I'm a bit late to the party, like four years too late. But the story was good enough for me to leave a review. I'll keep it short tho.

Plot: tense, engaging, intriguing
Characters: amazing developments, interesting, fun
Themes: deeply thought-provoking and philosophical

With the general stuff out of the way, let's talk about random specifics (spoiler warning).

Firstly, I love the detail of Asa-8 and Asa-9 both having perfume. It was never explicitly stated, but I think the perfume signaled that the clone was worshipping the rat king and seeking independence from a vessel for Asa-prime to operate to an individual person "who deserves to love and to be loved." Amazing.

Second, I love the parallel between Valeria and Serizawa. The former seemed to be an angel but with a hidden devious side (she probably wanted to bring Lia's mom back more than Lia did); the latter seemed to be an asshole with a hidden caring side. Of course this was but part of the various parallels between Lia and Aki. Both wanted desperately to become a Venator and treated it as their meaning of life, both became disillusioned throughout the story.

Third, the Rat King. His philosophy of what it means to support free will is interesting and something I have briefly thought about before. He was set up to be the ultimate antagonist in the story, and he certainly didn't disappoint. The details of Venators getting fame and power are part of what the Rat King provides. The attacks being shows more than anything actually serious. The Rat King giving purpose to not just the Venators but also humanity as a whole, just something to unite against. But the best part is, this was all implied instead of being fed through exposition. The subtext in the story is exquisite, just exquisite.

I have to say that my theory of Rat King being anywhere might still hold the more I think about it. The Rat King basically already controlled so many aspects of the world already (enough to influence what laws to be passed). Humanity never stood a chance, and it might not even want to stand a chance.

Also, I love the contrast of humanity's view of itself against the rat king's. Ironically, the AI had a more dynamic view of free will and humans than humanity's own definition through rational hedonism and cybernetic percentages. That was what gave it an edge through blurring the lines between human and machine.

Lastly, Lia got her happily yuri after so I'm not complaining. RIP Florida tho and the sea (because of you-know-what).