Takaya Sakaki leads Strega, artificial Persona users forged through Kirijo Group experiments that cost him a normal existence and imposed the undesired power to summon Hypnos. This trauma fuels his nihilism and role as a secondary antagonist. Physically, Takaya sports long platinum blond hair and Persona-associated yellow eyes, his emaciated frame noted by others. His signature attire includes torn light blue jeans, a studded white belt, brown boots, and a red scarf tucked into his back pocket. He frequently appears shirtless, revealing full tattoo sleeves on both arms and a smaller tattoo on his lower back. His design evokes charismatic cult leaders, incorporating religious symbolism like a headband resembling a crown of thorns. His personality rejects future aspirations, advocating solely for the present moment. Viewing the world as inherently sinful and believing humanity craves annihilation, he welcomes Nyx's arrival as "salvation." This nihilism stems from his traumatic past and the knowledge his artificial Persona shortens his life. He exhibits cold indifference to human life, justifying murder as delivering salvation and displaying sadistic tendencies during killings. While showing limited care for Strega members Jin Shirato and Chidori Yoshino, he readily exploits them as tools. Throughout the narrative, Takaya obstructs SEES to prevent them from ending the Dark Hour. Key actions include manipulating Ken Amada during a confrontation with Shinjiro Aragaki, causing Shinjiro to take a fatal bullet meant for Ken. He later shoots Junpei Iori, triggering Chidori Yoshino's sacrificial death to save Junpei. Progressively, Takaya establishes a cult worshipping Nyx, positioning himself as its high priest and spreading propaganda to turn public sentiment against SEES. In combat, he wields a Smith & Wesson Model 500 revolver. Summoning Hypnos without an Evoker, he clutches his head in pain during manifestation. Hypnos commands elemental spells (Agidyne, Bufudyne, Garudyne, Ziodyne), Almighty attacks (Megido, Megidola), and instant-death skills (Mahamaon, Mamudoon). Later encounters add enhanced abilities like Megidolaon and the Theurgy "Paradise of Quietus," inflicting severe Almighty damage and fear while draining SP. His story concludes during Tartarus's assault. Defeated by SEES on the 262nd floor, he crawls to the tower's summit to witness the final confrontation with Nyx, expressing regret that Jin could not share the moment. His ultimate fate remains ambiguous following Nyx's sealing and the Dark Hour's end.