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{{Stub}}
 
 
A {{nihongo|'''Phase'''|位相|Isō}} is a layer applied over the world, in this context referring to the entire universe or reality itself, which acts like a veil or filter, and changes how the world appears to be.<ref name=ShinyakuV9BTCP>[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 09]] Between the Connected Points</ref>
 
A {{nihongo|'''Phase'''|位相|Isō}} is a layer applied over the world, in this context referring to the entire universe or reality itself, which acts like a veil or filter, and changes how the world appears to be.<ref name=ShinyakuV9BTCP>[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 09]] Between the Connected Points</ref>
   
 
==Principles==
 
==Principles==
  +
The world, as it is normally perceived, is not pure and untouched - various layers, or phases, exist over it and act like filters, affecting how it appears. By applying new phases over it or manipulating the existing ones, the world can be altered.<ref name = ShinyakuV9BTCP/>
{{Cleanup|Problem = Inaccuracies and distortions developed in information during expansion, requiring rectifying and major revision. Additional pages affected which will also need attention.}}
 
[[File:NT_Index_v09_006-008.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Othinus showing Touma the "Perfect World", one of the many Phases of the world.]]
 
The world was originally pure and untouched before various layers and filters began affecting how it appears. This "[[Pure World]]" is a world of science that is unaffected by religion, which the man known as the [[Aleister Crowley|Silver Star]] is apparently trying to be tamper directly beyond all the filters.<ref name=ShinyakuV9BTCP /> However, the many religions ([[Christianity|Christian]], [[Buddhist]], [[Celtic Mythology|Celtic]], [[Hinduism|Indian]], [[Shinto]], Inca, [[Aztec Mythology|Aztec]], [[Greek Mythology|Greek]], Roman, [[Norse Mythology|Norse]] etc.) which have arisen throughout history have had the effect of applying various phases to the world.<ref name=ShinyakuV9BTCP /> Powerful beings such as [[Majin]]s are also able to apply new phases.<ref name=ShinyakuV9BTCP /> If the layers of these various religions are real, then it can be assumed that properties present in a Phase of the world would not necessarily mean that it would be erased when a new layer is applied. Due to the [[Imaginary Number District]] being described as existing at the same place as [[Academy City]], it is likely that it too is a layer applied to the world to create a new Phase.<ref name=IndexV6Ch4Pt3>[[Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 06]] Chapter 4 Part 3</ref> Moreover, there is also another layer that exists that cannot be detected or destroyed by anyone, even by someone of Othinus' gather. It is here where the Magic Gods of every religion gathers, though they cannot escape.<ref name = ShinyakuV10Ep>[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 10]] Epilogue</ref>
 
   
  +
Many phases have different forms of energy locked within them, such as the [[Telesma]] present within [[Heaven]], which can be brought out through various means.<ref name = ShinyakuV10Ch13Pt2/><ref name = ShinyakuV10Ch13Pt4/> Some of them may also hold life-forms,<ref name = ShinyakuV10Ep/> often in the form of energy masses,<ref name = KanzakiSSCh4Pt2>[[Toaru Majutsu no Index: Kanzaki SS]] Chapter 4 Part 2</ref> such as the [[angel]]s within Heaven.<ref name = KanzakiSSCh4Pt2/>
The effect of a new Phase of the world varies from being similar to the previous one, like the [[Omega World]] being recreated by Othinus each time Touma is near death,<ref name=ShinyakuV9Ch8Pt5>[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 09]] Chapter 8 Part 5</ref> to radically different, like the Omega World being different from Touma's original world, where people's various traumas and tragedies have not come to pass unlike in Touma's world. A more obvious difference here is that in the Omega World [[Sherry Cromwell]] has an age of a child despite everybody else being the same age as that of Touma's original world.<ref name=ShinyakuV9Ch6cPt1>[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 09]] Chapter 6: Shifting and Fluctuating World. ''Version_Omega.'', Part 1</ref>
 
   
  +
The phases are closely linked to the use of [[Magic]].<ref name=ShinyakuV18Ch3Pt11/><ref name=ShinyakuV18Ch3Pt13/><ref name=ShinyakuV18Ch4Pt5>[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 18]] Chapter 4 Part 5</ref>
When the world enters a new Phase, its inhabitants have no idea that the world has been changed, truly believing that the world is the same as always. However, if the [[Will of the Whole Misaka Network]] saying that Othinus "cheated" can be believed,<ref name=ShinyakuV9Ch7Pt4>[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 09]] Chapter 7 Part 4</ref> it can be assumed that Othinus can assure that people would have memories of the previous world. Regardless, the only people that have continuous memories of all the various Phases of the world are beings like Magic Gods,<ref name=ShinyakuV9Ch8Pt5 /> and to a limited extent, likely the living bearers of the [[Imagine Breaker]], such as Touma. Beings such as the thought entity known as the Will of the Whole Misaka Network, who cannot be directly influenced by the changing Phases of the world, and is referred to as beyond the living and the dead, likely applies as well.<ref name=ShinyakuV9Ch7Pt4 />
 
  +
===Creation and Manipulation===
  +
The many religions ([[Christianity|Christian]], [[Buddhist]], [[Celtic Mythology|Celtic]], [[Hinduism|Indian]], [[Shinto]], Incan, [[Aztec Mythology|Aztec]], [[Greek Mythology|Greek]], Roman, [[Norse Mythology|Norse]] etc) which have arisen throughout history have had the effect of applying various phases to the world.<ref name=ShinyakuV9BTCP/> The world is said to contain as many phases are there are divine legends and religions.<ref name=ShinyakuV18Ch3Pt11>[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 18]] Chapter 3 Part 11</ref> Extremely powerful beings, such as [[Magic God]]s/Magic Gods, are also capable of applying new phases and manipulating existing ones.<ref name=ShinyakuV9BTCP/>
   
As the Imagine Breaker is the reference and restoration point of the world, it can be used to restore the world back to a previous Phase of the world.<ref name=ShinyakuV9BTCP /> This later proved problematic to Touma as though he knew its purpose, he didn't know how he could use it to restore the world back to his original world other than Othinus, forcing him to cast his "hesitations" in a fight with Othinus, believing that he could "reach her".<ref name=ShinyakuV9Ch8Pt8>[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 09]] Chapter 8 Part 8</ref>
+
As the Imagine Breaker is the reference and restoration point of the world, it can be used to restore the world back to a previous state before the phases were manipulated.<ref name=ShinyakuV9BTCP/> This later proved problematic to Touma as though he knew its purpose, he didn't know how he could use it to restore the world back to his original world other than Othinus, forcing him to cast his "hesitations" in a fight with Othinus, believing that he could "reach her".<ref name=ShinyakuV9Ch8Pt8>[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 09]] Chapter 8 Part 8</ref>
   
The sword [[Dáinsleif]], when unsheathed, is capable of cutting through Phases, releasing energy stored within them and manifesting them as a figure of calamity from that mythology or religion, representing the evil imprisoned by the Gods brought forth once the domain of the Gods and their protection is removed.<ref name = ShinyakuV10Ch13>[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 10]] Chapter 13</ref>
+
The sword [[Dáinsleif]], when unsheathed, is capable of cutting through Phases, releasing energy stored within them and manifesting them as a figure of calamity from that mythology or religion, representing the evil imprisoned by the gods brought forth once the domain of the gods and their protection is removed.<ref name = ShinyakuV10Ch13Pt2>[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 10]] Chapter 13 Part 2</ref><ref name = ShinyakuV10Ch13Pt4>[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 10]] Chapter 13 Part 4</ref>
   
  +
[[Kamisato Kakeru]]'s power, known as [[World Rejecter]], has also shown the ability to crush a new phase as it was being created, before being embedded into and changing the world,<ref name = ShinyakuV13Ep/> being a product of the conflicted [[Nephthys]].<ref name = ShinyakuV13Ep/><ref name = ShinyakuV14Ep>[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 14]] Epilogue</ref>
  +
  +
[[Aleister Crowley]], as well as devising a plan to eliminate the phases, has also devised a way to gather the sparks and spray from the phase collisions resulting from the magic he uses, allowing him to target and fire them at an opponent<ref name=ShinyakuV18Ch3Pt13>[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 18]] Chapter 3 Part 13</ref><ref name=ShinyakuV18Ch4Pt2>[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 18]] Chapter 4 Part 2</ref> or contain them within his own body so they don't cause harm to anyone else.<ref name=ShinyakuV19Ep>[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 19]] Epilogue</ref>
  +
  +
===Effects===
 
[[File:NT_Index_v09_006-008.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Othinus showing Touma the "Perfect World", one created from manipulating the phases.]]
 
The effects of an individual phase on the world and the effects of the phases being manipulated vary depending on the circumstances involved. The recreated world may be similar to the previous one, like the [[Omega World]] being recreated by Othinus each time Touma was near death,<ref name=ShinyakuV9Ch8Pt5>[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 09]] Chapter 8 Part 5</ref> to radically different, like the Omega World being different from Touma's original world, where people's various traumas and tragedies have not come to pass. People and events may be completely changed; for example, in the Omega World, many who had perished in Touma's original world were alive, and [[Sherry Cromwell]] had the age of a child, despite everybody else being the same age as that of Touma's original world.<ref name=ShinyakuV9Ch6CPt1>[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 09]] Chapter 6C Part 1</ref>
  +
 
When the world is changed due to the manipulation of the phases, most of its inhabitants have no idea that the world has been changed, truly believing that the world is the same as always. However, if the [[Will of the Whole Misaka Network]] saying that Othinus "cheated" can be believed,<ref name=ShinyakuV9Ch7Pt4>[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 09]] Chapter 7 Part 4</ref> it can be assumed that Othinus can assure that people would have memories of the previous world. Regardless, the only people that have continuous memories of all of the worlds as the phases are manipulated, are beings like Magic Gods,<ref name=ShinyakuV9Ch8Pt5/> and to a limited extent, likely the living bearers of the [[Imagine Breaker]], such as Touma. There are also beings such as the thought entity known as the Will of the Whole Misaka Network, referred to as beyond the living and the dead, and the collective entity [[St. Germain]], who may not be directly or completely affected by the changing phases of the world,<ref name=ShinyakuV9Ch7Pt4/> though they may be indirectly influenced.
  +
  +
The phases themselves are not usually perceived by most people, though there are beings who can detect them, including ones capable of influencing them. There is one particular layer, referred to as the [[Hidden World]], where the [[Gremlin (True)|true Gremlin]] reside, hidden but unable to leave, which was beyond being detected or destroyed by most - even [[Othinus]], a Magic God, was unaware of its existence.<ref name = ShinyakuV10Ep>[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 10]] Epilogue</ref>
  +
  +
====Sparks====
  +
The distances between the phases are not even and the gaps between them change irregularly on a daily basis. As the overlapping phases contact and collide with one another, {{Nihongo|'sparks'|火花|Hibana}} are produced. The sparks and {{Nihongo|'spray'|飛沫|Shibuki}} produced by phase collisions<!--Shōtotsu--> have a thin but widespread influence on the world and its people, affecting fortune and misfortune. With the use of magic, particularly those involving unified theories such as [[Hermeticism]], the phases are gathered and collide even more, making sparks more frequent.<ref name=ShinyakuV18Ch3Pt11/><ref name=ShinyakuV18Ch3Pt13/><ref name=ShinyakuV19Ep/> The Imagine Breaker is capable of providing some protection from the effects of these sparks.<ref name=ShinyakuV18Ch3Pt13/> These unintended consequences of magic use have also been called the "recoil" of magic by Aleister. Index is skeptical of the existence of this recoil, noting that she has never heard of it before, but Aleister claims that this is because she doesn't know how to properly use the information in her grimoires.<ref name="ShinyakuV20Chap1Pt2">[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 20]] Chapter 1 Part 2</ref>
  +
  +
===Pure World===
  +
{{Main|Pure World}}
  +
Beyond the filters lies the 'pure world', described by [[Othinus]] as a world of science unaffected by religion - one which the man known as [[Aleister Crowley|"The Silver Star"]] has been apparently been attempting to tamper with.<ref name=ShinyakuV9BTCP/>
  +
  +
[[Aiwass]], not originating from any religious category and subsequently the phases of magic, is described as the angel of the bottommost layer, closest to the world of pure physical laws, and as such, is at the core of Aleister's plan to eliminate the phases by establishing a means of controlling him and using his power to destroy the other filters above him, leaving only a magicless world.<ref name=ShinyakuV18Ch4Pt5/>
 
==Background==
 
==Background==
 
Throughout history, the various religions which have arisen have had the effect of applying phases to the world.<ref name=ShinyakuV9BTCP/> At some points, the phases have also been manipulated by the Magic Gods,<ref name=ShinyakuV9BTCP/><ref name = ShinyakuV10Ep/> the majority of which eventually formed the reconciliation council Gremlin and came to reside in a [[Hidden World|hidden layer]], separate from the rest of the world.<ref name = ShinyakuV10Ep/><ref name = ShinyakuV13Ch1Pt8>[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 13]] Chapter 1 Part 8</ref>
 
Throughout history, the various religions which have arisen have had the effect of applying phases to the world.<ref name=ShinyakuV9BTCP/> At some points, the phases have also been manipulated by the Magic Gods,<ref name=ShinyakuV9BTCP/><ref name = ShinyakuV10Ep/> the majority of which eventually formed the reconciliation council Gremlin and came to reside in a [[Hidden World|hidden layer]], separate from the rest of the world.<ref name = ShinyakuV10Ep/><ref name = ShinyakuV13Ch1Pt8>[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 13]] Chapter 1 Part 8</ref>
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After Othinus became a Magic God, she used her power to apply new phases and change the world, however as she did, she forgot how her original world was and as such couldn't go back once she wished to, leading her to recreate the world many times attempting to reach it. Her hesitations prevented her from using the Imagine Breaker to return the world back to her own original world.<ref name=ShinyakuV9Ch8Pt5/> These hesitations and uncertainties would later build up inside of her, and she had hoped to find someone to understand her, and she believed that person could be found in her original world.<ref name=ShinyakuV9Ep>[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 09]] Epilogue</ref> She would later settle in the current world<ref name=ShinyakuV9Ch8Pt5 /> — the world where Kamijou Touma would be born as a bearer of the Imagine Breaker.
 
After Othinus became a Magic God, she used her power to apply new phases and change the world, however as she did, she forgot how her original world was and as such couldn't go back once she wished to, leading her to recreate the world many times attempting to reach it. Her hesitations prevented her from using the Imagine Breaker to return the world back to her own original world.<ref name=ShinyakuV9Ch8Pt5/> These hesitations and uncertainties would later build up inside of her, and she had hoped to find someone to understand her, and she believed that person could be found in her original world.<ref name=ShinyakuV9Ep>[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 09]] Epilogue</ref> She would later settle in the current world<ref name=ShinyakuV9Ch8Pt5 /> — the world where Kamijou Touma would be born as a bearer of the Imagine Breaker.
   
A man calling himself as the [[Aleister Crowley|Silver Star]] has also attempted to tamper with the Pure World beyond all the filters and continues to aim to do so.<ref name=ShinyakuV9BTCP/> Aleister Crowley also attempted to find and breach the hidden layer where the true Gremlin resided, leaving the world's strength to handle Othinus, despite knowing of the dangers of her running free.<ref name = ShinyakuV10Ep />
+
A man calling himself as the [[Aleister Crowley|Silver Star]] has also attempted to tamper with the Pure World beyond all the filters and continues to aim to do so.<ref name=ShinyakuV9BTCP/> Aleister Crowley also attempted to find and breach the hidden layer where the true Gremlin resided, leaving the world's strength to handle Othinus, despite knowing of the dangers of her running free.<ref name = ShinyakuV10Ep /> His goal is to eliminate all phases, having lost his daughter as a result of the sparks from the conflicting phases,<ref name=ShinyakuV18Ch3Pt13/> using Aiwass, the angel of the bottommost layer above the pure world of physical laws.<ref name=ShinyakuV18Ch4Pt5>[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 18]] Chapter 4 Part 5</ref>
   
 
==Chronology==
 
==Chronology==
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====Angel Fall Arc====
 
====Angel Fall Arc====
 
{{Main|Angel Fall Arc}}
 
{{Main|Angel Fall Arc}}
The term 'phase' is briefly mentioned during [[Tsuchimikado Motoharu]]'s expalanation to Kamijou Touma about the nature of [[Heaven and Hell]].<ref name = IndexV4Ch1>[[Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 04]] Chapter 1</ref>
+
The term 'phase' is briefly mentioned during [[Tsuchimikado Motoharu]]'s explanation to Kamijou Touma about the nature of [[Heaven and Hell]].<ref name="IndexV4Ch1">[[Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 04]] Chapter 1</ref>
  +
====Academy City Invasion Arc====
  +
[[Kazakiri Hyouka|Fuse Kazakiri]]'s presence is mentioned to warp the several "layers" of the world that are piled up on top of each other to blow away the magical laws in Academy City, a clear reference to phases.<ref name="IndexV13Ch1">[[Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 13]] Chapter 8 Part 10</ref>
 
====World War III Arc====
 
====World War III Arc====
 
{{main|World War III Arc}}
 
{{main|World War III Arc}}
Aleister Crowley mentions phases, specifically the adjustment of a phase's thickness, when talking to [[Fiamma of the Right]] about the similarities between their plans.<ref name = IndexV22Ep>[[Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 22]] Epilogue</ref>
+
The term phase is mentioned by the narration as [[Fiamma of the Right]] starts to dye the world by calling in Heaven.<ref name="IndexV22Ch10Pt3">[[Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 22]] Chapter 10 Part 3</ref>
  +
  +
Aleister Crowley mentions phases, specifically the adjustment of a phase's thickness, when talking to Fiamma of the Right about the similarities between their plans.<ref name="IndexV22Ep">[[Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 22]] Epilogue</ref>
   
 
===Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index===
 
===Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index===
 
====Magic God Othinus Arc====
 
====Magic God Othinus Arc====
 
{{main|Magic God Othinus Arc}}
 
{{main|Magic God Othinus Arc}}
  +
=====Lance of Gungnir=====
  +
While explaining his ability to stop her magic, [[Fenrir]] clarifies to [[Oriana Thomson]] that he's not damaging another phase and throwing it into Heaven or Hell.<ref name="ShinyakuV8Ch4Pt9">[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 08]] Chapter 4 Part 9</ref>
 
=====Shifting and Fluctuating World=====
 
=====Shifting and Fluctuating World=====
After acquiring [[Gungnir]], Othinus 'ends' the world, creating a [[Black World|new phase]] over it. She then proceeds to recreate the world through multiple new phases in an attempt to break [[Kamijou Touma]]. After subjecting him to many worlds, she talks about him about phases before creating one last [[Omega World|new world]].<ref name=ShinyakuV9BTCP />
+
After acquiring [[Gungnir]], Othinus 'ends' the world, creating a [[Black World|new phase]] over it. She then proceeds to recreate the world through multiple new phases in an attempt to break [[Kamijou Touma]]. After subjecting him to many worlds, she talks about him about phases before creating one last [[Omega World|new world]].<ref name="ShinyakuV9BTCP" />
   
Failing to break Touma with the phases, Othinus attempts to break him directly, repeatedly crushing him again and again without him breaking, before becoming exhausted and trying to end him. The world created by the applied phase is then ripped apart as she throws Gungnir and when the lance is destroyed, she uses a crossbow comprised of the black world to strike Touma. However as Touma dies, he manages to remind Othinus why she was trying to return to her original world in the first place - to find someone who understood her. Realizing she had inadvertently made such a person in Touma and that there may not be anyone like that in her original world, Othinus chooses to recreate Touma's world.<ref name=ShinyakuV9Ep />
+
Failing to break Touma with the phases, Othinus attempts to break him directly, repeatedly crushing him again and again without him breaking, before becoming exhausted and trying to end him. The world created by the applied phase is then ripped apart as she throws Gungnir and when the lance is destroyed, she uses a crossbow comprised of the black world to strike Touma. However as Touma dies, he manages to remind Othinus why she was trying to return to her original world in the first place - to find someone who understood her. Realizing she had inadvertently made such a person in Touma and that there may not be anyone like that in her original world, Othinus chooses to recreate Touma's world.<ref name="ShinyakuV9Ep" />
   
 
=====VS The World=====
 
=====VS The World=====
During his journey with Othinus across [[Denmark]], Touma faces [[Marian Slingeneyer]], who makes use of [[Dáinsleif]] to cut away phases within a barrier and summon figures of calamity to attack him.<ref name = ShinyakuV10Ch13/>
+
During his journey with Othinus across [[Denmark]], Touma faces [[Marian Slingeneyer]], who makes use of [[Dáinsleif]] to cut away phases within a barrier and summon figures of calamity to attack him.<ref name="ShinyakuV10Ch13Pt2" /><ref name="ShinyakuV10Ch13Pt4" />
   
Following Touma's attempt to save Othinus from killing herself, the Magic Gods of the true Gremlin interfere from their hidden world, a phase which Othinus didn't perceive or affect, to prevent a change occurring in Touma which would be inconvenient for their plans for his future. As they discuss the events, Aleister Crowley penetrates and compromises their hidden world, stepping into their "divine territory". On apparently being provoked by them, Aleister begins a battle with the Magic Gods,<ref name = ShinyakuV10Ep/> eventually escaping with a third of his body blown off but having accomplished his goal.<ref name = ShinyakuV11Ep>[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 11]] Epilogue</ref><ref name = ShinyakuV12Ep>[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 12]] Epilogue</ref> With their hidden sanctuary gone, Gremlin proceeded to make preparations to enter the real world.<ref name = ShinyakuV12Pr>[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 12]] Prologue</ref>
+
Following Touma's attempt to save Othinus from killing herself, the Magic Gods of the true Gremlin interfere from their hidden world, a phase which Othinus didn't perceive or affect, to prevent a change occurring in Touma which would be inconvenient for their plans for his future. As they discuss the events, Aleister Crowley penetrates and compromises their hidden world, stepping into their "divine territory". On apparently being provoked by them, Aleister begins a battle with the Magic Gods,<ref name="ShinyakuV10Ep" /> eventually escaping with a third of his body blown off but having accomplished his goal.<ref name="ShinyakuV11Ep">[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 11]] Epilogue</ref><ref name="ShinyakuV12Ep">[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 12]] Epilogue</ref> With their hidden sanctuary gone, Gremlin proceeded to make preparations to enter the real world.<ref name="ShinyakuV12Pr">[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 12]] Prologue</ref>
   
 
====Magic God Invasion Arc====
 
====Magic God Invasion Arc====
 
{{Main|Magic God Invasion Arc}}
 
{{Main|Magic God Invasion Arc}}
After being weakened by [[Aleister Crowley]] on entering the real world, [[Nephthys]] is left the only Magic God in the true Gremlin able to swap out the phases, due to her nature, and only able to do so once. She attempts to do so when faced with [[Kamisato Kakeru]], who had exiled by [[Niang-Niang]] and the other Magic Gods with his World Rejector, but the phase she creates is crushed before it can be embedded and the world changed.<ref name = ShinyakuV13Ep>[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 13]] Epilogue</ref>
+
After being weakened by [[Aleister Crowley]] on entering the real world, [[Nephthys]] is left the only Magic God in the true Gremlin able to swap out the phases, due to her nature, and only able to do so once. She attempts to do so when faced with [[Kamisato Kakeru]], who had exiled by [[Niang-Niang]] and the other Magic Gods with his World Rejecter, but the phase she creates is crushed before it can be embedded and the world changed.<ref name="ShinyakuV13Ep">[[Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 13]] Epilogue</ref>
   
 
==Examples==
 
==Examples==
 
===Created by religions===
 
===Created by religions===
 
*{{nihongo|[[Heaven and Hell]]|天国 & 地獄|Tengoku & Jigoku}} ([[Christianity]])
 
*{{nihongo|[[Heaven and Hell]]|天国 & 地獄|Tengoku & Jigoku}} ([[Christianity]])
*{{nihongo|The Underworld|冥府|Meifu}}<ref name=ShinyakuV9BTCP/> (Various)
+
*{{nihongo|The Underworld|冥府|Meifu}}<ref name="ShinyakuV9BTCP" /> (Various)
*{{nihongo|The Pure Land|浄土|Joudo}} ([[Buddhism]])<ref name=ShinyakuV9BTCP/>
+
*{{nihongo|The Pure Land|浄土|Joudo}} ([[Buddhism]])<ref name="ShinyakuV9BTCP" />
*{{nihongo|Yomi|黄泉|Yomi}} ([[Shinto]]) <ref name=ShinyakuV9BTCP/>
+
*{{nihongo|Yomi|黄泉|Yomi}} ([[Shinto]]) <ref name="ShinyakuV9BTCP" />
*{{nihongo|The Abyss|地底|Chitei}}<ref name=ShinyakuV9BTCP/>
+
*{{nihongo|The Abyss|地底|Chitei}}<ref name="ShinyakuV9BTCP" />
*{{nihongo|Olympus|オリンポス|Orimposu}} ([[Greek Mythology|Greek]])<ref name=ShinyakuV9BTCP/>
+
*{{nihongo|Olympus|オリンポス|Orimposu}} ([[Greek Mythology|Greek]])<ref name="ShinyakuV9BTCP" />
*The Fairy Island ([[Celtic Mythology|Celtic]])<ref name=ShinyakuV9BTCP/>
+
*{{nihongo|The Fairy Island|妖精の島|Yōsei no Shima}} ([[Celtic Mythology|Celtic]])<ref name="ShinyakuV9BTCP" />
*{{nihongo|Nirai Kanai|ニライカナイ|Nirai Kanai}} (Ryukyuan)<ref name=ShinyakuV9BTCP/>
+
*{{nihongo|Nirai Kanai|ニライカナイ|Nirai Kanai}} (Ryukyuan)<ref name="ShinyakuV9BTCP" />
*{{nihongo|Asgard|アースガルド|Āsugarudo}} ([[Norse Mythology|Norse]])<ref name=ShinyakuV9BTCP/>
+
*{{nihongo|Asgard|アースガルド|Āsugarudo}} ([[Norse Mythology|Norse]])<ref name="ShinyakuV9BTCP" />
*First sun ([[Aztec Mythology|Aztec]])<ref name = ShinyakuV10Ch13/>
+
*{{nihongo|First sun|第一の太陽}} ([[Aztec Mythology|Aztec]])<ref name="ShinyakuV10Ch13Pt2" />
*Takama-ga-hara ([[Shinto]])<ref name = ShinyakuV10Ch13/>
+
*{{nihongo|Takama-ga-hara|高天原|Takamagahara}} ([[Shinto]])<ref name="ShinyakuV10Ch13Pt4" />
*Amaravati ([[Hinduism|Hindu]])<ref name = ShinyakuV10Ch13/>
+
*{{nihongo|Amaravati|アマラーバティ|Amarābati}} ([[Hinduism|Hindu]])<ref name="ShinyakuV10Ch13Pt4" />
   
 
===Worlds created through phase manipulation===
 
===Worlds created through phase manipulation===

Revision as of 00:44, 1 December 2019

A Phase (位相 Isō?) is a layer applied over the world, in this context referring to the entire universe or reality itself, which acts like a veil or filter, and changes how the world appears to be.[1]

Principles

The world, as it is normally perceived, is not pure and untouched - various layers, or phases, exist over it and act like filters, affecting how it appears. By applying new phases over it or manipulating the existing ones, the world can be altered.[1]

Many phases have different forms of energy locked within them, such as the Telesma present within Heaven, which can be brought out through various means.[2][3] Some of them may also hold life-forms,[4] often in the form of energy masses,[5] such as the angels within Heaven.[5]

The phases are closely linked to the use of Magic.[6][7][8]

Creation and Manipulation

The many religions (Christian, Buddhist, Celtic, Indian, Shinto, Incan, Aztec, Greek, Roman, Norse etc) which have arisen throughout history have had the effect of applying various phases to the world.[1] The world is said to contain as many phases are there are divine legends and religions.[6] Extremely powerful beings, such as Magic Gods/Magic Gods, are also capable of applying new phases and manipulating existing ones.[1]

As the Imagine Breaker is the reference and restoration point of the world, it can be used to restore the world back to a previous state before the phases were manipulated.[1] This later proved problematic to Touma as though he knew its purpose, he didn't know how he could use it to restore the world back to his original world other than Othinus, forcing him to cast his "hesitations" in a fight with Othinus, believing that he could "reach her".[9]

The sword Dáinsleif, when unsheathed, is capable of cutting through Phases, releasing energy stored within them and manifesting them as a figure of calamity from that mythology or religion, representing the evil imprisoned by the gods brought forth once the domain of the gods and their protection is removed.[2][3]

Kamisato Kakeru's power, known as World Rejecter, has also shown the ability to crush a new phase as it was being created, before being embedded into and changing the world,[10] being a product of the conflicted Nephthys.[10][11]

Aleister Crowley, as well as devising a plan to eliminate the phases, has also devised a way to gather the sparks and spray from the phase collisions resulting from the magic he uses, allowing him to target and fire them at an opponent[7][12] or contain them within his own body so they don't cause harm to anyone else.[13]

Effects

NT Index v09 006-008

Othinus showing Touma the "Perfect World", one created from manipulating the phases.

The effects of an individual phase on the world and the effects of the phases being manipulated vary depending on the circumstances involved. The recreated world may be similar to the previous one, like the Omega World being recreated by Othinus each time Touma was near death,[14] to radically different, like the Omega World being different from Touma's original world, where people's various traumas and tragedies have not come to pass. People and events may be completely changed; for example, in the Omega World, many who had perished in Touma's original world were alive, and Sherry Cromwell had the age of a child, despite everybody else being the same age as that of Touma's original world.[15]

When the world is changed due to the manipulation of the phases, most of its inhabitants have no idea that the world has been changed, truly believing that the world is the same as always. However, if the Will of the Whole Misaka Network saying that Othinus "cheated" can be believed,[16] it can be assumed that Othinus can assure that people would have memories of the previous world. Regardless, the only people that have continuous memories of all of the worlds as the phases are manipulated, are beings like Magic Gods,[14] and to a limited extent, likely the living bearers of the Imagine Breaker, such as Touma. There are also beings such as the thought entity known as the Will of the Whole Misaka Network, referred to as beyond the living and the dead, and the collective entity St. Germain, who may not be directly or completely affected by the changing phases of the world,[16] though they may be indirectly influenced.

The phases themselves are not usually perceived by most people, though there are beings who can detect them, including ones capable of influencing them. There is one particular layer, referred to as the Hidden World, where the true Gremlin reside, hidden but unable to leave, which was beyond being detected or destroyed by most - even Othinus, a Magic God, was unaware of its existence.[4]

Sparks

The distances between the phases are not even and the gaps between them change irregularly on a daily basis. As the overlapping phases contact and collide with one another, 'sparks' (火花 Hibana?) are produced. The sparks and 'spray' (飛沫 Shibuki?) produced by phase collisions have a thin but widespread influence on the world and its people, affecting fortune and misfortune. With the use of magic, particularly those involving unified theories such as Hermeticism, the phases are gathered and collide even more, making sparks more frequent.[6][7][13] The Imagine Breaker is capable of providing some protection from the effects of these sparks.[7] These unintended consequences of magic use have also been called the "recoil" of magic by Aleister. Index is skeptical of the existence of this recoil, noting that she has never heard of it before, but Aleister claims that this is because she doesn't know how to properly use the information in her grimoires.[17]

Pure World

Main article: Pure World

Beyond the filters lies the 'pure world', described by Othinus as a world of science unaffected by religion - one which the man known as "The Silver Star" has been apparently been attempting to tamper with.[1]

Aiwass, not originating from any religious category and subsequently the phases of magic, is described as the angel of the bottommost layer, closest to the world of pure physical laws, and as such, is at the core of Aleister's plan to eliminate the phases by establishing a means of controlling him and using his power to destroy the other filters above him, leaving only a magicless world.[8]

Background

Throughout history, the various religions which have arisen have had the effect of applying phases to the world.[1] At some points, the phases have also been manipulated by the Magic Gods,[1][4] the majority of which eventually formed the reconciliation council Gremlin and came to reside in a hidden layer, separate from the rest of the world.[4][18]

After Othinus became a Magic God, she used her power to apply new phases and change the world, however as she did, she forgot how her original world was and as such couldn't go back once she wished to, leading her to recreate the world many times attempting to reach it. Her hesitations prevented her from using the Imagine Breaker to return the world back to her own original world.[14] These hesitations and uncertainties would later build up inside of her, and she had hoped to find someone to understand her, and she believed that person could be found in her original world.[19] She would later settle in the current world[14] — the world where Kamijou Touma would be born as a bearer of the Imagine Breaker.

A man calling himself as the Silver Star has also attempted to tamper with the Pure World beyond all the filters and continues to aim to do so.[1] Aleister Crowley also attempted to find and breach the hidden layer where the true Gremlin resided, leaving the world's strength to handle Othinus, despite knowing of the dangers of her running free.[4] His goal is to eliminate all phases, having lost his daughter as a result of the sparks from the conflicting phases,[7] using Aiwass, the angel of the bottommost layer above the pure world of physical laws.[8]

Chronology

Toaru Majutsu no Index

Angel Fall Arc

Main article: Angel Fall Arc

The term 'phase' is briefly mentioned during Tsuchimikado Motoharu's explanation to Kamijou Touma about the nature of Heaven and Hell.[20]

Academy City Invasion Arc

Fuse Kazakiri's presence is mentioned to warp the several "layers" of the world that are piled up on top of each other to blow away the magical laws in Academy City, a clear reference to phases.[21]

World War III Arc

Main article: World War III Arc

The term phase is mentioned by the narration as Fiamma of the Right starts to dye the world by calling in Heaven.[22]

Aleister Crowley mentions phases, specifically the adjustment of a phase's thickness, when talking to Fiamma of the Right about the similarities between their plans.[23]

Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index

Magic God Othinus Arc

Main article: Magic God Othinus Arc
Lance of Gungnir

While explaining his ability to stop her magic, Fenrir clarifies to Oriana Thomson that he's not damaging another phase and throwing it into Heaven or Hell.[24]

Shifting and Fluctuating World

After acquiring Gungnir, Othinus 'ends' the world, creating a new phase over it. She then proceeds to recreate the world through multiple new phases in an attempt to break Kamijou Touma. After subjecting him to many worlds, she talks about him about phases before creating one last new world.[1]

Failing to break Touma with the phases, Othinus attempts to break him directly, repeatedly crushing him again and again without him breaking, before becoming exhausted and trying to end him. The world created by the applied phase is then ripped apart as she throws Gungnir and when the lance is destroyed, she uses a crossbow comprised of the black world to strike Touma. However as Touma dies, he manages to remind Othinus why she was trying to return to her original world in the first place - to find someone who understood her. Realizing she had inadvertently made such a person in Touma and that there may not be anyone like that in her original world, Othinus chooses to recreate Touma's world.[19]

VS The World

During his journey with Othinus across Denmark, Touma faces Marian Slingeneyer, who makes use of Dáinsleif to cut away phases within a barrier and summon figures of calamity to attack him.[2][3]

Following Touma's attempt to save Othinus from killing herself, the Magic Gods of the true Gremlin interfere from their hidden world, a phase which Othinus didn't perceive or affect, to prevent a change occurring in Touma which would be inconvenient for their plans for his future. As they discuss the events, Aleister Crowley penetrates and compromises their hidden world, stepping into their "divine territory". On apparently being provoked by them, Aleister begins a battle with the Magic Gods,[4] eventually escaping with a third of his body blown off but having accomplished his goal.[25][26] With their hidden sanctuary gone, Gremlin proceeded to make preparations to enter the real world.[27]

Magic God Invasion Arc

Main article: Magic God Invasion Arc

After being weakened by Aleister Crowley on entering the real world, Nephthys is left the only Magic God in the true Gremlin able to swap out the phases, due to her nature, and only able to do so once. She attempts to do so when faced with Kamisato Kakeru, who had exiled by Niang-Niang and the other Magic Gods with his World Rejecter, but the phase she creates is crushed before it can be embedded and the world changed.[10]

Examples

Created by religions

  • Heaven and Hell (天国 & 地獄 Tengoku & Jigoku?) (Christianity)
  • The Underworld (冥府 Meifu?)[1] (Various)
  • The Pure Land (浄土 Joudo?) (Buddhism)[1]
  • Yomi (黄泉 Yomi?) (Shinto) [1]
  • The Abyss (地底 Chitei?)[1]
  • Olympus (オリンポス Orimposu?) (Greek)[1]
  • The Fairy Island (妖精の島 Yōsei no Shima?) (Celtic)[1]
  • Nirai Kanai (ニライカナイ Nirai Kanai?) (Ryukyuan)[1]
  • Asgard (アースガルド Āsugarudo?) (Norse)[1]
  • First sun (第一の太陽?) (Aztec)[2]
  • Takama-ga-hara (高天原 Takamagahara?) (Shinto)[3]
  • Amaravati (アマラーバティ Amarābati?) (Hindu)[3]

Worlds created through phase manipulation

Other

References

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 09 Between the Connected Points
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 10 Chapter 13 Part 2
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 10 Chapter 13 Part 4
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 10 Epilogue
  5. 5.0 5.1 Toaru Majutsu no Index: Kanzaki SS Chapter 4 Part 2
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 18 Chapter 3 Part 11
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 18 Chapter 3 Part 13
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 18 Chapter 4 Part 5
  9. Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 09 Chapter 8 Part 8
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 13 Epilogue
  11. Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 14 Epilogue
  12. Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 18 Chapter 4 Part 2
  13. 13.0 13.1 Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 19 Epilogue
  14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 09 Chapter 8 Part 5
  15. Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 09 Chapter 6C Part 1
  16. 16.0 16.1 Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 09 Chapter 7 Part 4
  17. Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 20 Chapter 1 Part 2
  18. Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 13 Chapter 1 Part 8
  19. 19.0 19.1 Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 09 Epilogue
  20. Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 04 Chapter 1
  21. Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 13 Chapter 8 Part 10
  22. Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 22 Chapter 10 Part 3
  23. Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 22 Epilogue
  24. Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 08 Chapter 4 Part 9
  25. Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 11 Epilogue
  26. Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 12 Epilogue
  27. Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 12 Prologue
v  e
Phases
Religious and Mythological Heaven and Hell • Underworld • Pure Land • Yomi • Abyss • Mount Olympus • Fairy Island • Nirai Kanai • Asgard • First Sun • Takama-ga-hara • Amaravati
Phase-manipulated Worlds Alpha WorldBeta WorldOmega WorldBlack World
Others Imaginary Number DistrictArtificial HeavenCurrent WorldHidden World