The Thorn

Lore & Background

The Thorn is one of the most mysterious and coveted items in the Tower, linked directly to the death of the 43rd Floor Administrator, who was killed by the Zahard Empire. Its fragments are said to grant the wielder the ability to bypass the Tower's fundamental laws, allowing them to use Shinsu without restrictions and even to nullify the powers of other Irregulars. The Thorn's true nature is tied to the prophecy that an 'Outsider' will use it to overthrow Zahard and bring change to the Tower. FUG, the organization dedicated to opposing Zahard, has long sought the Thorn to empower their chosen slayer candidate. After years of searching, they succeeded in implanting a fragment into Baam, the prophesied 'Child of the Tower.' The Thorn has since become an extension of Baam's own power, evolving with him and manifesting in various forms, such as a blade or a protective aura. Its full capabilities remain unknown, but it is believed to be a key to unlocking the Tower's deepest secrets.

In Their Own Story

The air crackled with raw Shinsu as Baam stood before the Workshop's battle arena. In his hand, a jagged, crystalline shard pulsed with a light that seemed to defy the Tower's very gravity. 'The Thorn,' whispered Jinsung Ha from the shadows, 'it recognizes you.' Baam felt a surge of power, ancient and alien, as the Thorn responded to his will, reshaping into a blade that hummed with the fury of a fallen god. The spectators, both allies and enemies, watched in awe as the boy who was once a nobody now held a piece of the Tower's rebellion.

Reader's Guide

The Thorn is a weapon of unparalleled power, but it is not a simple tool. It is a living artifact that bonds with its wielder, responding to their will and growth. In combat, it can manifest as a blade, a spear, or a shield, and it enhances the user's Shinsu control to near-limitless levels, allowing them to perform feats that defy the Tower's natural laws, such as ignoring the 'Shinsu resistance' of opponents. To wield the Thorn effectively, one must have a strong will and a deep connection to Shinsu, as it draws heavily on the user's life force. Baam, as an Irregular, has a unique affinity for it, but even he struggles to control its full power. The Thorn's fragments can be combined, and its complete form is said to be capable of challenging Zahard himself. Currently, Baam is the primary wielder of the Thorn, having received a fragment from FUG. He has used it in numerous battles, including against Rankers and High Rankers, and it continues to evolve as he grows stronger. The Thorn's true potential remains a mystery, but it is clear that it is a central piece

Did You Know?

• The Thorn's original owner, the 43rd Floor Administrator, was killed by Zahard's forces, making the artifact a symbol of rebellion.
• There are multiple fragments of the Thorn, and FUG spent centuries searching for them.
• Baam's Thorn has been shown to evolve in form, from a simple shard to a full blade, and even a protective aura.
• The Thorn is believed to be one of the few items that can harm an Irregular, making it a key weapon against Zahard.