Main story ends at chapter 80. Hoping for side stories though.
Ending pace was pretty rushed, but feels fit for the genre of horror tropes.
Honestly, the memories thing is apt for their return to a normal life.
Doha would not have murder memories and would not be that much of a sadist/psycho towards Bada (hopefully), and they could have more couple-like interactions. And with Bada remembering, he wouldn't have any curiosity as a horror-fan to check out the site in search of a missing cousin.
Hope the side stories, if there are any, would have callbacks to moments during the game:
-Pigtails - hope Doha has an urge to play with Bada's hair
-Noodles dish - wish Bada requests it from Doha, and Doha seemingly wonders why he isn't as fond of the taste anymore
-Bestfriend - have the friend see Bada in a cute hairstyle, calling him an angel and becoming friends (this would enable some jealous Doha scenes)
-Side couple - maybe Bada could help be a cupid for the side couple in a side story
-Promised reward - this may be the thing I would accept for Doha to remember, especially during a college vacation so they can make the promise true
This had a great premise for the story, however current development... Seems to have lost the story's essence?
The MC's skills were plausible from his background - acting honed through cons up to 30s(?) age.
The skills developing further in the theatre arc was great to see since a relationship was also formed with the father figure.
But the descent into different personalities seems abrupt when taking into consideration that he did not show such symptoms with his previous life of acting out different personalities for cons.
Plus, there's a great sense of disbelief needed with the current lore: the story seems to require delving into the realm of disbelief for supernatural stories with its current progression (Low-key expecting a possession to be the viable reason for such disconnect with MC's background).
Plus, it's a pity that his biological father wasn't mentioned as even a passing thought when he was out of the limelight for 3 years.
Will probably just check out random chapters in hopes it gets back to the lore-believable interesting plot. Comments on latest chapters are appreciated as it's a great gauge of when the random chapter can be looked at. ٩(๑❛ᴗ❛๑)۶
So latest chapter riddle + NPC interaction gave great clues. As I don't really play horror games, feel free to correct any ideas below.
As Bada wasn't initially part of the group, but served as the usual warning giver in horror games - he could be a beginning-only NPC, thus different from the "players".
If Bada isn't part of the offerings, I theorize he still can get out due to the NPC not being in the game anymore after having the puzzles solved. Bada may have evolved from being the "warning" to be the "guide" as others have theorized (unknowingly availed by the group through Doha's plans - not guaranteed option).
We have hope that since the NPC pointed to both of them via the blind and defier clue, Bada will be part of the process. They could both be blind and defying characters (Doha blind to clues and defying the game through killings, while Bada is blind to his NPC part while possible to defy initial role to become guide or defy being stuck in game). The blood mixing may be the key to set free Bada as NPC into being recognized as a player, or after helping free the others, his role as guide will be solved and no more resets.
Alternatively:
I imagine an ending similar to Spirited Away of the area losing "magic" after solving it + suspense with Doha not having initial contact with Bada after clearing the game. Threats to the cousin to let them meet, then Bada arriving in motorcycle (no memories), and Doha making sure Bada does not come close to the site preventing Bada from being trapped in game. (This is bittersweet since the author could make Bada with memories stuck in game forever while no-memory Bada lives with post-game Doha?)
Good read so far. Love the bright personality of the FL, she is endearing in her perseverance and honest efforts to do her best.
As of current chapters (35+), the dynamics of the characters are great. The care of the household for FL's well-being is lovely - evident from their worry when she canonically went missing for a few days.
Currently content if black hair will be the ML (per earlier comment spoilers). The author may have wanted to mix up the usual tropes of different ML characters:
• Marquess portrays the usual 2nd ML dynamics well from a supportive friend perspective with comical banter who wishes the best for FL, with the usual background of a main ML (reputation of a monster/cursed, incredible wealth, previous saviour fondness).
• Prince gives off the usual main ML vibes (sudden interest, hidden power maybe, yandere potential) - he seems to have the trope of yandere 3rd ML.
• Captain... Love the design honestly. I predict he would be the character with actual 2nd ML vibes. The what-if scenario of what could have been since they had great moments in first timeline. Hope the FL gets her own subjugation squad and she recruits her old team, saving them even before they could become "troublemakers", with even the captain hopefully joining them.
P.s. wish the Marquess had brown hair, it would fit more with his 2nd ML personality, plus funnily his basic art compared to other MLs reinforces his character vibes of 2nd ML for me (one who usually does not get the FL at the end) - author's attempt to subvert the tropes maybe. Also wish they had better canon connections with each other, instead of the sponsorship initiated by the Marquess... At least the master was introduced again before the 50th chapter, so the master would be the parental/guardian role.