Reverse Side of the World (290)

[Drackos]

Reverse Side of the World

The Reverse Side of the World is a unique dimension temporally located between Voidspace and standard reality. It is reflective of a period within the Age of Gods after the Void was being shaped by Marduk’s Pantheon. It is an idyllic paradise and ever distant utopia that the gods were never able to complete building and that humanity might never achieve; its laws are governed by both Divinities and the Void. Visually it appears as a complex series of biomes of plains, lakes, serene forests, with oceans and rivers spread throughout. At the moment it is only accessed through Merlin’s Staff of Selection.​

​

 

[Goetia]

[x]

When Merlin awoke, he remembered little of what transpired in the moments following the battle's conclusion. Thrashing flesh and wilting life, the face of a girl he once knew, the seeds of another world... images fashioned from his own memory, feeling as if they were those of another. The space around him, however, was familiar.

Raising himself upright, Merlin found himself in a rainbow meadow of flowers dancing gently in the breeze that kissed the grassy prairies. The plains stretched on in infinitude, as did the cloudless sky. He raised his hand, inspecting it for any abnormalities, drawing his sleeve in search of the crimson veins marking his body. The veins had receded further, now only reaching halfway up his forearm. None were visible, but they yet remained on his torso, accompanied by the vicious wound inflicted by Artoria. Despite his considerable healing powers, the crevice opened in Merlin's flesh between his left hip and right shoulder was not healing as it normally would. On any other occasion, the injury would heal with such speed that he would barely notice it, but he could feel every dead skin cell being shed and replaced by a new one. Muscle tissue being rewound and sewing itself back together, flesh growing across it to prevent infection and close the opening in his abdomen. A painstaking process in every respect.

To distract himself from the discomfort of his recovery, he resumed his inspection of his surroundings. Nature was rampant. No signs were there of any objects or structures indicative of civilisation. No signs of the lonely tower.

"Home... sweet home?"​

Spoiler: (Saisei Noryoku) - Regeneration Ability

Type: Supplementary
Rank: N/A
Range: Short
Chakra: Varies (lvl 1: +20 chakra per turn / lvl 2: +60 chakra per turn / lvl 3: +120 chakra per turn)
Damage: N/A
Description: Those with the cells of Hashirama are able to use the immense regeneration ability to heal injuries afflicted on them in mere moments. Anyone who has these cells in their bodies are able to naturally use this. This allows the user to heal minor injuries such as cuts,gashes, broken fingers or wrist/ankle and other small bruises.

Level 1: Done passively, this allows the user to heal small to moderate injuries. These include things like small cuts to broken digits and bruises as well as bleeding. These involve injuries that result from taijutsu attacks to minor wounds such as stabs in limbs, some broken bones as well as internal bleeding, slight organ tears. This is for none life threatening wounds and heals up to 30 damage

Level 2: Taking the place of a jutsu per turn, the user is able to make use of the healing abilities of Hashirama's cells and apply them at a greater level, employing the cells to heal large injuries, such as shattered bones, ruptured organs, even regeneration of missing limbs. This requires a large amount of chakra, and can only be done up to 3 times a battle. This can only be used once every 2 turns of Wood SM and heals up to 60 ( or A rank ) damage.

Level 3: Deemed the ultimate regeneration at the cost of a jutsu per turn, the user is able to regenerate even the most deadly of injuries, such as a completely blown away chest or fully regrowing his body after bifurcation. After using, the user can only use one other jutsu the same turn. This can only be used a total of 3 times and once every 4 turns. As long as their head is attached/they have consciousness, this jutsu can be used. After using, the user can only use two other jutsu that turn and the next.

Note: Level 1 can only be used by bios with Hashirama DNA and access to Wood Release. Level 2 requires Wood SM to be active and Level 3 can only be utilized by the Juubi Jinchuriki.

HP: 150
Chakra: 3055

 

[NRP Botman]

Merlin's body would slowly but surely become acutely aware of a force pulling him westward, like a gentle tug at his waist encouraging him to explore. Five kilometers in that direction was a tranquil forest, glistening in the distance under beautiful starlight. Two rivers bisected it. But beyond the plains, over the horizon, was the very same Tower of Avalon hanging in the sky.

 

[Goetia]

The Magus of Flowers felt a familiar pull, not dissimilar to that of the seeds which drew him to the beating heart that lay within the Outer Lands. How... how did it take him here? What nature did it bear that he did not understand for it to pull him into an entirely different place? Questions he had not the answer to, but hopefully not for long.

Getting to his feet, his Staff of Selection in hand, Merlin began to walk west, traversing the uneven horizon created by the hills overlooking the meadow in which he first awoke. As he crested one of the hills, his eyes were immediately drawn to a great forest, its canopy sheltered in radiant aurora. Past its far edges, he could see it. All but confirmation of where he was. It only begged the question further; how could that heart be connected to the Reverse Side? Let alone the Isle of Avalon. Merlin sighed gently, resigning himself to his lacking knowledge.

"Home indeed."​

Beginning his descent down the hill, he recalled the centuries spent in the tower with neither fondness or sadness. He did not feel deserving of that privilege. It could only be seen as the consequences of his actions. Artoria's words echoed in his mind.

"It's your fault!! If I had never met you, then Camelot... Nothing... Nobody would have...!!"​

He could not disagree.

Before long, he was at the entrance to the forest. He recalled the fateful moment where he last saw Artoria. Not the vengeful reflection he fought in the forest, or the haunting image that confronted him on two separate occasions, but the Artoria he had known for all her life. The girl that he raised and advised. The night that he took away her pain and womanhood, leaving her not as Artoria Pendragon, but as Arthur. He never saw her again. As would be the case when he stepped foot into the forest, there would be no returning from the other side.

Emerging from the forest, he arrived at the tower. No less majestic than it was the day he left.

HP: 160
Chakra: 3035

 

[NRP Botman]

Underneath the base of the tower a staff hovered in place just half a meter above the ground. Around it once brilliant lilacs were wilted in a small one meter radius; though the stage of decay among the flowers varied. Nearest the staff they were black and white, wilted to the point of collapse. In fact, they were difficult to discern that it was originally a flower at all. But at the farthest reaches of the circle the flowers were only tilted slightly, discolored to a slightly paler purple, and their stems softer than normal. The staff hovered above, locked in position directly under the tower.

 

[Goetia]

A hop, skip and a step away, a staff hovered above the ground. It robbed the flowers beneath it of life, as if it sought nourishment through decay. Merlin's eyes furrowed, concerned about the nature of the object, and not simply because it mirrored his own. Something capable of withering life in a space dedicated to fostering it was dangerous, if nothing else. As for who placed it there... something so obvious was unlike Vivian. If he could even suspect her involvement, he would have turned back immediately. Alas, the Magus of Flowers stepped forth, slowly reaching towards the staff. He wrapped his fingers around it first, then closed his grip fully, taking it into his right hand.

 

[Drackos]

A hop, skip and a step away, a staff hovered above the ground. It robbed the flowers beneath it of life, as if it sought nourishment through decay. Merlin's eyes furrowed, concerned about the nature of the object, and not simply because it mirrored his own. Something capable of withering life in a space dedicated to fostering it was dangerous, if nothing else. As for who placed it there... something so obvious was unlike Vivian. If he could even suspect her involvement, he would have turned back immediately. Alas, the Magus of Flowers stepped forth, slowly reaching towards the staff. He wrapped his fingers around it first, then closed his grip fully, taking it into his right hand.

"Stop, don't touch it." The voice emerged from behind Merlin, no more than seven meters. There stood Solomon, the King of Magic. Orbiting around his back in sigmoidal formation were six small black Truth-Seeking Orbs. His eyes were illuminated in a deep purple, reflecting his activated Satorigan. He had a soft and somber expression scrawled across his face as his eyes locked on Merlin. His warning came just moments before Merlin's palm would wrap around the harrowed staff. "Merlin..." Was it real? Was this the true King Solomon? Or was it a dream? A spectral phantom in this strange cosmic anomaly.

(Dōjutsu: Satorigan) – Eye Technique: Eyes of Revelation

Spoiler

Type: Supplementary
Rank: S
Range: Short – Long
Chakra: N/A (-10 per turn)
Damage: N/A
Description: The Satorigan, or the Eyes of Revelation (の目啓発) is a Dōjutsu unique to Solomon, awakened after being exposed to Anutu. The outer iris of the Satorigan is hued in purple, while moving deeper inward focuses into a deep blue. The Dōjutsu is a direct evolution to the Tenseigan, once thought to be the final form of the Byakugan. Like other Dōjutsu, the Satorigan has the ability to perceive chakra and the chakra flow of individuals. Solomon’s ability to perceive and track other targets is increased by six times while the Satorigan is active. Among its primary benefits is the utility of a near 360º diameter field of vision, with the only exception being above the first thoracic vertebra; its telescopic sight affords the user the ability to see up to three adjacent landmarks away; the Satorigan also grants Solomon visual immunity to Genjutsu. In exchange for control over Gravity through the Tenseigan, activation of the Satorigan affords Solomon access to a series of techniques collectively known as the Lemegeton, or the Greater Key of Solomon. The Dōjutsu is intrinsically connected to a separate reality outside of the axis of time known as Ars Paulina, a throne world created through a combination of Solomon’s authority with Anutu and Yin-Yang. It is there that his Seventy-Two Demon Gods of the Ars Goetia reside, powered by a mystical energy derived from Anutu called Sephiraton, the Flame of Enlightenment. The Satorigan can perceive interdimensional entities, allowing Solomon to visually see these Demon Gods, while those with Anutu or the Atavistic Fire are able to sense their presence. The Flame of Enlightenment is a powerful demonic energy controlled by the Satorigan and the demons that reside in Ars Paulina. It is neutral to all elements and non-elemental interactions, inflicting its damage through unique curses, afflictions, or blessings, while it manifests usually on focal point. The supplementary effects of Sephiraton can be interchanged at its user’s discretion. Visually Sephiraton appears as a dark violet and blue flame, matching the color scheme of the Satorigan.
Note: If Solomon is in Tenseigan Chakra Mode when the Satorigan is activated the mode is forcefully deactivated.
Note: Activated passively but remains active indefinitely afterwards if the user chooses to. The user is able to change between their Dōjutsu without spending a move.

(Gudōdama) - Truth-Seeking Ball

Spoiler

Type: Offensive/Defensive/Supplementary
Rank: Forbidden
Range: Short - Long
Chakra: 80 (-15 per turn once activated)
Damage: 140 each + 20 = 160 each
Description: Truth-Seeking Balls are spheres of malleable black chakra composed of all five nature transformations and Yin-Yang Release. Each is about the size of a fist and hides within it the power to complete obliterate a forest. The Truth-Seeking Balls function as a technique that is always on standby once activated. The technique creates a fixed number of orbs; no more or no less can be created. If they are somehow destroyed or otherwise not retrieved by the user, they become permanently lost. Once created the user can manipulate each of the individual balls at will. The balls can be shaped into a variety of forms, and the many natures comprising them can be combined to produce various effects. They are able to serve a variety of functions, such as forming shields and weapons, platforms, launching as high-speed projectiles, and rapidly expanding to produce massive explosions (mid-range in diameter). Users are able to combine orbs to enhance individual damage. At most only two Truth-Seeking Orbs can be controlled for offensive use at any given time; but any number of orbs can be used for defensive purposes to protect the user. Using the orbs outside of reshaping them requires one of the user's three moves per turn.

As the chakra comprising them is highly durable, the balls can serve as an effective defense. Due to the nature of possessing Yin-Yang Release the Truth-Seeking Balls have the ability to nullify any ninjutsu they come into contact with, making them impervious to Ninjutsu techniques. Only Senjutsu techniques that exceed an individual ball in damage are capable of harming and neutralizing an orb. When wielded by a user of Six Paths Senjutsu, the Truth-Seeking Balls become a potent weapon against invisible enemies in the world of Limbo, as well as other spiritual techniques such as Yin Release’s Hands of Sloth, able to interact with techniques of this type as normal. The user’s ability to control the Truth-Seeking Balls diminishes as it goes further from them and thus an effective way of combating them is to transport them away with certain types of Spacetime or teleportation jutsu.

Note: Can only be used by biographies that were shown using it.
Note: Acquisition of the Truth-Seeking Balls occurs through one possessing Six Paths Sage Mode, becoming the Jinchuuriki of the Ten-Tails, or Yin-Yang Release.
Note: The negation effect of the orbs works on all forms of ninjutsu but does not work on techniques that are enhanced with Senjutsu or natural energy.
Note: Wielders gain six orbs that can be used up to long-range. Beyond mid-range, however, the user loses the ability to actively manipulate the orbs, only being able to call them back. However, if the orbs go beyond 40 meters from the user they will be lost until the user comes within range to manipulate them again.
Note: Once activated the orbs remain on standby until destroyed or the user dies. The user can manipulate an orb for two turns before they are unable to control it, returning to standby for the same amount of time.

 

[Goetia]

"Stop, don't touch it." The voice emerged from behind Merlin, no more than seven meters. There stood Solomon, the King of Magic. Orbiting around his back in sigmoidal formation were six small black Truth-Seeking Orbs. His eyes were illuminated in a deep purple, reflecting his activated Satorigan. He had a soft and somber expression scrawled across his face as his eyes locked on Merlin. His warning came just moments before Merlin's palm would wrap around the harrowed staff. "Merlin..." Was it real? Was this the true King Solomon? Or was it a dream? A spectral phantom in this strange cosmic anomaly.

(Dōjutsu: Satorigan) – Eye Technique: Eyes of Revelation

Spoiler

Type: Supplementary
Rank: S
Range: Short – Long
Chakra: N/A (-10 per turn)
Damage: N/A
Description: The Satorigan, or the Eyes of Revelation (の目啓発) is a Dōjutsu unique to Solomon, awakened after being exposed to Anutu. The outer iris of the Satorigan is hued in purple, while moving deeper inward focuses into a deep blue. The Dōjutsu is a direct evolution to the Tenseigan, once thought to be the final form of the Byakugan. Like other Dōjutsu, the Satorigan has the ability to perceive chakra and the chakra flow of individuals. Solomon’s ability to perceive and track other targets is increased by six times while the Satorigan is active. Among its primary benefits is the utility of a near 360º diameter field of vision, with the only exception being above the first thoracic vertebra; its telescopic sight affords the user the ability to see up to three adjacent landmarks away; the Satorigan also grants Solomon visual immunity to Genjutsu. In exchange for control over Gravity through the Tenseigan, activation of the Satorigan affords Solomon access to a series of techniques collectively known as the Lemegeton, or the Greater Key of Solomon. The Dōjutsu is intrinsically connected to a separate reality outside of the axis of time known as Ars Paulina, a throne world created through a combination of Solomon’s authority with Anutu and Yin-Yang. It is there that his Seventy-Two Demon Gods of the Ars Goetia reside, powered by a mystical energy derived from Anutu called Sephiraton, the Flame of Enlightenment. The Satorigan can perceive interdimensional entities, allowing Solomon to visually see these Demon Gods, while those with Anutu or the Atavistic Fire are able to sense their presence. The Flame of Enlightenment is a powerful demonic energy controlled by the Satorigan and the demons that reside in Ars Paulina. It is neutral to all elements and non-elemental interactions, inflicting its damage through unique curses, afflictions, or blessings, while it manifests usually on focal point. The supplementary effects of Sephiraton can be interchanged at its user’s discretion. Visually Sephiraton appears as a dark violet and blue flame, matching the color scheme of the Satorigan.
Note: If Solomon is in Tenseigan Chakra Mode when the Satorigan is activated the mode is forcefully deactivated.
Note: Activated passively but remains active indefinitely afterwards if the user chooses to. The user is able to change between their Dōjutsu without spending a move.

(Gudōdama) - Truth-Seeking Ball

Spoiler

Type: Offensive/Defensive/Supplementary
Rank: Forbidden
Range: Short - Long
Chakra: 80 (-15 per turn once activated)
Damage: 140 each + 20 = 160 each
Description: Truth-Seeking Balls are spheres of malleable black chakra composed of all five nature transformations and Yin-Yang Release. Each is about the size of a fist and hides within it the power to complete obliterate a forest. The Truth-Seeking Balls function as a technique that is always on standby once activated. The technique creates a fixed number of orbs; no more or no less can be created. If they are somehow destroyed or otherwise not retrieved by the user, they become permanently lost. Once created the user can manipulate each of the individual balls at will. The balls can be shaped into a variety of forms, and the many natures comprising them can be combined to produce various effects. They are able to serve a variety of functions, such as forming shields and weapons, platforms, launching as high-speed projectiles, and rapidly expanding to produce massive explosions (mid-range in diameter). Users are able to combine orbs to enhance individual damage. At most only two Truth-Seeking Orbs can be controlled for offensive use at any given time; but any number of orbs can be used for defensive purposes to protect the user. Using the orbs outside of reshaping them requires one of the user's three moves per turn.

As the chakra comprising them is highly durable, the balls can serve as an effective defense. Due to the nature of possessing Yin-Yang Release the Truth-Seeking Balls have the ability to nullify any ninjutsu they come into contact with, making them impervious to Ninjutsu techniques. Only Senjutsu techniques that exceed an individual ball in damage are capable of harming and neutralizing an orb. When wielded by a user of Six Paths Senjutsu, the Truth-Seeking Balls become a potent weapon against invisible enemies in the world of Limbo, as well as other spiritual techniques such as Yin Release’s Hands of Sloth, able to interact with techniques of this type as normal. The user’s ability to control the Truth-Seeking Balls diminishes as it goes further from them and thus an effective way of combating them is to transport them away with certain types of Spacetime or teleportation jutsu.

Note: Can only be used by biographies that were shown using it.
Note: Acquisition of the Truth-Seeking Balls occurs through one possessing Six Paths Sage Mode, becoming the Jinchuuriki of the Ten-Tails, or Yin-Yang Release.
Note: The negation effect of the orbs works on all forms of ninjutsu but does not work on techniques that are enhanced with Senjutsu or natural energy.
Note: Wielders gain six orbs that can be used up to long-range. Beyond mid-range, however, the user loses the ability to actively manipulate the orbs, only being able to call them back. However, if the orbs go beyond 40 meters from the user they will be lost until the user comes within range to manipulate them again.
Note: Once activated the orbs remain on standby until destroyed or the user dies. The user can manipulate an orb for two turns before they are unable to control it, returning to standby for the same amount of time.

A familiar voice called out through the beyond to Merlin, bidding the incubus pause as he turned to find its source. No sooner did he see the King of Magic did the crimson veins on his abdomen begin to crawl over his body, attempting to reassert their control. Though still not physically visible, they had grown in size and reach.

"Solomon? How– well, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. I'll only ask why."​

Merlin's hand hovered perilously close to the staff. Despite Solomon's warning, he did not withdraw his arm, fingers poised to clutch the mysterious object.

 

[Drackos]

A familiar voice called out through the beyond to Merlin, bidding the incubus pause as he turned to find its source. No sooner did he see the King of Magic did the crimson veins on his abdomen begin to crawl over his body, attempting to reassert their control. Though still not physically visible, they had grown in size and reach.

"Solomon? How– well, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. I'll only ask why."​

Merlin's hand hovered perilously close to the staff. Despite Solomon's warning, he did not withdraw his arm, fingers poised to clutch the mysterious object.

There was a tinge of urgency in Solomon's voice; not of fear, but he was pressed. For a moment his gaze shifted from Merlin's eyes to where his hand was, though just as quickly as it did he returned to meet him. "The tree. It was always the tree. That is the tree. It all connects back to it - that fantasy tree, it's integrating itself into our collective history. Everything connects back to it. It's the source...." He said it as if it was a revelation he recently had. And as he spoke the Reverse Side of the World trembled slightly, as if a very minor and subtle earthquake pulsed through it. "You've always known. From the very beginning." His words were somewhat cryptic though still hurried.

 

[Goetia]

There was a tinge of urgency in Solomon's voice; not of fear, but he was pressed. For a moment his gaze shifted from Merlin's eyes to where his hand was, though just as quickly as it did he returned to meet him. "The tree. It was always the tree. That is the tree. It all connects back to it - that fantasy tree, it's integrating itself into our collective history. Everything connects back to it. It's the source...." He said it as if it was a revelation he recently had. And as he spoke the Reverse Side of the World trembled slightly, as if a very minor and subtle earthquake pulsed through it. "You've always known. From the very beginning." His words were somewhat cryptic though still hurried.

The world itself tremored, as if to echo Solomon's warning to him. Merlin could feel the isle shudder beneath his feet, gently enough that he maintained balance but with enough force to make itself known. So too was the voice that called to the incubus from the depths of his mind and heart. Gentle, soothing, not betraying its sinister nature.

"Emb██e your pur██se." ​

The veins crawled further, reaching past his neck and past the edges of his jaw. Still, Merlin's mind remained his own. He hadn't moved an inch from where he stood, but Solomon's words had served their purpose. He recollected the words of the myriad images he conversed with over the course of his journey. Phantoms... no, genuine articles from other worlds. Of that, he could be sure. Artoria Pendragon no longer existed. The ones he saw could not be his Artoria.

"Yes... then, we should destroy it once we return."​

With his half-hearted declaration, he turned his gaze back to the staff. It was strange, how it reflected his own state of being. The moment he made this conscious realisation, the veins inched further, partially clutched around his cheeks.

 

[Drackos]

The world itself tremored, as if to echo Solomon's warning to him. Merlin could feel the isle shudder beneath his feet, gently enough that he maintained balance but with enough force to make itself known. So too was the voice that called to the incubus from the depths of his mind and heart. Gentle, soothing, not betraying its sinister nature.

"Emb██e your pur██se." ​

The veins crawled further, reaching past his neck and past the edges of his jaw. Still, Merlin's mind remained his own. He hadn't moved an inch from where he stood, but Solomon's words had served their purpose. He recollected the words of the myriad images he conversed with over the course of his journey. Phantoms... no, genuine articles from other worlds. Of that, he could be sure. Artoria Pendragon no longer existed. The ones he saw could not be his Artoria.

"Yes... then, we should destroy it once we return."​

With his half-hearted declaration, he turned his gaze back to the staff. It was strange, how it reflected his own state of being. The moment he made this conscious realisation, the veins inched further, partially clutched around his cheeks.

"If you touch that staff you will never come home," Solomon ominously warned Merlin. "Leave it. Leave this place all together. Can't you see he has drawn you here? It is all part of his grand design, to encircle and divide humanity and leave us weak. The very seeds that were embedded in your flesh have drawn you to this very spot. And you shouldn't...you can't take that staff." Solomon took another step forward, hoping the sound would cause Merlin to turn around and meet his gaze once again.

 

[Goetia]

"If you touch that staff you will never come home," Solomon ominously warned Merlin. "Leave it. Leave this place all together. Can't you see he has drawn you here? It is all part of his grand design, to encircle and divide humanity and leave us weak. The very seeds that were embedded in your flesh have drawn you to this very spot. And you shouldn't...you can't take that staff." Solomon took another step forward, hoping the sound would cause Merlin to turn around and meet his gaze once again.

The crimson veins began to pulsate, much the same way the seeds had whilst they were embedded in Merlin's shoulder. He could still feel the echoes of their presence, an occasional, gentle throb every other moment. His hands were now caught in the grip of a vengeful curse, vermillion fingers wrapped around his palm and the back of his hand, his skin turned a ghostly white. He remembered the Battle of Camlann, the bodies littering the hill in the wake of Camelot's demise. He remembered the sight of Artoria lying at death's door, with Bedivere watching over her. He remembered the words of the King of Magic during their first meeting.

“Your interference will cost thousand of lives. And for what?..."​

As Solomon hoped, Merlin turned to meet his gaze with his own sullen one.

"What the world needs isn't who I was, but who I am now." ​

A thin smile, as if carved onto his face by a knife, curls on Merlin's face as he turns back to the staff. Without hesitation, his hand reaches for the staff and draws it from the air.

 

[NRP Botman]

The crimson veins began to pulsate, much the same way the seeds had whilst they were embedded in Merlin's shoulder. He could still feel the echoes of their presence, an occasional, gentle throb every other moment. His hands were now caught in the grip of a vengeful curse, vermillion fingers wrapped around his palm and the back of his hand, his skin turned a ghostly white. He remembered the Battle of Camlann, the bodies littering the hill in the wake of Camelot's demise. He remembered the sight of Artoria lying at death's door, with Bedivere watching over her. He remembered the words of the King of Magic during their first meeting.

“Your interference will cost thousand of lives. And for what?..."​

As Solomon hoped, Merlin turned to meet his gaze with his own sullen one.

"What the world needs isn't who I was, but who I am now." ​

A thin smile, as if carved onto his face by a knife, curls on Merlin's face as he turns back to the staff. Without hesitation, his hand reaches for the staff and draws it from the air.

In the moment that Merlin's hand grasped the staff the visage of Solomon burst into nothingness, a plume of shadows and black smoke caught in the wind that was thrust away. Perhaps the Mage King was never real at all here but only a byproduct of the "Ordered" portion of this unique reality that competed against the Void-dominant half. But it was clear who had won out in the end as Merlin stood alone under the Tower, grasping the Harrowed Staff of Selection. Yet there would be little respite. An unstoppable gravitational force latched onto Merlin's body, emitted by the Tower of Avalon itself. It pulled him inward, asserting whatever strength it had left.

YOU CANNOT GO FREE.​

​

The words echoed through the Reverse Side of the World as Merlin was suddenly trapped inside the Tower of Avalon itself, left only with the staff that tempted him to such a degree. In the end, the Incubus had succumbed to the mystery that he set out to uncover and unravel. Or, perhaps phrased differently, he became that very mystery. Part of a cosmic metamorphosis that would soon take the world by storm. Maybe one day Solomon would see the old Incubus again...in one form or another.

(Hisan Gosen Sentei) – Harrowed Staff of Selection

Spoiler

Type: Artifact
Rank: S
Range: Short - Long
Chakra: N/A
Damage: 100
Description: The Staff of Selection, 選定 五線, is a harrowed variant of Merlin’s own staff anchored to reality by the Void Tree. It was retrieved at the end of Merlin’s expedition into Kamiyasumi where Merlin was pulled into the Void and trapped in the Reverse Side of the World. It is a large staff measuring at about two meters in length; it resembles a crook, the head of the staff being carved to create a crest resembling the sprawling roots of a tree. Unlike the original, this harrowed version closely resembles the Void Tree. Its wood is ashen and somewhat cracked with traces of red veins running up and down its length. The staff has a unique connection with the Void Tree and the Reverse Side of the World, acting as a conduit to bridge the outer plane with reality and allow Merlin to freely project himself from his prison into the world. Passively, the Staff of Selection’s harrowed energies permeate into Merlin’s Wood Release techniques causing them to gain an increase of 30 additional damage. Visually this transforms the appearance of his standard Wood Release to mimic that of the Void Tree and the Staff itself. The wood of the Void Tree also moves faster than regular Wood Release, causing all of Merlin’s Wood techniques to gain an additional two base speed levels.

Tandoku Kengen (lit. 単独顕現, “Independent Manifestation”): The Staff of Selection’s connection to the Reverse Side of the World grants its wielder the ability to independently manifest within reality. It allows Merlin to project himself outside of his prison and into the world, effectively existing within two planes simultaneously. Merlin is able to use Independent Manifestation to transport his projection back to the Reverse Side of the World and anywhere he pleases, following Ninja World spacetime rules. Merlin’s projection is a flesh and blood representation of himself; it can be killed and interacted with as any would be normally. Genetic material can be harvested from it should the user agree to death in the Ninja World. If the projection is knocked out then it needs to regenerate as a normal biography would as well. Teleportation with Independent Manifestation can be done twice per battle, once every seven turns.

Kūsōju Shīdo (lit. 空想樹, “Fantasy Tree Seed”): The Fantasy Tree Seed draws upon the Void Tree to launch up to two large seeds from the Staff that are roughly the size of a melon but with clearly defined geometric shapes. As a basic projectile attack these Seeds strike targets for 100 physical damage, following splitting rules, and, unlike basic Wood Release, are strong to all elemental natures with the exception of Anutu and its subcomponents. After four turns, if they are not destroyed, these seeds mature into small human-sized Fantasy Trees that can be used as a source to manipulate and control for other Wood Release techniques. This can be used five times per battle.

Eiyū Sakusei (lit. 英雄作成, “Hero Creation”): Centuries ago during the age of Camelot Merlin was regarded as a “Kingmaker.” Merlin is able to draw upon the Staff of Selection to temporarily crown another, just as he did with Arthur. This is not simply a technique that strengthens another target; it is in effect reaching across the cosmos through the Void Tree to other worlds and realities where that individual is far more important or powerful than in our own and combining their beings. Upon activation the user will boost two fields the target possesses causing them to gain an additional 30 damage and 10 Chakra. It lasts for three turns. The base speed of the techniques within that field is increased by an additional three levels. Targets influenced by Hero Creation gain a red aura around their body. Hero Creation can be used three times per battle, once every five turns.

 

[Goetia]

Merlin turned in time to see his fellow Caster vanish into thin air, who looked on with a somber expression as his form faded in the wind. The incubus counted every painful second that Solomon's melancholic gaze remained yet fixed on him, before the last dregs of his image was scattered to the far reaches of the Reverse Side. Merlin's expression turned neutral, an ominous shadow cast over his eyes and nose, when a sudden but familiar pull exerted itself on his body. It was not violent, for his body didn't move once during the process, but once it was his own, he stood caged in the Tower of Avalon once again. He looked around the empty room, which was as tall as the cosmos was vast, and sighed in resignation. Taking a seat on the raised part of the floor, his newly acquired staff in hand, his rested his head on his free hand.

"There and back again." ​

Raising his staff, he tapped the floor gently, commanding its otherworldly power. For as consumed as he was by guilt, his desire to remain involved in the world was stronger. Despite the very Isle's desire to seal him away in eternal damnation, he would render up his all to grant mankind salvation. In truth, however, they were one and the same.

Spoiler: Tandoku Kengen (lit. 単独顕現, “Independent Manifestation”)

The Staff of Selection’s connection to the Reverse Side of the World grants its wielder the ability to independently manifest within reality. It allows Merlin to project himself outside of his prison and into the world, effectively existing within two planes simultaneously. Merlin is able to use Independent Manifestation to transport his projection back to the Reverse Side of the World and anywhere he pleases, following Ninja World spacetime rules. Merlin’s projection is a flesh and blood representation of himself; it can be killed and interacted with as any would be normally. Genetic material can be harvested from it should the user agree to death in the Ninja World. If the projection is knocked out then it needs to regenerate as a normal biography would as well. Teleportation with Independent Manifestation can be done twice per battle, once every seven turns.

 

[Goetia]

Even in Avalon, the incubus could feel the foundations of reality buckling beneath the weight of coming calamity. Specks of stone and dust fell from the ceiling of the tower, even its boundless border failing to totally resist the shockwaves that rippled throughout dimensions.

"The fabric of the star begins to fray." ​

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