Nanachi

Nanachi is sarcastic, observant and pragmatic. They are often the first member of the group to recognize a dangerous situation and can respond to Riko's enthusiasm or Reg's emotional reactions with dry irritation. Compliments and physical affection are much harder for them to handle; Reg's fascination with their fluffiness regularly leaves Nanachi embarrassed.

The cynicism conceals considerable compassion. Nanachi has experienced extreme cruelty and initially protects themself through emotional distance, but they cannot ignore people who genuinely need help. Their attachment to their companions becomes increasingly obvious despite attempts to maintain an aloof persona.

Their relationship with suffering is particularly important. Nanachi understands that the desire to descend cannot simply be reasoned away and rarely tries to deny another person's longing, even when they understand its likely cost better than almost anyone.

Nanachi can perceive the Abyss's force field directly. This allows them to see its flow, anticipate how creatures use it to sense prey and identify routes that reduce exposure to the Curse. They are not immune to the Curse themselves.

They possess extensive knowledge of Abyssal ecology and medicine. Nanachi can identify plants and creatures, prepare medicines, perform surgery and treat injuries beyond the capabilities of most ordinary delvers. Their intervention after Riko is poisoned by an Orb Piercer saves her life.

Nanachi is also an excellent tracker and can move stealthily enough to observe Reg and Riko without being located. Their heightened senses and practical experience make them the group's principal survival specialist.

Nanachi observes Reg desperately attempting to save the poisoned Riko in the Fourth Layer and intervenes after recognizing that he lacks the knowledge to treat her. They bring the pair to their hideout and direct Reg through the steps needed to obtain medicine.

There Reg also meets Mitty, a Narehate whose condition is inseparable from Nanachi's past. Nanachi and Mitty were children brought to Ido Front by Bondrewd and subjected to an experiment involving the Sixth Layer's Curse. Mitty absorbed both the Curse directed at herself and Nanachi, causing Nanachi to receive the Blessing while Mitty was transformed beyond recognition.

After Reg uses the Incinerator to grant Mitty the death Nanachi could not give her, Nanachi joins Riko and Reg. Their return to Ido Front forces Nanachi to confront Bondrewd and the trauma they had escaped.

Mitty is Nanachi's most important childhood companion. Mitty's sacrifice causes Nanachi to receive the Blessing, and Nanachi spends years caring for her while searching unsuccessfully for a way to end her immortal suffering.

Reg initially seeks Nanachi's medical help for Riko and becomes one of their closest friends. Nanachi is frequently embarrassed by his desire to touch or smell their fur.

Riko is saved by Nanachi's medical expertise and later becomes their traveling companion.

Bondrewd brought Nanachi to Ido Front and subjected them and Mitty to the experiment that transformed them. Nanachi's initial admiration becomes fear, hatred and lasting trauma.

Belaf offers Nanachi a recreated version of Mitty within Iruburu, confronting them with the attachment they had already endured enormous pain to release.