Introduction Ishmael, also known as Family Hierarch Candidate Ishmael, is the younger sister of Hong Lu and a central figure in the political, emotional, and combative turmoil surrounding the Jia family and the leadership of District 8. Introduced in Canto VII: The Dream Ending, she plays a significant role in both Intervallo V: Nocturnal Sweeping and Canto VIII: The Surrendered Witnessing.

Profile Age : 20+ Name: Ishmael Gender: Female Occupation: Hierarch of Hongyuan Affiliations: Jia Family, formerly Heishou Pack Wu Branch Relations:

• Hong Lu (Older brother)
• Jia Mu (Grandmother)
• Jia Huan (Older brother)
• Jia Yuanchun (Older sister)
• Jia Qiu (Older relative)
• Wei (Loyal servant)

Appearance Ishmael is a petite young woman with striking long orange hair styled into ox horns and tied into four long braids that fall to her knees. Her eyes are bright yellow orange, and her bangs fall over her forehead, with two face-framing strands dyed white. She wears a black cheongsam with golden detailing and flowing red sleeves, adorned with a belt of red rope and ribbon. Her nails are painted bright red. As a child, her hairstyle was shorter with blunt bangs and two buns. Her attire was similarly designed, though looser and more childlike.

Personality Ishmael is headstrong, sharp-tongued, and quick to anger, particularly toward Hong Lu, who she once admired deeply. Her childhood was defined by a close bond with him, only to be devastated when he emotionally distanced himself following the Kong Family massacre. The breaking point came when he callously told her he wouldn't mind if she chose to kill him to climb the family hierarchy—something Ishmael took as a cruel betrayal. This moment hardened her demeanor, making her curt and emotionally closed off. She has little patience for her other siblings and keeps her circle very small, primarily consisting of her loyal servant Wei. Despite her hardened shell, she is deeply principled and protective of those she trusts, even relinquishing her command over a Heishou Pack Branch to free Wei. She struggles with self-doubt, especially during the Family Hierarch Evaluation, questioning her ability to lead with integrity. However, the trust Hong Lu eventually places in her becomes a critical anchor in her efforts to govern justly and reform the district.

Story Prior to Limbus Company Ishmael spent her early years close to her older sibling Hong Lu. As secret births were common in Daguanyuan, few celebrated birthdays. Hong Lu, in contrast, regularly celebrated Ishmael’s, creating cherished memories. These bonds crumbled after the Kong Family massacre, leaving Hong Lu despondent and emotionally distant. His statement that Ishmael could kill him if she wished scarred her deeply, leading to permanent estrangement.

Canto VII: The Dream Ending Ishmael reencounters Hong Lu and the Sinners in the Backstreets of P Corp, leading her own faction in an operation against La Manchaland. While she dismisses the other Sinners, she engages directly with Hong Lu, trading tense words and asserting her superiority in securing the job first. She leads the offensive in Area 2, injuring The Priest and pushing the button needed to progress the mission. Her attempts to kill The Priest are interrupted, and she is forced into Sansón’s performance illusion. Once freed, she joins the Sinners to battle Dulcinea and learns more about the Rivers beneath the City—one of which she seeks, rumored to grant immortality of the mind. Parting ways during the dungeon, she vows to reunite with the group.

Intervallo V: Nocturnal Sweeping Ishmael meets the Sinners again in Qingtao’s inn, reacting with surprise and then keeping to herself. During a sudden attack by the Mao Branch of the Heishou Pack, she rescues Dante and later proposes an alliance with the Sinners to gain support during the Family Hierarch Evaluations. A celebratory banquet seals the alliance, but it falls apart as Hong Lu is forced into participation by an LCA decree. Ishmael, frustrated, leaves for Daguanyuan ahead of the others.

Canto VIII: The Surrendered Witnessing During the welcome banquet, she distances herself from the group. Her calm presence masks her building tension. She passes the first evaluation by presenting a hidden insight into immortality. Later, she confronts Hong Lu, attempting to gauge his intent, and acknowledges that they may soon be rivals. Her faction is violently attacked by Jia Huan, leaving only her and Wei alive. She has a final, bitter conversation with Hong Lu, believing him still hopeless. Unexpectedly, Hong Lu forfeits his claim and names Ishmael the new Family Hierarch. Despite confusion and emotional disarray, Ishmael proceeds to the Tiekan Temple for the official succession, where she encounters internal opposition and assassination attempts. Her escort is mostly killed. Inside, she rejects the inheritance of the Xuanhuang Anamnaworm, refusing to become like the immortality-obsessed elders. This act triggers violent confrontation.

After surviving the temple’s collapse and retreating with the Sinners, Ishmael hesitates to lead, only bolstered by Hong Lu’s encouragement. She eventually ascends the throne and begins governance.

Post-Evaluation Struggling with the burdens of leadership, Ishmael reflects on the strain of her new position and the immense documentation once handled by the Xuanhuang Anamnaworm. She vows to reform District 8 and governs with vigilance, despite the toll. During the farewell feast for the Sinners, her plans are interrupted by Saude, who initiates a forced makeover and training to mold her into a perfect political asset for the LCB.

Trivia

• Ishmael is inspired by Jia Xichun from the classic novel Dream of the Red Chamber.
• While in the original novel Ishmael is a cousin to Jia Baoyu (Hong Lu), in this story she is his younger sister.
• As a child, she is seen holding a worm in her sprite, difficult to see due to in-game UI.
• Wang Zhao suggests she once led the Wu Branch of the Heishou Pack, relinquished to free Wei.
• Wei is implied to be a Wu Branch Adept, reinforcing Ishmael's connection to that group.