Kenoi, a mystical entity bound to the plague-infected wolves and the enduring legacy of the Deer King, relentlessly pursues Van to crown him the next Dog King—a role granting dominion over the wolf pack responsible for spreading the fatal "mittsual" disease. This quest arises from Van’s forgotten past as the Deer King, once tasked with taming wild pyuika deer and preserving equilibrium in the Aquafaese region.

Van’s former life demanded profound sacrifices, including the deaths of his wife and child, leaving him resistant to resuming leadership. Kenoi’s persistence underscores the clash between obligation and Van’s unresolved anguish, amplified by the supernatural powers Van acquired through a wolf bite—abilities uniquely positioning him to sway the plague’s destructive path.

Kenoi’s drive mirrors the broader struggle between pragmatic healers like Hohsalle, who seek scientific remedies, and spiritual forces aiming to wield the plague’s power through Van. His presence embodies the narrative’s themes of inherited duty, the weight of choice, and the fragile balance between mortal resolve and otherworldly intervention.