One thing I love about the Tokyo Debunker fandom is that (at least a majority of us) are big fans of the MC.
I usually don’t like it when they make the MC in these type of games a big coward but I can’t even blame the poor girl because she’s been through SO much. & I love the see that multiple people makes appreciation posts for her & also feel bad for all the stuff she has to deal with.
Note: I want to share some of my concepts about Kyklos (she is so beautiful!). However, you know what? My usual theory and headcanon posts are getting a bit lame, so how about we roleplay a bit today instead?
Disclaimer: Like many in the institute, you are not exactly innocent or moral, my dear, so don't jump me for this.
warning: wall of text
ft: Hyde, Romeo
PROJECT METADATA & AUTHORSHIP
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR(S):
Lead Researcher: Dr. [DISPOSED]
Field Biologist: Researcher [DISPOSED]
Data Analyst: Specialist [DISPOSED]
Co-Investigator / Surviving Archivist: [REDACTED] (Identity secured for active field preservation)
𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐅𝐈𝐋𝐄
Project Title: Project Anthesis: Anomaly Kyklos Isolation and Structural Pathogenesis Study
Subject Designation: Subject Anthozoa-V (Colloquially referred to within internal logs as "The Blossom")
Epidemiological Classification: Class-V Hyper-Ancient Parasitic Metamorphosis Anomaly
Active Patient Ledger: 14 Confirmed Infestations (0 Recovered, 13 Terminated, 1 Missing in Field)
If you are reading this document, there is a high probability that I am no longer alive. Whether that outcome was caused by the nature of this project, the actions of the Institute, or my own poor decisions remains uncertain. Regardless, I believe my findings deserve to survive even if I do not. This journal serves as both a research record and a personal account of Project [REDACTED], an independent investigation into an anomaly known as Kyklos.
Among all documented anomalies, Kyklos remains one of the most fascinating entities I have ever encountered. Official records classify it as an ancient high risk anomaly due to its unpredictable nature and the catastrophic effects it has on human hosts. Despite that classification, I find it difficult to view Kyklos as merely a threat. There is something strangely beautiful about it. Perhaps it is the contradiction of its existence. It resembles a thousand souls trapped within a single body.
Like many anomalies, Kyklos propagates itself through humans. However, unlike conventional parasitic entities, it does not fit neatly into any existing category. It is not a parasite, yet it behaves like one. It is not a chimera, yet it displays characteristics commonly associated with chimeric organisms. The true origin of the anomaly remains unknown, and its life cycle has never been properly documented. This is largely because successful containment of Kyklos specimens is extremely rare. Most of the individuals currently housed within our laboratory were never Kyklos themselves. They were victims of the anomaly's curse. Officially, they are patients. Unofficially, they are also our t̷e̷s̷t̷ s̷u̷b̷j̷e̷c̷t̷s̷.
One of the most frustrating aspects of Kyklos research is the complete absence of a predictable victim profile. Most anomalies exhibit recognizable patterns when selecting hosts. They may target individuals of a certain age group, physical condition, psychological state or geographic location. Kyklos demonstrates none of these tendencies. Over the course of our investigation, we have failed to identify a single meaningful connection between infected individuals. Every victim appears unrelated to the last, making predictive prevention nearly impossible.
My interest in Kyklos began years ago during my school days. While reading a biology textbook, I discovered a brief section dedicated to anomalous organisms. Most of the material was unremarkable, but the entry regarding Kyklos immediately captured my attention. What fascinated me most was not the information that was present, but the information that was missing. Nearly half of the designated pages were blank because no further research existed. The only confirmed recommendation was to avoid contact with the anomaly under all circumstances. Naturally, such a warning only made me more curious.
Although the Kyklos Curse appears to have little effect on me personally, I exercised considerable caution when assembling my research team. Contrary to popular belief, I do have limits, and I had no desire to be held legally responsible if something went wrong. Admittedly, the legality of this project is questionable from the outset. Darkwick Institute has devoted substantial resources toward preventing unauthorized observation, containment, and experimentation involving Kyklos. Official protocols require extensive approval, trained specialists, and Institute oversight. We ignored those requirements.
Many would describe this project as unethical. They are not entirely wrong. However, I find Darkwick's position equally difficult to justify. Their fear of the anomaly has resulted in years of stagnation, while victims continue to accumulate. I would rather attempt something dangerous and fail than stand aside and accomplish nothing. The individuals who chose to follow me understood those risks and remained loyal despite them.
Whenever Darkwick successfully identifies a new victim of the Kyklos Curse, the outcome is almost always the same. The patient is isolated, monitored briefly, and eventually euthanized before significant progression can occur. Institute officials argue that continued observation is both dangerous and inhumane. I disagree. If we refuse to study the disease, how can we ever hope to save future victims? How can we prevent further infections? Kyklos may be beautiful, but it is also cruel, and beauty alone is not enough reason to abandon scientific inquiry.
Following multiple years of observation, our team has identified five primary stages of infection. While the rate of progression varies slightly between individuals, the overall pattern remains relatively consistent across all documented Bloom Subjects.
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐈: 𝐃𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦
The initial stage presents almost no visible symptoms. Subjects are capable of eating, drinking, sleeping, speaking, and performing daily activities without noticeable impairment. Standard medical examinations rarely reveal abnormalities, and most infected individuals remain completely unaware that they have been exposed.
For this reason, Stage I is considered the most dangerous period from an epidemiological perspective. The host appears healthy while the anomaly quietly establishes itself within the body. Based on current evidence, this stage may persist for months before progressing further.
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐈𝐈: 𝐂𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞
The first noticeable symptoms begin to emerge during Stage II. Subjects commonly report recurring headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, sleep deprivation, and increasingly vivid nightmares.
At this stage, most patients assume they are suffering from stress related conditions or common illnesses. Physical examinations continue to reveal little evidence of infection, making early diagnosis exceptionally difficult. Despite the relatively mild symptoms, neurological activity becomes noticeably abnormal when compared to baseline measurements.
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐈𝐈𝐈: 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
Stage III marks a significant increase in symptom severity. The headaches and sleep disturbances observed during Stage II become considerably more frequent and intense. Hallucinations begin to occur regularly, with subjects reporting voices, figures, and environmental distortions that cannot be independently verified.
Many patients display signs of paranoia, emotional instability, and progressive cognitive deterioration. Several become convinced that they are being observed by unseen entities.
It is also during this stage that the first physical sign of infection becomes visible.
A floral shaped mark develops at the base of the neck and gradually spreads across the back. As the pattern expands, it resembles roots or vines growing beneath the skin. The appearance of this mark is considered confirmation that the mutation process has entered its advanced stages.
At this point, successful intervention becomes increasingly unlikely.
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐈𝐕: 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬
The fourth stage represents the point at which the anomaly achieves near total control over the host.
Subjects begin reporting persistent itching across the body, particularly around the neck, ears, shoulders, and upper spine. Skin irritation becomes widespread, often accompanied by discoloration around infected regions.
Current evidence suggests that Kyklos functions in a manner remarkably similar to plant life. Rather than immediately altering the host's physical body, it first establishes itself within the victim's consciousness before extending deeper into biological structures.
Simply put, it roots itself mentally before rooting itself physically.
The appearance of extensive itching and rashes appears to indicate that the anomaly has successfully consumed the majority of the host's psychological defenses. Recovery at this stage is exceptionally rare. Most researchers consider the patient effectively lost despite remaining biologically alive.
This conclusion remains one of the most difficult aspects of our work.
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐕: 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦
Stage V represents complete mutation.
Small flower petals begin emerging across the subject's body before spreading rapidly over the skin. The distribution pattern varies between individuals, although concentrations are typically highest around the neck, chest, arms, and facial region.
Physiologically, the patient remains alive.
Functionally, however, they resemble a living corpse.
Most higher cognitive functions disappear, replaced by behaviors that remain poorly understood. Surprisingly, newly transformed subjects rarely demonstrate immediate aggression or active attempts to infect others.
Instead, they enter a temporary adaptation period that our team has designated the Blooming Interval.
During this phase, the newly formed Kyklos appears focused on adjusting to its host body rather than seeking new victims. This period may last several weeks before the anomaly becomes fully active.
At the time of writing, the biological purpose of this adaptation period remains unknown.
𝐋𝐎𝐆 𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐘: 𝟎𝟏-𝐁
Date: XX/XX/20XX
Time: [REDACTED]
Approximately one week after abandoning hopes of recovering our advanced stage patients, we observed a phenomenon that fundamentally altered our understanding of the curse.
The incubation period of FCDS appears to average roughly one year. Following complete mutation, we initially believed the original host consciousness had been entirely erased. However, several Bloom Subjects unexpectedly regained the ability to communicate.
At first, we assumed this behavior represented another adaptation strategy. The anomaly mimicking human behavior would provide an effective method for attracting future victims.
We were wrong.
The voices speaking to us did not belong to Kyklos. They belonged to the patients.
Against all expectations, fragments of the original individual remained alive within the transformed body.
The message, however, remains consistent. Every single one of them asks for help.
At this point, I am no longer certain whether these individuals should be classified as living patients or post-mortem anomalies. Biologically, their bodies continue to function. Neurologically, traces of the original individual remain detectable. Yet their existence differs little from death. Their consciousness surfaces only long enough to recognize their condition before being submerged once more beneath whatever process Kyklos imposes upon them.
I have witnessed numerous containment failures, anomalous outbreaks, and experimental casualties throughout my career. Very few have disturbed me. Watching a Bloom Subject regain awareness for several minutes only to realize what they have become is among those few exceptions.
This discovery may explain why Darkwick prohibits independent research involving Kyklos. The condition is not merely dangerous. It is profoundly inhumane. Nevertheless, despite the ethical implications, our team agreed to continue the project. If these individuals were still alive, even partially, then abandoning the research would accomplish nothing except guaranteeing the same fate for future victims.
𝐋𝐎𝐆 𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐘: 𝟎𝟐-𝐀
Date: XX/XX/20XX
Time: [REDACTED]
It has been nearly two years since my project officially began.
Today, I made the decision to suspend active research operations. The choice was not voluntary.
One of our Bloom Subjects escaped containment approximately three weeks ago. Despite extensive search efforts, we have been unable to relocate the individual. More concerning is the possibility that Darkwick may have detected evidence of an unregistered Kyklos operating outside official containment zones. Several contacts have reported increased Institute activity in nearby districts, suggesting they may already be investigating.
Until the situation stabilizes, continuing operations would place both myself and the remaining members of my team at unnecessary risk.
For the first time since initiating this project, I am forced to admit that caution may be the wiser option.
𝐋𝐎𝐆 𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐘: 𝟎𝟐-𝐁
Date: XX/XX/20XX
Time: [REDACTED]
The research team has officially disbanded.
Over the past several months, I watched morale deteriorate with alarming speed. The further we progressed into understanding the curse, the more difficult it became for some members to justify our methods. Several argued that our work differed little from the practices Darkwick accuses unauthorized researchers of committing. Others simply could not endure the emotional burden of observing the patients.
I understand their concerns.
In truth, I cannot entirely disagree with them.
Every member who resigned demonstrated more empathy than I ever possessed. For that reason, I chose not to stop them. Whatever guilt accompanies this project should belong to me alone.
𝐋𝐎𝐆 𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐘: 𝟎𝟐-𝐂
Date: XX/XX/20XX
Time: [REDACTED]
An unusual development has occurred.
Nearly half of the former staff members who resigned from Project [REDACTED] have disappeared under unexplained circumstances.
Several remaining contacts have privately accused me of silencing individuals to preserve project secrecy. The accusation is understandable given the nature of our work. However, I can state with complete certainty that I bear no responsibility for these disappearances.
Unfortunately, that realization offers little comfort.
If I am not responsible, then someone else is.
And whoever that may be appears significantly more dangerous than I initially anticipated.
For the first time since beginning this project, I find myself questioning whether I am truly the one conducting the investigation or merely another subject being observed.
𝐋𝐎𝐆 𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐘: 𝟎𝟑-𝐀
Date: XX/XX/20XX
Time: [REDACTED]
I have resumed research independently.
No assistants. No consultants. No field teams. And no witnesses.
At first, the silence was difficult to tolerate. Eventually, I realized it allowed me to focus more effectively.
More importantly, I finally discovered a recurring pattern within the biological behavior of Kyklos.
The anomaly does not merely resemble floral organisms, it functions as one.
The entire infection cycle mirrors the growth process of plant life. Human hosts provide nutrients, hydration, temperature regulation, and biological stability in much the same way soil supports a seed. Once established, the anomaly adapts to its environment and gradually alters the host until complete transformation occurs.
The comparison is surprisingly accurate.
A seed requires fertile soil, water, and sunlight. Kyklos requires a human body. However, not every seed survives every environment.
After reviewing archived cases and conducting comparative analysis, I discovered several instances in which Kyklos failed to adapt successfully to its host. In these cases, both the anomaly and the infected individual perished before full mutation could occur.
If adaptation can fail naturally, then perhaps it can be disrupted artificially.
This observation became the foundation of my next objective. Medication development.
𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓
Anti-Mutation Pharmaceutical Development Program
Research Lead: [REDACTED]
Current Status: Active
After several months of experimentation, I have begun developing pharmaceutical agents designed to interfere with the progression of FCDS.
𝐏𝐡𝐲𝐭𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜-𝐏𝐫𝐄𝐏 (𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐥𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐬)
Status: Incomplete / Theoretical Formula.
Objective: Immunological immunization against the vector’s volatile energy footprint before physical exposure occurs.
𝐏𝐡𝐲𝐭𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜-𝐏𝐄𝐏 (𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭-𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐥𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐬)
Status: Active Protocol / Stabilized Formulation.
While neither treatment can eliminate the infection, P-PEP demonstrates measurable success in slowing progression rates among early stage Bloom Subjects.
Current research suggests that Kyklos requires a highly specific biological environment to thrive. Nutrient availability, hydration levels, metabolic activity, and body temperature all appear to influence the speed of mutation.
P-PEP functions by artificially destabilizing those conditions.
Rather than attacking the anomaly directly, the treatment alters the host environment until it becomes increasingly unsuitable for continued growth.
The results have been promising.
When administered shortly after exposure and combined with strict compliance to treatment protocols, progression can be delayed for approximately two months beyond expected timelines.
Unfortunately, the side effects are severe.
Observed complications include persistent nausea, reduced heart rate, lowered body temperature, appetite suppression, hallucinations, memory impairment, concentration difficulties, and increased sensitivity to sunlight.
Interestingly, weakening Kyklos also weakens the host.
Patients undergoing treatment demonstrate significant intolerance to ultraviolet exposure and become increasingly nocturnal in their activity patterns. Daytime lethargy becomes common, while periods of alertness occur primarily during nighttime hours.
Current dosage recommendations require two injections per month.
The treatment is not approved for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions due to elevated complication risks.
Further testing remains necessary.
Unfortunately, without external funding, future development may become impossible to me.
𝐋𝐎𝐆 𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐘: 𝟎𝟑-𝐁
Date: XX/XX/20XX
Time: [REDACTED]
I had almost forgotten about Project [REDACTED].
Months had passed since my last meaningful breakthrough. Funding had disappeared. Research materials had become increasingly difficult to acquire. Most importantly, there was nobody left to share the burden with.
Perhaps that was for the best. The fewer people involved, the fewer people would disappear.
For a while, I convinced myself that abandoning the project was the rational decision. Kyklos had already taken enough from me. My team was gone. My reputation was ruined. Whatever remained of my social life had been sacrificed years ago in favor of chasing answers that seemed increasingly out of reach.
Today I went to get my groceries, and a shady car kept following me as I turned into an alley to avoid them. I ended up getting captured anyway.
There was a man in a black suit who announced that there was someone who would like to talk to me. They then proceeded to blindfold me and took me somewhere unknown to me. They claimed they were Institute agents.
Upon arriving at the place, they still had not taken off my blindfold until they brought me into what seemed to be a building and a room. There, I met a guy. Oddly enough, I recognized him.
He was one of those seniors back in my school days. We were not close by any means, but we did exchange words since we were both interested in anomalous biology. However, a reunion like this did give me quite a [REDACTED]. He does not seem to be the same man I had known back then. He is somehow more intimidating.
Next to him was a young man whom I did not recognize, and the senior claimed that this was one of his favorite students. The young man seemed to be forced to be there, as he did not seem to enjoy the conversation much. He also did not say anything.
𝐋𝐎𝐆 𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐘: 𝟎𝟒-𝐀
Date: XX/XX/20XX
Time: [REDACTED]
That white haired bastard, many things about him might have changed, but there is one thing that is still the same. He is very persuasive. He wants my medication research, which I have kept low profile and secret. Nobody knows about it but me, yet somehow he knows.
In exchange, he can continue funding my research until I am able to find the final cure for the Kyklos curse.
It is odd enough for him to request that of me, and it is also odd when he offers such a great deal. I wonder what made him change his mind. Back then, he was the first to be against conducting research on Kyklos. I assumed he knew something. But now, I am not so sure. After the incident with his own project and crew, we never met again, nor were we in any form of contact.
"What changed your mind?"
"Let's just say I've come to appreciate results over principles."
He is such a dangerous man to work around, and I would not want to tangle myself in such a mess. But then again, his offer is tempting, and I am taking that into consideration.
Though I did ask him what would happen if I said no, he just smiled and said.
"You're smarter than that."
And as I mentioned at the beginning of my project, if you are reading this, I am quite likely no longer alive. But I have come this far. Losing my members was what I had foreseen. Should I work with those who have pulled harm on them?
As a human, no. But as someone who has risked my life and put all my time into this project, then yes.
I value my fruits more than anything else in this world. If not, why would I ever have conducted this project in the very beginning?
Document Status:
ACTIVE
Project Status:
RECLASSIFIED
Funding Status:
RESTORED
Research Lead:
[REDACTED]
Observer:
[REDACTED]
Next Log:
PENDING
I've read whole ahh article with such attention (I wish I had the same level of attention when it comes to my IELTS) Anyway, reading this at night is such vibe, you know this thrill and feeling of chill running down your spine, especially during description of patients' status and his comments that he might no longer be alive. When you're looking at the whole situation from this point of view, aka from the researcher's, it's really creepy. The game hasn't dig into this topic further, we're just getting occasional crumbs from MC's point of view (my poor girl, can't imagine from what you're going atm)
At first I thought it was young Hyde's notes (guilty as charged I didn't pay enough attention to the tags at the very beginning) however can you blame me? Occasional comments such as "I've sacrificed my reputation" "I lost my face" and so on, it kinda reminds me of Hyde. His reputation is well, rather shady, nah, shady is too soft word. He's partly? responsible for Hodge and Podge as well Moby to end up like that. And when I reached the part "I may no longer be alive" "Kyklos escaped from the faculty" I thought it refers our current situation, oh, and also I thought it might mean MC has already turned into Kyklos and the second "Clash" was caused, during which Hyde died (alas he's alive and well)
Ahem, back to the topic. You cooked, it's a PEAK I fear. This OC Dr's notes were so fascinating. Do you plan to write down smth like this in the future perhaps?
※This is transcribed purely by ear. Shion sings in classical Japanese and I have very limited knowledge in this field. The lyrics is UNOFFICIAL / NOT CANON! Take it with a grain of salt. I do not recommend making any analysis of Shion's character based on my transcripted lyrics as it's probably riddled with mistakes.
chitose no inochi ama yori tamaite
hitori tachi ide uruwashiki meiyo wo
sabishiki mune ni ho no hisashi yadori
yao to sen nari ten'ou no kuni ai ni kii
Blessed with living a thousand years by the heaven
I set on a journey all alone, leaving my glorious honor behind
This flame has long dwelled deep inside my lonely heart
Aeons* have passed in the Emperor's realm, I'm coming to see you very soon
*A more literal translation would be something like, "Eight hundred turned into a thousand (years) in the Emperor's realm," but that's very mouthful so I rephrased it a bit.
Thinking about ghouls who talked about/referred to their parents + the kirisaki brothers
In middle of sketching, the thought of the great yuri isami being such a genius that he was the doctor in charge of his own birth came across my mind and I've been laughing ever since lol
Choopi! Would you be so kind to draw Ritsu and Ren playing video games, and Ren being absolutely confused on how he's so good at playing despite never playing before.
i love anything involving the ghouls hanging out!! this is also so funny ren deserves to lose all couch co-op games
Both Romeo and Taiga are taking the sides, each gazing in distance. Meanwhile, Ritsu is confident, looking straight ahead into our pov
-Some intakes / details
I love how Taiga and Romeo are slighty touching Ritsu shoulder ! Improvement! Possible growth ? Highly expected!
I said it before and will say it again
RITSU IS THE TOURCH THAT WILL LIGHT UP SINOSTRA
he doesn't get himself attached to the past but rather focuses on what about to happen
He seem to be digging deeper on the clash matter even studying other suspicious ghouls, while these actions will put him in danger i believe this what will earn him Taiga's trust because the truth that awaits him in the end is surely related to the traitor Taiga seem to despise not to mention how it was revealed in EP 22 that Taiga has already "tried" asking for help but only received criticism and doubts from those around him
Ritsu will turn the tables in Sinostra
Offering Taiga the trust he lost and helping Romeo achieve his goals,plus fixing the broken bridge between his captain and vice captain
That is why he is the one in center !
He is currently the only ghoul who genuinely cares about Sinostra reputation and well-being !
update:
Changing the angle .. and i just noticed how Taiga is the only one going upside down AND in the opposite direction
Leo is probably thinking about the MC while staring at his hand because he is the ghoul who exploited her power more than the others to eavesdrop, and therefore remembers when he held her hand.🥺
