(For the record, deus ex machina does not simply refer to something being OP, it's an out of nowhere "wtf?" situation that resolves everything when stuff is in a corner. This means any pre-established power of Crest, which is basically his sword and his analytical ability, doesn't count)
Really? I felt the complete opposite about Vennice. I honestly didn't connect with her as a character.
I do think Crest will help save everyone, probably from the sword being somehow toxic to these critters, or just from reversing the damage. So if Crest can't defeat them with his sword, he probably can keep people from dying left and right.
Suspiria on the other hand, is made of deus ex machina, if she saved the day, she could probably do it in an incredibly OP way. There are no therapists though, and she basically has major issues right now.
I totally forgot about Regina btw. And didn't remember this guy's name. That alone tells me these two are basically Red Shirts, except for the fact that other people would miss them (way too much story connection for Regina).
My vote is Crest & Suspiria, Mary & Melter, and Regina. Moby and Buzz and Glyph, probably not.
The reason I don't think it's a dream is that Melter and Mary came to intervene. And this guy clearly appears to be their enemy. The idea of it all being a dream doesn't really pan out, as previous chapters had them plan to enter the town. Honestly, this is way closer to deus ex machina than anything Crest could do.
I'm not certain how being actively munched on by an evil beast if gonna affect his tune. I don't like this...