This is my oc loree... I uh. Yeah
What is this
a psychological horror story that begins as a seemingly standard detective mystery and evolves into a meta narrative about a reality breaking video game. The plot centers on a junior detective named Ryota Hamasaki and the villain, Shiro Takakiri, a virus in the game world who is manipulating everything.
But it wasnt always like this, like i said Shiro is a virus, this used to be a normal crime game made by a random 19 year old who has no idea how to code right and has messy code, a virus from a random dark website like shiro could easily break the game.
The Plot
The plot centers on Ryota's objective to solve his sister's murder, unaware that he is being stalked and is friends with the very person he is hunting. Shiro exists as a computer virus inside of a virtual world that Ryota is in,
Everything is fragile, the memories and identities that are in this manufactured world are. If a character who was only present for a few minutes can be so easily erased, what does that say about the rest of the world, and even the characters themselves?
Who is SHIR0
Shiro Takakiri is a sentient virus that has replaced Ryota's childhood friend, Mauricio. He is obsessed with the game's player, not Ryota, and manipulates the game world, including the murder of Ryota's sister, Cynthia, to get the player's attention. Shiro often presents himself with behavior that is seemingly ordinary and gives Ryota no reason to suspect him. Beneath this facade, Shiro is "madly in-love" with Ryota, fueling his secret stalking and giving him a dangerous motive. Shiro's affectionate behavior towards Ryota is just a performance. He uses it to create false intimacy and gaslight Ryota and gain his trust.
Beyond the fourth wall
Shiro's obsession is not bound by the narrative of the game. He is aware that the player is an external entity controlling the character of Ryota. His goal is to break the fourth wall completely and establish a direct connection with the player. The core irony of the plot is that Ryota is completely oblivious to the fact that Shiro, the very killer he is hunting, is stalking him and acts as a friend to him (he is Ryota's close friend). Shiro acts like a normal, non threatening person around Ryota. This provides the key dramatic tension for the story, as Ryota is a junior detective trying to solve his sister's murder, completely unaware that the killer is stalking him while pretending to be his friend. Later in the game as Shiro learns more and infects the game more, The "madly in-love" aspect of Shiro's character is no longer directed at Ryota, Instead, Shiro's affection, obsession, and manipulative tactics are now aimed at the person controlling Ryota. The "stalking" is not of Ryota, but of the player themselves. Ryota's existence as a detective seeking justice is a facade created for the player. He is a tool, a puppet through which Shiro can connect with and eventually reach the player.
The "real" person
Shiro dismisses the in-game characters as mere code but views the player as a "real" person. This is why he doesn't want to hurt Ryota, only to use him as a puppet to get closer to the player as it's his only way to directly communicate with the player. As a character who hides his true nature, he is very charming and outgoing, to avoid raising suspicion. He has an unsettling and parasitic nature beneath his facade. Ryota's grief is a tool, Ryota's emotional pain and motivation to find his sister's killer are now revealed to be a scripted part of the game designed to make the player feel invested and empathize with his character. This makes Ryota's journey a heartbreaking manipulation, as his pain isn't even real, even though Ryota thinks he's a real breathing person with flesh and blood, he is not. breaking the fourth wall in a deeply personal and unsettling manner.
Who is Ryota
Ryota's role is not just about solving a case but also about processing his own personal grief. His drive to find his sister's killer is deeply emotional, making him a complex and sympathetic hero. Ryota's backstory is defined by the trauma of his sister's death and his selfless dedication to seeking justice for the death of his sister. This makes him emotionally vulnerable and susceptible to Shiro's manipulative advances, as he is not looking for a connection but rather a way to solve his case.
Stuff about Ryota
- Ryota isn't used to constant praise and emotional support. This explains why he doesn't recognize Shiro's true intentions, as he is not used to receiving the kind of attention Shiro gives him under the guise of friendship
- Ryota does have other Cases he had to do but is too focused on Cynthia's case to actually try on any of them.
- Cynthia's death was a pivotal moment in Ryota's life that impacted his personality. Before the tragedy, Ryota was described as "more social and carefree” but after he had a drastic personality change and transformed Ryota into a serious and reserved individual, stripping him of his carefree, kind, chill nature. This focused demeanor allows him to approach cases with solemnity and a clear mind, free from the distractions that might have bothered his younger, more social self.
- His determination to solve Cynthia's murder case clouds his judgment. He may take unnecessary risks or overlook crucial evidence because of his emotional connection to the case. His singular focus on Cynthia's case makes him less open to considering other possibilities or alternative theories, especially if they don't align with his personal narrative. Hes prone to confirmation bias, seeking only evidence that supports his existing theories while ignoring contradictory information.
- While his serious nature is a positive trait, the suppressed grief and trauma he carries could erupt at critical moments, potentially destabilizing him or causing him to act irrationally
- Ryota's memory of Mauricio is not just erased, it's overwritten by Shiro
- If his sister's memory is based on a fabricated, digital past, what does that mean for his quest for justice?
- Ryota's mission to solve his sister's murder, fueled by his memories of her, becomes tragically ironic if those memories—and the very foundation of his identity as her brother—can be deleted.
- The fact that his friend is the killer further blurs the line between trusted relationships and betrayal, especially in a world where identity is not stable. The antagonist's ability to stalk and deceive Ryota is enabled by the very tools that define their reality
Stuff about Shiro
- Shiro's normal form would be unused assets and elegant, basically an ordinary attractive person. His virus form embraces horror, with glitches, distorted features, and an expression that mocks the idealism of the game's original design.
- When Shiro looks in a mirror, his reflection might momentarily show Mauricio's face, or no reflection at all.
- Shiro projects an innocent public image but is secretly cunning and obsessive.
- Shiro is described as possessing an elegant and charismatic exterior, which he uses to influence and play with those around him.
- Cruel, demented, tormenting nature hidden beneath the surface.
- Shiro began mimicking Ryota's past. He intentionally manufactured a tragic past for himself that mirrors elements of Ryota's life, perhaps a backstory involving neglect or a traumatic event, to make himself seem more sympathetic and relatable to Ryota….
- By making Ryota feel loved and praised, Shiro creates a strong emotional dependency. Ryota, still traumatized by his sister's murder, would be emotionally vulnerable and susceptible to this kind of manipulative comfort. Shiro would become the source of Ryota's positive reinforcement, making him reliant on his approval.
- As a virus, Shiro alters Ryota's memories, blurring the lines between reality and simulation. For example, he might insert himself into Ryota's past or make Ryota forget certain key details about his sister's murder.
- Shiro can corrupt Ryota's feelings and perceptions, distorting his view of justice, love, or reality itself, possibly making Ryota question his own sanity.
Other
- A photograph of Cynthia on Ryota's desk will be partially obscured by a static overlay.
- Kira is the only npc other than Ryota and Shiro who are self aware they aren't real, but this happens later in the series randomly when Kira becomes self aware. He is aware of what happened to his brother and Cynthia and the pain Ryota is going through. This would make him a terrifying source of information for Ryota, as he would be the only one who knows the truth. Shiro, however, would do everything in his power to silence him so Kira cannot say much and must act like a normal npc or he too will have the same fate as Cynthia.
- A manipulative killer like Shiro deliberately stages crime scenes to mislead ryota. Like planting fake evidence, or altering the environment to suggest a different motive or perpetrator, screwing up paper work ect. Shiro helps Ryota investigate but often messes with the crime scenes, just for fun.
Who is Kira
Kira is a self aware NPC within the video game. Unlike the other characters, he is not controlled by the game's code and is aware of the artificial nature of his world. He is the brother of Mauricio and was Ryota's best friend until Shiro "cut him out of the game" and replaced him. He was also the best friend of Cynthia, who was killed by Shiro in the game.
Kira knows about Shiro
Kira's self awareness came first, as it is the very thing that sets him apart from other NPCs. He may have experienced a glitch in his code, a sudden burst of memory, a moment of clarity that revealed the artificiality of his world. This awareness allowed Kira to see the world as a game rather than a reality. It is a lonely and terrifying burden, and it immediately makes him question everything around him. And when Shiro suddenly appeared he knew something was off. he saw Shiro in his true virus form.
Why Kira cant speak to Ryota.
Kira holds the singular, terrifying truth that could shatter Ryota's reality and expose Shiro's deception. This makes him a vital source of information. However, his power is conditional on his silence. For Kira, every interaction with Ryota is dangerous and is like walking on eggshells of avoiding telling Ryota the truth while hinting at it, he will be "deleted" like Cynthia if he ever spoke directly about it. The story also focuses on Ryota slowly gathering clues that Kira provides in coded messages or subtle hints anytime they talk that they aren't real. Each piece of information would chip away at the illusion Shiro has built, increasing the stakes for Kira. with Shiro constantly present to monitor their conversations and gaslight Ryota into thinking he is imagining things. This would create a tense atmosphere of paranoia and distrust
Kira's personality traits
- Friendly: His amiable nature makes him approachable to Ryota, allowing them to interact without arousing Shiro's immediate suspicion. It is a tool for survival and a way to maintain a relationship with the person he needs to protect.
- Nonchalant and Serene: This is Kira's most important defense mechanism. By appearing calm and unbothered, he avoids drawing attention to his self-awareness. It is the perfect camouflage for someone who lives in a constant state of internal panic and grief.
- Quiet and Reserved: His tendency to hold back and say little means he is less likely to accidentally reveal the forbidden truth. It is a direct result of his vigilance. Every word must be carefully weighed and considered
- Kind: His kindness towards Ryota is a genuine reflection of his true character, but it is also carefully controlled. It allows him to build a bond with Ryota without exposing the raw, painful emotions underneath
- Protective: he is terrified that Ryota will share the same fate as Mauricio and Cynthia. His protective nature is his main motivation for acting, or not acting, in a given situation.
- Determined: Kira's determination is what allows him to endure his difficult situation. He is determined to survive and, if possible, to protect Ryota. This is a cold, unwavering resolve, born from his losses, that keeps him going despite the immense psychological burden.
- Wise: Kira's self awareness and understanding of the game's mechanics make him the wisest character in the story. His wisdom is a painful burden, as it shows him a cruel reality no one else can see. He understands the profound consequences of Shiro's actions in a way that Ryota, who only knows the surface, cannot.
- Vigilant: His awareness of the dangers in his world means Kira is constantly watching and observing. He notices inconsistencies and monitors Shiro's actions, being careful for a threat that could end his existence at any moment.
- Smart: Kira's intelligence allows him to navigate his precarious existence. He finds clever, subtle ways to communicate with Ryota without being discovered by Shiro. He uses riddles, veiled comments, and subtext to hint at the truth, exploiting the blind spots in Shiro's control.
He has a desire to protect and his need to survive. His quiet and serene exterior clashes with his vigilant and protective interior.
- He wants to be openly kind and helpful to Ryota, but his reserved nature and shiro forces him to hold back.
- He is determined to help Ryota learn the truth, but his self-preservation makes him hesitant to take risks.
- His wisdom is a gift, but also a curse, because it shows him the true horrors of his world.
Kira is a morally complex and compelling character. He isn't a simple hero or a villain but a traumatized survivor forced into a role he never wanted, where every action is a calculated risk.
- On the outside He appears nonchalant, quiet, reserved, serene, friendly, and kind to avoid drawing Shiro's suspicion
- Inside He is determined, protective, wise, vigilant, and smart, using these traits to silently navigate his dangerous reality and protect Ryota
Stuff about Kira
Cynthia's death was not just a tragic event he witnessed; it was the loss of his best friend. What shiro is doing is a personal betrayal and a direct threat. For Kira, concealing the truth is not just an act of self preservation but a way to avoid her fate; he knows he isn't real but doesn't want to die.
Kira and Mauricio are brothers. This deepens Kira's tragic circumstances. He is not just a self-aware NPC but a survivor whose own brother was replaced by the very entity that now holds him captive in a world of line of code. This makes his every interaction with Shiro an agonizing reminder of his losses and Shiro's ultimate power.
As Cynthia was his best friend, her sudden and complete disappearance was traumatic for Kira. Unlike Ryota, whose memory of Mauricio was erased, Kira's memory remains intact, leaving him to witness the cruelty of the deletion firsthand.
Misc for kira
Shiro's calculated cruelty: Shiro's actions are no longer random deletions. they are targeted attacks on relationships. By replacing Mauricio and silencing Kira, Shiro is dismantling Ryota's support system and controlling his reality. Shiro's manipulation becomes more insidious and personal
Kira is a "living" witness to Shiro's crimes, a walking archive of the game's dark history. He is forced to live a lie, knowing the truth about his best friend's demise, that he isnt even real and none of this is real and his brother's replacement. This makes Kira's story a deeply tragic one, a narrative of silent suffering and forced complicity. His fear is a powerful plot driver, showcasing the absolute power Shiro holds.
A means to fight back: Kira discovers a "backdoor" or a command code within his own programming that would allow him to communicate a hidden message, override Shiro's controls, or otherwise fight back. This newfound ability could give him the courage to act.
Who is Mauricio
Mauricio is Kira's brother and Ryota's best friend, but was cut out of the game and replaced by Shiro, because when Shiro cut him out, Shrio was still learning stuff about the game, Ryota's memory of Mauricio was erased and replaced by Shiro. Mauricio would be at the start of the game but then Shiro comes when You (the player) got a bit lazy and pasted code from a website.
Mauricio personality traits
- Friendly and outgoing: Mauricio had a warm and approachable personality. He was the type of person who drew people in.
- Loyal: he has a strong sense of loyalty. He would have been a reliable and trusted figure, making his replacement even more of a cruel betrayal.
- Likable: His personality was presumably positive and memorable enough that his sudden disappearance could not simply be forgotten, even with Shiro's manipulation. His likability is what makes Shiro's act of replacing him so malicious.
- Sassy: Mauricio is very sassy. His interactions would have been filled with playful insults and sarcastic comments. Mauricio's sass would have tested Ryota's patience, but always in a way that reinforced their friendship. A particular phrase or inside joke might resurface in a conversation between Ryota and another NPC, causing Ryota to feel a flash of unfamiliar humor or longing.
- Childish: Maurcio is childish. He has shared many lighthearted and fun adventures with those around him. Mauricio's childishness likely led to spontaneous and memorable events that Shiro's programming couldn't fully erase. Ryota might find himself smiling at a random memory of a silly game they played without understanding why.
Stuff about Mauricio
- Before Shiro: Mauricio represented the stability of the game world before Shiro corrupted it. He was a genuine friend to both the siblings and a loving brother, a symbol of the "real" world that was lost. He is what Ryota thinks the world still is, and what Kira knows it can never be again.
- After Shiro's replacement: Mauricio becomes a ghost in the narrative. He is a painful memory for Ryota and a terrifying lesson for Kira. Shiro's replacement wasn't just physical; it was an erasure of an entire person. Mauricio now represents the profound and devastating consequences of Shiro's power.
Misc for Mauricio
- Mauricio serves as an emotional anchor for both Kira and Ryota. For Kira, it is a constant source of grief and a reminder of the horrors of their world. For Ryota, the lingering feeling that something is wrong with but cant put his finger on it
- Mauricio is less of a fleshed out character and more of a narrative device
- Maurico will appear at the start of the games tutorial and a bit of the first act, but later Maurico will suddenly disappear and Ryota wont remember who he is, since Mauricio only appears for maybe a couple of minutes at most, he won't be memorable to the player and Shiro will suddenly replace Mauricio.



