TV-Series
Description
Afdal Bashar is a character from the original anime series Metallic Rouge who serves as a complex figure operating in the shadows of the Nean settlement. On the surface, he works as a specialist doctor known as a tuner, running a clinic within the Nean enclave in Wellstown, a location on Mars that serves as a major settlement for Neans, who are androids in this universe. His professional expertise is focused on the care and maintenance of Nean bodies, making him an essential figure within this community.

In terms of personality, Afdal presents a challenging exterior. He is known for having a sharp tongue, being brusque, unsociable, and often冷淡 or cold in his demeanor. He does not easily offer kindness or warmth. However, this gruff surface masks a profound sense of responsibility and dedication to his patients. He possesses reliable and solid technical skills, which, combined with his underlying commitment to their well-being, have earned him a significant degree of trust from the Nean population he serves. Afdal is a pragmatist who is not above using questionable methods to achieve his goals; he is known to bribe officials without hesitation if it serves the convenience of his work or the good of his community, making him a figure who embodies a mix of virtues and vices.

Despite his dedication to his patients, Afdal harbors a deep internal conflict. His true identity is that of Phantom Verde, a member of the Immortal Nine, a group of powerful individuals against whom the protagonist Rouge is fighting. This secret role casts him as an infiltrator within the settlement. He is revealed to be working as an informant, providing information that ultimately leads to violent conflict. For instance, he is responsible for the death of Juval 087, the leader of the Council of Free Neans, and he admits to leaking information to the police, resulting in an attack on the Nean settlement. His motivations are rooted in a desire to free the Neans from the shackles of humanity, but his methods are ruthless and involve sacrificing other Neans to achieve this goal. This violent agenda stands in stark contrast to his role as a healer, and he is depicted as suffering from a strong aversion to his own transformative nature, expressing torment and self-hatred for the powers he possesses.

Within the story, Afdal serves as a significant early antagonist. He crosses paths with the protagonist, Rouge Redstar, and her partner Naomi Orthmann during their journey, initially appearing as a mysterious fellow passenger. His role as a doctor allows him to gain access to the community and move freely. The narrative reveals his duplicity when he transforms into Phantom Verde to confront Rouge. His personal struggle with his abilities adds a layer of tragedy to his role as an adversary.

Afdal's key relationships are defined by this duality. He is trusted by the Neans he treats as a doctor, and he has a Nean assistant named Rion. However, his secret alliance with forces like Alter and the CFN puts him in opposition to them. His primary conflict is with Rouge Redstar, whom he fights as an enemy. During their encounter, he reveals that he has a history with the other members of the Immortal Nine who have previously perished in battles with Rouge.

Afdal experiences a tragic development arc that culminates in his death. After revealing his true identity as Phantom Verde, he engages in a fierce battle with Rouge. While his abilities initially overwhelm her, Rouge ultimately regains her composure and defeats him, claiming his ID as part of her mission. His death has a lasting impact on Rouge, causing her to begin questioning her own existence and purpose.

In combat, Afdal possesses notable abilities tied to his Phantom Verde form. Upon transforming, his body takes on the appearance of a slender, dark green, almost black gladiator with sharp contours. His most defining physical feature is his arms, which combine to form a giant pair of scissors used to finish off his enemies. His primary power is the generation of a potent nerve gas from within his body, which he releases from his back, joints, and neck as a dense mist. This gas is devastating in combat; it can paralyze opponents and induce powerful hallucinations, rendering even a skilled fighter like Rouge vulnerable. His combat strategy relies on using this gas to weaken and confuse his targets, especially in group settings, before delivering a killing blow with his scissor-arms, though his effectiveness is reduced in one-on-one duels.