What Is an Apocalypse? [KEYWORD01]

A collective term for events that will eventually destroy the universe. They may take the form of humanoid entities, or manifest as phenomena. Their Apocalypse Potential is determined based on their stage of growth. As long as they exist, all Apocalypses will eventually reach Stage 10 and destroy the universe.

Stage 1: Beginning -Initium- → Stage 2: Sowing -Seminatio- → Stage 3: Growth -Crescitia- → Stage 4: Activation -Excitatio- → Stage 5: Chaos -Turbatio-

Stage 6: Agitation -Perturbatio- → Stage 7: Destruction -Devastatio- → Stage 8: Great Conflagration -Conflagratio- → Stage 9: Great Flood -Cataclysmus- → Stage 10: Apocalypse -Apocalypsis-

Sky City Fluctus

A subspace city floating above the Earth. Its surface area is roughly five times that of the Earth's surface. 99% of it is a restricted zone where humanoid entities can barely survive. In unexplored regions, many visitors from other dimensions have made their homes.

Azure Academy

One of the so-called "Three Great Academies" located in District 12 of Sky City Fluctus. It boasts the highest number of Apocalypse neutralizations and is known for its high technological capabilities and free-spirited culture. However, it also lacks ethical consideration and safety measures, drawing criticism from other academies. Its subordinate organization, the "Illuminati," aims to research information manipulation and counter-reality phenomena.

Apocalypse Stagnation Committee

An organization dedicated to delaying the Day of Apocalypse for as long as possible. Primarily composed of the Three Great Academies — Azure Academy, Corporations, and Kowth Institute. It has a history of deliberating, resolving conflicts, absorbing rival organizations, and growing stronger over time. *Handles specialized science and technology (dimensional technology, ancient rituals, etc.)

Angel of the Covenant

A stone statue in the shape of an angel. The Apocalypse harbored by Azure Academy bestows the gift of "the Covenant" upon its students. "The Covenant" is one of the strongest counter-realities in humanity's arsenal, indispensable in battles against Apocalypses. Beings who visit from other dimensions and grant power to humans are primarily known as "Angels."

Nyao Koshiba

A first-year in Azure Academy's middle school division. Possesses the Gunscar "Shamshir," which swaps the positions of Seals and bullets.

"The 'ko' in Koshiba is the 'ko' from 'koinu' — puppy. The 'shiba' in Koshiba is the 'shiba' from Shiba Inu!"

Wu Xihan

The most senior member of Team Koito, held back year after year. Possesses the Gunscar "Four Fierce Beasts (Megalomania)" and harbors multiple personalities due to her complex passive traits.

"Wu Xihan. Let's be friends. Okay, goodnight."

Hikari Koito

Rank 1 in the Apocalypse Stagnation Committee, seven years undefeated. The strongest human alive.

"There are idiots out there who think they can beat us if they just keep it quiet. The disrespect."

Kotoha Kotoyorozu

Vice-captain of Team Koito. Possesses the Stage 4 Apocalypse "noapusa," which transforms into an exact copy of any person — complete with their memories and abilities. Cost: shoots himself through the temple.

"I wanted to be like a light novel protagonist. But I know that's impossible for me."

Luna

A mechanical doll woven from metallic threads. Her silver threads can envelop allies as armor and manifest as the Half-Wing "Maiden of Gévaudan."

Mehleeza Janebekova

A seasoned warrior who fought on real battlefields. Possesses the Gunscar "Sleipnir," which transforms into various forms.

"Go, my wind!"

Melvin Gray

Rank 47. A champion of unrestricted ability combat. Uses the Half-Wing "Fool's Footsteps (You're Gonna Go Far, Kid)," which creates instant portals for teleportation-style combat.

"I see. — We're probably not so different, you and I."

mALEEa

Rank 72. Corporations' top artist with over 500 billion video views. Uses the Half-Wing "Invincible Princess (Princess Brave!)," which infuses emotions into song to produce Anti-Reality effects — love and joy heals injuries.

"Kyaa! mALEEa-chaaaan!"

Caitlin Ann Austin

Rank 6 in the Apocalypse Stagnation Committee. Captain of Corporations' security force, known for an exceptional mission completion rate.

Fiddler Reynolds

Rank 14. Top candidate for Corporations' next president. Uses the Half-Wing "Cover Story," which can reproduce any Gunscar, Slash, or Half-Wing observed within 24 hours — at the cost of accelerated identity collapse, shortening her lifespan.

"I thought it'd be nice if I could take everyone's place... If I could do everything in everyone's place, then nobody else would have to fight."

Alex Cave

A Corporations fighter known for raw strength. Uses the Half-Wing "Nights!" for combat enhancement.

"You're tall, stacked, and a good-looking woman. Best of all, you're weak and easy to handle."