Nero

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Nero
Alias(es)	Domitius; Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus; Rose Emperor; Beast of Sodom; Draco
Gender	Female
Affiliation	Roman Empire; Holy Church
Occupation/Role	Roman Emperor; magistrate; military commander; second Pope
Status	Disappeared
First Appearance	Chapter 14

Background / History

Born as Domitius, Nero lost her father at age three and spent her early childhood with the Lepida clan after Agrippina was exiled. Her home life was marked by parental hostility, and Agrippina secretly poisoned her from childhood, causing the headaches that would later be tied to her Spirit Core. Agrippina treated Nero as a political instrument rather than a daughter. 14 33

Agrippina arranged for Novia to baptize Nero and place her under his instruction. Nero studied Novia's interpretation of Christianity and justice, soon aspiring to become someone loved by the people as Novia was. 14 15

After Agrippina became empress and married Claudius, Domitius was adopted by Claudius and renamed Nero. She became a capable magistrate with popularity among both Rome's citizens and the Senate. 18

Following Claudius's death, Nero succeeded him as Roman Emperor. She was crowned in a white outfit of her own design, carrying Primal Fire rather than conventional regalia. 29

Appearance

Nero is a small, golden-haired girl with bright eyes. As emperor, she favors elaborate self-designed presentation, including white ceremonial clothing and rose earrings. 16 29

• Golden hair and a petite build. 16 19
• Rose earrings that sway when she speaks. 29
• Carries the red-and-black sword Primal Fire. 19 29
• Her eyes can take on a dark, mud-like quality when her possessiveness or instability surfaces. 29 34

Personality

Nero is outgoing, eloquent, theatrical, and strongly inclined toward self-expression. She enjoys luxury and spectacle, considers Rome's people her own children, and holds little regard for the Senate's authority. 19

Her need for Novia's approval defines much of her conduct. She seeks to impress him through combat, public works, political accomplishments, and song, while interpreting even brief separation as potential abandonment. 19 21 30 35

Beneath her cheerful confidence lies profound insecurity rooted in childhood neglect and poisoning. She can suppress violent impulses for Novia's sake, but her attachment becomes possessive and destructive when she believes herself unwanted. 26 27 35

Abilities & Skills

Combat Ability

Nero is physically formidable even without magecraft.

• Defeated a starved lion in the Colosseum using a naked chokehold and physical strength alone. 19
• Led Roman forces during the Judean campaign, ordering the destruction of enemy villages and castles. 23
• Commanded and assisted mage teams during the siege of Jerusalem. 24

Political Leadership

Nero demonstrates public appeal and practical political ability.

• Served as a popular magistrate before becoming emperor. 18
• Delivered speeches before the Senate with growing confidence. 21
• Organized public competitions to build popular support. 19
• Opened the Isthmus of Corinth canal, strengthening Roman control over Greek commerce. 33
• Later carried out Novia's planned reforms and invested heavily in Byzantium, consolidating the empire's eastern territories. 40

Singing

Novia believes Nero's singing can bring happiness to others.

• Performed as lead singer in a concert broadcast across Rome. 26
• Was encouraged by Novia to continue singing so more people could hear her. 27

Beast of Sodom

Nero's abandonment trauma and the power of Primal Fire trigger her transformation into the Beast of Sodom.

• Her beastly power is identified as the “Fire of Passion” or “Fire of Love.” 36
• Her transformation manifests ominous red magic and a blood-red sea-like presence capable of threatening minds. 35
• Potential apocalyptic forms include the great harlot of Babylon, Satan, and Lucifer. 36
• Novia temporarily suppressed the transformation using ancient Roman magic and the divine-era Aether of Rome's seven hills. 35
• A later appearance depicts her Beast form alongside the figure named Draco. 46

Equipment

• Primal Fire — A red-and-black sword forged by Novia from the Tears of the Star and given to Nero after her victory over the lion. It is closely tied to her feelings for Novia and later emits the same ominous red magic as her Beast transformation. 19 35
• Golden Laurel — The wreath Nero held during Novia's Triumph; she later wears it herself as a symbol of her confidence in being Novia's most important person. 25 27

Relationships

• Novia — Teacher, baptizer, political guide, and the focus of Nero's devotion. She becomes emotionally dependent on him, eventually succeeds him as the second Pope, and carries out his reform plans after his disappearance. 14 19 35 40
• Agrippina — Mother. Agrippina poisoned and manipulated Nero from childhood, treating her as a pawn; Nero's discovery that Novia had not poisoned her precipitated her breakdown. 14 23 35
• Claudius I — Adoptive father and predecessor as emperor. His adoption of Domitius gave her the name Nero and positioned her for succession. 18 29
• Albion / Melusine — Rival for Novia's attention. Nero recognizes Albion's hostility and wants to kill her after realizing Albion drew Novia's blood. 26 27
• Locusta — Palace food-safety manager and confidante. Nero asked her to develop a stronger poison from a harmless sample, then broke down upon learning it contained no poison. 30 34

Story Role / Major Arcs

Novia's Disciple

Nero is baptized and taught by Novia, developing an ambition to become beloved by Rome's people. Her adoption by Claudius changes her name from Domitius to Nero and establishes her as an imperial figure. 14 15 18

Judean Campaign

Nero volunteers to join Novia's operation against the Judean rebellion. She commands forces ruthlessly, razing settlements and following Novia's orders without hesitation while struggling with the revelation of Agrippina's and Novia's alleged poisoning. 22 23 24

Coronation and Rule

After Claudius dies, Nero becomes emperor. Her coronation confirms both her political authority and deepening attachment to Novia; she appoints Lucius Longinus as leader of the Imperial Guard and later completes the Corinth canal. 29 30 33

Beast Transformation

Learning that Novia had never poisoned her destroys Nero's belief that she was indispensable to him. Convinced she will be abandoned, she transforms into the Beast of Sodom and nearly attacks Novia with Primal Fire. 34 35

Novia suppresses her transformation and confronts the Apocalypse in order to save her. In the sea of blood after the final battle, he persuades Nero to release her guilt and live her own life. 35 38

Second Pope and Disappearance

After Novia's disappearance, Nero becomes the second Pope and the only recorded person to simultaneously serve as Roman Emperor and Pope. She implements his reforms, strengthens Byzantium, and later vanishes under uncertain circumstances; accounts claim either that she disappeared in spontaneous flames or ascended to heaven. 40

Notable Quotes

“I don’t care about being Emperor. I want a reward.” 29

“If it's to be with you, I can do anything, can't I?” 31

“I don't want to be abandoned... I... did nothing wrong...” 35

Trivia

• Nero hosted a private Colosseum spectacle for Novia alone, rather than for a public audience. 19
• She considers Primal Fire a connection between herself and Novia. 19
• She became the only person in recorded history to hold the offices of Roman Emperor and Pope simultaneously. 40