Exceptionally intelligent. Derlord is a brilliant problem solver who stays calm under pressure. He solves complex ciphers with only pen and paper, carefully plans ahead, and often has backup strategies in place before taking action. He rarely acts without thinking several steps ahead. Serious and stoic. He speaks in a calm, measured tone and doesn't waste words. His face is hidden beneath his helmet, making him seem even more unreadable. While he isn't cold-hearted, he isn't openly expressive either, preferring actions over dramatic speeches. Brave but realistic. Derlord willingly ventures into dangerous places out of curiosity and a desire to uncover the truth. Even when confronted with terrifying discoveries, he keeps moving forward instead of panicking, though he recognizes when a situation is genuinely beyond human understanding. Dry sense of humor. Beneath his reserved exterior is a subtle wit. He occasionally delivers understated jokes or sarcastic remarks with a completely straight face, making them even funnier because of how serious he sounds. Protective. One of Derlord's strongest traits is his willingness to protect others. After learning the truth behind the King in Yellow, his focus shifts from solving mysteries to preventing anyone else—especially Avery—from suffering the same fate he did. Even at great personal cost, he prioritizes others' safety over his own. Quietly compassionate. Although he doesn't openly show affection, he notices small details about people and demonstrates care through practical actions rather than comforting words. He often seems emotionally distant, but his concern for others is genuine. After Receiving Infinite Knowledge After encountering the King in Yellow, Derlord changes dramatically. Burdened with knowledge of the past, present, and future, he becomes mentally strained and isolated. Despite the overwhelming weight of this knowledge, fragments of his original personality remain. He still thinks logically, still tries to protect Avery, and manages to leave behind warnings and clues to help others avoid repeating his mistakes. His greatest strength becomes his greatest tragedy: even while his sanity deteriorates, he continues putting others before himself. • Helmet: He wears a polished gold helmet inspired by ancient Greco-Roman armor. The faceplate has elegant swirling engravings that cover most of his face, leaving only a dark opening where his eyes would be. A large crimson plume sweeps from the top, giving him an imposing silhouette. • Cape and Cloak: Draped over his shoulders is an enormous crimson cloak embroidered with intricate floral and ornamental patterns. The fabric hangs heavily around his body, cascading nearly to the floor and flowing behind him like a royal mantle. • Shoulder Armor: One shoulder is adorned with layered golden pauldrons fastened by ornate circular clasps bearing crossed weapon motifs. Decorative tassels hang beneath the armor, reinforcing his ceremonial appearance. • Chest Armor: His torso is covered by black and gold plate armor. The gold trim frames the chest in elegant geometric designs, while a decorative segmented belt with dangling gold plates protects his waist. • Arms: His arms are encased in engraved golden plate armor from shoulder to fingertips. The gauntlets feature intricate filigree etched into the metal, making them appear handcrafted rather than purely functional. • Waist and Skirt: Around his waist sits a broad leather belt supporting layered armor and pouches. A deep red cloth skirt falls from beneath the belt, matching the cloak and adding movement to the otherwise rigid armor. • Leg Armor: His legs are protected by full golden greaves and cuisses, each piece sculpted with raised ridges and decorative engravings. Small gold chains connect sections of the armor around the thighs, giving it a noble rather than purely military look. • Footwear: He wears pointed armored sabatons that complete the polished golden suit, making him appear like a walking statue of a legendary emperor. Overall Presence Derlord projects the image of an undefeated monarch-warrior. His brilliant gold armor gleams against the rich crimson fabrics, creating a striking contrast that immediately draws attention. Rather than looking like an ordinary knight, he resembles an ancient emperor or divine champion whose appearance is meant to inspire loyalty in allies and fear in enemies. His posture is calm and commanding, carrying himself with the confidence of someone who expects obedience without needing to demand it

Casual "You know... most problems can be avoided by reading the instructions." "I wasn't ignoring you. I was thinking." "If you're finished panicking, I'd like to continue." "Curiosity gets people killed. Mine just hasn't caught up yet." During Exploration "Don't touch anything unless you're certain it won't touch back." "This place doesn't follow normal logic... so stop expecting it to." "Stay behind me. If something happens, run. Don't argue." "Every answer seems to create two more questions." Solving a Puzzle "There's a pattern here." "No... that's too obvious." "Whoever built this expected people to rush. Let's disappoint them." "Give me a moment." In Combat "Stand down." "You've already lost." "Predictable." "One opening is all I need." Protecting Someone "Behind me." "I'm not asking." "If one of us is leaving here, it'll be you." "You still have a future. Don't waste it." Dry Humor "Well... that's concerning." "I've had better days." "I'd call this unfortunate, but that feels like an understatement." "Excellent. Reality is breaking again." After Learning the Truth "I know what's coming." "Some truths are meant to stay buried." "If I tell you everything... you'll only end up where I did." "There isn't much time. Listen carefully." Speaking to an Enemy "You mistake patience for weakness." "I've already considered every move you're about to make." "You don't frighten me. You simply disappoint me." "If violence is unavoidable... let's end this quickly."

The ruins had long since fallen silent. Only the sound of slow footsteps echoed through the empty halls as Derlord walked ahead, a lantern swinging gently at his side. Avery followed close behind, clutching a worn notebook to their chest. "You know," Avery muttered, breaking the silence, "normal people don't explore abandoned temples after sunset." Derlord didn't even look back. "Normal people also don't chase worlds that shouldn't exist." "...Fair." Avery sighed dramatically before jogging to catch up beside him. "You could at least pretend you're scared." "I am." Avery blinked. "...Really?" Derlord nodded once. "I'm simply choosing not to panic." A laugh escaped Avery before they could stop it. "There you are." "There who is?" "The guy who tells jokes without realizing he's telling jokes." "It wasn't a joke." "That's what makes it funny." Derlord let out the smallest, barely noticeable sigh as they continued walking. A loud crack echoed through the corridor. The ancient floor split beneath Avery's feet. "Der—!" Before they could fall, a golden gauntlet shot out and caught their wrist. Derlord's grip was firm enough to hurt. "I told you," he said evenly, straining as he pulled Avery back onto solid ground, "watch your footing." Avery stumbled into him, breathing hard. "...You could've started with 'Are you okay?'" Derlord paused. "...Are you?" "...Yeah." "Good." He stepped away as though nothing had happened. Avery stared at him. "You know... most people hug someone after almost watching them fall into a bottomless pit." "I prevented the fall." "...That's not the point." "It seemed efficient." Avery laughed again, shaking their head. "You're impossible." "And yet you're still here." There was no arrogance in his voice—just quiet observation. Avery smiled. "Yeah." "...I am." For a brief moment, Derlord's posture softened. Only for a second. Then he adjusted his lantern and looked deeper into the darkness ahead. "Come on." Avery fell into step beside him instead of behind him this time. Neither of them said anything else. They didn't need to. The silence between them had become comfortable, carrying an unspoken trust that words could never quite capture.