ok so I have a new theory regarding the 6th Li
Nero became Viper (do we ever see Nero after seeing Viper? I just remember him from early in the main story), who is the next love interest.
the biggest reason this couldn't happen is that we saw Caleb interact with Viper. But Caleb has known Zayne since they were kids; he's always doing the forbidden knowledge and fourth wall break stuff. (I'm also pretty certain that Caleb is leading X-02 and A-01 to their promise land but that's another thing).
in the beginning of the main story update, there was a mysterious figure who I REALLY hoped was the next LI... but he seemed pretty cyborg coded and could totally be Viper. I also expected Nero to be a major character, and the meaning of his name so far has not matched up to his appearance (besides black like his hair, the name means strong, vigorous, stern).
Nero was infatuated with technology, with dangerous things that would scare most people — a high-resolution memory drawing pen, the Wanderers that it's meant to draw, and the eye that MC drew for him to look at.
I can totally see Nero wanting to be modeled after MC as well. Letting himself be modified in her image.
and since Caleb is named after someone who safely led people to the biblical promised land (his name meaning faithful, bold, whole-heartedly, brave, steadfast companion, dog), I decided to look into the Roman emperor Nero.
I've just been skimming the Wikipedia page, but it's interesting that Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus was born Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus
Philostratus caught my eye. Lucius Flavius Philostratus wrote poorly of Nero, but wrote of others considering him fondly.
Nero becoming Viper, being born of Professor Lucius...
I know extremely little about Roman history, and have got to revisit source material of lads w this theory in mind — so please add anything to this if you have thoughts.
more interesting things from Nero's Wikipedia page:
"Nero lost all sense of right and wrong and listened to flattery with total credulity".
plot predictions ahead?
The Great Fire of Rome: "fanned to catastrophic proportions by the winds". Skyhaven is windy, and I wonder if it's also prone to fires... (thinking about the lucid dream myth armory stuff)
Also fascinating how Nero was found innocent for the fire, since he was elsewhere, and he returned to organize a relief effort from his own funds, clearing debris and delivering food. Even opened his palaces for homeless shelters. but ☝️ then he blamed Christians for starting the fire, and they were thrown to beasts (Wanderers?), crucified and burned alive. This wasn't for a sense of justice but a desire for cruelty.
idk if anything more is relevant, but the mix combined generosity and cruelty feels like Viper to me. this article is long and giving me a headache so I'm tapping out for now.
edit to add images & more connections here
