You’ve probably spent a good chunk of time in the N109 Zone by now, dodging shady deals and trying to figure out why everyone is so obsessed with protocores. It’s messy. It’s dark. And right at the center of that chaos is Onychinus. If you’re like most players, you probably first heard the name and thought: "Okay, generic villain group, got it."
But honestly? Onychinus isn’t just some random street gang. It’s a massive, shadow-dwelling organization that basically runs the underworld while the rest of Linkon City pretends it doesn’t exist.
The Truth About Onychinus in Love and Deepspace
Basically, Onychinus is a syndicate. They deal in the high-stakes, highly illegal world of modified protocores and Evol-enhanced weaponry. While the Hunters' Association is out there playing by the rules, Onychinus is operating in the "blind spot" of the law. In fact, the name itself is kinda a giveaway.
Etymologically, Onychinus relates to onyx marble—a black gemstone. In the Chinese version of the game, the name roughly translates to "Dark Point" or "Blind Spot." It’s the perfect name for a group that thrives where the light doesn't reach.
Who is really in charge?
It’s Sylus.
Obviously.
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Since the 2.0 Long Awaited Revelry update, we’ve learned that Sylus isn't just a powerful Evolver; he's the guy who built this empire from the ground up roughly 14 years ago. He’s 28 now, which means he was essentially a teenager when he started consolidating power in the N109 Zone. That's a lot of weight for someone who also happens to be a literal "Otherworldly Visitor" with a penchant for high-speed motorcycles and mechanical crows.
A different kind of leadership
Sylus doesn't run Onychinus like a typical mob boss. He’s got this weirdly strict moral code. He doesn't hurt the weak, and he always keeps his promises—even the scary ones.
He’s backed by Mephisto (that annoying but helpful mechanical crow) and the twins, Luke and Kieran. You’ve seen them; they wear the crow masks with the horns. They’re loyal to a fault, and they represent the "Gathering of Demons" vibe that the organization leans into.
Why the N109 Zone Matters
The N109 Zone isn't just a setting; it’s the Onychinus playground. It’s a lawless area outside Linkon City that was basically left for dead after the Chronorift Catastrophe. Because the authorities stopped caring, Onychinus stepped in. They turned it into a hub for black-market protocore trading.
Here is the thing about the "Elysium" bar. It’s a key location in the Zone where a lot of the lore actually hides. Back in 2036, during a massive gang war, a woman named Ginevra made a deal with Sylus. She gave him a Protocore map in exchange for protecting the bar. This deal solidified Sylus's rule over the N109 Zone. It shows that Onychinus isn't just about mindless violence; it’s about strategic "fair exchange."
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The Relationship with the Protagonist
This is where things get complicated.
Onychinus (and Sylus specifically) has been tracking the MC for a long, long time. Remember the Aether Core? That thing inside the MC’s heart is the ultimate prize for an organization that specializes in energy manipulation.
Resonance and the "Devouring"
When you first meet Sylus in the N109 Zone, he doesn't just want to talk. He wants to resonate. He tries to force a connection because he believes the MC is his "kindred spirit."
Interestingly, when the MC looks into his glowing right eye, she hears a voice telling her to "devour him." This hints at a much deeper, possibly ancient connection between the two that predates the current timeline. Sylus isn't just a criminal leader; he's someone who has been waiting 14 years for the MC to "grow up" and remember who they are to each other.
Breaking Down the "Villain" Label
Is Onychinus "evil"?
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It’s gray.
In Love and Deepspace, the lines between good and bad are constantly shifting. You have the EVER Group—the "official" researchers who are actually doing horrific human experiments to achieve immortality. Compared to them, Onychinus almost looks honest. They tell you they’re criminals. They tell you they want power. There’s no fake corporate smile.
- EVER Group: Hidden evil, human experimentation, "official" facade.
- Onychinus: Openly criminal, black market, ruled by a guy with a soft spot for injured animals.
It’s a classic "pick your poison" scenario. While Onychinus definitely does illegal stuff with weapons, they aren't necessarily the ones trying to play god with the universe.
Actionable Insights for Players
If you want to understand the full scope of Onychinus lore, you can't just play the main story. You have to dig into the side content.
- Check the World Underneath stories. Specifically, look for "Elysium Analysis" and "Land of Lost." These give you the background on how the N109 Zone became the mess it is today.
- Level up your Sylus Memories. His "Relentless Conqueror" and "Otherworldly Visitor" myths are non-negotiable if you want to understand why he founded Onychinus. It explains his "Dragon" origins and why he feels like an outcast.
- Pay attention to Mephisto. That bird isn't just a mascot. It’s Sylus’s eyes and ears. Often, when Mephisto is on screen, there’s a piece of environmental storytelling happening in the background.
- Re-read the "Death and Rebirth" chapters. Look at how Luke and Kieran interact with the MC. They treat her with a level of familiarity that suggests Onychinus has been watching her since she was a child.
The N109 Zone is a dark place, but Onychinus provides the only real structure it has. Whether you view them as a "web of sin" or a "sanctuary for the shunned" depends entirely on how much you trust Sylus. And in a game where everyone is keeping secrets, trust is the rarest currency you've got.
To get the most out of your next session, go back to the "Spacepedia" in-game and read the entries for N109 and Onychinus again. Now that you know about the 2036 gang war and the Aether Core's role, those dry descriptions will start to feel a lot more like a roadmap to what's coming next in the story.