[Spoilers] Why Zenos is the most important character moving forward

[RopeDrink]

Spoiler - I don't have anything juicy to contribute, other than I have zero interest in this 'test' and happen to be one of those who actually do very much enjoy Zenos as a villain.

What galls me is this constant use of Grynwhat like he's even remotely comparable to Zenos. One is so totally enured to emotion and completely devoid of anything other than a self-desire, without even a shred of care (and barely any true loyalty) for the Empire despite being one of its most prominent figureheads -- and another is a comedically used (albeit slightly tragic) yes-man of low intellect out to prove himself and settle a grudge out of loyalty to Yotsuyu. Zenos doesn't even have the capacity to know what a grudge feels like, let alone hold one. This isn't a vengeance/revenge angle, unlike Grynwhat, who got the story-build that was appropriate for a dungeon boss (ie. just enough, but not a lot). Zenos is 300% Grynwhat when you dissect his personality (or lack of, which is actually part of it).

It is like comparing an apple to a lime. I mean, they're both green fruits afterall. Might as well just call them the same thing.

Zenos also does not treat anyone as an equal.

Hello, my name is Fordola. I'm an Ala-Mhigan, somehow in an Empire regiment at the behest of a bored leader who'd sooner be challenging himself rather than sitting in a throne room listening to reports and politics. Those reports and politics are being uttered by the mouths of borderline racists/purists who see no value in me whatsoever, yet through a strong and determined personality, I stood up for myself and offered suggestions that would be in-line with my leader's goal. He was most pleased, politely offering me the floor and maintaining my position as a regiment leader, despite it galling everyone else in the room.

3rd person aside (as well as any moments where chain-of-command had to be upheld - ie. Zenos ordering Fordola to do things, thus break the 'equal' point), Zenos goes against a lot of what the Empire would normally be attributed for, simply because he has little to no value in their way of thinking and values that strength and determination far more than their actual ideal. An otherwise shamed Scientist was brought into his direct/secret confidence and seemingly treated very well. Fordola, even after failing, wasn't just allowed to maintain her post (despite tension from everyone else) but the first to become test-subject thanks to showing a semblance of the strength he values. There was no care or consideration for race, creed, ideology, any of that -- just like he himself couldn't give a damn about those things.

Another contrary is the WoL/D themselves, starting when Zenos is first defeated in Ala Mhigo dungeon. Hell, the entire story revolves around him initially looking at you like you're an incessant pest, building until he's legitimately thrilled that you are capable of standing up to him, so much so that he sees you as a frenemy. He doesn't even consider us an enemy any more, just the target of his desire to feel something. In his twisted head, you are an equal (if not a better), and has not insulted or demeaned you since. Hell, he was so enamoured that he borderline proposes friendship (possibly more).

Meanwhile, "DIE, DIE, DIE, MORE, MORE, MORE, WE GO TOGETHER!"