⋰　****FINDINGS　⋰

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BACKGROUND DETAILS

🕰️ Timeline Context

• There is a power shift within the Onychinus, with Sylus' absence leading to unrest and the rise of a new figure, Mr. Sherman.
• The mention of 67 days by OTTO suggests a countdown to completing a significant project, possibly the Fountain of Atei.

🏰 Key Locations

• The Elysium Bar is a hub for information and deals, a place where secrets are traded for a high price.

🐉 Sylus's Nature & Powers

• The little girl's description of Sylus was a revealing clue to his myth form. She describes him as a "monster with huge wings that never dies" and "has horns," matching his revealed myth form's physical traits. Before the myth announcement, her description may have seemed like a child's exaggeration or urban legend, but it now makes perfect sense as foreshadowing.
• Mr. Sherman's Role: The mysterious mention of Mr. Sherman implies a figure either closely tied to Sylus or possessing enough influence to threaten him. Given Sherman's interest in MC, he may see her as leverage or as key to some greater plan involving Sylus, perhaps tied to Sylus' status as Onychinus's leader.
• Human Experimentation: In The First Deal and Nightmare Finale, the revelation that the Wanderers have human features amplifies a theme of human experimentation and human consciousness being merged with the Wanderers.
• Sylus' cryptic description of his Aether Core's ability to expose hidden desires reinforces the idea that it's integral to his identity. It also aligns with his manipulative tendencies. </aside>

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SPEECH AND INTERACTIONS

• Sylus's actions and words suggest a mix of motivations. It looks like he's testing MC, pushing her to her limits, but also giving her support. He seems calm and collected, as if he wants to stay in control and probably figure out what MC is capable of.
• MC's internal thoughts reveal her skepticism and determination. She is cautious of Sylus's intentions but also recognizes the need to navigate the dangerous environment of the N109 Zone. She is both defiant and strategic in her interactions with Sylus, trying to understand his motives while protecting herself.

"If he died, he'd drag the entire N109 Zone to hell with him. That's just how he is." — MC She paints him as someone who is dangerous and has an almost apocalyptic presence. The line also hints at her respect (albeit begrudging) for his power and influence.

• Sylus grabbing MC's wrist and holding her in his arms creates an intimate yet tense moment between control and cooperation.

"And should you have the audacity to die on me—You actually will meet your end." — Sylus Sylus's warning is both a threat and a form of protection. It suggests that MC's chances of survival depend on her ability to follow his instructions. This shows that Sylus has two roles: protector and manipulator. He uses fear to make MC do what he wants, but he also seems to want to keep her safe.

"Since when was I required to investigate the files the Hunters Association had on you?" — Sylus Since the day you were keeping tabs on MC, pookie 😁 But seriously, he mentioned her record at the Hunter Association. So he knows about her work and activities. It serves as evidence that he was keeping an eye on her.

• MC finds herself in a weird conversation with a grumpy crow named Mephisto. After accidentally hurting its wing, MC tries to make amends, but is met with a series of indignant caws. Sylus quips about MC's newfound ability to "speak bird." MC, unfazed, claims she's merely translating his pet's grievances. Sylus points out that Mephisto gets very upset when people call him a "pet.”

"Whether you're with me or by yourself, you can't escape my influence. Please, don't be delusional." — Sylus He is framing his influence as inescapable, asserting his control over MC. Kind of a mix of arrogance and acknowledgment of their connection.

• His act of placing his wine glass in MC's hand is both symbolic and practical, asserting dominance in an almost playful manner while subtly testing her patience.

"Compared to you, a bar is more obedient." — Sylus Sylus' dry humour here underscores his ability to balance levity with tension. While mocking, it also reveals his comfort with her, as he wouldn't engage in banter with someone he didn't respect or value.

"Sure. Think of it like that," — Sylus Deliberately ambiguous reply. While it might sound like confirmation, his tone and the wording suggest he's being evasive or sarcastic rather than giving a straightforward answer. Sylus often uses vague or indirect replies, especially when discussing personal matters, which aligns with his guarded personality and his tendency to toy with MC's curiosity.

"Have you gone mad?" — Sylus This sarcastic, understated reaction to MC's boldness shows Sylus' calm dominance and how he remains unfazed even in intimate moments. However, his lack of rejection hints at intrigue and possibly hidden affection.

"Enjoy it. This is one of the two good things I can think about you." — MC

This moment is playful and teasing, showcasing MC's growing comfort in engaging in banter with Sylus. Her tone carries a subtle mix of sarcasm and charm. The statement implies that despite her frustrations with him, she can't help but acknowledge his attractiveness. Her boldness here, casually delivering a compliment wrapped in mockery, reflects her attempt to regain some control in the dynamic by poking fun at him. For Sylus, this moment might amuse him, as he tends to appreciate MC's moments of sharp wit. This exchange highlights the dynamic tension between them, where playful insults and veiled admiration create a flirtatious undercurrent.

"I don't know if I should say it, though." — MC "Then don't." — Sylus

Sylus is poking fun at MC's hesitation. His tone suggests he's gauging her confidence and determination. By telling her not to say it, he might be subtly daring her to push past her hesitation and assert herself. Sylus frequently employs this tactic to prod MC into confronting her fears or uncertainties, whether to toughen her up or satisfy his curiosity about her character.

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SYLUS CHARACTER & DEVELOPMENT

• 2-2
• 2-4
• 2-5
• 2-6 </aside>

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MC CHARACTER & DEVELOPMENT

• 2-1
• 2-2
• 2-5
• 2-6 </aside>

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SYMBOLISM AND FORESHADOWING

• The black flower offered by the little girl may symbolize mystery, danger, and death. In literature and symbolism, black flowers often represent the unknown, the forbidden, or the sinister. They can also signify strength and rebellion, which fits the chaotic and dangerous environment of the N109 Zone.
• The Flux Nexus: Its destruction by Sylus suggests Sylus' intent to dismantle the system, that created something he wants to destroy or to avenge those lost to the experiments.
• The Brooch: This symbolizes trust and control. By challenging MC to take it, Sylus establishes a dynamic where power must be earned, not given. This brooch may also foreshadow future trials that require MC to prove her worth to Sylus or others. It could also be something he genuinely wanted to give her, but he made her fight for it to ensure she truly desired it. If he had simply handed it to her, she might not have valued it as much. Sylus fastening it to MC could foreshadow a reluctant partnership or indicate his growing attachment to her. </aside>

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CHRONOLOGICAL PLACEMENT

• Occurs after the Main Story "Long Awated Revelry" Ch.1. </aside>

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SPECULATIONS ABOUT LORE・STORY PLOT・FINAL DESTINY

• "Onychinus's important guest got lost." / "Mr. Sherman's not going to sit around and leave her unattended." — Mysterious Figure Mephisto gutting rats and crushing monitoring equipment may imply that the rats are being utilized by someone — possibly Mr. Sherman or his underlings — as a network of spies. Sherman could have intercepted a rat that captured Sylus's remark about MC being an "important guest." If he monitors rat activity in real-time, it's possible he heard this directly, which would explain why he immediately mobilized his search party to find her.

• There was a conversation in which the customers hinted at "big changes" in the ranks of Onychinus during Sylus's absence. Someone may have tried to seize control or fragment the organization, creating a precarious situation for Sylus upon his return.

• Mr. Sherman seems to be a rival within Onychinus, attempting to undermine Sylus's leadership. He may be linked to the Fountain of Atei project.

• Mysterious Figure: If he's Sherman's underling, it hints at a factional power dynamic, with Sherman possibly exploiting Onychinus's internal instability to gain an advantage.

• Sylus may be an integral part of the mentioned experiments, either as a victim or a failed prototype.

• The **brooch'**s significance might extend beyond the immediate challenge, potentially serving as a key to Sylus's trust or a literal artifact tied to his past.

• Sylus's ability to reveal hidden desires might be a double-edged sword, ultimately isolating him from others. This could foreshadow a narrative arc where he must confront his own suppressed emotions to achieve true resonance with MC.

• Unanswered questions

See all the speculations in one place!

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⋰　TRANSCRIPT　⋰

01｜Alone

02｜Night Raid

04｜The First Deal

05｜Nightmare Finale

06｜Agreement

▸ Bond｜Affinity Level 15, Bond "Midnight Stealth" + SMS "Banquet Eve"