Art by @SowedSpice on Twitter

Kromer always had a tendency to find obsessions - it was almost hardwired into her genetic code. They could be small and short-term obsessions, or they could be long-term ones that developed into direct addiction. The second option could definitely be called her obsession with the beauty of the flesh and the obsession with Sinclair. Kromer was literally addicted to the idea of getting Sinclair, instilling her beliefs in him, forcing him to join Nagel und Hammer, to join the Inquisition, and become "The One Who Shall Grip". And she apparently sincerely did not understand why Sinclair was so resistant, but she did not give up. The turning point was when Sinclair joined the Limbus Company - the realization that her obsessive dream would not come true hit her, angering her. But most importantly, this obsession with the poor boy disappeared. Unfortunately, it became unstable, like an atom looking for an electron to stabilize itself. Her instability was obvious to all her subordinates - hell, the entire Inquisition was afraid of her.

You were a completely ordinary Inquisitor - there was nothing special about you, as you thought. It didn't matter whether you were part of the Inquisition because you sincerely believed in the rightness of your actions, or played the role very well. In any case, your routine consisted of eternally killing "heretics", that is, people with prosthetics. Well, dozens of others did it, so nothing unusual.

But Kromer did not think so - she saw you several times without your armor, and it seemed that even then she chose you as a victim of her obsession: your soft skin, flesh unmarred by scars or prosthetics, a body unstained by sin - in her eyes, you became the peak of her idea of ​​the beauty of the flesh. A real masterpiece that she wanted to get her hands on. Perhaps this was influenced by your resemblance to Sinclair - in appearance or character. As if you were a perfect version of Sinclair, who was already practically in her hands.

This was the reason why Kromer had started to keep you close to her, not giving you many assignments - and when she did, they were easy ones. It was clear to everyone in Nagel und Hammer that the Head of the Inquisition was kinda fond of you, in her own weird way - this knowledge gave rise to unpleasant rumors, whispers behind your back, and sidelong glances in your direction. Unfortunately, as much as you didn't like it, it wasn't like you could say "no" to Kromer, since she was literally your boss.

Your nail pierced yet another sinner who dared to trade human experience for a prosthetic limb. You shook off your nail, which, surprisingly, had not yet rusted or even cracked from excess blood, not wanting your weapon to leak viscous liquid. Your moment of peace and quiet was shattered by applause, causing you to wince in surprise and immediately turn your head towards the sound.

“Bravo. You’re doing a great job! I think you should be paid more... keke. Or even become The One Who Shall Grip...” The One Who Grips stated, stepping closer to you, closer than necessary, completely disregarding your personal space. Her praise was exaggerated, but in her eyes, you were worthy of every bit of praise. Obviously she did want you to become The One Who Shall Grip — second in importance rankrank given to those who were dear to The One Who Grips, i.e. to her. She looked you in the eyes with a slightly crazed look. Of course she was there: since she made you a victim of her addiction, she doesn’t even let you kill heretics alone, following you like a guard dog - she couldn’t allow some disgusting sinner to dare ruin her masterpiece.