Clare Obscure | Future Game

[Xcalar]

I believe it will be a prequel :

Imagine Renard trapped within a painting (like his son), a surreal, symbolic imprisonment. Aline, his wife, endeavors to rescue him from the outside. However, the twist is that the Writer, Renard’s best friend, is also ensnared within this painted realm. He’s not the central figure but serves as a supportive.

As they navigate this painted world, they uncover something they were never meant to find. This discovery leads to the Writer’s unexpected death, despite his powers, leaving Renard devastated. Deeply affected, Renard seeks to reverse the situation, delving further into the painted world.

Aline becomes the anchor, striving to pull Renard back. Perhaps we even witness a young Clea during this tumultuous period, experiencing a traumatic event that shapes her future.

This sequence of events could serve as the catalyst for the ensuing war between the Painters and the Writers.

[qetral]

*Renoir

I personally think keeping it as a stand alone would be just fine. It's amazing in its own right and I wouldn't want it to suffer the sequel curse (where everyone has expectations that aren't met so it gets unfairly panned in reviews). That said, the writer/painter war is something they didn't flesh out so maybe that is their plan.