Prushka

1. #1Abyss

   Keys: Abyss

   The Abyss is a colossal pit discovered 1,900 years ago around the islands of the southern ocean of Beoluska. A vertical hole with an opening diameter of around 1,000 meters and speculated to be over 20,000 meters deep. It possesses a unique ecosystem, wherein lie the remnants of an ancient, yet advanced, civilization. Many have challenged the mysterious Abyss, pursuing countless hidden treasures and relics of immense value. Some are treasure hunters looking for Artifacts, while others are explorers determined to unveil the secrets The Abyss hides. To explore The Abyss, valiant cave raiders called Delvers emerged, and the town of Orth was established at its edge.

   The Abyss still contains many sections that have never been seen, and carries many dangers. Hazardous habitats that defy common sense and otherworldly creatures adapted to the unique environment are major obstacles to explorers.

   All over The Abyss, there is a mysterious Force Field which Nanachi refers to as the "very blood of The Abyss, so to speak". The Force Field acts as its main source of energy, sustaining life by carrying light and nutrients throughout the depths. While it is present everywhere, it seems to be more prominent the closer one gets to the center of the vertical shaft. Beginning in the 3rd Layer, the light coming from below is actually stronger than light outside. Savage and dangerous creatures are often found in areas where the Force Field is most prevalent. The branches of vegetation, such as Amagiri, point towards The Abyss's center, where nutrients are more plentiful. Delvers use this fact to guide themselves when they are lost. The Force Field itself is invisible to the naked eye, but it can be detected as a vague fog that limits the vision of humans. The field is also constantly moving, following the movements of living beings to the point of breathing being enough to change its flow, and altering its flow as it responds to their consciousness. There are a few specific spots in The Abyss, usually far away from the center and in secluded areas, where the Force Field doesn't exist or is extremely weak.

2. #2Orth

   Keys: Orth

   Orth is a large town on the edge of The Abyss, formed as a result of the many explorers traveling to the island located in the southern sea of Beoluska.

   Orth has 5 districts: Central, North, West, South, and East. It is where the majority of the humans in the story are from. The people here use Nether Glyphs which directly correlate to Japanese Kana writing system.

   During the days of Ganja, an Abyss Tribe inhabited the island surface. Not much is known about how they arrived at the island or how long they had been there, but they seemed to have been there long enough to develop a culture surrounding The Abyss. They used the Glyphs found within as their own and adopted tattoos that reflected the look of the mythical people of the "Golden City" said to be resting at the bottom of The Abyss.

   What became of this tribe after Ganja descended into The Abyss remains entirely unknown.

   The history of Orth can be traced back to the modern discovery of The Abyss, 1,900 years before the story takes place. Depictions of this event differ. In the manga, an airship is shown first surveying the area. However, in the theatrical adaptation, it is shown being explored by a small group of sailors. Promises of mystery-laden sights and dreams of riches lured adventurers to the area. Camps of these adventurers, now known as "Cave Raiders" or "Delvers", surrounded the pit and eventually grew to such size that the encampment became a full-fledged city.

3. #3First Layer

   Keys: Abyss, Layer, First Layer

   The Edge of the Abyss is the first layer of The Abyss. It's fairly tame, compared to the deeper, more alien levels. The 1st Layer is the only part of The Abyss that could be considered, in some form, "safe". Delvers typically access this layer via the Gate to the Netherworld, but it may be illegally accessed from The Wharf.

   The 1st Layer occupies the most shallow section of The Abyss, right below the town of Orth. A gondola system, which is part of The Grand Pier, was built at approximately 50 meters below the surface, to quicken the descent into The Abyss, which goes down 580 meters, to what Riko presumed to be the Stone Ark, a rocky protrusion at approximately 600 meters.

   At a depth of 300 meters is a Burial Tower where hundreds of skeletons, estimated to be 2,000-6,000 years old, lie with their hands clasped in prayer. The environment doesn't really change and wildlife consists of mostly harmless animals. Though, occasionally, predators from the 2nd Layer and the 3rd Layer ascend in search of food. There are not many treasures nor Artifacts to be found, but there is a considerable number of Praying Skeletons.

   Since its danger level is mild, inexperienced Delvers, such as Red Whistle Delvers, often go down into the 1st Layer to search for Artifacts.

   Here, the Curse takes the form of mild dizziness and nausea.

4. #4Second Layer

   Keys: Abyss, Layer, Second Layer

   The Forest of Temptation is the second layer of The Abyss. It is a large forest with surprisingly diverse environments. It is here where one truly gains an understanding of the horrors of the Abyss.

   The Forest of Temptation is the first truly dangerous section of The Abyss. The fauna and environment suddenly change, turning into a tropical rainforest with huge vegetation. It is filled with dangerous beasts and ascending becomes increasingly difficult, making it a place where only experienced explorers can delve to. If a Red Whistle Delver somehow gets to the 2nd Layer, search parties are called off and it is treated as a suicide.

   Throughout the top half of the layer, there is a forest of massive plants resembling lilypads. These plants provide good cover from potential threats. However, they also obscure view of the landscape, resulting in Delvers having difficult times telling where they are. Luckily, their branches always point toward the center of the Abyss. The Amagiri sprouts that grow on their stems provide additional means for navigating which lost Delvers can use to find their way relatively easily.

   There is an unknown virus in this layer which causes Tachikiri Fever. Delvers ranked Blue Whistle and above take a vaccine to protect themselves from said virus.

   Here, the Curse takes the form of intense nausea, headache, and numbness of limbs.

   Deeper in this layer, there is an area known as the "Inverted Forest". This is an area where updrafts and wind currents coming from the Abyss are so strong that the environment effectively flips, creating a forest of upside-down platforms that Delvers have to jump across—even water flows upwards. The Force Field of The Abyss, the cause of the Strain of Ascension, is weaker here compared to the other areas of the 2nd Layer. Thus the environment here is also darker and colder.

   Because of the weakened Force Field, an observation camp was built from a particularly large tree in the Inverted Forest, the Giant Porta Tree, to serve as a resting point for Delvers. The camp is now called Seeker Camp, and is run by the legendary White Whistle Delver Ozen and her team of Delvers, the Subterranean Bandits.

5. #5Third Layer

   Keys: Abyss, Layer, Third Layer

   The Great Fault is the third layer of The Abyss. A narrow, 4 kilometers-deep gorge surrounded by countless interlocking caverns and creatures, both harmless and deadly, lurking inside.

   The 3rd Layer is a 4,000 meter vertical drop down a circular shaft. The only viable way of traversing it is through a network of caverns, dens, and holes. These were likely made both naturally and by Delvers, ancient humans, and the Neritantan that live in them. The central shaft of this layer is significantly more narrow in diameter than the other layers of the Abyss, as evidenced by the Abyss Map.

   This layer is home to large aerial predators, such as the Madokajack. Crimson Splitjaw are also known to use their brute strength to infiltrate the side caves in order to capture their prey. Amakagame are also located in the cave systems and can pose a threat to Delvers. However, their main source of sustenance are Neritantans and they do not actively hunt humans.

   While the inner caverns mainly house non-aggressive creatures, occasionally Madokajacks will nest in the larger caves.

   Once at the 6,750 meter mark, the central shaft has many spiky eggs stuck along its walls. The eggs hatch into Kazura Squid that swim in the tallest goblets in the fourth level.

   An ancient "pirate ship" was seen partially exposed in the side of the Great Fault.

   Here, the Curse produces the strains of previous layers as well as vertigo, nausea, and visual & auditory hallucinations.

6. #6Fourth Layer

   Keys: Abyss, Layer, Fourth Layer

   The Goblets of Giants is the fourth layer of The Abyss. It is a sprawling jungle of unique, awe-inspiring and deadly fauna. This layer is characterized by a deceptive fusion of beauty and danger.

   It is a humid jungle of strong vines and weaving giant concave discs called Flat-creepers. The discs capture water from the air, creating shallow pools. Many creatures, such as the Orb Piercer, live in these pools. The high concentration of warm water in this region creates a high humidity environment and sometimes fog. Additionally, the light from The Force Field refracts from the water, giving the scenery of the 4th Layer a blue hue.

   Every two-thousand years, the Flat-creepers' prey-trapping mechanisms wither up, leaving the ground underneath exposed to light. Unobstructed, the plants underneath compete to grow as tall and large as they possibly can, giving rise to a completely new landscape. Since the environment constantly changes, no attempts have been made to create a detailed map of its features, except for fixed landmarks.

   In a remote area, away from the central shaft, in the upper region of the 4th Layer is Nanachi's Hideout. Because of its distance from the central shaft, it is effectively free of the Curse.

   At the 9,000 meter mark exists the famous Garden of the Flowers of Resilience, an area filled with Eternal Fortunes, the iconic flower of The Abyss. The distinctive sight produced by the countless flowers makes the garden a favorite landscape in The Abyss.

   Here, the Curse takes the form of intense pain throughout the body and bleeding from every orifice.

7. #7Fifth Layer

   Keys: Abyss, Layer, Fifth Layer

   The Sea of Corpses is the fifth layer of The Abyss. It consists of a vast frozen wasteland encircling a massive sea. It is also the last layer that it is physically possible for Delvers to return to the surface without loss of humanity or dying.

   The 5th Layer is the world that only White Whistle or Black Whistle Delvers may delve into. According to Shiggy, one can count the number of people who have successfully returned from this layer with the fingers on your hands. Vertically, it is the shortest layer of The Abyss, only being 1,000 meters in depth, but it is also the widest, estimated to be tens of times the size of Orth. The most prominent feature of this layer is the large sea inhabited by primeval creatures and littered with bones, hence the name “Sea of Corpses”. Below the regular water, a layer of thick, slimy water suspends the sea in place. At the sea's central point is a large waterfall, providing access for Mail Balloons to ascend from below. Large structures formed of crystalized water, known to delvers as “frost”, are interspersed throughout the sea. The structures themselves are referred to either as “water supports” or “water bastions”, the latter being permanent formations, which are held up by the Force Field.

   As the boundary between the 5th Layer and the 6th Layer begins just below the water. Since it is the lowest section of The Abyss that is possible to realistically return from, it is common for White Whistle Delvers to settle down here for some time.

   At a depth of 13,000 meters, the deepest point above the water, a forward operating base named Ido Front was established by the White Whistle Bondrewd. The base itself was once an ancient ritual site. Ido Front gets its electricity from the rotation of the unstoppable whirlpool it is built upon. A device akin to an elevator exists in its center, the Altar of the Absolute Boundary, that is used to transport people through the sea and into the 6th Layer.

   In this layer, the Curse takes the form of extreme sensory deprivation, surrendering its victims of their senses.

8. #8Sixth Layer

   Keys: Abyss, Layer, Sixth Layer

   Referred to as "Shourou" Layer by Gaburoon and translating to "The Capital of the Unreturned" in the language of the Abyss Tribe that Ganja had encountered, it is the sixth layer of The Abyss.

   It is the point of no return, the Absolute Boundary, since it is physically impossible to survive the ascent from here, at least in human form, hence the name.

   In the Capital of the Unreturned, the ruins of a majestic city sleep undisturbed. A rumor in Orth exists about a Golden City sleeping at the bottom of The Abyss, which supposedly originated from this very city within the 6th Layer. The city itself is described as golden—however, the ruins are covered by a crystalline material. It is unclear whether the buildings were intentionally made out of this crystal or if they became fossilized over time. The ruins themselves spread out in every direction, and oftentimes buildings are diagonal, upside down, or sideways. Creatures of Absurd to Extraordinary danger level become quite common, as are random, bright geo-thermal explosions that emit poisonous gas. Bird repellent used on the Mail Balloons does not work on the aviary species in the 6th Layer.

   Here, the Curse inflicts inconceivable pain and leads the victim to mutate and devolve into a mindless pile of flesh, their intelligence and consciousness vanish, leaving them with only basic instincts. It is also possible that the curse could result in death, which, all things considered, is perhaps the more merciful outcome. However, under certain circumstances humans may mutate into Narehate with their mind intact.

   It is here that The Village of Iruburu came into existence, with the Three Sages in charge of it.

   Beyond the village are steep landscapes, more ruins, fields of Eternal Fortunes, and the habitat of the Emperorshell, which exceeds the depth of 14,000 meters, accompanied by flaming iron rain. Located in an isolated section approximately 300 meters before the beginning of the 7th Layer is an outpost used by Hail Hex, the Delver group lead by the White Whistle Delver Srajo.

   A landmark which Srajo calls "The Eye" exists near the threshold of the 6th Layer and 7th Layer.

9. #9Seventh Layer

   Keys: Abyss, Layer, Seventh Layer

   The Final Maelstrom is the seventh and last known layer of The Abyss.

   According to Srajo, there has only been one documented instance of the 7th Layer's Curse. It was found in a sealed letter in the 1st Layer, 250 years ago. As such, the true nature of the Curse of the 7th Layer is unknown.

   Secrets transmitted from the Last Dives of generations of White Whistle Delvers are passed down, via word of mouth, to none but themselves. Rumors of a mysterious ring, "Ring of the Essence", which only a few White Whistles are said to have seen, and claims that mysterious beings, referred to as "Gatekeepers", exist along the path to the bottom of The Abyss.

   A landmark which Srajo refers to as an "Eye" exists near the threshold of the 6th Layer and the 7th Layer.

   Faputa was able to communicate with the soul which inhabits Lyza's whistle, Doni, and confirm the existence of the "Ring of the Essence" and an unknown being related to Reg, in this layer.

   Currents of some unknown, extremely cold gaseous substance, which causes objects to frost, runs along the bands of The Force Field. The climate is also quite rainy.

   In this layer exists a phenomenon known as Katchaba, where the senses of an individual are negated.

10. #10Force Field

    Keys: Curse, Force Field, Layer

    The Force Field refers to the principle phenomenon responsible for many of The Abyss’s unique traits. Many of the inhabitants in and around The Abyss live and die by its flow, with it being responsible for blessings and curses, both literal and figurative. The deeper one goes, the stronger and denser the Force Field becomes.

    Throughout The Abyss, there exists a central shaft. An unbroken void that spans multiple layers. Throughout this shaft, the Force Field carries light and nutrients. And from these readily available nutrients springs life. While plants, animals, and light are more abundant near the central shaft, the Force Field and The Curse of the Abyss are also more concentrated.

    The Curse results from piercing the Force Field of The Abyss while ascending, although this fact is not generally known among Delvers. With layer piled upon layer, the Force Field blankets living beings similar to cloth warping around them. Its structure is similar to that of inverted thorns, allowing one to easily pass through in descent, but harmful to those trying to ascend. It can be warped by the movement of creatures and is sensitive enough that it can also be altered by consciousness itself.

    Areas located further away from the central shaft and, by extension, the Force Field are often colder and darker, but also relatively sheltered from the effects of the Curse and dangerous creatures.

    Many plants and animals found within The Abyss are capable of reacting to the Force Field itself, with some animals being capable of observing it. The Orb Piercer, Crimson Splitjaw, and Fuzosheppu are such creatures. The organs used for sensing the Force Field can sometimes be seen on these creatures' exteriors, often appearing as black splotches or holes. Although, some beings, such as Meinastilim and Blessed Narehate, are capable of seeing the Force Field without any such apparent organs.

    It is implied that some creatures may use the Force Field itself as a means to float within The Abyss.

    The Force Field is also capable of influencing non-living, physical features of The Abyss. Some of the most notable examples are the water supports and water bastions of the 5th Layer.

11. #11Curse

    Keys: Curse, Force Field, Layer

    The Curse of the Abyss or Strains of Ascension refer to a series of afflictions experienced by Delvers when ascending within The Abyss. Conditions range from mild dizziness up to severe body deformation and death. Barring extreme circumstances, the Curse is unavoidable. Among all of its famed perils, the Curse represents The Abyss's greatest hazard. The effects of the Curse manifest after an individual's vital organs ascend more than 10 meters within The Abyss, with no way to avoid it through conventional means.

    First Layer: Causes Mild Dizziness and Nausea. Second Layer: Intense nausea, headaches, and numbness in the extremities. Third Layer: All previous effects, vertigo, auditory and visual hallucinations, loss of balance. Fourth Layer: Intense pain throughout the body, bleeding from every orifice. Fifth Layer: Loss of all senses, confusion, self-harm. Sixth Layer: Loss of humanity, transformation into a Narehate, likely death. Seventh Layer: Unconfirmed, rumored to be certain death.

12. #12White Whistle

    Keys: Whistle, Soul

    White Whistles are Second Grade Artifacts that can only be used by their original owner. They are made from ”Your Worth”, the Life-reverberating Stones. Each is embellished in a unique way, making each White Whistle one of a kind. White Whistles are able to activate dormant Relics.

    The White Whistle is the signature symbol for the few Delvers that are allowed to delve past the 5th Layer of The Abyss. Currently, there are only a handful of recognized White Whistle Delvers, although it is unknown whether or not all of them are still alive.

    Bondrewd reveals that White Whistles are made from Second Grade Artifacts, called Your Worth. The raw material required to create a Life-reverberating Stone is a human being. If the person has a firm resolve to sacrifice everything for the whistle's intended user, they can potentially turn into a Life-reverberating Stone. Each Life-reverberating Stone possesses a Life-Insignia unique to the person sacrificed for the stone; the insignia is only compatible with the individual the Life-reverberating Stone is intended for. Hence, the White Whistle can only be used by them.

    Some form of consciousness of the sacrificed person remains within the Life-reverberating Stone; as seen when Riko, Nanachi, and Reg found Riko's stolen White Whistle being altered by a Narehate, but Riko stopped Reg from taking it back, sensing that Prushka "did not hate it". Prushka was also seemingly still able to communicate with Riko in subtle signals, as seen during the Fuzosheppu crisis. Furthermore, Faputa was also able to communicate with Prushka to an extent.

    Life-reverberating Stones have the strength to pull out the true purposes hidden within certain Artifacts, as seen with the Curse-warding Box and the elevator leading into the 6th Layer.

13. #13Narehate

    Keys: Hollow, Narehate, Nanachi

    Narehate or Hollow are generally known as beings who have survived the 6th Layer's Curse and whose bodies have become deformed as a result, although there are other means of becoming one. They can take many different forms, depending on the circumstances of their transformation. Their exact properties as a species are unknown. The word "Narehate" comes from the term "narenohate", which means "the shadow of one's former self".

    In very special circumstances, due to a practice that places one person's burden of the Curse onto another, sometimes the effects of the Curse can be nullified, and what is received instead is what Bondrewd refers to as the "Blessing". The result of this ends with the subject still being deformed, but their mind and overall anatomy remains intact. Rather than becoming unrecognizable, people who receive the Blessing gain animalistic qualities such as fur and claws. The only two known beings who have become Narehate due to this method are Nanachi, and Bondrewd himself.

    Faputa is another Narehate similar to Nanachi and Bondrewd, in that she is humanoid and intelligent, though noticeably more animalistic than either of them, both physically and mentally. She originates from Irumyuui, who gave birth to her using all three Cradles of Desire that Ganja had collected.

14. #14Juusou

    Keys: Narehate, Hollow, Juusou, Faputa

    Juusou are those "born as Narehate", only appearing very rarely among those born in The Abyss. Their existence is kept secret from Delvers, with the exception of White Whistles and a few select others. They are remarkable in that they still retain their humanity, despite otherwise being considered full Narehate, much like Blessed Narehate. Oftentimes, they are killed upon birth, for circumstances that are not entirely clear. At least one Juusou, Nishagora, has been seen to "activate" from the use of a White Whistle, much like an Artifact.

    They possess a special organ called Beast Stone near their hearts, also called the Awakening Organ, implying it's the mechanism by which Juusou activate. Neyozel says that Srajo is able to sense his Beast Stone, even at such a long distance.

15. #15Iruburu

    Keys: Narehate, Hollow, Iruburu

    Iruburu is a village in the 6th Layer which was created by The Three Sages and is inhabited entirely by Narehate. The Force Field does not exist in the village, and (by extension) neither does the Curse.

    Narehate in Iruburu take the form of what they most desire, and are granted the village's protection. In exchange, they are bound to the village.

    Village society seems to be somewhat sophisticated, as it has restaurants, inns, and a system of currency.

    Shortly after the creation of the village, Faputa was born. By use of the two Cradles of Desire that Irumyuui possessed, and a third which had been confiscated from Wazukyan. Unlike the Narehate transformed by the village, who can't leave it, Faputa cannot enter it. The exact reasons for this exile are unknown.

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