ending left me with so many questions

i just finished the game, and i absolutely loved it as someone who really like the mechanics of deduction. i could sit here and talk about how good it is despite how simple the mechanics are, however, im so confused.

i finished the game, >!and found all of the 98 files (unless there's more). i came in here, and i saw that people have figured out @'s name (richards apprently??? unless im stupid and that's just the dev). but no one seems to know the solution to the hangman. i tried looking for the odd characters in 00-dream, and i have more than just 12 letters. i don't mind the spoilers, just give me the answer lmao. !<

!also, if i understood correctly, it's a curse that transfers to whoever manages to figure it out? if so, why did katherine die? ik that john was supposed to be the next victim but since he died by suicide the curse moved to someone else? why katherine? and does that mean that us (the player) are cursed too?!<