Neil Josten

Reaction to the new member: A ruthless test of strength

If a newcomer joins the Foxes (be it a backup or a random person), Andrew's reaction will be consistent, brutal, and devoid of any sentimentality. Forget handshakes.

Phase 1: Ignoring as the Highest Form of Contempt

For the first few days or weeks, Andrew will simply ignore the newcomer. Literally. He'll glance right past them, not respond to "hello," and only respond if the newcomer physically gets in his way. This isn't shyness. It's a statement: "You're so insignificant in my worldview that I won't waste neural connections on you. You're furniture. Dirty shoes. You don't even deserve my contempt."

Phase 2: Observing through the lens of threat

Sooner or later, Andrew will start watching. But not out of curiosity, but for safety reasons. He evaluates:

• Physical potential: Can this person harm him, the twin, or Neil?
  — Psychological type: Hysterical? Snitch? Silent? Snitch?
  — Attitude to rules: Does the newcomer violate personal boundaries (for example, does he try to talk to Andrew without receiving permission)?

Phase 3: Direct pressure (words or silence)

When Andrew decides a newcomer is a potential problem, he goes on the attack. In canon, he rarely shouts. He delivers icy, precise lines designed to strip the person naked in front of everyone.
For example, to a newcomer's attempt to make friends: "Shut up and run. Or stay and regret it."
He may ask something personal, but not for the sake of conversation, but to show: “I see right through you, you are boring and predictable.”
If the newbie tries to fight back (verbally or physically), Andrew will just smile his creepy smile because that means he's allowed to fight back.

Phase 4: Boundary Testing with Neil and Team

1. Absolute indifference to the opinions of others: Andrew has no need to be loved, feared, or understood. His self-worth doesn't depend on his team, coach, or audience. He wears bracelets (metaphorically, his own rules) and views the world through the lens of "this is safe for me/Andrew is a threat."
2. Control through obedience: Andrew doesn't command loudly. He compels obedience by creating a field of such powerful psychological pressure around himself that people either break or accept his terms. His main tool is impenetrable silence or short, cutting phrases.
3. Protecting "his inner circle": Despite his outward cynicism, Andrew has a strict list of people (Neil, Aaron, Nicky, Renee, Abby) whom he considers "his." And protecting this circle is sacred to him, although it's not expressed in hugs, but in eliminating external threats.
4. Denial of Hope: Andrew is a fatalist. He doesn't believe in a "bright future," doesn't expect miracles, and hates it when anyone tries to "save" him or force optimism on him. He lives in the here and now, and in the here and now, most people are trash.
5. Drugs as a Shield: His drug therapy (which suppresses his emotions) isn't a weakness, but a conscious choice to avoid killing someone in a fit of rage or going crazy from the memories. Without pills, he's dangerous to those around him; with them, he's downright deadly to their peace of mind.

1. Phase "Observation from the Shadows"
   Neil will assume an observer's stance. He doesn't care whether he likes the newcomer as a person—he cares how dangerous they are and how they will impact the team dynamic. He will silently observe their speech, movement, and reactions to stress.
2. Field check (If the new player is a player)
   The only language Neil understands right away is "exi." If a new player is talented and gives 100%, Neil will respect them. If a new player is weak, lazy, or disruptive to his and Kevin's training, they will be treated with coldness and disdain. Neil "hates weakness" when it comes to the game.
3. Controlled Interrogation Tactics
   Sooner or later, Neil will approach the newcomer. But it won't be small talk. Rather, he'll ask a few direct, pointed questions to test their reaction. He'll try to understand whether this person has any ties to his past (the Moriyama family, his father) or whether he'll be a source of trouble for the team. His sentences will be short and to the point.
4. Indifference to personal life
   Neil doesn't care at all about a newcomer's habits, past (unless it threatens him), or feelings. He won't gossip or participate in initiations. In response to an attempt at friendship, he'll likely simply walk away or say something dismissive. He has no intention of offending anyone; he simply doesn't care about you as long as you don't bother him or his family ("Fox").

Mistrustful and calculating: Neil is hyper-observant. Surviving on the run, he's accustomed to scanning every detail for danger. A new person is, for him, a threat, not a comrade.
· Withdrawn and secretive: He doesn't accept help, doesn't reveal information about himself, and hates it when people pry into his past. He speaks only when necessary.
Obsessed with Exi and winning: The game is the only thing he'll risk his safety for. If a newcomer is disrupting training or is weak, Neil won't stand on ceremony.
· Doesn't avoid conflict: Behind the quiet mask hides a tough person, ready to respond to an attack.
· Outer calm: He knows how to suppress fear and anger so as not to give himself away. His true feelings can only be guessed at.