So, this kind of inexplicable "Persona that gained sentience," like Hare, isn't easily eliminated after all.
Just like Lavenza, whom even the Evil God couldn't truly kill, only managing to split her into Caroline and Justine to control them.
With Lavenza's precedent, Ren didn't doubt Hare's claim of being able to revive.
Trying to silence Hare to protect his own secrets, only for her to quickly respawn back at base, ready to spill the beans to the Evil God? That would be a spectacular own goal.
But now...
Through their intense battle, Ren was convinced Hare was genuinely as she appeared—harboring no ill will towards him. A true case of "pink on the inside" [Meaning her seemingly dangerous exterior hid a genuinely good nature].
During the fight, even when pushed into a corner, Armored Hare never once tried to bypass Arsene's defense to attack Ren himself, the vulnerable Persona user.
Unlike Hare, who was protected by her dream barrier, Ren had been completely exposed on the battlefield—an obvious weak point.
Even though Ren lacked such protection, and a strategy of trading blows against each other's summoners would likely favor Hare, she had still adhered strictly to honorable combat, never attempting to target Ren directly.
Even now, after her defeat, she showed no hatred or resentment towards him.
The goodwill Hare demonstrated felt sincere and precious.
Ren decided to trust her.
Besides, trust her or not, given her inability to be truly killed, this seemed like the best path forward anyway.
"It might seem inappropriate for me, the one who just fought you, to say this... but just chalk it up to the victor's arrogance."
Ren flicked the golden sword away from Hare's slender neck.
Instead, he extended a friendly hand towards the beautiful purple-and-white-haired woman sitting awkwardly on the ground [W-sit], looking resigned to her fate.
"Misteln Schariac, will you be my ally?"
"...Ally?"
Hare blinked, looking at the hand offered to her. She tilted her exquisite face up, meeting Ren's gaze.
In Ren's dark eyes, Hare saw no hint of jest, only genuine earnestness.
"We were just fighting moments ago. Can you truly accept your recent enemy as an ally?"
Remaining seated on the ground, Hare tilted her head curiously, questioning Ren.
He was the one who initiated the fight out of distrust, yet now, after the battle, he chose to believe her.
Hare found this turn of events intriguing and curious.
"Our fight confirmed it for me. You truly don't bear me any malice. As for my earlier rudeness... once we're allies, I'll make it up to you slowly as an apology."
Ren kept his hand extended, meeting Hare's gaze unflinchingly as he explained.
"...Of course, the most important factor is the result: I won the fight."
Seeing Hare continue to stare at him intently, as if waiting for more, Ren fell silent for a moment before adding that last part.
Although Hare had clearly been holding back during the fight, she must have used close to her full strength.
Ren, on the other hand, felt he hadn't pushed Arsene to its absolute limit yet, merely fighting to a satisfying, exhilarating degree.
If it had been a true life-or-death battle, Ren wouldn't say he could definitely beat Hare, but 70/30 odds seemed reasonable.
And those were just the odds now.
Through training in Mementos, Ren's Persona, Arsene, would level up, perhaps even undergo a second awakening [Evolution].
A Persona's power stems from the user's heart.
By continually forming new bonds—new Social Links [Confidants]—Ren could steadily increase Arsene's strength.
The Velvet Room merely provided assistance; forging bonds was something Ren could do on his own.
Whether positive connections with allies or negative confrontations with malicious individuals, all relationships could become fuel for Ren's growth, making him stronger.
Therefore, Ren was already eyeing the potential "Social Link rewards" that Hare represented.
A special being like Hare, wielding Persona-like power... surely the strength gained from bonding with her would be significant.
This Confidant, Ren thought, is definitely worth pursuing!
"A sword can only become my weapon because I alone can break it..."
Hearing Ren's explanation, Hare, still kneeling before him, suddenly seemed to recall something and murmured the phrase softly to herself, almost unconsciously.
Her gaze towards Ren shifted, becoming somewhat surprised, as if seeing someone else superimposed over him.
"What are you talking about? While I am planning to borrow your strength to explore this unknown otherworld together, I don't intend to treat you as a mere weapon. As long as you don't betray me, I have no intention of 'breaking' you."
Ren frowned slightly, completely baffled by Hare's muttering.
This reality wasn't a game where you could just press buttons to level up Confidants and power up Personas.
Ren had to genuinely connect and interact with Hare. Only through the sparks generated by human connection could his Persona power grow stronger.
He could deceive everyone else, but not his own heart.
Relationships built on lies wouldn't strengthen his Persona.
Therefore, Ren's offer to Hare was entirely serious; he had no intention of treating her as a mere tool or weapon.
"No, it's nothing. Your words just reminded me of something... made me think of someone else who is somewhat similar to you."
A soft, subtle smile touched Hare's lips. She proactively raised her slender white hand and took the warm, red-gloved hand still waiting before her.
"But looking closely now, while there are similarities, there are many differences too. Compared to him, you are much closer to being human."
Hare's soft, pale hand clasped Ren's gloved one. Allowing him to pull her up from the ground, she finally accepted his invitation to join the party.
Kevin's goal with Project Stigma is to save the world, redefining humanity to overcome the Honkai.
Ren clearly wants to stop Project Stigma, fighting against the transcendent Kevin for humanity's survival—which is also a form of saving the world.
Both are warriors fighting for salvation.
Yet, in Hare's eyes, Ren, who had just awakened his power, was far more captivating and worthy of her acknowledgment than Kevin, who stood at the pinnacle of this world's power.
However, for the time being, with no drastic changes occurring...
Although Hare disliked Project Stigma, she would still side with it for her own purposes.
As an undying Stigmata Crystallization, only during the implementation phase of Project Stigma could she potentially achieve a state akin to death by "transcribing" herself, allowing another will inheriting her memories to be born from her shell.
Seeking the salvation of death, Hare had chosen to aid in advancing Project Stigma.
But because she didn't truly agree with the plan deep down...
...a hidden part of her hoped that Ren Amamiya, with his mysterious origins and methods, could bring about a more desirable change.
If she could achieve true death without Project Stigma being carried out, that would be the best possible outcome.
To reach true death, Hare was willing to place her bet on Ren Amamiya, helping him with all her strength.
"Someone else somewhat similar to me..."
Hearing Hare's words, Ren's eyes flickered momentarily.
The person Hare mentioned... obviously, it must be the traitor chosen by the Evil God to be the Trickster's rival—Goro Akechi!
After all, that mysterious 'Wild Card' quality seems to be something others can perceive as a similarity between its holders.
If Misteln wasn't talking about Akechi, surely she couldn't mean the invincible Chad Yu Narukami [Protagonist of P4], right?
Ren maintained a nonchalant, composed facade, acting as if he knew nothing about Akechi and had no interest, carefully avoiding pressing Hare for details.
Right now, the enemy is known, but I am unknown. The advantage is mine!
As long as I lay low and keep leveling up, Ren thought confidently, I'll definitely be able to crush Akechi easily!
Doesn't he understand the sheer quality of a true Trickster?!