Mantis

The subject's physical structure closely mirrors that of some known calamitous apostles, namely the Mantis tribe. Her biological organs and abilities include high-speed vision, super reflexes, and a chitinous exoskeleton. This allows her to adapt to the extreme survival conditions within the Black Ring.

The subject typically appears during the active period of the Black Ring in DisSea, and was personally detained by the MBCC Chief. Unlike some other Sinners who have been in DisSea for a long time, her body still retains some vitality, but vastly differs from human physiology.

In a state of total corruption, she has almost completely lost her humanity and rationality, making communication impossible.

The subject was once a member of the Black Ring Expedition, but due to missing data, her identity cannot be confirmed. The subject has been wandering in DisSea for a long time, and is often sighted. FAC personnel refer to her as "Mantis."

Currently detained by and under the management of the MBCC. To date, no obvious abnormalities or incidents of harm have occurred. Everything is under the MBCC's control.

After the subject was detained near DisSea under the Illusory Moon, she was placed in confinement for observation and treatment. Since it was impossible to communicate with her using normal means, the MBCC was instructed that the Chief would personally reach out to her via psychic diving.

Upon investigation, the subject's original name was discovered to be Marguerite Nash. She was a member of the Black Ring Expedition, and a renowned archaeologist and survival show host during the early days of the post-Perishing Star era. Throughout the later stages of her career, she was dedicated to pursuing and studying the Tide of Ashes and calamitous apostles.

The production team the subject was part of was confirmed to have perished due to an accident ▉▉ years ago. She was the sole survivor. Her impressive archaeological and survival skills led to her joining the Black Ring Expedition.

During her time with her Black Ring Expedition, the subject firmly believed that the calamitous apostles could be understood and communicated with. She left the team on her own on Day ▉ and has been missing since.
Her body, affected by Mania, has assimilated with the apostle tribe "Mantis." Since then, she has been wandering around DisSea.

Mantis, female, 171cm tall in her infected state. Her physiological structure is consistent with the calamitous apostle tribe "Mantis," thus her name. Her body is covered in an insect-like chitinous shell, and some of her habits are also similar to insects. Currently, she is shackled in the containment room by the MBCC Chief, waiting to undergo psychic diving.

After the completion of the psychic diving, the subject has been placed in the containment room for long-term observation. She appears to maintain a strong sense of curiosity and goodwill. However, severe Mania contamination and other unknown factors cause adverse physical mutations in humans around her. Therefore, contact with her should be avoided by anyone other than the Chief.

Due to her physiological structure, the subject has retained some insect habits. Her senses are extremely sharp, capable of hearing sounds from several rooms away. The subject seems to have a certain desire to express herself and attempts to communicate with other individuals. However, apart from the Chief, no one can understand what she is trying to express.

Compared to the food produced in the cafeteria, the subject prefers "collecting" fresh ingredients. After being counseled by the Chief, this behavior has been curtailed.

[Mantis is staring at a wilderness survival show on TV.]

Mantis: There's a better way... Their way is... dangerous...

Chief: ......

• Prompt: Next time, let's find an opportunity and get Mantis to teach them.
• Mantis: Can I still go... into the forest?
• Mantis: 😘

• Prompt: This isn't real wilderness survival. It's scripted.
• Mantis: So... they're safe and sound... Good...
• Mantis: 😦

[Mantis hands you a box of homemade food that seems to have been made from something dried.]

Mantis: Here... Eat this...

Chief: ......

• Prompt: Is this really edible?
• Mantis: Insects... They're highly nutritious... You should eat more...
• Mantis: 😘

• Prompt: How about you set an example and take the first bite?
• Mantis: I specially made this... for you... It's good for health. I... can eat it some other time...
• Mantis: 😉

⚠ Opening Package

Mantis's found herself an unexpected side gig.

System Notifications: Those inside and Sinners slowly got to see Mantis for the warm-hearted soul she is. They're not scared anymore; in fact, they've started to rely on her sharp appendages to slice open their parcels.

• Prompt: If anything gets damaged, it's on you to cover the costs for Mantis.

⚠ Special Therapy

Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures.

System Notifications: Mantis's mind is shattered; she perceives the world differently, which stalls her hypnosis-based healing. The therapist believes she requires a unique approach, but can't seem to find the right angle.

• Prompt: Maybe some nature documentaries could be the key?

⚠⚠ Missing Ingredients

There's always a sneaky cat in the kitchen, looking for a treat to steal, but this time it's a different kettle of fish.

System Notifications: Those Sinners have appetites as mighty as their strength, leading to a higher burn through the food supplies. The kitchen, a frequent pit stop for their hunger pangs, often finds its stores inexplicably depleted.

• Prompt: Check the lost items list

Chief: Three bags of flour, five boxes of dried mushrooms, two kilograms of frozen chicken breast...

Chief: It's different this time; it's raw ingredients that are missing, not the usual finished snacks. Seems like it's not our regulars. What does the surveillance footage show?

System Notifications: Supervision System: Suspect identified, believed to be the Sinner Mantis.

• Prompt: Let's go find her then.

Mantis: You're here... looking for me... what do you need...?

Chief: Look, the Supervision System caught you snagging a hefty stash from the kitchen. I swung by to check if maybe we've been shorting you on grub.

Mantis: Don't sweat it... I'm getting my fill... every single day...

Mantis: Thing is, things could go sideways any minute... best to pile up now... while the pickings are good...

Mantis: And you... don't forget... If you're swamped with work... I can lend a hand with prep...

Chief: Great, I'll be counting on you then.

⚠⚠ Cocooning

Mantis was reported for interfering with others' use of the Training Room.

System Notifications: Mantis is often in the hot seat for her untamed survival tactics, and you've grown quite accustomed to it. But this time, the beef someone has with her seems a bit off the beaten track.

System Notifications: Complaint ticket: Mantis and her cohorts have commandeered a section of the gym, keeping other Sinners from their fair share of the workout gear.

• Prompt: Go check the situation

Mantis: And then... if you thread it through here... voila, that's a wrap... The sturdiness is commendable... Seems like it could hold its own against a sandstorm...

Kawa-kawa: Incredible! I've got to take this baby for a spin the first chance I get!

• Prompt: Interrupt

Chief: What in the world are you two up to?

System Notifications: You've caught Mantis red-handed in a corner of the gym, seemingly crafting a massive cocoon, with Kawa-kawa screeching up a storm nearby.

Kawa-kawa: Ah, Chief, there you are! Word on the street is that Mantis is a pro at making do in rough conditions. I'm picking up some tips on crafting an emergency shelter!

Mantis: That's right... You interested in... picking up this skill... maybe...?

Chief: This shelter's tied up a bit tight, don't you think? It's like you're prepping to metamorphose or something...

Mantis: But this way... it'll hold up stronger... useful for bracing against... storms and the like...

• Prompt: Ask why

Chief: Alright, after all's said and done, how's Kawa-kawa gonna hatch from this cocoon? He's not equipped with your kind of cutters.

Kawa-kawa: Spot on! Chief, you've got a real knack for this!

Mantis: Looks like we need to... take this for another spin...

Chief: Keep at it, you two. But make sure to take down the cocoon after your experiment; don't hog the gym space.

⚠⚠⚠ Cozy Nook

Mantis has crafted a cozy nook all her own.

System Notifications: Mantis has been easing into life at the Bureau, and she's even got her own little slice of the greenhouse now, courtesy of a special permit.

Chief: Looks like that wraps up the day's tasks. Time to see how Mantis is getting on.

System Notifications: Supervision System: Sinner Mantis's been spotted in the greenhouse.

• Prompt: Go check the situation

Chief: Wow, this cabin you've built, Mantis, it's quite the cozy retreat. You've outdone yourself with this little marvel.

Mantis: Thank you...

System Notifications: This cabin's handmade quality is seriously impressive, but glancing around, you can't shake the feeling that you're missing a trick.

• Prompt: Short on essentials
• Chief: Hey Mantis, doesn't it seem like we're short on some home necessities?
• Mantis: Home... necessities?
• Chief: Yeah. This place is Mantis's own little world. Shouldn't it feel more lived-in?
• System Notifications: She appears lost, so you bring over a selection of household goods from Faye for her to pick out.
• Mantis: I want... this...
• Chief: You're settling for just this stationery set? Alright, if it's Mantis's choice, that's all that matters.
• System Notifications: Days later, you drop by again and spot the notebook left open on a corner rattan desk, poised as though expecting its owner to resume jotting down notes any second now.

• Prompt: Low on snacks
• Chief: Mantis, shouldn't we get some food for this spot?
• Mantis: Eats...? Food stash...? Got that covered...
• Chief: Checked out your pantry and it's well-rounded, for sure. But you know, some snacks could really cozy up the place beyond just the basics.
• System Notifications: She can't quite grasp what a snack is, so you grab a variety from EMP for her to pick from.
• Mantis: Too oily... too salty... doesn't sound like growth food... This is edible...?
• Chief: Sure, they're not for everyday, but an occasional treat can spice things up.
• Mantis: Something like these... colored sugar blocks?
• Chief: Absolutely. I hope Mantis gets to do more than just get by; I hope she gets to actually enjoy life.
• System Notifications: Next time you swing by, the nook's got more than just staples. There are snack wrappers scattered about—signs of someone getting a taste of the good life.

⚠⚠⚠ Hunter

Mantis gets ready to pounce, every muscle tensed for the hunt.

System Notifications: Out in the yard where they can breathe easy, the Sinners really let loose and chill out. Mantis does too—she's always got this softer edge when she's out touching grass.

Chief: Such a perfect afternoon... Hold up, how on earth did Mantis get up that tree?!

System Notifications: Today, as you wander by, there's Mantis—suspended from a huge tree, her blade-like legs shining cold and deadly, staring down at some Sinners who are picnicking underneath.

• Prompt: Try to evacuate
• Chief: Hang on, I didn't think the cafeteria was doing fries today. Where'd you get those, huh?...
• EMP: Chief's on the move! Everybody, bail out! Time to scatter!
• System Notifications: The rule-breaking Sinners dash off in a hurry, leaving just a picnic blanket flapping in the breeze, and under one corner, a shadow flickers past just for a second.
• Prompt: Go up and check
• System Notifications: You make a move to scope out what that shadow really is, but Mantis beats you to it, agilely diving from the canopy, lunging at the elusive shape.
• Mantis: Missed it... bummer... That was a top-notch source of protein and calcium gone to waste...
• Chief: Seems like that's a rabbit that bolted from the kitchen... Mantis, were you aiming to snag it for a bite?
• Mantis: This is a rare find... You've been working hard... Time to load up on protein and calcium...
• Chief: Thanks for the concern, Mantis. I've been keeping on top of my nutrition, but to put you at ease, let's have rabbit at the cafeteria tonight, my treat. What do you say?
• Mantis: Really?... That's kind of you...

• Prompt: Wait and see how things unfold
• Chief: ...
• Mantis: This instant... right now...!
• System Notifications: Mantis springs from the canopy with a speed that's a blur to the eye, zeroing in on the picnic blanket right under the picnicking Sinners.
• EMP: Oh no, no, no!!! I was wrong, so wrong, I never should've charmed those fries out of the kitchen staff! Have mercy, hero!
• Chief: ...Was that the rabbit that got away from the kitchen?
• System Notifications: The Sinners have bolted, and now it's just Mantis, touching down lightly, clutching her catch: a chubby bunny.
• Mantis: This one's for you... it's not often we get this kind of game around here... You've been putting in the effort... You could use the boost of protein and calcium...
• Chief: Thanks, Mantis. Let's bring it back to the cafeteria for the cooks to do their magic, and we'll dig in together.

Wilderness Trek

In the inescapable wilderness
She chases both hope and death

[Phase One]

Marguerite records a trailer for the fourth season of her tv show, Marguerite and Friends' Wilderness Trek, which will attempt to explore the Tide of Ashes in order to document and study the Apostles of Ash that live within. She is joined by her friends Mil, a driver who had worked with her on previous seasons before retiring but returned due to excitement for this expedition; Raziel, a young navigator who nervously regrets signing up for this dangerous mission; and Laila, a professor and Tide of Ashes researcher who was her senior in school. The others ask why Marguerite is so fascinated with the Apostles, and she explains that early attempts to study the Tide ended in failure and led to fear in academic circles about continuing the work. But this fear only made her more determined to unravel the mystery, and she believes that the Apostles hold the answers. Marguerite expresses a little doubt about their ability to execute the mission, but the others reassure her and shore up her confidence.

[Phase Two]

Within the Tide of Ashes, the panicking crew is pursued through the sandstorm by monsters. Their gear, from high tech instruments to a simple compass, are rendered useless by some kind of energy interference. Working on a theory she and Laila developed about the Apostles' movement patterns toward the Black Ring, Marguerite successfully directs them to a clear patch where they witness the totality of the enormous mass of dark, humanoid Apostles. Marguerite begins filming, but is interrupted by a vague humanoid voice emanating from the monsters. The Apostles begin to take notice of the crew, and they flee again. After finally escaping from the sandstorm, the crew reviews their work; though Laila was able to acquire enormous amounts of data, Marguerite's camera failed to capture any visual representation of the Apostles' humanoid forms. Despite their narrow escape, the team is determined to return to the Tide of Ashes and continue their research.

[Phase Three]

Ambushed by an unseen Apostle, the crew's off-roader crashes, killing them all except for Marguerite. After regaining consciousness, Marguerite wanders through the wasteland, searching for her companions. She finds mementos of them scattered across the land, while a distant voice speaks to her about the nature of Apostles' existences and her own theories about the ability to communicate with them because of their origin in human consciousness. She ultimately begins to hallucinate having found the other three, but is interrupted by an unfamiliar person. The Guide of the Keylan Expedition appears and takes her back to the team's base camp to treat her injuries.

[Phase Four]

At the expedition's camp, the mechanic repairs Marguerite's camera but refuses to play along with Marguerite's attempt to interview her. She has more success with Dreya and the captain, but her filming is interrupted as a team returns with one wounded member and another who was abducted by an insectoid monster. Banyan writes the missing person off, but Marguerite runs from the camp to try and rescue them. She is stopped by the mechanic, who challenges her motives, and Marguerite admits that her mission is to study the Apostles, and that she can't stop now that her friends have died in pursuit of her goal. The mechanic warns that her chances of survival alone are zero, but Marguerite shrugs it off and promises to return.

Deep in the jungle, Marguerite discovers a colossal, dimly glowing insect nest. The same distant voice speaks to her again, telling her that the only way to understand the Mantises is to dive into their emotions and embrace their instincts. She tries to focus on their communication, and again begins to hallucinate her dead companions, who act as though Marguerite has been missing. They ask her to come back to them and to stay with them forever, as Marguerite breaks down and cries that she was unable to do anything without their help.

The Chief's voice breaks through the mirage and reminds Marguerite that her friends a really gone. The false landscape crumbles away as she accepts reality, and Mantis enters her corrupted form, no longer able to understand the Chief's words. Nevertheless, as they give her an old, rusted camera, Mantis remembers how to use it.

May every lost child in the wilderness
Witness the eternal truth in destruction

A chitinous shell that boasts excellent environmental adaptability and defensive capacity.

Survival of the fittest. Only the strong shall live.