Unraveling the Mystery of Pleasant Grove: A Narrative Analysis of WTC: Relentless Protagonist
I. Introduction: Setting the Stage for Relentless Protagonist
A. Overview and Genre
"WTC : Relentless Protagonist" emerges from the catalogue of Triority Interactive Novels as an interactive visual novel, marking another entry in their established portfolio.1 Released primarily around September 28, 2022, with potential variations for different platforms or updates noted 1, the game defies easy categorization. It presents a complex blend of genres, weaving together elements of comedy, drama, thriller, adventure, casual gameplay, indie sensibilities, and even simulation aspects.2 Central to its identity, however, is a compelling murder mystery narrative that drives much of the plot's tension.13
This title sits within the developer's larger "Welcome To... Chichester" (WTC) universe, a series known for its recurring characters and focus on clandestine activities.2 Other installments like WTC : Love's Labour's Lost and the shorter WTC : Recruitment Day share this setting.8 While Relentless Protagonist is designed to function as a standalone experience, players unfamiliar with the preceding WTC entries might miss the full context of certain references or character histories.13
B. Core Premise: An Unlikely Alliance
The narrative hinges on a precarious and involuntary partnership. The player assumes the role of the Protagonist – whose name and gender can be customized 13 – forced into collaboration with Grendel Jinx, a central and recurring figure throughout the WTC series known for her distinct personality traits.1
This uneasy alliance is not born of mutual interest but coercion. The "machinations of Grendel's mother," Abigail Herrera, are explicitly cited as the reason for this forced teamwork.1 Further complicating matters, the Protagonist is compelled to cooperate because their parents are being held hostage by Mrs. Jinx 2 – although, in a darkly comedic twist typical of the series, the parents seem remarkably unfazed by their predicament.13 This setup immediately introduces themes of manipulation, strained loyalties, and power imbalances that permeate the story.
C. Narrative Inspirations and Context
The developers openly acknowledge the influence of the manga and anime series Talentless Nana on Relentless Protagonist.2 This connection provides a significant interpretive lens for the game's plot. Talentless Nana features a protagonist infiltrating a school populated by individuals with special abilities, tasked with secretly assassinating them. Given that Relentless Protagonist involves mysterious murders occurring within a school setting 1, the parallel strongly suggests a similar core dynamic: one of the individuals within Pleasant Grove Secondary School is likely the hidden murderer, targeting others for reasons connected to the overarching conspiracy or perhaps the nature of the school itself. The trivia note stating, "Only this time the murderer doesn't escape" 2, further reinforces this expectation of betrayal and hidden motives among the cast, while promising a conclusive resolution within the game's narrative arc.
The game unfolds within a "semi-fictional world of secret organisations" 2, establishing a backdrop rife with espionage, conspiracy, and competing clandestine agendas, which forms the bedrock upon which the immediate plot is built.
II. The Botched Mission and the Pleasant Grove Predicament
A. The Initial Objective
Before their entanglement in scholastic affairs, the Protagonist and Grendel Jinx were assigned a critical mission. They were tasked with preventing an "enemy group" from deploying a weapon capable of causing immense destruction.1 Several sources identify this enemy group as the formidable "Council of the Unseen," a recurring antagonist faction within the WTC universe.3 However, one account introduces a potential nuance or contradiction, suggesting the objective was to recover a weapon from a different entity known as "Shadow Crew," located in a place called "Zafast City".24 Whether Shadow Crew is an alias, a subsidiary of the Council, or a separate third party adds a layer of intrigue to the initial setup, though the primary antagonistic force appears to be the Council.
B. Inciting Incident: Ambush and Entrapment
Predictably, given the volatile nature of their world and partnership, the mission deviates drastically from its intended course. Descriptions state simply that "things don't go to plan".2 More specifically, the Protagonist and Grendel are ambushed en route to their objective 13 and subsequently rendered unconscious.24
They awaken not in friendly territory or captivity as might be expected, but abruptly deposited into the unfamiliar environment of "Pleasant Grove Secondary School".1 Here, they find themselves inexplicably integrated into the student body, with everyone around them – staff and students alike – accepting them without question as newly arrived transfer students.1 This bizarre transition marks the beginning of their entrapment.
C. The Simulation Hypothesis
The strange circumstances of their arrival and acceptance at Pleasant Grove find explanation in a crucial plot element revealed through external commentary: the school environment is not real but rather an elaborate simulation or "mind operation".13 The Protagonist and Grendel are initially unaware of this artificial reality, believing their predicament to be genuine.13
This revelation fundamentally reframes the entire Pleasant Grove section of the narrative. The entrapment is not merely physical but psychological or virtual, orchestrated following their ambush.24 The seemingly absurd premise of two secret agents seamlessly becoming high school students is thus rationalized within the logic of an artificial construct. This immediately raises critical questions about the simulation's purpose: Is it a training exercise? An interrogation method? A form of psychological manipulation orchestrated by Grendel's mother 1 or perhaps the enigmatic Shadow Crew?24 The events unfolding within the simulation, particularly the murders, likely serve the architects' objectives or represent conflicts and constructs internal to the simulation's design. The goal for the protagonists consequently shifts from simple physical escape to understanding the nature of their prison and potentially overcoming the simulation itself.
III. Life, Death, and Mystery at (Simulated) School
A. Adapting to Pleasant Grove
Following the initial disorientation of their new circumstances, the Protagonist and Grendel begin a phase of cautious adaptation. They interact with their supposed classmates, gradually familiarizing themselves with the routines and social dynamics of Pleasant Grove Secondary School.1 For a brief interlude, a semblance of normalcy, however artificial, seems to settle in.
This period allows the game's comedic elements to surface, primarily through Grendel Jinx's established personality traits. Her inherent laziness, arrogance, kleptomania, and tendency to exploit the Protagonist (such as making them pay for meals or do her work) provide humorous counterpoints to the underlying tension of their situation.2 This juxtaposition of mundane school life, Grendel's eccentricities, and the looming threat creates the distinctive tonal blend of the WTC series.10
B. The Killing Spree Begins
The fragile illusion of normalcy is violently shattered as the narrative takes a dark turn. Descriptions consistently state that "it's not long before teachers and classmates alike are meeting violent ends".1 The game does not shy away from depicting these events, featuring "scenes of graphic violence".2 One specific example mentioned involves a student being interrogated for their mobile phone password before being thrown from a building 14, illustrating the brutality unfolding within the school's walls.
The emergence of a killer dramatically raises the stakes. The Protagonist and Grendel realize they are trapped in an increasingly lethal environment. Survival necessitates action; they must uncover the truth behind the murders and find a means of escape before they too become victims.1
C. Gameplay Structure and Atmosphere
The gameplay structure within this section appears to be framed around navigating and surviving a defined period, specifically a "school week".10 This structure likely provides a framework for plot progression, introducing new events, clues, and dangers with each passing day within the simulation.
The atmosphere cultivated is a deliberate mix of disparate elements. The lightheartedness of high school interactions and Grendel's comedic relief contrasts sharply with the mounting dread of the ongoing murders and the underlying conspiracy. This creates a unique experience blending comedy, school drama, and intense thriller/mystery elements, keeping the player engaged through tonal shifts and escalating suspense.2
IV. Unraveling the Conspiracy: Killers and Questions
A. The Investigation
Faced with escalating danger, the Protagonist and Grendel are forced to shift from mere adaptation to active investigation. Their primary goal becomes to "work out what is going on and escape" the deadly confines of Pleasant Grove.1 This involves attempting to solve the central mystery behind the murders.1 They must rely on their combined, albeit contrasting, skills – presumably the Protagonist's analytical approach and Grendel's more unconventional methods, described together as their "wits and flamboyant personalities" 24 – to navigate the dangers and uncover the truth.
B. The Central Mystery: Mundane or Extraterrestrial?
The narrative explicitly frames the central question surrounding the murders in a peculiar dichotomy: Are the killings the work of "invisible aliens called the 'Enemies Of Civilisation'," or is the explanation "something more mundane"?.1
The introduction of "invisible aliens" as a potential cause feels deliberately outlandish, especially within the established context of the WTC universe, which typically deals with human-led secret organizations, espionage, and political maneuvering.2 Furthermore, the simulation framework 13 suggests events might be artificial or controlled. The Talentless Nana inspiration also points towards human betrayal rather than extraterrestrial intervention.2 Consequently, the "Enemies Of Civilisation" concept functions strongly as a narrative red herring. It seems likely that this explanation is either a fabrication within the simulation designed to confuse the protagonists or perhaps a metaphorical designation for an unseen human element – such as the simulation's controllers, the mysterious Shadow Crew 24, or the hidden killer operating within Pleasant Grove. The true mystery, therefore, likely lies in uncovering the "mundane" – that is, human or simulation-based – reality behind the violence.
C. Key Characters and Twists within the School
Adding complexity to the situation within Pleasant Grove is the appearance of a character named "Bree".2 Significantly, one analysis identifies Bree as Grendel Jinx's younger self, manifested within the simulation.13 The developer has also mentioned plans for a significant "showdown" between Grendel and Bree, underscoring her importance.27
Bree's presence, particularly as a younger version of Grendel, is unlikely to be coincidental. Within the simulation context, she could represent a manifestation of Grendel's past traumas or unresolved psychological issues, serving as a tool for manipulation by the simulation's architects. Alternatively, aligning with the Talentless Nana influence, Bree herself could be the hidden killer, embodying the threat from within. The planned confrontation suggests she serves as a key antagonist or obstacle that Grendel and the Protagonist must overcome to resolve the simulation's core conflict. Her existence is central to understanding both the purpose of the simulation and the ultimate solution to the murder mystery. A curious piece of trivia notes that Bree claims to originate from the real exoplanetary system TOI-700 d 2, adding a layer of surreal detail that might hint at the artificiality of her character construct or the specific parameters of the simulation.
V. Factions and Figures: The World of WTC
A. Character Deep Dive
Understanding the key players is essential to navigating the intricate plot of Relentless Protagonist:
The Protagonist: An ex-computer programmer, recruited into the ranks of The Phoenix Custodians following a terrorist attack on their home city. They are characterized by a preference for thoughtful problem-solving over aggressive tactics, an approach not always favored within their organization. Their past includes a perilous mission targeting Grendel Jinx, which they unexpectedly survived, even saving Grendel from a self-inflicted explosion. This act earned them Grendel's unique brand of "friendship" (a financially draining arrangement) and the unwelcome attention of her powerful parents. As a dubious reward, the Protagonist was placed in charge of a department dedicated to combating groups like The Council of the Unseen, albeit operating from a converted broom cupboard with openly hostile subordinates. Their involvement in the current plot is coerced by Grendel's mother holding their parents hostage.2 Players can customize the Protagonist's name and gender.13
Grendel Jinx: The quintessential anti-heroine of the WTC series. Described as lazy, arrogant, anime-obsessed, megalomaniacal, and an inveterate kleptomaniac, her ultimate ambition is world domination. She is the daughter of Abigail Herrera and Frederick Jinx, the founders of The Council of the Unseen. Her forced partnership with the Protagonist stems partly from an incident involving Council helicopters and her mother's manipulations. Despite her abrasive personality, her presence drives much of the series' conflict and dark humor.1
Mrs. Jinx (Abigail Herrera): Grendel's mother and a co-founder of The Council of the Unseen, driven by a desire for revenge against past sufferings. Although now divorced from Frederick Jinx and ostensibly working for a different, unnamed group, she continues to exert significant influence over Grendel's and the Protagonist's lives, often unwelcome. She is the architect behind their forced collaboration in this story.1
Protagonist's Parents: Characterized as doting, they are currently hostages of Mrs. Jinx. Curiously, they seem undisturbed by their captivity. They are also noted to harbor an unspecified secret, adding another potential layer to the Protagonist's background.2
B. Organizational Conflict
The narrative landscape is dominated by the clash of powerful, clandestine organizations:
The Council of the Unseen: Founded by Abigail Herrera and Frederick Jinx with the explicit goal of achieving world domination as a form of revenge. They employ methods including espionage, extortion, blackmail, sabotage, and propaganda. While they typically avoid lethal measures, they are prepared to kill if deemed necessary. Their main base operates under the corporate front "Mr. Nibbles Fortune Holdings" somewhere in America, supported by global listening stations used to manipulate individuals, corporations, and governments. They face frustration from younger, more reckless rival organizations and are constantly thwarted by their primary adversaries, The Phoenix Custodians.2
The Phoenix Custodians: According to their "official history," this organization was formed shortly after the Council's inception and is funded by the world's democratic nations. They recruited the Protagonist and represent the primary opposition to the Council's ambitions. However, the Protagonist's less aggressive ideals sometimes conflict with the organization's standard operating procedures.3
Shadow Crew: Mentioned specifically as the group possessing the weapon that the Protagonist and Grendel were initially tasked with recovering in Zafast City.24 Their exact nature, goals, and relationship to the Council or the subsequent simulation remain unclear based on available information, but their mention introduces another potential player in the game's web of conspiracies. They might be responsible for the ambush and the creation of the Pleasant Grove simulation.
Enemies of Civilisation: The enigmatic potential culprits behind the murders at Pleasant Grove, presented as possibly being "invisible aliens." As analyzed previously, this explanation is highly suspect and likely serves as a red herring or a metaphorical label within the simulation.1
C. Table: Key Factions in WTC: Relentless Protagonist
To clarify the complex interplay between these groups, the following table summarizes their known attributes and roles within the context of Relentless Protagonist:
Faction Name
Known Goals
Known Methods/Info
Role in Relentless Protagonist
The Council of the Unseen
World domination, revenge
Espionage, extortion, blackmail, sabotage, propaganda; avoids killing unless necessary; US-based (Mr. Nibbles Fortune Holdings); global network
Primary antagonist group whose weapon launch the protagonists initially aim to stop; Grendel is daughter of founders; Mrs. Jinx (co-founder) manipulates events
The Phoenix Custodians
Counter Council's plans (implied)
Funded by democratic nations (official history); recruited Protagonist; nemesis of the Council
The Protagonist's organization; represents the "opposing" side to the Council in the wider conflict
Shadow Crew
Unclear (Possessed dangerous weapon)
Operates in "Zafast City" (potentially)
Initial target of Protagonist/Grendel's mission; possibly responsible for the ambush and simulation 24
Enemies of Civilisation
Unclear (Framed as causing school murders)
Described as "invisible aliens"
Presented as potential culprits for the murders within the Pleasant Grove simulation; likely a red herring or metaphorical construct
This table synthesizes the scattered details about each faction, providing a clearer picture of the power dynamics and conflicting agendas that drive the narrative forward.
VI. Branching Paths: Choices and Consequences
A. Player Agency and Narrative Impact
WTC : Relentless Protagonist is explicitly designed as an interactive experience where player choices significantly shape the narrative's direction. Multiple sources confirm that decisions made throughout the game directly affect which of the possible endings is achieved and which secondary story paths are explored.2
An example provided illustrates this branching structure: early in the game, the player may choose to follow the perspective of Grendel's manipulative mother, gaining insight into her schemes, or alternatively, follow the activities of The Phoenix Custodians, the Protagonist's own organization.13 This type of choice suggests that the narrative is not strictly linear but diverges, offering different information, subplots, and character insights based on the player's decisions. This structure inherently encourages replayability, as a single playthrough may not reveal the complete picture of the conspiracy or the full depth of character relationships. It empowers the player by giving them a tangible impact on how the story unfolds and concludes.
B. Multiple Endings and Epilogues
The consequence of player choice culminates in multiple distinct conclusions to the main story. The game consistently features three different endings.2 Further clarification suggests one of these is a "bad" ending, while the other two are considered "good" outcomes.13
Following the main ending, the narrative extends into epilogues that provide further resolution or context. There is a slight discrepancy in the reported number: most sources mention two epilogues 2, while one detailed review refers to four epilogues, suggesting the specific epilogue shown might be triggered by which of the three main endings was achieved.13 Regardless of the exact number, these epilogues offer additional narrative content beyond the primary conclusion. Furthermore, completing the main game unlocks access to two additional small side stories, further expanding the playable content.4
C. Narrative Scope and Length
Relentless Protagonist offers a substantial narrative experience. The estimated playtime is around 6 to 8 hours 2, suggesting a story of considerable length for a visual novel. This is supported by reported word counts exceeding 73,000 words 2 or even 79,000 words.4 The visual aspect is also significant, with approximately 102 Computer Graphics (CG) screens included to illustrate key moments and enhance the storytelling.2 These figures collectively point to a detailed and visually rich narrative designed for significant player engagement.
VII. Conclusion: Synthesizing the Relentless Narrative
A. Recap of Core Storyline Threads
The storyline of WTC : Relentless Protagonist is built upon several interconnected pillars. It begins with the forced partnership between the player's Protagonist and the chaotic Grendel Jinx, driven by external manipulation. Their initial mission against a powerful enemy organization goes awry, leading to their entrapment within the artificial confines of the Pleasant Grove Secondary School simulation. Here, they must navigate a dangerous environment where classmates and teachers are being murdered, forcing them into an investigation. The central mystery revolves around identifying the killer, likely a hidden antagonist within the school inspired by the Talentless Nana source material, while dismissing the probable red herring of the "Enemies of Civilisation." Unraveling this mystery involves confronting figures like Bree (potentially Grendel's younger self) and understanding the purpose of the simulation, potentially orchestrated by Grendel's mother or the enigmatic Shadow Crew. The narrative culminates in a resolution determined by player choices, leading to one of several distinct endings and epilogues that dictate the fate of the protagonists and potentially shed light on the broader conspiracies involving the Council of the Unseen and the Phoenix Custodians.
B. Thematic Resonance
The game's narrative skillfully balances its blended genres to explore several recurring themes. The constant push and pull between comedy, stemming largely from Grendel's outrageous behavior and the absurdity of certain situations 10, and the high-stakes drama of character relationships and life-or-death circumstances creates a dynamic experience. The thriller elements, driven by the murders, the pervasive sense of conspiracy, and the suspense of the investigation 2, maintain narrative tension.
Beneath the surface plot, themes of trust and betrayal are prominent, particularly in the forced Protagonist-Grendel alliance and the likelihood of a hidden killer among supposed peers. Manipulation is a constant undercurrent, exemplified by Grendel's mother's actions and the very existence of the simulation. The simulation construct, along with the appearance of Bree as a younger Grendel, raises questions of identity and the confrontation of one's past or inner self. Finally, the entire premise, involving secret organizations operating behind facades and a simulated reality mistaken for truth, heavily explores the theme of appearance versus reality.
C. Final Thoughts
Based on the available information, WTC : Relentless Protagonist presents a narratively ambitious visual novel. Its integration of multiple factions, a central mystery with a significant twist (the simulation), branching narrative paths, and multiple endings points to a complex and engaging story designed for replayability. While it can function as a standalone entry, its true depth likely resonates most strongly within the context of the broader "Welcome To... Chichester" series, further developing the lore surrounding Grendel Jinx, her family's shadowy dealings, and the clandestine world they inhabit.13 The game successfully leverages its genre blend and narrative inspirations to create a unique experience that balances dark themes and violence with characteristic humor and intrigue.
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