The Chrono has been holding back instinctively, that is why even if the attack seems strong it isn't. Another reason is the Vile is in transition to level 3. Something Julie mentioned with shock, which also explains why the attack had minimal affect.
Let me explain this, if you watch Marvel. There is the avengers who handle the earth shattering threat, then there are the defenders (daredevil, luke cage) who handle the more grounded threat. However the defenders are always aware of the disasters that happen.
There is a street cop and then there are terrorist bombings. Things much bigger than you, always happen. That is as realistic as things get. In my RP this is progression. I find those RPs mundane where you fight an equally skilled threat and grow stronger. That is nonsense.
The morbid truth is, you either except your position as fodder and live on the sidelines or you gaze at the stars and constantly try to grasp it. Every failed effort brings you closer.
There will always exist two variables, the controllable and the non controllable.
Our characters will face threats which they can handle and then there will be threats that will cause them to evolve their approach, their thinking, their fighting.
You must try and comprehend what is going on. The first chapter is introducing the "real threat". I am talking about the threat that will shape everything. You will survive an encounter with a devil not a cupcake.
Once the stage is set, than things will get grounded and we will begin our rise to face those devils.
This is my GMing style. Before criticizing, experience the entirety else the bases becomes warped. I enjoy criticism, but said criticism should have a bases and logic. Griff and Ryvvy posed questions with both and that is why the second chapter is going to be a completely different experience.
As for your second query.
Let me give you an example,
There is an extremely well known university, say Harward which takes the best of the best. Then there is a sub par university, that takes in a lot. The graduation rate of said sub par university would be higher compared to the excellent university.
Why you ask? There is quantity, then there is quality. Make the exam so difficult that only a genius can pass it. The one's that will pass maybe few, but they will be certifiable geniuses to have succeeded.
Do you see the logic there? It is a little different from the norm.
Again this chapter serves to be a prelude. I cannot go into every single detail. How do you control sanity? Is it really that difficult? We use alchemy when needed, we use alchemy sparingly, we use alchemy smartly. We learn to utilize weapons that are created to be superior than anything. We use anti alchemy bullets. We train so that are bodies are in tip top condition. All these minute details are drilled into an Asylum in training. You body is trained to be that of a pro athlete. Your mind trained to be sharp and cognitive. Your reflexes trained to exceed average humans. You are trained to be soldiers who use alchemy, not alchemists who use their soldier skills. But in the end it depends on the person.
What is the greatest inspiration? Set aside wishful thinking and idealistic banter. It is fear. Why don't our countries fight against each other for dominance. Fear of an all out nuclear war. It has nothing to do with peace efforts, if that was true we wouldn't have any wars. And yet many turn a blind eye or seek vengeance, why? Fear of the aftermath of say World War 3? Why does a soldiers stay loyal to a country amidst hellish combat? Do you assume it is patriotism? A human is conditioned to preserve his life, what can cause said human to negate this conditioning. You could say it is the love for those closest, albeit when put in that situation that is not it. It is the fear of what would happen to those loved ones.
It is called reality.
A.M.R.O represents this reality to a frightening degree. We are talking death at insubordination, death at defiance, elimination of your family and loved ones. Your very worst fear is what A.M.R.O will use to torture you till you are nothing but mush and jelly.
Then there is the plus side. You agree with them and if you meet their standards you can very well get anything. Asylums do not worry about where to stay, what to eat, what to drive. As long as they don't reveal the existence of alchemy and meet certain standards, they are allowed the finer pleasures of life.
Most would prefer this life as opposed to being hunted by A.M.R.O. Some may feel grateful and look at A.M.R.O as their savior. Some may think themselves slaves but fear the outcome of defiance. This negativity towards A.M.R.O will be expressed and will play a big role.
A.M.R.O does not need to brainwash. It gives you a choice, fight and be empowered or watch everything you love including you.... die.
