I’m glad Mephiles got some screen time, he really killed it this chapter. I wonder if he believed the same thing in the game that he does here? Was he convinced to fight Shadow by Black Doom? Or was it all simply happenstance in the moment?
Maria is probably just an illusion created from Shadow’s memories or through time shenanigans. Not like how she is in the game, but something more like what the Phantom Ruby is capable of. I guess yeah, the Doom Poweres 100% increased Shadow’s base strength given pre SA2 Shadow is standing toe to toe with a post ‘06 Mephiles. Thinking on it more, I wonder if this Mephiles in Generations is possibly from Runners? Considering he’s weaker there than he should be, and he’s still alive somewhat. If the characters in Runners are considered canon anyway.