NG Nero / Dante Mission 17

Adagio For Strings

NG Nero / Dante Mission 17

Target LRT - sub 3:40

The final push. Easily the second hardest mission in the entire run. Learning how to set up the cycles in Mission 17 takes plenty of time, and getting it consistently is a miracle. This mission has to be practised a lot.

Before you start, sell Trickster Lv4 and buy the two Pandora upgrades. The Pandora upgrades are required for Mission 18, so we're consolidating the buys here. Any newer runners should also purchase Pin-Up for Lucifer as it is a great way to deal consistent damage in close quarters, and it's a good DPS backup strategy for the upcoming Agnus boss fight if you mess up any Distortion or Just Frame Attacks strategies. After that, buy 1 Holy Water from the Items shop as well.

Port Caerula & Residential District

Port Caerula

Generally the Divekick into Just Frame Attacks is the quickest way to kill a Scarecrow.
If you're going for the Shock approach, the right Scarecrow should be hit with a Divekick first to make the triple kill more consistent.
Once the 6th Scarecrow has been killed, the two Bianco Angelos and Alto Angelo will spawn. Perform the Balls manip on them to end the fight.
The Balls manip JC version is a bit tricker to pull off. Try the Non JC version initially or you can do the standard cycle.
Baiting the Alto Angelo in the air after the 1st formation attack guarantees either Balls or Kamikaze if played correctly with the camera.

Residential District

You can get a RI setup on the spawning Assault as soon as you enter the arena when you turn around.
Using DT with the Pandora Jealousy move instantly removes the cloak on the Mephistos. Use E&I CS on them if you don't have DT.
Use Stinger on Assaults to stun them and go for a RI or a Straight.
It is possible to gang up Assaults for a Shock setup.
Grab the red Orb Crystal before leaving.
The optimal cycle is consistent until the Shock part. Learn this cycle once you get comfortable with the enemy spawns and doing Distorted Straights.

General Notes

In the Business District / Terrace, eliminate 4 scarecrows, wait for the enemies to spawn and use a Holy Water.
Setup a Shock on the right of the crossing and you can hit two Basiliks right away. Eliminate the final Basilisk right after.
In the Opera House Plaza, use E&I CS on the Mephisto and RI. Use a Holy Water as soon as the Alto Angelos are spawned.
Use two DT Pandora Jealousy to quickly get rid of the Faust cloak with E&I CS and Shotgun as backup. Finish off the Faust with a Distorted RI.

Agnus

Before entering the boss arena, hold Lock-On at the door and then enter through the door. This will prevent you from sprinting and Agnus from going in a bad spot for damage dealing.
You should always start the fight by walking forward, waiting for Agnus to initiate and begin a Straight. Aim for a Level 2 Straight and then do a Distorted RI. This is a consistent way to get the stun from the first phase.
Advanced runners should do 2 Divekicks and prepare a Level 2 Distorted Straight followed by a DT Stinger. If done perfectly, Agnus will stun for a second time and the fight will be over.
Newer runners should drop down after Divekicks, start spamming Pin-Up and throw a rose after Agnus flies away. After that, you must seek an opening for a RI from certain attacks like the fireballs or continue to spam Pin-Up. Both good choices.
Unfortunately, the Basiliks will sometimes get in the way or attack you at the wrong time and there's not much you can do about it.
You can ignore the Perfect Agnus cycle and the Knockdown RI Setup videos as those are merely just for showcase for what is it possible with this boss.