Lace

Created by Grand Mother Silk as a daughter figure, Lace exists as a being woven entirely from silk threads. Unlike the Weavers before her, she was designed specifically to desire her creator's awakening - a loyal child formed with both the appearance and mentality of youth, yet paradoxically ancient. Her sibling Phantom met a different fate, their form deteriorating into frayed threads and rigid shell before being cast aside. Despite her purpose, Lace views herself as a flawed creation - crude and broken, experiencing what she describes as a hollow imitation of true life. For countless years she drifted through the Citadel's halls, maintaining its pristine silence while mortal inhabitants kept their distance. As Hornet's journey progresses toward the Citadel, Lace grows increasingly convinced that Grand Mother Silk favors this intruder over her own daughter, driving her to desperately seek maternal recognition.

Your first meeting occurs in Deep Docks, where she oversees the Silk Flies' movements. Her dialogue hints at involvement in Hornet's capture and fall from the cage, though she frames attacking you as an act of mercy - claiming to spare you from the hardships awaiting above. Defeating her here grants passage to Far Fields. A second encounter takes place within the Choral Chambers (location varies based on your approach to the Citadel). During this meeting, she and Hornet debate Grand Mother Silk's dominion over Pharloom, with Lace questioning whether Hornet truly comprehends what it means to oppose a higher being. The climactic confrontation happens atop the lift to the Cradle, after you've assembled the Threefold Melody. This brutal duel reveals her true nature as a silk construct. Following her defeat, Lace acknowledges your worthiness to meet her creator, bitterly noting that Grand Mother Silk seems to desire Hornet rather than her own daughter.

Deep Docks Battle: During your initial duel, Lace demonstrates classical fencing techniques: • Forward Thrust: She rapidly closes distance with pin extended, crossing about 60% of the platform in a straight dash. • Twin Arcs: Executes two consecutive overhead slashes while advancing, each sweeping in wide arcs above her position. • Aerial Assault: Leaps at an angle while spinning her pin in a complete circle, then descends diagonally with a strike. Notably, she can redirect her descent mid-air based on your position at the peak of her jump. • Defensive Counter: Adopts a guarding stance that negates incoming damage. If struck during this window, she instantly retaliates with a forward dash into rapid strikes, dealing 2 Masks worth of damage if you're caught in the combo. • Stylish Finisher: Adds decorative flourishes between attacks - these aren't just for show, as they can damage you and deflect your projectiles. • Whirlwind Strike: Activated only below 125 HP. She briefly channels power while a white circle appears mid-air, then unleashes a devastating spinning attack within that zone before slamming down. Getting caught inflicts 2 Masks of damage. Cradle Rematch: The second duel unfolds across three escalating phases: Initial Phase: Her attack tempo dramatically increases. The Twin Arcs and Aerial Assault now inflict double damage. She chain-cancels into defensive counters or retreats if you close in too quickly. During successful guards, she can teleport behind you before executing her riposte. Second Phase (600 HP threshold): Her Forward Thrust evolves into a triple-attack combo - two dashes followed by an Aerial Assault. The aerial strike now leaves three glowing circles that erupt into slashes moments later, each dealing 2 Masks. Final Phase (320 HP threshold): She immediately unleashes a Whirlwind Strike and will chain two consecutively going forward. If you attempt to cling to the arena walls for safety, she pursues with a leaping slash worth 2 Masks.