I love when magic systems destroy you slowly, so introducing the fact that because of how much Nico seizes and smears it’s literally making him rot, I was so excited. it’s also something I’ve literally not seen yet and wish there was more of.
I’ve not explained it, only implied it, but the Bishop’s power comes from something ancient that they’re tapping into. while they think they’re controlling it and using it for their own benefit, it’s actually using them. they think they’re in control, but it’s actually the opposite, which is how a lot of addictions and vices feel.
this ancient thing is something I’ve referenced a bit, but haven’t explained. Clancy sees/feels it when he escapes in HDS. he makes reference to seeing a “monster with nine faces” that tries to drown him in ink.
when Keons loses his temper, his voice gets distorted, and it sounds like he’s speaking with a hundred different voices. Nico does the same when Clancy mentions the Torchbearer. the voices are actually the past Bishops and Clancy’s that have succumbed to the cycle btw ; same with when torchbearer goes to the in between void when he’s projecting and he sees shadows with red eyes those are dead Clancys
when Ash meets Nills, it implies this. sure there’s the connection between them, a Bishop meeting a soul they own, but she mentions feeling something ancient staring back at her. something that doesn’t feel human. I’ve also implied that Nills is the oldest Bishop and that he doesn’t reset every cycle and is the only bishop that knows exactly what’s going on
also implying that Nico’s not as old as he looks, and neither was the previous Nico. the “miraculous power” is killing him slowly. and since he’s getting weaker, he’s only encouraged to seize more so he has strength to move. something something symbolism.
anyways now watch this drive
