Blazes

A Blaze is the physical manifestation of an individual’s soul, summoned through the power of an Astar mark a symbol that appears on the chest of an Exceed. This unique weapon is deeply tied to the user’s essence, embodying their innermost desires and will. The process of summoning a Blaze is both profound and transformative, unlocking latent power within its wielder.

Creation

The journey to obtaining a Blaze begins with the injection of 《Lukifer》, a cutting-edge nanobot technology designed to enhance the human body. Upon introduction to the bloodstream, these nanobots trigger significant physical and mental changes in the recipient. Through this transformation, the person’s soul materializes into a tangible weapon, referred to as a Blaze.

However, the nature of a Blaze is not arbitrary. Its form reflects the user's deepest desires or aspirations, such as a thirst for revenge or a hope to protect others. While most Blazes take the form of conventional weapons, exceptions exist. Tooru’s shield, for instance, diverges from the norm, and Lilith’s advanced rifle showcases a complexity rarely seen among these manifestations. Despite these anomalies, most Blazes are simple and straightforward weapons, attuned to their wielder’s personal journey.

Combat

Although Blazes appear as weapons, their true power lies in their ability to harm the opponent’s soul rather than their physical body. In combat, they induce pain and fatigue by targeting the opponent's essence, making it possible to win battles through spiritual damage alone. This is the standard practice in controlled environments, such as within the school setting, where students duel to test their skills.

However, there are exceptions. Rito Tsukimi’s revelation demonstrated that a Blaze wielded with a killing intent can inflict physical harm. This abnormal use of Blazes adds a dangerous dimension to their power. Furthermore, because a Blaze is intrinsically linked to its wielder’s soul, its destruction can deal severe damage to the user. Such a loss often renders the individual unconscious for an extended period—commonly a full day—effectively ending a battle.

Sublimation

The 《Lukifer》 injection that grants the ability to manifest a Blaze comes with levels of mastery, referred to as Sublimation. All Exceeds begin at Level I, with progression dependent on physical and mental development. To advance to higher levels, one must meet stringent physical criteria for the first three ranks. Beyond Level III, however, mental fortitude becomes the key to growth.

Reaching Level IV unlocks the full potential of a Blaze, revealing powers previously untapped. This pinnacle of mastery was demonstrated by Tsukimi during the events on Kouryou Academy Branch’s island, showcasing the transcendent capabilities of Blazes. Each advancement not only amplifies physical attributes but also brings the wielder closer to uncovering the true essence of their soul-weapon.

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