Dark Blast

Dark Blast is a Skill that allows the player to unleash dark power and assume a Falspawn-like form, granting them exceeding combat prowess and insurmountable power.

Story

Elder

In a moment of grave crisis, Schreger has possessed Melfonseana with the power of Ephemera and struck down both Gettemhult and the player. When Schreger moves in for the killing blow against the player, Gettemhult suddenly steps in and takes the hit, absorbing a critical wound from Melfonseana's Twin Daggers. Despite his grave injury, Gettemhult refuses to go down easily, and decides to use what is left of his power and transfer it to the player. Upon doing so, the player absorbs the record of Gettemhult from the Oracle universe, who recounts his past with the player before bestowing to them the power of Dark Falz [Elder]. Using their newfound strength, the player unleashes a power that transforms them into a Falspawn-like humanoid being, and proceeds to engage Schreger in combat with the support of Gettemhult and Melfonseana. Schreger, despite his overwhelming strength in his Omega Hyunal form, is quickly defeated by the player's Dark Blast, and dissipates from Melfonseana's body.

Luther

After resorting to an Ephemera Flower to shatter the Crimson Fellwyrm's protection, Luther's mind starts being corroded by the Ephemera's after effects. At first it seemed like simple exhaustion from employing so much strength in the deed, but one night Luther takes over and kidnaps Hariette, flying away on his new dark wings. After tracking down Luther to a hidden cave shown to the player via memories of Luther's past, it is revealed that Luther was attempting to use Harriet as a vessel to revive Xion. After being found, Luther becomes angry at the sight of the player, as ARKS foils his plans for a second time. Here, Luther remembers his identity fully and takes on the form of Omega Angel to deal with the player once and for all. The battle rages on as Luther summons Avian Falspawn to fight for him. As the player clashes with one of Luther's minions, Hariette resolves herself to vanquish Luther as an enemy of her kingdom. One last shred of Luther's past self surfaces to accept the killing blow. Now dying on the arms of Hariette, Luther pleads the player to protect his beloved sister and grants them the power of Dark Falz [Luther].

Apprentice

Having (sometimes awkwardly) defeated the Emissaries of Apprentice the Vernal, the player and their group finally reach the capital city of the Kingdom of Epic. Escorting Margareta to her home temple, they are greeted by Margareta's high priest who, after being called out for his schemes, decides to drop the formalities and reveals himself as the mastermind behind the recent events: Elmir. Unimpressed, Margareta uses her power as Holy Queen to seemingly get rid of Elmir. During a moment of assumed safety, Elmir tricks Margareta into a trap, infusing her with Ephemera Energy. Apprentice takes over, but not before Margareta dismisses Euclyta and Aurora, who were tagging along with the player after being freed from Apprentice's control, back home from their summons. A rather humorous exchange between Margareta and Apprentice ensues within the former's conscience, conveniently visible on a nearby mirror's reflection, where she despairs at how slutty Apprentice's overall appearance is. Margareta then pleads the player to finish off Apprentice before she dies of embarrassment. Having enough of the tomfoolery, Apprentice assumes her Appregina Omega form to do battle against the player. Through the combined might of the player and Harriet, Apprentice is defeated. Just as she is, the Falspawn energy within her reaches critical mass, threatening to go out of control right there. Harriet thinks quickly and employs Luther's technique to siphon some of the energy off, giving the player an opening to close in and enter Margareta's conscience. There, the player finds Margareta further quarreling with Apprentice, now with her true aspect before she was made a Dark Falz host. After interrupting the two to remind them of the urgency of the situation, Margareta and Apprentice have a heartfelt moment before the former returns to the real world. After this, Apprentice herself exchanges a few more words with the player before they depart too, now bearing the power of Dark Falz [Apprentice]. At a later time, during an argument with Luther within the player's conscience, it is revealed that Apprentice's real name is in fact "Margareta".

Gemini

Arriving at the Ys-Artian Capital, the player, Xiera and Clarissa find a veritable ghost town, all the citizens having been killed and devoured by Gemini. As they enter the Capital's inner sanctum, they find Florent innocently playing in the center of the room. He welcomes the player and congratulates Clarissa in bringing him new playmates that won't break as easily, revealing that the "Clarissa" that accompanied them was just a copy made manifest by Gemini's power, the original already long dead and consumed. Florent exhibits his new powers by creating more copies of not only Clarissa but also of the townspeople he ate. Joyous at how he can now have all the playmates he wants, he assumes his Omega Dourumble form to fight the player. Battling through seemingly endless waves of Darkers, the player manages to get the upper hand against Gemini. But no matter how much he's attacked, Gemini shows no signs of stopping, appearing to have a seemingly endless supply of power. Delighted at the fun he's having, Gemini eggs on the player to fight more. The player asks Gemini to stop, as there is really no reason to fight. But from Gemini's perspective, there is no need of a reason to fight and have fun. He finally has what he craved most: freedom, company, friends. Always resenting the loneliness he was made to suffer through, he now wanted to make the most of all the happiness he was always denied. Somehow, Clarissa appears once more, donning her Photoner garb, apologizing to Florent for the heartless experiments she had put him through for the Photoner's curiosity of his powers and asks the player to save Florent. Cradled in Clarissa's motherly embrace, Florent allows himself to be slain by the player. Within Florent's conscience, Florent is saddened at how he was made to recall memories he'd rather stay forgotten. He reveals how his mind was split into two personalities: the boy Florent and the girl Fleur. Neither really knows who's the original, considering it a pointless effort. As they reminisce the long time they've existed and all that they've been through, they entrust the player with the power of Dark Falz [Gemini].

But something was different this time. As the player acquires the power of a 4th Falz, a vision of Persona flashes before their eyes, making the player faint. They are then awakened by a worried Xiera, dazed and confused as to what that vision could portent.

Unlocking Dark Blast

Each Dark Blast form can be unlocked in one of two ways:

-Elder

• Defeat any Omega Hyunal (Lv. 70+)
• Clear "EPISODE 5" Chapter 2 Part 3 "The Rebellion to Elder"

-Luther

• Clear the Urgent Quest "Wisdom Incarnate" on Super Hard difficulty or higher
• Clear "EPISODE 5" Chapter 3 "Deranged Researcher"

-Apprentice

• Defeat any Omega Appregina (Lv. 70+) or Omega Falz Apprentice (Lv.70+)
• Clear "EPISODE 5" Chapter 4 "Lord of Epyk, Nestled in the Gods' Embrace"

-Gemini

• Defeat any Omega Dranble (Lv. 70+)
• Clear "EPISODE 5" Chapter 5 "Florent's Request"

Once Dark Blast is unlocked, it becomes available to all characters on the given account. Dark Blast Exp is shared between characters of the same account, but acquired skills will be specific to the character.

Usage

Once unlocked, Dark Blast can be installed to the subpalette.

Dark Blast has a default duration of 60 seconds and can only be used once per Quest. If your HP drops to 0 while in Dark Blast, you will be forced out of the transformation prematurely.

Dark Blast Focus

To activate Dark Blast, the player must charge the Dark Blast Focus by inflicting damage and defeating enemies, in similar vein to a Photon Blast or Compound Technique. This Focus has properties different that of either.

• Dark Blast Focus can only charge a maximum of 5% every 2.5s.
• Damage required to hit 5% varies by difficulty. For example, Normal difficulty requires 3000 damage to charge 5% of the Focus, while Super Hard difficulty requires roughly 95,000 damage.
• Damage inflicted against bosses fills the Dark Blast Focus slower (1/6th speed for mini-bosses, 1/12th speed for large bosses).
• Dark Blast Focus fill rate is dependent on the elapsed time in a Quest.
  • Quest Start ~ 2:30 = 1/8x Focus Fill
  • 8:00+ = 3x Focus Fill
  • 10:00+ = 9x Focus Fill
  • 12:00+ = 27x Focus Fill

Dark Blast is charged once the icon lights up, and can be activated by selecting the icon from the subpalette, hovering the cursor over the icon of the desired Form, then pressing Confirm when the Dark Blast image appears. This will cause the player to invoke a transformation sequence preceded by a set Emote, which will transform the player into the Dark Blast form. The default selected Dark Blast form will be memorized from the last time Dark Blast was activated.

Properties

• Immunity to all forms of knockback and status effects. However, Gwahl Jigmolde's instant death attack will still trigger normally and kill you if you are affected by it prior to transformation.
• Immunity to field gimmicks, such as tornadoes.
• While Dark Blasting, the player's voice is replaced with a voice unique to Dark Blast. This voice can be disabled in Options.
• Unable to interact with certain field objects, such as turrets. You are, however, capable of utilizing Catapult Panels.
• Dark Blast will be deactivated if the player changes Areas.

Dark Blast EXP

Once Dark Blast is learned, a portion of all EXP accumulated will be added to Dark Blast as "Dark Blast EXP". You can earn Dark Blast EXP even if you do not transform in a Quest. Dark Blast EXP is tallied at the end of a Quest; leaving prematurely will not add Dark Blast EXP to your total. Once earned, Dark Blast EXP can be spent to level up Dark Blast Skills.

Depending on the field, Dark Blast EXP is typically set to convert at a rate of 10% of the normal EXP earned (all decimal points are rounded down). However, certain enemies in certain fields can dispense a greater ratio of EXP, up to 30% of their EXP payout, as Dark Blast EXP. This refers to Darker enemies whose strain matches the Dark Blast form. For example, Marine Darkers such as Dagacha and Zeshrayda will grant more Dark Blast EXP to Elder Form while Avian Darkers like Luda Sorcerer and Blu Ringahda will grant more Dark Blast EXP to Luther Form.

Dark Blast EXP is earned on an account-wide basis, allowing all characters on the same account to receive Dark Blast EXP simultaneously. However, Dark Blast EXP can be distributed on a per-character basis, allowing you to freely determine Dark Blast growth for each individual character on the same account.

Dark Blast: Elder Form

Become the apex predator of the battlefield with the power of Dark Falz [Elder]! Demolish the opposition with your bare fists and shrug off their pathetic attempts at slowing you down! Reason and labels are meaningless, only your instincts matter to destroy the enemies in front of you!

Photon Arts

Basic Attack

A series of combination punches and kicks forward. Can combo up to 3 times or 5 times with certain skills acquired. Will have Just Attack rings after each move and will benefit from Just Attack bonuses.

Tyrant Strike

Jump up and dive-kick towards the target. Can reach far away enemies if they are locked on.

Infinity Rush

Unleashes a barrage of punches forward. The button can be held to prolong the attack but it will constantly drain your PP. Releasing the button will perform a finishing punch forward. If held long enough, Elder's wings will start glowing and the finishing punch will be stronger.

Punishment Knuckle

Perform a strong, straight punch forward with some reach. If held down, will charge up the punch. Once Elder's wings glow, a fully charged punch can be released with more power and longer reach.

Note: A fully charged Punishment Knuckle can be used to instantly destroy Demon Walls that appear in Buster Quests.

Skills

Extend Normal Attack Combo 1

Adds a 4th move to your Normal Attack Combo. An uppercut that launches you upward.

Pre-requisite:

• Defeat a total of 30 enemies during Elder Dark Blast

Note: Skills that require a specific number of enemies defeated during Dark Blast will always keep track of progress throughout any number of quests where Dark Blast is activated. This means you are not forced to attain the total number of kills in a single Dark Blast activation. This also applies to skills that require multiple usage of other skills to unlock.

Icon	Skill Name	EXP	Skill Level
			1
	Extend Normal Attack Combo 1	EXP/Level	0
		Total EXP	0

Extend Normal Attack Combo 2

Adds a 5th move to your Normal Attack Combo. A vicious dunk downward that destroys whatever's on the point of impact.

Pre-requisite:

• Perform the 4th move of a Normal Attack Combo a total of 10 times.
• Defeat a total 130 enemies during Elder Dark Blast.

Physical Dash

Activated skill that makes you run as thought you used a Dash Ring. You can turn and jump without interrupting the Dash. Attacking during the Dash will launch a strong lunging punch forward, prematurely ending the Dash.

Pre-requisite:

• Activate Elder Dark Blast transformation during a Buster Quest.

Charged Punishment Shot

Reduces the charge time of the Dark Blast PA "Punishment Knuckle".

Pre-requisite:

• Defeat a total of 10 enemies by using a fully charged Dark Blast PA "Punishment Knuckle".

Ultimate Impact

An activated skill that briefly channels dark power and then releases it in a devastating blast that obliterates anything in a large cone in front of you. This skill can only be activated once per Dark Blast transformation.

Pre-requisite:

• Use the activated skill "Darkness Barrier" once
• Use the activated skill "Physical Dash" a total of 10 times
• Defeat a total of 500 enemies during Elder Dark Blast

Note: After activating this skill, you have a small window of time to, if necessary, adjust the direction of the blast by turning to the sides.

Darkness Barrier

An activated skill that erects a temporary ethereal barrier that blocks enemy attacks and attracts enemies to itself. The barrier cannot be damaged and is only duration-based.

Requirements:

-(No other requirements besides spending Dark Blast EXP)

Note: The barrier attracts enemies not by "pulling them in" like the Tech Zondeel but instead by drawing their aggro similar to the Hunter skill "War Cry".

Bloody Heal

An activated skill that restores your HP and the HP of all allies within range. This skill has no animation and can be activated at any moment, even during combos.

Requirements:

-(No other requirements besides spending Dark Blast EXP)

HP Up

Raises the maximum HP of your Dark Blast transformation

Requirements:

-(No other requirements besides spending Dark Blast EXP)

PP Up

Raises the maximum PP of your Dark Blast transformation.

Requirements:

-(No other requirements besides spending Dark Blast EXP)

Total Attack Up

Raises the MEL Pwr, RNG Pwr and TEC Pwr of your Dark Blast transformation.

Requirements:

-(No other requirements besides spending Dark Blast EXP)

Total Defense Up

Raises the MEL Def, RNG Def and TEC Def of your Dark Blast transformation.

Requirements:

-(No other requirements besides spending Dark Blast EXP)

Advanced D Attack

Increases the base damage of your Basic Attacks during Dark Blast.

Requirements:

-(No other requirements besides spending Dark Blast EXP)

Enhance Tyrant Strike

Increases the base damage of the Dark Blast PA "Tyrant Strike".

Requirements:

-(No other requirements besides spending Dark Blast EXP)

Enhance Infinity Rush

Increases the base damage of the Dark Blast PA "Infinity Rush".

Requirements:

-(No other requirements besides spending Dark Blast EXP)

Enhance Punishment Knuckle Up

Increases the base damage of the Dark Blast PA "Punishment Knuckle"

Requirements:

-(No other requirements besides spending Dark Blast EXP)

PP Preservation

Reduces the PP consumption of all actions during Dark Blast that consume PP.

Requirements:

-(No other requirements besides spending Dark Blast EXP)

Escalation Power

After activating Dark Blast transformation, gradually increases your damage dealt by all sources over time up to a cap. Also reduces your damage taken by all sources in the same way.

Requirements:

-(No other requirements besides spending Dark Blast EXP)

Violence Sidestep

Deals contact damage to enemies while using Step during Dark Blast and adds a Perfect Attack Window to your sidestep.

Requirements:

-(No other requirements besides spending Dark Blast EXP)

Note: Using Step during Dark Blast consumes PP.