It’s true; Ren spent the better part of the past year battling monsters in the Metaverse. He’d felt the most alive, the most free during those fights, and this one was a reminder of that fleeting sense of freedom. There’s a manic gleam in his eyes and a razor-sharpness to his smile as the last creature falls and he takes a moment to catch his breath.

“You too.” He nods, acknowledging the unspoken compliment. Serph’s transformability is as impressive as it is curious, and Ren considers how to ask about it without seeming rude, but answering Serph’s question comes first.

“He is.” It’s interesting, how open he can be about his power here. Several people have already commented on Arsène’s similarity to Akechi’s Hereward, but not many have known what they’re called by name.

“You’re familiar with Personas?”