Ok, then I think the whole Puppet plotline is sort of a misdirect that Leran knows or suspects about the cut strings route even when you don't go down that route.
I think he saw something or rather heard something he wasn't supposed to that's why the conversation at the start is hidden away.
I refer to this person or being as an "Old Player." They were instructions to a "New Player."
I would be inclined to agree. I think quasi is going to be leaning more into the puppet route as the game goes on just given the fact 2.4 gave us the white hare. who tells us to keep them attached. As of right now though if you haven't already I suggest pressing escape when you're asked if you're truly alone in the self boss fight. since that's a completed route on its own merit. And I'm not afraid to say it made me ugly cry.
