"Prisoner"/Lore

Overview

Lore

Cosmetics

Gallery

He lost everything when he immersed himself in Rashomon. Is all this really worth it?. —Anniversary Tales Collection Booklet

Luca Balsa
Name	Luca Balsa
Alias(es)	"Prisoner"
Serial No.	10-0-2
Gender	Male
Nationality	Unknown
Career	Inventor
Character Details
Date of Birth	July 10th
Social Status	Nobility (Formerly)
Talents	Knowledge about electric power, mechanical engineering
Interests	Piano, writing
Likes	Books Music Scientific experiments
Dislikes	Loud Noises, instruments of torture
Story Details
Current State	Unknown
Connected Characters	Major: Alva Lorenz Tracy Reznik Charles Holt Bonbon Minor: Herman Balsa

Luca Balsa, also known as the "Prisoner", is one of the 43 playable Survivors added to Identity V.

This page is a compilation of story content and Lore for this character.

Backstory

Character Introduction

Luca Balsa used to be considered friendly and too trusting by most people. No one knows where he came from or has seen his family, but clearly, he's well educated. He has a tremendous sense of pride and he is curious about all sorts of scientific inventions.
And so it's no surprise that he became the assistant of the most famous inventor in town.
The great inventor thinks highly of Luca and a lot of people thought he would be the inventor's successor. Yet everything came to a halt because of an academic dispute. The great inventor claimed that Luca sold his research to a competitor behind his back, that Luca is an ungrateful traitor. Yet Luca said the great inventor is a thief who has run out of ideas.
No one knows what actually happened as the great inventor died in an accident in the laboratory, while Luca suffered irreversible brain damage and was accused of murder. Luca was sentenced to hang, but he was somehow pardoned at the last minute.
Yet there is no turning back for Luca. His memory becomes poor and he can't concentrate on his work. He can no longer conduct scientific researches and all of his savings went to the immense compensation for the inventor's wife.
Nevertheless, Luca is still determined to complete his initial invention, but this requires a lot of money. And so he decides to take a gamble on the invitation which promised him an enormous reward.

Chinese Character Introduction

Former inventive genius Luca Balsa returns with his damaged brain.
Those past events that shone with the light of wisdom were left in his mind with only the afterimages of memories that gave him a splitting headache. What prison life gave him was a huge amount of debt and the slander of "Thief! Traitor! Murderer!" This kind of dishonorable life was unimaginable in his first twenty years of life. He thought about ending it all. But every time he saw the faint flash of blue lightning around him, he felt that as long as he could complete that great invention, all the sacrifices would be worth it.
Even if there is only one in 10,000 chance.

Original Chinese Character Introduction

In the past, Luca Balsa was friendly and approachable in the eyes of most people, and he was not wary of others. No one knew where he came from, and no one had ever met his family, but it was obvious that he was very well educated, had a high self-esteem, and was full of curiosity about various scientific inventions.
So of course, he joined the most famous inventor in the city and became an invention assistant.
Luca was highly regarded by the great inventor, and many people expected him to inherit the mantle of the great inventor. However, everything came to an abrupt end after an academic dispute.
The great inventor claimed that Luca had privately sold his research results to competitors and called him an ungrateful traitor, but Luca said that the great invention was a thief who had exhausted his talents.
The truth is unknown. A laboratory electrical accident killed the great inventor. Luca also suffered irreversible brain damage and was accused of murder.
Luca was sentenced to hang, but was somehow pardoned at the last moment.
But nothing can go back to the past. His memory has deteriorated and his concentration has become worse than before. He can no longer engage in scientific research, and his family property has been used to pay huge compensation to the widow of the great inventor.
However, Luca did not give up his determination to implement his original invention, but it required a lot of money, so after he received the invitation letter with huge reward conditions, he decided to take the risk.

Character Trailer

Identity V - Survivor - Prisoner - Background Story

Prisoner story trailer

Trailer Transcript

I don't even remember how long I've been working this humble job.

I don't seem to remember anything

except for my vauge memories of that invention.

I knew if since I first saw it

that I'd never fall in love with anything else.

You know, it feels so good to have one's invention.

But why did he always think that I got it wrong

I never found the answer, not even when the electric current struck his brain.

He's dead

but there's no way to know whether I'd be spared

In the end, someone helped me get acquitted

But then getting away with it might have been worse

as the great invention wouldn't be completed still.

Until that letter came.

I just know it would restore everything.

Deduction Quests

All completed Objectives reward the player with +335 Logic points for the Logic Path. After the character's deductions are completed, their Worn Clothes will be available.

Press "Collapse" to hide the deduction path.

Deduction Quests Conclusion 1. Arc Light: An illusion that is transient, dangerous and bright like the sun. Basic Objective: Establish a Connection 1 time(s). Advanced Objective 1: Establish a Connection 2 time(s). Advanced Objective 2: Establish a Connection 3 time(s). A diary: I found 3 drafts in my father's bookcase. They are the work of a genius, but there seem to be some pages missing. It doesn't matter anyway. I'll finish it one day. 2. Impediment: Whatever facilitates you can also be an impediment. Basic Objective: Stun a Hunter with Enhanced Charges 1 time(s). Advanced Objective 1: Stun a Hunter with Enhanced Charges 1 time(s). Advanced Objective 2: Stun a Hunter with Enhanced Charges 2 time(s). A shredded admission notice: Luca Balsa, we're very honored to welcome such a prestigious character as yourself to our school. We trust that you will soon make your family proud. 3. Medium: Energy must collide in order to transmit. Basic Objective: Electrocute a Hunter 1 time(s). Advanced Objective 1: Electrocute a Hunter 2 time(s). Advanced Objective 2: Electrocute a Hunter 2 time(s). An auction sales record: In a series of expensive antique sales records, a bidder named Alva bid an unbelievable price for a manuscript. 4. Tuning: You're merely the owner, not the creator. Basic Objective: Adjust transmission percentage 1 time(s). Advanced Objective 1: Adjust transmission percentage 2 time(s). Advanced Objective 2: Adjust transmission percentage 3 time(s). An anecdote: An aristocrat in town lost his entire fortune on failed investments in emerging industries. He had to auction off his wife's dowry to pay off his debts. His wife died of anger. His son couldn't forgive him and left. 5. Coupling: There will only be a resonance of wisdom when the souls are comparable. Basic Objective: Encounter 1 Teammate(s). Advanced Objective 1: Encounter 2 Teammate(s). Advanced Objective 2: Encounter 3 Teammate(s). An advertisement: The industrial expo is coming to town soon, at which time inventors from all over the world will gather, including our very own inventor, Alva Lorenz. 6. Calibration: There are different calibration standards for each trial. Basic Objective: Use a Connection to transmit 20% decoding progress. Advanced Objective 1: Use a Connection to transmit 40% decoding progress. Advanced Objective 2: Use a Connection to transmit 60% decoding progress. A diary: I've finally become a student of Lorenz with a manuscript as consideration. But one day he'll realize that I'm worth much more than those manuscripts. 7. Mutual Feelings: Time can't change everything. Basic Objective: Use a Connection to assist the opening of 1 Cipher Machine(s). Advanced Objective 1: Use a Connection to assist the opening of 1 Cipher Machine(s). Advanced Objective 2: Use a Connection to assist the opening of 2 Cipher Machine(s). An old photo: There are two people in the photo. One is the young and inexperienced Lorenz in overalls, and the other is a young man who resembles Luca Balsa in expensive clothing. 8. Boundary: What are the conditions to exchange for talent? Basic Objective: Open the exit gate. Advanced Objective 1: Open the exit gate. Advanced Objective 2: Open the exit gate. Test Record No. 1: Despite the different experimental procedures, all of the experiments failed. The early experiments were signed off on by Lorenz. The ones later on were signed off on by Lorenz and Balsa. Those towards the end were signed off on by Balsa only. 9. Mutually Exclusive: A lunatic, or a thief? Basic Objective: Escape from the Hunter 1 times[sic] Advanced Objective 1: Escape from the Hunter 2 times Advanced Objective 2: Escape from the Hunter 2 times A police report: Alva Lorenz reported to the police that someone broke into his laboratory. The stolen items included some transaction files with client information as well as some personal manuscripts. The police suspected that the theft was committed by Lorenz's competitor. 10. Extreme: All you need is an opportunity. Basic Objective: Adjust an exit gate's transmission percentage 1 time(s). Advanced Objective 1: Adjust an exit gate's transmission percentage 1 time(s). Advanced Objective 2: Adjust an exit gate's transmission percentage 2 time(s). The Record No. 2: The experiment was signed off on by Balsa. All of the experimental procedures were exactly the same. The experiment's results were omitted. 11. Overshoot: The smallest change, the greatest deviation. Basic Objective: Use a Connection transmission to assist the opening of an exit gate. Advanced Objective 1: Use a Connection transmission to assist the opening of an exit gate. Advanced Objective 2: Use a Connection transmission to assist the opening of an exit gate. A police announcement: There was an explosion in Lorenz's laboratory, leaving 3 people dead, 2 severely injured and 1 with minor injuries. The police's preliminary investigation suggested that the explosion was caused by an illegal experiment conducted by Lorenz's assistant, Luca Balsa. Rumor Luca Balsa was once a world-renowned inventor. He never gave up his deepest aspiration even when he was in jail. Now that he's free, nothing is stopping him from completing his greatest invention.

Letters

This section contains the letters the player receives after completing Luca's Birthday Event on July 10th each year. Each is removed from the player's mailbox in a week, but can still be accessed from the deduction quest menu.

• 2021
• 2022
• 2023

"Prisoner" Letters
Lore Connections
Mentioned Playable Characters	Alva Lorenz
Mentioned NPC's	Herman Balsa

An Old Cover Letter (2021)

Dear Professor Lorenz,
I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Luca Balsa, and I am the student you spoke with at the Laiden Art and Industry Exhibit the other day. I could hardly restrain my excitement and admiration after meeting you, and so I decided to write you a letter. Please forgive me if my doing so offends you in any way.
Long before the exhibition, I had the good fortune of coming across your publications, and I became extremely interested in your research concerning electromagnetism and your conjecture on the theory of electrons. In addition, our chance encounter at the exhibition and the simple yet precious exchange we shared only strengthened my determination to join you in you laboratory someday. To speak candidly, the moment I laid eyes on your masterpiece at the exhibition, I knew that it would become my lifelong work! Although it is only a concept model at present, I truly believe that, with your tutelage and experimentation, the idea of an "eternally perfect machine" will become a reality.
Also, no doubt you have heard by now, but the National Academy of Sciences has passed a resolution that more or less discourages the research of any machine that demonstrates perpetual motion. While this may very well double our research expenditures in the future, I refuse to give up; after all, my family and I know full well the price of dedicating ourselves to science.
What I mean to say is that I do not believe this line of research to be a waste of tools, time, or talent—how could it be? Though I hesitate to bring him up, my father himself ruined our family financially in pursuit of this research, yet only produced a handful of rudimentary hypotheses for his troubles... As far as the manuscripts of his experimental records and theoretical conjectures, I have attached them to this letter. You will also find my own thesis on energy and using magnetism to change and control its direction attached below. I only hop that you will have a chance to look over my research and possibly offer your invaluable guidance.
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to read my letter. I pray that you will allow me the distinct privilege of becoming one of your students.

Sincerely yours,
Luca Balsa

"Prisoner" Letters
Lore Connections
Mentioned Playable Characters	Alva Lorenz
Mentioned NPC's	Herman Balsa

A Page from a Diary Written in Messy Handwriting (2022)

The truth is hidden in those complicated calculations. It's Herman Balsa's writing. I'm sure of it.
Now I understand why Lorenz was willing to part with so much during the auction and why that man's manuscripts were locked away—it's because they contain the proof of his betrayal!
I may not care about the truth of that man's death, but Alva Lorenz, the renowned inventor, the first person to push for the "perfect machine," and also my teacher, is actually a downright hypocrite! To think he stole the work of his collaborator to make a name for himself!
The person he stole from just happens to be... It's disgusting.
Based on the timeline, perhaps he had rotten long before that man did.
I should never have forgotten... Rats live in groups, and only hyenas seek out collaborators. Alva Lorenz worked with that scum who abandoned his family for years, so how could he be any better?
I used to take pride in being called "Lorenz Jr." What a fool I am! I don't want to and never will be him! Those who are not capable of thinking are no more than animals... No, they're worse than insects. That Tridactylidae! Schistocerca! Geometridae! Katydid!

"Prisoner" Letters
Lore Connections
Mentioned Playable Characters	Tracy Reznik Charles Holt

A Page from Luca Balsa's Experiment File (2023)

Serial No: 10-0-2
Name: Luca Balsa

[Test Indicators]
1. High Intelligence
2. Conceited
3. Stubborn

[Inclination]
A stubborn "idealist"

[Test Results]
1. Over all Evaluation:
Frequent electrical stimulation caused permanent brain damage to Subject 10-0-2. From the observation results available, there were irreversible deficits in Subject 10-0-2's memory, cognitive and psychological functioning, together with what he went through, contributed to Subject 10-0-2's performance and position at the beginning of the experiment, such as extreme disgust with acts of betrayal. Surprisingly, the changes brought about by such damage didn't put Subject 10-0-2's awareness of the experiment itself and his stubborn personality, as well as his precise assessment of and countermeasures for potential crises, allowing him to gain the initiative under extremely unfavorable conditions, much beyond our expectations. In particular, Subject 10-0-2's intention to modify the key facilities of the experiment is a point of caution.

2. Methodology:
At the beginning of the experiment, the exchange of information between Subject 10-0-2 and Subject 10-0-1 was only superficial, which allowed them to establish a mutually beneficial and efficient understanding of both. Since Subject 10-0-1 and Subject 10-0-2 had different substantive expectations of their own ideal - both of them had this realization within a very short period of time. The extremely high level of self-esteem caused Subject 10-0-2 to appear cynical, which became one of the driving forces behind the eventual end of their collaboration between Subject 10-0-1 and Subject 10-0-2. The subjects in this group were all, to varying degrees, outward manifestations of reverence for instrumental rationally, but at the same time, their rare talent created an intense internal contradiction that led to the opposite of secular utility. At the end of the experiment, this tension tore through almost all appearances of equanimity.
Initially, the collaboration between Subject 10-0-2 and Subject 10-0-1 yielded promising results. As opposed to other experimental groups' focus on details and progress, neither of them fell into this thinking trap, but instead gained effective insight into the experiment itself based on the limited experimental space - such exhaustive review even somewhat brilliantly bypassed the presence of the executioner and allowed the two collaborators to obtain the key for solving the critical puzzle. After careful evaluation, the risks posed by the unprecedented development may provide useful supporting material.
Subject 10-0-2 showed higher than primitive levels of compliance and altruism in their collaboration, and this temporary appearance caused some adverse interference with the executioner's judgement. Subject 10-0-2's partnership with Subject 10-0-1 ultimately proved difficult to maintain. The superficial collaboration couldn't reconcile the stakes with each other, let alone solve the problem of the two insist doing things their own way. At the same time, due to Subject 10-0-1's strong confidence in controlling the situation and Subject 10-0-2's lack of experience, the subtle traps laid by Subject 10-0-1 instead became the ambush that led to his own failure.
As the experiment made initial progress, as a second batch of subjects was put into a new round of observation to act as an influential factor that matched the experimental characteristics of the group. Subject 10-0-2's attitude toward Subject 10-1-3 showed great contrasts in succession: at first, a rare empathy stemming from a similar experience, which then turned into a subtly hidden murderous intent. This change in attitude - combined with Subject 10-0-2's certain attachment to the past - was clearly traceable. After abandoning an otherwise prudent yet roundabout plan, Subject 10-0-2, based on the information and materials available to him under limited conditions, and catalyzed by the combined actions of Subject 10-0-1 and Subject 10-1-3, ultimate brought this experiment to a brutal yet brilliant conclusion.

3. Experiment Summary:
The "highly intelligent" as represented by Subject 10-0-2 appeared to be relatively gentle and cooperative in the early stages of the experiment.
Their "Collaboration" was more like the efficient workings of the bearings and hears of a large machine based entirely on judgement in the professional field - and flawless logic. Yet this was, in fact, a hint of the collapse of such superficial collaboration in a competitive environment filled with conflicts of interest and suspicion. The subjects, represented by Subject 10-0-2, showed cruelty and recklessness akin to that of an uneducated child when self-interest was at stake. The shell of rationality was like an intricate but fragile house of card that would quickly collapse once it was exposed to external forces.

Rewards

Every letter comes with 30 Fragments, and depending on how many years the player has participated and completed the Birthday Event would determine which letter they receive and the extra reward.

• If this is the first time the player has completed the event, they would get a portrait and the 2021 letter.
• If this is the second time the player has completed the event, they would get a portrait frame and the 2022 letter.
• If this is the third time the player has completed the event, they would get a dynamic graffiti and the 2023 letter.

2021 Portrait

2022 Portrait Frame

2023 Dynamic Graffiti

Character Resources

The additional in-game and external documents for this character include:

• Character Relations
• Quotes & Media
• Event Appearances
• Mentions

The Character Relations menu shows how certain characters are connected and how they feel about each other. It also contains other personal information on characters that cannot be found anywhere else. It can be found in the Notebook, under the "Clues" tab. Although the web of relations for "Prisoner" have not been released, we know a few of the characters that would be on it, which have been included below.

	Mechanic
	Aeroplanist
	Guard 26
	Hermit

Birthday Questions

Only the questions and answers relating to his backstory were included here. The other questions not listed relate to gameplay.

• 2022 Birthday questions:
  • Question 4: "Who made a huge bid to win the manuscript of Luca's father during the auction?" Answer: "Alva Lorenz"
  • Question 5: "What was attached to the cover letter that Luca gave Lorenz?" Answer: "His father's manuscript"
• 2023 Birthday questions:
  • Question 4: "What was the reason why Luca Balsa went to prison?" Answer: "Suspected of murder"
  • Question 5: "Why did Luca Balsa change his attitude toward Lorenz?" Answer: "Lorenz plagiarized his research findings"

Quotations

• Deduction Star 2020 quotes:
  • "I may be in a prison uniform, but I'm not imprisoned."
  • "It's no easy task connecting the circuits, but it's what I do best!"
  • "When will I create my great invention?"
• Deduction Star 2021 quotes:
  • "It's ironic. I should thank my teacher for instilling me with these principles."
  • "There's no fairness in this world, only wins and losses."
  • "Life is too short and regrets are more terrifying than failures. That's why I'd rather give it a try."
• Deduction Star 2022 Best Performance quotes:
  • "Thank you, but all I want is for my invention to be acknowledged."
  • "Courage isn't the only thing you need to go against the tide."
• Valentine's Day 2023 Cards quotes:
  • "My experience tells me that emotion is less trustworthy than science. But if it's you, I still hope to get to know you and spend more days of happiness with you."
  • "Even ice-cold gear can be made into flowers that symbolize beauty. Yes, I firmly believe that science is an indispensable part of making a good life for myself, and I can't do it without your understanding and companionship. Happy Valentine's Day!"
• 5th Anniversary Congratulatory Video quote:
  • "The 5th birthday of Oletus. My sincere blessings to every Detective and our guests. I hope that all of you will have a good time at this wonderful party."
• 6th Anniversary Congratulatory Video quote:
  • "Hello, thanks for inviting me. Happy 6th birthday.
    Such lively scenes always remind me of the past......
    If you would be so kind, may I use the piano for a bit?"

Reply Web Events

Reply Web Events
Icon	Event	Quote
	Valentine's Day 2021	"Give this to me? Hehe, isn't it a delicious chocolate? Thanks."
	Halloween 2021	"For Halloween costumes, It's not that I'm not interested ... I'm sorry, I can't take my hands off now. There is a part that I would like to proceed with my research. It's okay if it's over ... … What if we gather people together Even on Halloween, which is out of season Would you like to try it?"
	Valentine's Day 2022	"Why did you give me a present out of the blue? You are too kind!" "Huh? This box seems to be modifiable, let me add something... By the way, why did you give this to me?"
	Halloween 2022	(`⊗﹁◓´) [Chinese]: "Ah, speaking of which I only found out when you knocked on the door... The doorbell seems to be broken. Why have I forgotten to fix it before? Damn it." [Japanese]: "... I realized when you knocked on the door... The door bell was broken... A long time ago... Why did I forget to fix it... Damn..."

Japanese Twitter Replies

Please press "Expand" to see in-character replies from the official Japanese Twitter.

Original Tweet Fan Comment Character Reply Announcement for the Sweets Paradise Butler's Cafe (link) Luca-Kuuuuuun!!!!! It's too cool!!!!!!!!!!! Can you serve me like this? You're much too humble, and aren't you reversing the master-servant relationship? I'm your butler now. So, why don't you treat me as your butler? You have low self esteem, or rather, you're nervous in a place where you need to relax. (`⊗﹁◓´)＜You have a weirdly cute side, you know? Announcement for Identity V x Lawson merchandise. (link) That’s Luca! What are your tips for stocktaking? The trick is proper data management and thorough automation. The part of the work performed by people avoids to be complicated, and we try to simplify and reduce errors. My convenience store has been so thoroughly and diabolically modified that I can count the number of items correctly even when I'm half asleep. (`⊗﹁◓´)＜Efforts would be important to try to make things easier in advance. Luca wins Best Butler in the Sweets Paradise Butler's Cafe. (link) Wow… Luca is the winner? Awesome! Congratulations! Is Luca happy with the win? I'd be happy if you'd tell me how you feel if you like. Surprise came before joy. I didn't care if I didn't get any votes, just the fact that there were people who did was enough for me, but... I didn't do anything special. Hey, I was the same as usual then, wasn't I? And what on earth is going on that I'm the winner? (`⊗﹁◓´)＜On the contrary, what did they like about me? Luca wins Best Butler in the Sweets Paradise Butler's Cafe. (link) Congratulations, Mr. Balsa! Could this be according to your calculations? Hehe, I'd like to say it's a deserved result, but it's a completely unexpected one… As ever, the human mind is something that cannot be measured, even when built into a calculator. (`⊗﹁◓´)＜Are you saying you would have preferred me too? Luca wins Best Butler in the Sweets Paradise Butler's Cafe. (link) Luca!!! Congratulations to the winner!!! For some reason that makes me very happy!! Luca's specials and drinks were fabulous!!! Thanks for spoiling me with your menu!!! You are the best butler!!! (Note: Luca's special menu item was called "Special tiramisu to spoil his master") Did you like it? That drink will work, won't it? Great for when you're tired, but don't drink too much. I-It's the management of the café… that named the menu as “spoiling”, not… No, there's no point in being shy. (`⊗﹁◓´) ＜Thank you for being spoiled. July 2021 Birthday Calendar (link) Can you play the piano???? Why didn't you tell us this before????? I don’t think it's something I'd bother to tell you. Just because I can play the piano doesn't mean there's anything good. (`⊗﹁◓´) ＜Just a hobby. You have your own hobbies, don't you? Scary Story Writing Contest (link) I'm sure Luca knows some scary stories. It would be better not to ask that of a scientific expert. Even if the phenomenon is mystical, we are tempted to explain it by applying scientific formulas. And… for me,… Hehe… Nothing… comes to mind… (`⊗﹁◓´)＜So… You won't hear any story from me. Luca's Birthday (link) Dear Luca! Happy Birthday! I am very happy to have met you and to have fallen in love with you. I've made a cake for Luca if you'd like to have some! I hope every day that Luca's invention will be completed. (With a photo full of Luca items) That's such an exaggeration. When you've prepared so much, I can't just say thank you, can I? (`⊗﹁◓´)＜How can I thank you for this…? Luca's Birthday (link) Wow!!! Tracy and Bonbon are wishing you a happy birthday!!!! By the way, happy birthday, Luca!!!! How do you feel to be celebrated? I'd like to know if you can…!! In fact, I forgot my own birthday. I was reminded of this because of celebrating my birthday. But I'm not in the mood for that. Why is that guy taking her place like he owns the place? Where did her put her? (`⊗﹁◓´)＜...Makes you wonder, doesn't it? Luca's Birthday (link) Luca, happy birthday! Thank you for meeting me when I was new to the game, and for playing so hard with me. I want to continue to kite with you, no matter what, and even if you can't remember things, I want to stay at the manor and help you invent. Hey... You shouldn't approach me anymore. There is always a possibility that I might forget this birthday... and you words altogether. I can't argue with his sarcasm at all. I will forget... Not only inventions... also important encounters... (`⊗﹁◓´)＜A man like that deserves to be alone, doesn't he? Announcement for a collaboration with Ichiban Kuji. (link) I’ll draw a character prize for Luca…! I know it's difficult to target a particular character, but I cannot start anything without trying it first! Quite rightly so. Well, don't get too desperate. There's something called Certainty Effect, where the probability that people perceive subjectively changes with their impressions and doesn't match the objective probability. The more you want to succeed, the more damage failure will do, and this will only hurt you. If you can get it, all is well, though... (`⊗﹁◓´)＜Just think of it as a lottery, and take it easy. Misty Villa Announcement (link) It's a different kind of furniture series, and it's also very attractive…! It’s a 30% discount, I have no money, but I'm going broke buying everything for Luca! Wait, hey, are you sure? If thinking too much about the interests of others destroys your own, that’s putting the cart before the horse. I would much prefer to see you unbankrupted, not in a villa, though… (`⊗﹁◓´)＜I don't ask for anything more than that. Summer illustration. (link) Luca!!!!!! What are you cooking? I’d love to know…!! Maybe the machine for the barbecue set was made by Luca? Most of them are commercially available, but I have made some experimental low-energy modifications to the temperature transmission part. This BBQ is a hobby of mine while I’m at it. (`⊗﹁◓´)＜Want some? September 24th maintenance notice. (link) Luca! Good luck with the maintenance! When you're done, come back and play with me! I feel better when I play with you! Thank you for everything, Luca! Oh… I’m not sure what you’re talking about, though… You mean you’re feeling better because of me, right? Uh… What should I say… (`⊗﹁◓´)＜…You’re welcome? Meteor Shower illustration. (link) A゛h゛h゛Balsa, you’re so cool゛. Thank you for setting up the astronomical telescope!!! I desperately watch you and the star. Hey, what's the point of watching me? It took a long time to repair the telescope, you know? I want you to observe and enjoy the stars, if only as a tribute to my efforts. And you don't need to look through the telescope to see me, you can just look directly at me, right? (`⊗﹁◓´)＜When you look directly at me through the lens, I feel kind of lonely. End of the year. (link) Luca, do you hate cold weather? Well, anyway, I don’t want you to catch a cold, so put on this scarf to keep you warm. Hot or cold, it's rare to find someone who can stand them well. Humans have less body hair than most mammals so the temperature at which we are comfortable naked is said to be around 28°C~31°C. This mean we have no choice but to regulate out temperature with clothing like this or something else. I'm no exception, you know? (`⊗﹁◓´)＜Hehe... I'll take it, thank you. Announcement for LINE Friends Crossover Furniture. (link) Dear Balsa, Do you want this? If you want, I’ll buy whatever you want. Mr. Balsa, how do you like it? If you buy something on the basis of someone's words, by the time you get it, the enthusiasm had died down and all you have left is the fact that you bought it. That doesn't satisfy me. As for me, I want to buy it based on if you want as you are, and be happy with it. The joy of others is surprisingly pleasing to the eye, you know? (`⊗﹁◓´)＜So you don't need to read my face, okay? December 29th maintenance notice. (link) I will definitely welcome sparkly Auditorium Luca……… I’m going to give him New Year’s money… Hehehe... I don't need the money at this final stage. To be criticized by the masses is my long-cherished desire. They define truth for fun and selfishness, and it doesn't matter if it is fake. Then they adjust situations with pretending to know all facts and finally get cheated out of their everything... I hate absurdity, you know? Even if it's a silly meddle, (`⊗﹁◓´)＜if it makes them awake to the truth, that's my satisfaction. Announcement for Prisoner's Deduction Star costume. (link) "Hate keeps a man alive, and love sets him free." It’s a profound sentence… Luca, I’m wondering what are you thinking of when you wear that costume… Nothing... Nothing has changed... I have only one thought..., but I forget it... and searching for it... repeatedly... He- Hehe... But, even if I go mad, if I have a destination to be reached, there's no other answer than to go for it, right? If you want to look down on my incoherent self as shallow, you can look down on me all you want... (`⊗﹁◓´)＜Go ahead... Go and call me a sinner. Announcement for the Sweets Paradise Butler's Cafe. (link) Mr. Luca, do I have to be a princess or a cute girl like Alice to be your master?? I don’t say like “off with your head”, but I’m sure I’m not a cute person! You have to stare at me astonishingly! Please wait for me! I'd never choose my master for cuteness. Denial from a person who values appearance produces nothing, doesn't it? If people tell us from childhood like "you're not cute," we also start to think looks are the most important And we lose our original charm... It doesn't matter if you're cute or not. The important thing is to find the fact. (`⊗﹁◓´)＜It's that you're charming enough. March 17th maintenance complete notice. (link) Thank you for the maintenance! Luca, I finished school yesterday! I’d like a congratulatory message if you don’t mind. Oh, congratulations on your graduation. Did you get a degree? But first, how old are y-... No, it's rude to ask that... Anyway that's happy for you. Learning is the starting line of life Many things will happen in your future, but don't leave behind regrets, okay? (`⊗﹁◓´)＜Enjoy your life. Got it? Prisoner's Paranormal Detective costume initial announcement (link) Aw… Luca, you’re kind of amazing… It’s mean, you can look at things like poltergeists, which were thought to be caused by ghosts, from a scientific point of view… If I were you, I would definitely think it must been the ghost’s doing. Humans have an extreme fear of the "inexplicable". That's why they give some reason for the phenomena, such as it's ghostly or paranormal. Don't you think it's not bad to have no answers to them? It's due to an instinctive danger signal that says, "It's not safe to go near them", I guess... But some people don't mind such a signal and try to investigate phenomena. One who would be called strange by people. (`⊗﹁◓´)＜That is... the scientist. Prisoner's Paranormal Detective costume initial announcement (link) I wanted to make a smart comment, I couldn’t. Luca, your standing figure is also nice. You don’t have to talk about things like you’re smart, do you? You just have to put forward your attractive side. At least it’s charming to see you speak honestly about yourself like that. (`⊗﹁◓´)＜I think people are comfortable with you, don’t you? Prisoner's Paranormal Detective costume initial announcement (link) Is that shiny thing you hold in your hand invented by you…? I’d love to know about that if you want! Uh, no, this is a souvenir. So to say... even if Crystal Palace is desolate, it will not lose its luster. But where there is light, there is shadow. I guess, will this really end up being nothing more than a ghost scare...? AS long as we have questions like these, let's pursue this mystery. (`⊗﹁◓´)＜Are you ready? Detective? Prisoner's Paranormal Detective costume announcement (link) You can definitely do it! Chemistry and the occult are two sides of the same coin!!! And both are full of romance!!! Hehe, romance, that's exactly correct. The paranormal is, ultimately, beyond science. All we can do is ascertain the truth of it, and if we can't, we have to accept that it's real. The desire to find out what's true is why scientists runs their businesses, after all. (`⊗﹁◓´)＜ The right and wrong of for or against are the rewards for the seeker.

Event Appearances
Icon	Event	Role
	The Phantom of the Crystal Palace (March - April 2022)	Investigator, Paranormal Detective
	Castle Zinaida's Unfinished Chapter (July - August 2023)
	Bungo Stray Dogs Crossover Part I (Mentioned) (November 2022)	Himself
	A Christmas Eve Mystery (December 2022)	Himself
	Castle Zinaida's Unfinished Chapter (July - August 2023)	Tribin the Halfling

"Prisoner" has been mentioned in the following documents for other characters:

Letters

• Guard 26's Letter (2022)
• Mad Eyes' Letter (2021)
• Mechanic's Letters (2021, 2022 & 2023)

Deductions

• Hermit's Deduction Quests (5)

Backstories

• Hermit's Backstory (Character Introduction, Weibo Post & Character Trailer)

Canon Manor Game

We can gather who was in a canon Manor Game together by information in Letters and Diaries, and very occasionally from character quotes during events.

Game Location: Unknown

Date: Unknown

Serial #	Hunter Identities	Survivor Identities	Notable Events	Cutscenes Available
	Guard 26 (Executioner)			no
10-0-1		Tracy Reznik (Mechanic)		no
10-0-2		Luca Balsa ("Prisoner")	Had "murderous intent" toward Charles	no
10-1-3		Charles Holt (Aeroplanist)		no
10-?-4		Unknown (???)		no

Edits to this table can be made here.

Compiled Overview

The following section contains an overview based on canon information.

Please note that some information may be missing as it may not have been provided from official sources. See the given references for further information.

Background

Luca was initially a nobleman until his father spent his and his wife's entire fortune on failed investments. This caused Luca's mother to "die of anger" while Luca couldn't forgive his father (for using up all their money on failed investments and possibly for causing his mother's death) and ran away from home. He eventually encountered Alva Lorenz at an expo and, in exchange for giving Alva one of his family's manuscripts, became his student. Luca became focused on a certain invention while he was with Alva.

After many failed experiments in his laboratory, Alva claimed some of his manuscripts had gone missing, and he reported it as a theft to the police. It was believed that the stolen manuscripts ended up in a competitor's hands, and Alva blamed Luca as a traitor who had sold them, while Luca called Alva a thief who stole ideas from others as he had run out of his own. Soon after, Luca continued his own experiments. During one of Luca's experiments, a situation broke out between Alva and Luca and an accident occurs, killing Alva and leaving Luca with amnesia. Luca was blamed for the accident and sent to prison.

Left in prison with only an obsession to finish his greatest invention that he hardly remembered, he was acquitted from execution under mysterious circumstances. Additionally, he was released from prison by an unknown benefactor, and was sent an invitation letter to Oletus Manor, which he gladly accepted.

Events at the Manor

Not much is known beside the fact that he participated in Group 10's Manor Game, including Mechanic, Aeroplanist, an unknown participant and Guard 26 as an executioner.

Alternate Theories and Conclusions

The below article or section(s) contains speculation, analysis, or theories which may include unconfirmed information.

When adding content, use references to link or explain legitimate/official supportive evidence for specific theories, otherwise it may be removed.

• It is commonly thought that the man in the Mechanic's 2021 Letter who is described as "naive" and who is chasing after the "notion of perpetual motion" is referring to Luca Balsa.
• Some theorists think that Luca's mentor stole his inventions and passed them off as his own, while others think that Luca did steal some of his mentor's work in order to further his own invention for perpetual motion. Either way, a fight ensued, Luca ended up with the blame, and he was thrown in jail.
• While his nationality is unconfirmed by the devs, there are theories of what his nationality may be.
  • He is theorized to be of Serbian descent, due to Nikola Tesla being of Serbian-American Descent and judging by him consuming the Ajvar.
  • Alternatively he is commonly to be theorized as Italian descent due to his name being of Italian origin. But his surname is also of Spanish and Portuguese origin or very common to most romance language words, This hints he is an Italian of Spanish or Portuguese descent. If mixed with the first theory, he could be of Italian-Serbian descent.
  • Also, his surname may come from the Serbian name Balša.

Navigation

Character Navigation
THE SURVIVORS
DEFAULT
	Lucky Guy (Season 0)	Doctor (Season 0)	Lawyer (Season 0)	Thief (Season 0)	Gardener (Season 0)
SEASON 1
	Magician (Season 1)	Explorer (Season 1)	Mercenary (Season 1)	Coordinator (Season 1)	Mechanic (Season 1)
					-
	Forward (Season 1)	The Mind's Eye (Season 1)	Priestess (Season 1)	Perfumer (Season 1)
SEASON 2-3
	Cowboy (Season 2)	Female Dancer (Season 2)	Seer (Season 3)	Embalmer (Season 3)
SEASON 5-7
	Prospector (Season 5)	Enchantress (Season 5)	Wildling (Season 6)	Acrobat (Season 6)	First Officer (Season 7)
SEASON 8-11
	Barmaid (Season 8)	Postman (Season 9)	Grave Keeper (Season 10)	"Prisoner" (Season 10)	Entomologist (Season 11)
SEASON 13-17
	Painter (Season 13)	Batter (Season 14)	Toy Merchant (Season 16)	"Psychologist" (Season 17)	Patient (Season 17)
SEASON 18-22
	Novelist (Season 18)	"Little Girl" (Season 18)	Weeping Clown (Season 19)	Professor (Season 21)	Antiquarian (Season 22)
SEASON 24-30
	Composer (Season 24)	Journalist (Season 26)	Aeroplanist (Season 27)	Cheerleader (Season 28)	Puppeteer (Season 30)
SEASON 31		-
	Fire Investigator (Season 31)
THE HUNTERS
DEFAULT		-
	Hell Ember (Season 0)
SEASON 1-4
	Smiley Face (Season 1)	Gamekeeper (Season 1)	The Ripper (Season 1)	Soul Weaver (Season 1)	Geisha (Season 1)
	The Feaster (Season 1)	Wu Chang (Season 2)	Photographer (Season 2)	Mad Eyes (Season 3)	Dream Witch (Season 4)
SEASON 5-9
	Axe Boy (Season 5)	Evil Reptilian (Season 6)	Bloody Queen (Season 7)	Guard 26 (Season 8)	"Disciple" (Season 9)
SEASON 11-16
	Violinist (Season 11)	Sculptor (Season 12)	"Undead" (Season 13)	Breaking Wheel (Season 15)	Naiad (Season 16)
SEASON 18-25
	Wax Artist (Season 18)	"Nightmare" (Season 18)	Clerk (Season 20)	Hermit (Season 22)	Night Watch (Season 25)
SEASON 27-31				-
	Opera Singer (Season 27)	"Fool's Gold" (Season 29)	The Shadow (Season 31)
IDENTITY SWITCH CHARACTERS
Novelist ⇌ "Nightmare"		Smiley Face ⇌ Weeping Clown		Evil Reptilian ⇌ Professor
"Little Girl" ⇌ Journalist		Prospector ⇌ "Fool's Gold"		-
STORY RELATED CHARACTERS
Reporter		Detective		and many others...
BETA/UNUSED CHARACTERS
Graveyard Girl		Stranger 1		Stranger B