Divine script refers to symbols or formations carved with Nen, resembling talismans or magic arrays.
It is typically used to enhance or assist Nen abilities, with applications ranging from amplification to sealing.
However, because divine script is obscure and difficult to learn, combined with its laborious and time-consuming setup, very few people are willing to invest the effort to master it.
Once mastered, though, divine script allows Nen users to achieve feats otherwise impossible.
For instance, in the original work, the Greed Island game relied heavily on divine script to expand the limits of various abilities. This enabled the manifestation of countless NPCs and objects, each with unique capabilities, within the domain of the script.
Without divine script, even with the combined efforts of eleven Nen users, creating a game as vast as Greed Island—let alone maintaining and operating it—would have been nearly impossible.
Greed Island's creation is perhaps the clearest example of the value and effectiveness of divine script.
Yet, within the broader narrative, divine script has a weak presence and is rarely utilized.
This suggests that very few Nen users are willing to study divine script, or perhaps it is a discipline few even have the opportunity to encounter due to educational or cultural barriers.
Moro's Observations
Moro had no knowledge of divine script, but as a transmigrator, he had a general understanding of its purpose.
In his opinion, divine script's low usage rate might stem in part from its inherent limitations—most notably range.
For example:
Imagine painstakingly preparing a complex magic array, expecting it to perform well against an enemy, only for the enemy to avoid stepping into it altogether.
In this scenario, not only would your effort be wasted, but you would also have to destroy your own divine script afterward.
This is because every line of divine script you create takes a portion of your energy capacity.
If the script remains unused, it's crucial to recover that expended energy before a battle begins; otherwise, it's akin to starting the fight with one arm tied behind your back.
This limitation makes divine script less valuable in combat and more useful in strategic applications.
For most Nen users, the time and energy required to master divine script would be better spent refining advanced Nen techniques.
Discovery of the Script
At this moment, Moro accidentally detected divine script inscribed in a corner of the observation deck. He was taken aback.
Why would there be divine script here?
Moro's first thought was of the unidentified Nen user targeting him and the enemies Kang was confronting.
If anyone here had the means to carve divine script, it had to be one of them.
As for why Kang wasn't considered—
Moro reasoned that Kang lacked proficiency in disciplines like math and linguistics and, as a bodyguard on assignment, was unlikely to have done it.
The other possibility was the tall, muscular female bodyguard accompanying Kang, but her likelihood seemed low.
Fixing his gaze on the divine script radiating Nen energy, Moro, based on his deduction, naturally felt the urge to destroy it.
He wasn't sure what destroying the divine script might do.
But he was certain it would benefit him.
The Cicada's Molt
The surrounding scenery, even the air itself, was suddenly dyed yellow.
Looking around, the world resembled a faded photograph.
"The Time of the Cicada's Molt."
This was Muer's offensive conjuration ability.
When Muer was injured by an enemy, his ability would activate immediately, pulling the enemy into a mirror-like Nen space that reflected reality. The damage Muer had suffered would then be shared equally with the enemy.
This Nen space lasted 60 seconds.
If the total damage Muer suffered before activation is represented by A, then within the 60 seconds, Muer must deal damage greater than A to his opponent.
If he succeeded, all the damage he had endured would be fully healed the instant the Nen space disappeared.
However, if Muer failed to meet this condition, he would be forcibly plunged into a state of Zetsu for 60 minutes when the Nen space ended.
"Shame. I only took one of your arms."
Inside the yellow-tinged mirror space, Muer expressed slight regret but then shook his head with a self-satisfied grin. He looked at Kang, whose brow was furrowed, and chuckled:
"No, no, I shouldn't be disappointed. The fact that I managed to cripple one of your arms despite your vigilance is already the best outcome."
"..."
Kang glanced at Muer's limp right arm but remained silent.
Muer beckoned with his hand. "What's wrong? Not going to attack me?"
"Your ability's activation condition... is far too simple."
Having been dragged into the Nen space, Kang confirmed the damage-sharing effect of Muer's ability and chose not to act rashly.
Though concerned about his client's safety, he remained calm and composed.
"Oh?"
Muer's smirk widened as he nodded in agreement.
"Yes, it is simple. All I have to do is create a situation where you're forced to fight back. Then you're bound to be pulled into my Nen space. Even if you had held back earlier, I would've charged into the room, leaving you no choice but to retaliate. The result wouldn't have changed. Unless..."
Here, Muer's tone shifted, intrigued.
"How strange, how strange. You're just letting me prattle on without taking action? Aren't you worried about that noble princess of yours? Or are you... afraid of triggering the damage-sharing effect again?"
"Cut the theatrics. Simple activation conditions, a damage-sharing mechanism, and a mandatory Nen space..."
Kang's eyes grew sharp, and he replied coldly:
"Based on the principle of equivalent exchange in vows and restrictions, I don't know what price you're paying, but this Nen space clearly can't last more than 30 to 60 seconds. If it exceeds that time limit and hasn't dissipated, it means your damage-sharing effect has already expired."
"..."
Muer's expression shifted.
This change was deliberate.
"As expected of one of the Twelve Earthly Branches—your experience is impressive."
Muer dropped his mocking demeanor and, with great effort, used his left hand to clap against his immobile right hand.
When the Nen space was activated, the damage-sharing effect had already ceased.
The 60-second duration marked the limit of The Time of the Cicada's Molt.
Once the Nen space ended, there would be no need to worry about the damage-sharing effect.
Kang's analysis was flawless.
Under normal circumstances, Kang had no reason to rush.
Even if his client outside the Nen space was under attack, Kang didn't lose his composure. His experience allowed him to swiftly discern the nature of Muer's ability.
In a battle of abilities, Muer should have been the one under time pressure, as he needed to fulfill the conditions within 60 seconds.
That's how it should have been—
However, Muer had prepared seven divine script formations in advance, extending the Nen space's duration to 300 seconds.
And from the beginning, Muer had no intention of meeting the conditions to heal his injuries.
He was willing to risk his life—just to ensure that Kang was tied down for more than 60 seconds...
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Powerstones?
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