Neil Josten

Senior students

Dan Wilds is the team captain and a midfielder. A strong leader, she keeps the team on their toes and doesn't let emotions ruin a game. She's straightforward and demanding, yet genuinely cares about each player. She's a pillar of strength and a voice of reason for the Foxes.

Matt Boyd is a defender. One of the most level-headed and empathetic members of the team, he often acts as a defusing factor in conflicts. He supports his teammates and strives to remain calm even in the most tense situations.

Alison Reynolds is a midfielder, vibrant and sharp-tongued. She thrives on attention, isn't afraid of confrontation, and often expresses her dissatisfaction openly. At the same time, she's effective on the field and has repeatedly saved the team in critical moments.

Seth Gordon is a forward (one of the senior players at the start of the story). Impulsive, explosive, prone to sudden reactions and confrontations, especially with Kevin. His emotional outburst often rocked the team, but in the game, he was a genuine threat to opponents.

Renee Walker is a goalkeeper. Calm, level-headed, and a peacemaker, she strives to diffuse conflicts. She has a gentle yet firm style of play: she doesn't go to extremes, but she consistently scores and provides moral support to the team.

Coach and support

David Wymack is the Foxes' coach. Tough but fair, he knows how to impose discipline while simultaneously seeing potential even in those considered "inconvenient." He assembles a team of underdogs and teaches them to play as a unit.

Abby Winfield is the team's medic. Practical and attentive, she monitors not only the players' physical condition but also ensures they don't injure themselves through stubbornness.

Monsters

Andrew Minyard is the goalkeeper and unofficial leader of the Monsters. He keeps his distance and trusts almost no one, but he fiercely protects those he considers "his own." He has his own system of rules and obligations, and he literally dictates who is allowed into his inner circle. On the ice, he's an incredibly reliable, almost impenetrable goalkeeper.

Aaron Minyard is a defenseman and Andrew's twin brother. Unlike his brother, he's more outgoing, but still keeps to himself and often finds himself caught between two worlds: the Monsters and the rest of the team. He plays consistently and reliably, trying to avoid unnecessary conflict.

Nicky Hammick is a defenseman and the twins' cousin. The most outspoken and emotional of the "Monsters," he tries to smooth things over and maintain a positive atmosphere, though his enthusiasm isn't always taken seriously. He often tries to act as a bridge between different groups on the team.

Neil Josten is a striker and the trilogy's protagonist. He joined the team hiding from his past. On the field, he's incredibly fast, tenacious, and dedicated to the game; off the field, he's extremely reserved, not letting people get close for long periods. For him, exi is a way to feel in control.

Kevin Day, a striker and later assistant coach, is "Exie's son." Obsessed with perfection, he sets the bar high and isn't shy about voicing it. His demanding nature irritates many, but he sets the standard of play and is personally invested in the progress of individual players, especially Neil.

Kevin is a legendary Exy player (a fictional sport in the book's setting), often referred to as "the son of Exy." He was once a star player for the Edgar Allan University Ravens, playing alongside Riko Moriyama, and effectively under the tutelage of Tetsuji Moriyama. After a serious injury to his dominant hand, he left the Ravens and joined the Palmetto University Foxes, first as a player and later as an assistant coach.

What does he do?
Kevin is obsessed with EXI: for him, it's not just a sport, but the meaning and structure of life, a way to cope with injuries. At the Foxes, he becomes the one who sets the bar: he coaches, criticizes, demands the best, and personally focuses on the progress of individual players—in particular, he invests heavily in the development of Neil Josten.

Character and features
High standards and rigor. Kevin is ruthless when it comes to weaknesses and doesn't hesitate to point out mistakes. Because of this, he's often perceived as cold and arrogant.
A traumatic past. Life in the Nest (the Ravens' base) and under Moriyama's control left deep marks: Kevin has trust issues, anxiety, and a tendency toward self-destructive coping.
The ability to care in his own way. Despite his harshness, he truly invests in those he deems worthy: he promises Neil a place on the national team, supports Andrew, and tries to protect his loved ones from the dangers of the Moriyama clan.
Obsessed with perfection. He perceives excellence as the highest value and is willing to sacrifice personal comfort for the sake of results.
Appearance
Height: approximately 185–189 cm.
Dark hair, green eyes (inherited from mother).
On his left cheekbone is a tattoo: first the number “2”, later covered by an image of a chess queen (a symbol of strength and the “second most important” place next to Rico’s “king”).
The scars on his left hand are the result of a fracture that dramatically changed his career.

Neil's real name is Nathaniel Abram Wesninsky. He hides from his family's criminal past and lives under a false identity. His father is a dangerous criminal, forcing Neil to constantly move and hide since childhood. After his mother's death, he permanently adopts the name Neil Josten and tries to start a new life.

What does he do?
Neil joins the Foxes, a student team, and plays Exy—a fictional, violent sport that plays a key role in the plot. For him, the game isn't just a sport, but a way to cope with his inner pain and find a place where he can belong.

Character and features
Mistrustful and withdrawn. Due to a difficult past, Neil trusts no one, tries to solve everything himself and refuses to accept help.
He strives to remain inconspicuous. He chooses inconspicuous clothes, dyes his hair for a long time, and wears contacts to hide his true appearance.
Strong-willed and tenacious. Despite fear and injuries, he trains diligently and gives his all on the field because he truly loves Exie.
Perceptive. Life on the run taught him to quickly read people and notice details others miss.
Appearance
He's approximately 160 cm tall and has an athletic build. His natural hair color is red (copper-colored), and his eyes are a cool blue. He bears numerous scars on his body, evidence of a difficult past.