

Meinya's large ears also permit flight or controlled movement through the air. Its compact body makes it easy to carry during expeditions.

Meinya initially appears as Prushka's beloved companion at Ido Front. Its ability helps demonstrate that the Curse is tied to the force field rather than being an unavoidable effect applied uniformly throughout every part of the Abyss.

After Prushka is turned into a cartridge and her Life-reverberating Stone becomes Riko's White Whistle, Meinya leaves Ido Front with Riko's group and continues descending with them.

In Iruburu, Meinya's injury also gives Riko her first direct encounter with the village's system of value and balancing.

Prushka is Meinya's original owner and closest companion. She receives Meinya from Bondrewd on her tenth birthday and gives the creature its shortened name.

Bondrewd gives Meinya to Prushka as a birthday present.

Riko takes responsibility for Meinya after leaving Ido Front, and the creature subsequently accompanies her into the Sixth Layer.

Reg and Nanachi travel alongside Meinya as members of Riko's group.