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"When you talk about ideals, a plan in which nobody gets hurt would clearly be the best. But that's...mere nonsense."
—Nova, Justice Rage
Nova Tsukuyomi[3] "The Mighty", is the Sumeragi Group's Defense Unit head,[4] Project Muse leader, and the main antagonist of the first Azure Striker Gunvolt, serving as the game's normal final boss.
Commanding a number of Sumeragi's top Adepts, and bearing mysterious ties to Gunvolt's past, Nova seeks to use the mind-influencing power of The Muse, Lumen, in a plan known as Project Muse[5][6] / the Diva Project[7], to subjugate Adepts across the country to ensure national security.
Nova has an affinity for the Septima Psychokinesis, a power that grants him the ability to control physical matter and energy with his mind. He is tremendously powerful, and rumored to be the most powerful Adept within Sumeragi.
An alternate-world version of Nova known as "The Third Revenger" (
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A small army of adepts and soldiers serve under this young, charismatic Sumeragi lieutenant. Nova is an enigmatic guy who often speaks in riddles and looks down on others. The scope of his septimal power is largely unknown; however, he is considered the most powerful amongst all the adepts in the Sumeragi Group. He is in charge of a project that, if successful, would give Sumeragi complete control over all of the nation’s adepts under the guise that these adepts are a threat to national security.[8]
数多くの
国家の安寧を案じ、能力者の完全支配計画を推し進めるプロジェクトリーダー。
飄々とし、どこか人を食ったような態度は捉え所がない。
Appearance
Nova is a young, somewhat effeminate teenage boy with magenta eyes and spiky purple hair, with one white spike. He wears a black Sumeragi uniform with gold, purple and white highlights, gold buttons, a cape, and black shoes with white highlights. He is also sometimes depicted with a Japanese umbrella.
In his Armed Phenomenon form, Nova's appearance changes dramatically, not even resembling a human being anymore, instead a warped metallic statue. He is much larger, completely dwarfing other characters. The right side of his body is primarily black, and the other white, with gold highlights on his head. In the center of his chest is a blue and purple orb. He also gains an additional four arms. His voice also has a deep, distorted filter to it.
Gallery
Main article: Nova Tsukuyomi "The Mighty"/Gallery
Personality
Nova generally presents himself as a calm and civil person. He is very level-headed, staying calm even when his project is on the verge of failure, and boasts a perceptive, strategic mind to boot. He is also rather polite, thanking Gunvolt for keeping the muse safe, and even offers to pay him, though this is likely in a mocking manner. He also shows extreme loyalty to the Sumeragi Group, believing that only they can bring order and peace to the world.
Nova is also incredibly arrogant, showing great confidence in his abilities. This shows when he apparently puts no effort into his first fight with Gunvolt, and seems genuinely surprised when he notes how strong GV is.
A noticeable aspect of Nova is his strong love for peace and justice, an aspect that has been present since childhood, but has changed due to him experiencing all of Sumeragi's internal conflict causing him to mature in subtle ways and bury his emotions. Everything he does is for the end goal of a peaceful nation, a goal he is willing to do anything to achieve, even brainwashing his fellow Adepts. He shows a strong hatred for the "evil" that Gunvolt and QUILL represent, seeing them as terrorists that need to be disposed of.
However, his loathing of Gunvolt is hinted to be a complex about him mastering the Septima that Nova never could, something he seemingly never got over.
After his transformation, Nova's composure all but disappears. His calm, mocking tone is replaced with a frantic, energetic one as he goes on and on about his power. His arrogance increases to the point where he becomes nothing short of delusional, declaring himself to be the ultimate ruler of the world, and that he will bring peace to the planet. At one point, he flat out declares himself a God, and that all life is weak before him, showing how much the Glaives have corrupted Nova's gentle nature and sense of justice.
Nova's more gentle nature is shown through his conversation with Jota revealing that Nova would very much like to do away with Project Muse saying an ideal plan would be one where no one gets hurt. He also voices disapproval towards Sumeragi's treatment toward Stratos and wishes to avoid having other Adepts subjected to the same cruel fate.
History
Background - Justice Rage, Nova's Reminiscence
Nova was originally an orphan raised in a Sumeragi Adept research institution, and at 7 years old[10], was the 77th test subject in "Project Gunvolt", an attempt to produce artificial Adepts wielding the lightning Septima Azure Striker. This was attempted by implanting Septimosomes, a bodily factor key to determining Septima type and control, in ordinary humans with latent Adept potential. Although Nova was intent on being "Gunvolt" and was predicted to have a higher compatibility level than even Asimov, his lightning went berserk and misfired, to the horror of the observing scientists. Although Nova was able to stop using his Azure Striker, he was critically injured by his own power and left on the verge of death.
Deemed yet another failure and potential danger to the entire facility, it was immediately decided that Nova's Azure Striker Septimosome would be removed while there was still time. Still desiring to make some use of Nova's high potential, his compatibility rates were reevaluated. As a scientist spoke aloud about the situation and only other potential candidate being a blonde boy, a barely conscious Nova mentally begged them not to abandon him and that he must be "Gunvolt."
Rise within Sumeragi
The Septima power Psychokinesis was chosen, and the new Septimosome implant saved Nova's life. Unlike with the Azure Striker, Nova proved to be extremely proficient and powerful with Psychokinesis, being classified as a top tier Adept by Sumeragi.
Showing a talent for both battle and politics, Nova rose in rank within Sumeragi faster than anyone, and was given the position of Defense Unit manager.[4]
At unknown points prior to the main story of Justice Rage, Nova personally recruited Merak and Jota in separate incidents. Merak, at the time a truant due to being ostracized for his intelligence and Septima, was scouted by Nova and became one of his favorites due to Merak's behavior being more rational compared to other Adepts.[11]. Jota was first met during a mission when Nova, then part of Sumeragi's Adept Unit, took part in suppressing Adept terrorism that the Japanese Army was powerless to stop. After talking with Nova a few times, Jota saw the makings of a great general in him, feigned injury to be discharged from the Army, and joined Sumeragi and dedicated himself to supporting Nova.[12]
Justice Rage
One year prior to the first Azure Striker Gunvolt, Nova takes notice of the gang leader Adept Viper and seeks him out.
Glaive Wielders
While having a nightmare about his past failure as a Project Gunvolt subject, Nova is shaken awake by Jota, who noticed he seemed to be having a bad dream. Nova reassures him, saying he was just reminiscing, and remarks how comfy Sumeragi's cars are. After awhile, they get out and begin walking towards their destination.
Noting the worn and damaged environment, Nova wonders if one of the gangs did the damage. Jota dubs it "remains of some past territorial war", caused by Adepts who don't realize the point of their powers. He then requests that someone as important as Nova should take note of this.
Nova disagrees, saying he isn't that important. Jota insists that Nova's ideals must be made aware, and that they must quicken Project Muse. Nova states that Project Muse is just the best course of action they have at the moment, and when considering ideals a plan where no one is the best one, but that such a thing is just nonsense. Jota worries if he said something too presumptuous, but Nova reassures him, saying he's glad to have a supporter like him.
The conversation then shifts to the Adept they are seeking: Viper, leader of the street gang Maiden Blood, who almost single handedly defeated the other top gang, L&D. Jota doesn't expect much of Viper, likening him to a mere "boss of mountain monkeys" without any cause. Nova comments that he doesn't mind monkeys, since they'll follow anyone who'll give them food. As Jota voices his disdain at the idea of paying Viper like a mercenary, Nova's mind wanders to the Legend of Momotaro, comparing Jota to the pheasant and Merak to the dog. Jota is confused, but Nova brushes it off and says a mercenary is fine as long as it gets him on their side. Jota suggests that Nova leave the work to him, which Nova dismisses.
Nova explains that all high-ranking Adepts in the Sumeragi Group, including them, are controlled through Glaives. If an Adept uses a Glaive, it is recorded in the company records. Nova says that he is no different, but reveals that he can still use a little of his Septima without using his Glaive, to Jota's shock.
Nova urges him to keep it a secret, saying the top brass like to think of Glaives as a total control system, and that there are suggestions that Sub-Glaives should be used. Jota agrees to keep Nova's secret. The latter thanks him, before admitting that he isn't fond of Glaives, saying when he transforms, his ego is exposed for all to see, and that he hopes Glaives will no longer be necessary if Project Muse succeeds, his standing will increase, and to achieve all that requires great collaborators with strong Septimas. Nova cites the past case of Stratos as something to avoid and a motive for harboring Adepts like Jota, although Jota reassures him that Stratos was uncooperative and that great research results were obtained through his sacrifice.
At that moment, the two hear someone calling out Viper's name, and hurry in its direction.
Flame and Water
Nova and Jota manage to trace the voice to its source, finding Viper and a water Adept affiliated with L&D. The L&D Adept attacks Viper, only to be swiftly beaten and sent running.
Nova makes himself known and praises Viper, before revealing they are with Sumeragi, and offers Viper a place in the group, although Viper is skeptical and lumps Nova and Jota in with the hunters he's faced before. Nova insists they're just there to chat, claims he doesn't like to use such brute means, and begins talking about a salary and potential payment methods. Taken aback, Viper refuses and says he doesn't work under anyone, getting into a minor argument with Jota, who says that without conviction power is meaningless. Nova asks if he cares about his underlings, and what he'd do if those hunters were called now. Nova admits it's just a bluff, but warns Viper that Sumeragi hasn't gotten serious about dealing with him yet, and challenges him to a fight to show how outclassed he really is.
Justice and Rage
Although Viper manages to avoid a few of Nova's Psychokinesis attacks and attempt a counter, the battle ends quickly in Nova's favor. Furious, Viper begins blaming his Explosion Septima, saying he never asked for it, and that it's no good.
Nova disagrees, saying that if he joins Sumeragi, his power will have a point, likening it to the invention of dynamite and how it increased work safety despite taking many lives. Viper refuses to join, trash talking Sumeragi and asking Nova to just go ahead and kidnap and brainwash since he won the fight, like he's heard Sumeragi does to Adepts. But Nova brings up Jota's earlier statement about real conviction, leaves his business card, and asks that he tune in to Lumen's performance later.
As they make their way back, Nova tells Jota that he understood how Viper feels a little, and hopes Lumen will have an effect on him. Jota asks if he's referring to her mind interference power, and points out that the current equipment is only tuned to work as sonar. Nova says that just stirring up Viper's heart would be fine, since it's best if he joins of his own free will.
As Nova hoped, Viper ends up joining Sumeragi after listening to the performance.
Armed Blue Gunvolt
After Merak informs Nova of the Defense Ministry receiving a crime note from the multinational Adept supremacist group Eden threatening to take down the country's defense barrier. Although Nova is tempted to dismiss it as a prank, Merak informs Nova that it's likely really from them based on his IP address tracing. Nova admits they cannot ignore such a threat considering Eden's attacks on other nations, and Merak logs off, awaiting further orders.
Left by himself, Nova ponders on the bold nature of the plan, given Eden's usually stealthy approach, speculating that the attack is merely a front for something. Nonetheless, he presses forward to eliminate the threat, eager to see what Eden can do.
Heeding the crime notice, Nova assigned Jota to assist army soldiers in defending the Media Tower, which hosts the repeater Ame no Uzume device that generates the barrier. True to their word, Eden attacks by sending in Gibril. With the battle between Jota and Gibril unfolding, Nova contacts Merak. Without a word, Merak immediately deduces that Nova wants him to check the cyber defenses, with Nova being glad that he's so quick on the uptake. This concern is correct; Teseo had already begun his own assault on the tower's computer system. As Nova oversees the situation, he is impressed by Eden's capabilities, having initially taken them as just an extremist gang. At this time he is personally contacted by the leader of The Seven and Eden co-founder Tenjian. Questioned by Tenjian on what he thinks of their performance, Nova admits that he is impressed.
Addressing Nova as a mighty warrior and Adept himself, Tenjian brings up the topic of Adept supremacy, to which Nova replies that he is not interested in "elitism", to Tenjian's lament. Nova questions their motives behind this assault, and Tenjian claims they can make an armed intervention any time and that this performance is to display the superiority of Eden's ideals.
Unconvinced, Nova asks him what their real goal here is, and Tenjian repeats his claim. Pressing the subject, Nova asserts that perhaps the flashy show they're putting on is to camouflage something else, although he does not know what. Changing the subject, Tenjian wonders if Nova means to say there are other conspirators than Eden. He goes on about the implications of this incident becoming public knowledge, with the admitted presence of a real external threat causing said parties to gain power, which Nova agrees with. Tenjian wonders who will benefit the most from this situation.
The conversation ends with both asserting that they will not lose here. After Tenjian hangs up, Nova muses that he is a tough man to deal with.
When Gibril briefly stuns Jota and charges towards Ame no Uzume with no one to stop her, Nova thwarts her attack by firing a laser from the satellite Star Dragon. Expressing mild annoyance over having to suddenly deploy the satellite, Nova apologizes to Jota and asks if he's okay. While talking about Star Dragon, Nova brings up that it was disguised as a weather observation satellite and they were trying to hide its military use. Jota admits that he has no excuses, and that due to his failure Nova was forced to deploy a classified weapon. Nova reassures him that the demonstration will make the public realize the danger they face, and serve as a deterrent against anti-Sumeragi forces. Nova praises Jota for his defense, which Jota claims he does not deserve. He also praises Merak for stopping Teseo, which Merak brushes off before claiming he only wants Nova to build an exclusive online game for him or something. Nova laments that it will be costly.
Merak reports his strong suspicion that an unknown third party, not Teseo, was responsible for the barrier briefly going offline. Nova thanks him for the advice, but Merak admits he just doesn't want to be asked to deal with more problems later on. Nova affirms that he expects a good job from him. After Merak logs out, Nova notes that he needs to get rid of the mice, but there's a big affair he has to attend to first...
Nova presides over a Sumeragi public announcement about the recent events. Claiming that the attack has made it clear that external threats are a reality instead of fiction, he admits that while they were miraculously able to contain the situation and there were no civilian casualties, they don't know when the threat will strike again.
He then announces that the Sumeragi Group will be taking over national defense management, and exclaims their wish to protect the nation from the threat of external enemies.
Azure Striker Gunvolt
Kaledoscope (Sinner's Row)
Eventually, the muse is freed by QUILL agent Gunvolt, prompting Nova to begin searching for her.
In Firmament, upon being informed by a soldier that one of his Adepts, Zonda, has been defeated, Nova, disappointed, assumes QUILL was behind it. However, he is told that Zonda was beaten by a young boy known as Copen.
Remembering him as Dr. Kamizono's son, Nova dismisses him as a threat, to the soldier's doubt. Nova just states that the world is full of surprises, like Copen, and even hopes that he and QUILL will destroy each other, saving them any trouble. He then demands they focus their attention on finding Lumen.
Hostage (Urban Run)
Sometime afterwards, Sumeragi captures the escaped test subject Elise 2. Through unknown means, they gain her cooperation and Nova is able to have her fight on his side and resurrect the Sumeragi Adepts killed by Gunvolt, including Stratos, who is placed under his command. After being informed of the Muse's location, he sends the newly revived Merak to capture her. Merak succeeds and delivers Joule to Nova. Gunvolt however, pursues Merak, who sends a Mantis Legion to face him.
When GV destroys it, Nova contacts him, criticizing him for destroying all his company's "toys". Gunvolt then asks who he is. Nova, relieved he got the right frequency, introduces himself as the commander of all the Adepts Gunvolt killed.
Despite this, he thanks him for keeping his Muse safe, and offers him a reward, asking how large he wants his check. Gunvolt demands that he give back Joule, to which Nova denies, saying she's the center of Sumeragi's project, which is to use her songs to brainwash the world's Adepts.
Gunvolt is horrified, but Nova states that brainwashing isn't uncommon nowadays, and that it's something needed to keep their nation safe. He then tells Gunvolt to look forward to Lumen's performance, before hanging up.
Idolatry (Firmament)
Undeterred, Gunvolt heads to Firmament, beating Nova's Adepts and Copen once again along the way. Eventually, he comes face to face with Nova, who gladly welcomes him, before showing him Joule, who is hooked up to a machine that gives him total control over The Muse.
Noting that Gunvolt bumped into Copen on the way up, he mentions that Copen's father played a crucial role in developing the tech used for controlling Adepts, and that Sumeragi wouldn't be anything without him, making a note to thank Copen. Gunvolt, tired of the conversation, demands Joule be released. Nova just shrugs off GV's antsy attitude, and uses the machine to summon Lumen. Asking Gunvolt if he really thinks he can beat him, Nova uses Lumen to generate a shield for him, before attacking his nemesis.
During the fight, Nova explains that as long as Lumen's shield is up, nothing can hurt him. He also mentions that she is boosting his own Septimal power, and marvels at his strength. Lumen weakly calls out to Gunvolt to stop her, but Nova dismisses her, saying she can't do anything.
Gunvolt demands he stop toying with her, to which Nova replies what he does is for peace. He explains that Adepts are dangerous, and must be controlled. Gunvolt claims that there must be another way, to which Nova agrees, but states that there is no time. He explains that numerous foreign governments are seeking Sumeragi's tech, and in order for the nation to survive, they must build an army using Project Muse.
Denouncing what Nova calls "just", Gunvolt claims he's only here for Joule, with Nova calmly dubbing him as the evil one, and suggests he lays down until his work is finished.
Eventually, Gunvolt manages to dispel Lumen's shield. Nova, shocked by Gunvolt's power, admits that the latter truly is Sumeragi's greatest creation, only to now say he will actually have to "try" now, before absorbing not only three Glaives, but Joule, in a flash of light that teleports him and Gunvolt into outer space, revealing Nova's monstrous Weaponized form. Nova declares that his Godlike power is for the protection of the nation, and he will crush Gunvolt's wickedness. He then summons his drones, before attacking Gunvolt.
During the fight, Nova explains that The Muse has the power to control minds, while his own Septima, Psychokinesis, controls physical matter. With both under his control, Nova declares himself to be omnipotent, and can control Adepts all over the world, claiming all are weak before him, and that he will bring peace to the planet. Disgusted, Gunvolt tells him that he has no right to rule over anyone. Furious, he swears to kill Nova to free Joule.
Amused by Gunvolt, Nova promises to deliver divine punishment upon him. However, despite Nova's immeasurable power, he is eventually defeated.
Shocked and horrified at his defeat, Nova bitterly declares that Gunvolt will know nothing but devastation from this point onwards, and warns him that an Adept rebellion approaches, before perishing in a colossal explosion.
Azure Striker Gunvolt 2
Some time after his death, several Sumeragi executives lament Nova's death as it has left a massive hole in Japan's defenses, something that Eden quickly exploits in order to invade the country.
Nova is later mentioned by Xiao Wu, who uses his death as an example of Gunvolt's strength.
Zonda brings up Nova and his "Diva Project" during her fight with Gunvolt, explaining that she took the concept and ran with it, completely merging with Joule unlike Nova, who merely controlled her.
Azure Striker Gunvolt 3
Karma (Sunrise Palace 2)
After the battle with Serpentine's illusions of Viper and Jota designed to demoralize Gunvolt, he thinks back to his doubts that he did the right thing in the battles with Nova and Eden.
The Third Revenger
As of version 1.3.0, equipping a Nova Passive Image Pulse, playing as Gunvolt, and being hit by Moebius' skill Damnatio Memoriae in the mission Moebius (World Moebius) will transport GV and Kirin to what appears to be Firmament's Project Muse room over a destroyed Earth, where Nova awaits them. Nova remarks on how nice it is to see Gunvolt again, before deciding to test out a power he recently acquired--the Azure Striker.
As the battle begins, Nova asks if Gunvolt's choice, to reject Project Muse for a "happy ending" with Joule, was truly the correct one. When Gunvolt responds, Nova believes that even now, control of all Adepts is the only choice for peace. Project Muse was a singular ray of hope, borne of gathered wisdom and endless failure, yet Gunvolt burned it all down regardless. When Gunvolt promises to atone by changing Sumeragi from within, Nova scoffs, deriding Gunvolt as "playing the tortured hero" and calling him out for telling others to treasure their lives when he insists on shouldering burdens alone. Hearing Kirin's pledge to support Gunvolt, Nova ends the conversation, declaring his Azure Striker will "snap [her] blade in two."
When the Third Revenger finally falls, he remarks that a transplant seem to be insufficient. Whatever process Nova did to get the Azure Striker, it seems to have his body tearing at the seams holding both it and his Psychokinesis Septima. After a comment from Kirin, Nova comments that this power was what he wanted all along, then admits that this "New Sumeragi" that Kirin and Gunvolt are a part of is actually doing well for itself, keeping together a country Nova was sure would collapse. Pondering to himself what he would've done in Gunvolt's shoes, Nova bids the two to go on, protect the world as they know it, and just maybe accomplish what he could not.
Unlike the other alternate world boss who can be encountered via Damnatio Memoriae, nothing is known about the history of this Nova, his world, or the meaning of his title "The Third Revenger."
Other Appearances
Mighty Gunvolt Burst
Nova appears as a collectible pixel sticker in Mighty Gunvolt Burst by clearing the "Full Marks" Challenge by getting an "S" rank in a stage.
Azure Striker Gunvolt: The Anime
Nova appears hosting a press conference after Gunvolt's attack on Sumeragi's relay station. He gives a statement using the incident as propaganda to prove that Adepts cannot be trusted.
Six months earlier, Nova is backstage with several technicians at a Lumen concert, and tells them to say alert. One asks what it's like for an Adept to hear Lumen's song, but Nova states that, since his Septimal powers are contained within a Glaive, he wouldn't know. He then leaves to go to Building One, where Joule is kept, suspecting something bad will happen.
Powers and Abilities
As a human artificially attuned to the Septimal stage of the Lifewave, Nova is an extraordinarily powerful Adept whom is capable of harnessing the Septima known as Psychokinesis, which grants him the ability to control all physical matter; it's said that Nova's Septima is the absolute strongest and highest ranked among the Adepts in service of Sumeragi, and is said to surpass Azure Striker, the apparent "ultimate Septima", as a pure battling ability, ranking Nova among the most powerful Adepts on the planet. Sumeragi considers Nova to be an S+ rank Adept, which is the highest rank and the same one assigned to Gunvolt "The Azure Striker" and Zonda.
The might of Psychokinesis turns Nova's thoughts into energy through latent Septimal power, distorting all forms of space and matter to achieve the result Nova desires. Even before the Lifewave was uncovered by scientists, abilities similar to Nova's Septima were around, and thus, his Psychokinesis could be classified as the original Septima from which all others seem to be hewn from; being exceptionally powerful and completely matchless, allowing Nova to live up to his title of "The Mighty".
Another indicator of Nova's unmatched Septima power amongst Sumeragi is that even though he had sealed his powers in three glaives, even without weaponizing, he is still able to engage in combat at a level that makes him appear as if he still has his full power and put up a good fight against the likes of an Azure Striker whilst putting no real effort into the fight, albeit while assisted by an outside source; in contrast, the Swordsmen have to undergo the process of weaponization to access their Adept powers.
Interestingly, in the past, when taken in by Sumeragi, Nova was to receive the Azure Striker Septima as utilized by his archenemy Gunvolt and said enemy's mentor, Asimov, and is stated to have a higher affinity prediction than either of them. However, he never manifested the signature control over electrons of the Septima.
Nova's Psychokinesis enables him to fly about unassisted at varying speeds, move a wide variety of objects around with nothing but thoughts guiding them, launch ring-shaped projectiles and orbs in a myriad of formations and directions which seem to home in on his opponents, and even surround himself in a field of Septimal energy and charge his opponent to damage them – all this, without using his Glaives.
Nova's Septima is intricately linked with one of the Sumeragi Group's most notable creations, the Special Attack Satellite: Star Dragon (特攻衛星「星辰」, Tokukōeisei – Seishin), which is a satellite that orbits the world. To the public, the Star Dragon is an unarmed satellite that is designed to observe the populace and transmit signals all across the world, but in reality, the Star Dragon could be considered a mechanical monstrosity, equipped with a phenomenally powerful cannon that unleashes a myriad of laser beams upon the earth at potential targets for the conglomerate.
Originally, the Special Attack Satellite was outside of Nova's jurisdiction, and thus, he could not access it – however, a member of Sumeragi whom was loyal to Nova gave the satellite a complete overhaul as to transform it into a weapon of mass destruction which Nova could control through his Psychokinesis.
When weaponized, the Star Dragon's status as a WMD is fully revealed upon his opponents, using his Septima to force the satellite to execute offensive commands by releasing lasers from the heavens that rain down divine punishment like the fists of an angry god. Like every other Adept with a perfect connection with the Lifewave, Nova is able to invoke Skills, which are specialized techniques that make the most of his Septima, accompanied by skill names and elegant haikus.
Nova is unique among the Adepts of Sumeragi in that he requires three Glaives to suppress his power to a reasonable level, due to the leaders of the conglomerate being highly fearful of his Septima and deciding to split his Septimosome into a trifecta of glaives to properly contain his overwhelming might.
The primary glaive, Ame no Murakumo (天叢雲（アメノムラクモ）, Ame no Murakumo lit. Heavenly Plexus Clouds) is known to be a silvery blade, and Yatagarasu (八咫烏（ヤタガラス）, Yatagarasu lit. Eight-Legged Crow) and Kurohyō (黒豹（クロヒョウ）, Kurohyō lit. Black Panther), his secondary Glaives, are white and black respectively.
Nova's Glaives are unique amongst the other models used by the Swordsmen in that they're tools that never existed previously, being completely artificial and modern in nature, built from scratch to properly contain Nova's immeasurable might.
Using all three Glaives to transform shows the true depths of Nova's Septimal power, enlarging him to the point that the entire final battle takes place on an exposed platform with the curve of the earth below, with Nova becoming a gigantic robotic humanoid monstrosity, a transformation that lives up to Dr. Kamizono's claim of Adepts being "monsters".
Showing even greater power in this form, when weaponized, Nova can fire orbs from the sky as usual, but also releasing high-intensity winds and shockwaves, and detaching his extra arms to strike at his enemy independently.
When Nova undergoes the process of weaponization with his trio of glaives, while the Ame no Murakumo stabilizes the transformation, the sub-glaives themselves undergo two individual metamorphoses, with Kurohyō becoming Panther Force (地より這出し陰の化身（パンター フォース）, Pansā Fōsu lit. The Shadow's Embodiment Coming Crawling from the Earth) and Yatagarasu evolving into Raven Force (天を往く太陽の化身（レイヴン フォース）, Reivun Fōsu lit. The Sun's Embodiment Going to the Heavens), the former becoming a black panther and a white eagle, respectively; these mechanized critters act as Septima-driven combat drones, Panther Force lashing out at Nova's enemies with dark energy and Raven Force unleashing light and wind.
Just like Gunvolt and Copen, Nova is able to directly link with the Muse, an elusive and potent Septima which grants those affected by it enormous strength and power amplification by aligning their wavelengths, albeit forcibly on his own end. This grants him the ability to use Joule's Muse ability to project a barrier in order to prevent his enemies from harming or even tagging him, even reflecting bullets towards the one who fired them.
However, Gunvolt was shown to have dispelled the barrier with clever utilization of his Flashfield, albeit only momentarily, with the shield regenerating after a brief moment. In his weaponized form, Joule's barrier envelops the vulnerable core in the middle of his chest, shielding it from harm. Panther Force and Raven Force seem to be involved in the maintenance of this barrier, as Gunvolt was again able to momentarily dispel it by tagging and shocking both drones at the same time.
Boss Battle Skills
Sealed
The room in which Nova's first phase is fought is unique due to its extended width and fully usable walls, allowing for more room to dodge attacks and the ability to jump over Nova with well placed walljumps.
| Skill | Description |
|---|---|
For the entirety of the fight Nova receives a passive protection barrier using Lumen's power. As long as the barrier remains, Gunvolt cannot tag Nova, and the barrier reflects his tags back as damaging purple needles. The barrier can be dispelled by keeping the Flashfield in contact with Lumen, allowing Gunvolt to tag Nova, though the barrier will regenerate a few moments after Lumen loses contact with the Flashfield.
| |
| Nova's standard attack. He hovers down until he is almost touching the ground, then dashes forward at a slight upward angle, covering most of the screen's width. To avoid, jump over Nova during his descent, or during the dash itself with proper timing. | |
サイコリング[3] |
Nova fires a volley of ring-shaped projectiles. He will either fire three rings at the same height, three rings with the middle ring higher than the others, or two rapid-fire bursts of three rings each. Avoid by being behind Nova when he fires, or by jumping through the rings.
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サイコショット[3] |
Nova begins using this attack at battle phase two. Nova flies to the ceiling, at the center of the arena and fires a series of fast-moving orbs aimed directly at Gunvolt. Avoid by moving slowly away from one half of the arena to the other.
|
サイコボミング[3] |
Nova begins using this attack at battle phase two. Nova flies high up and dashes from one end of the arena to the other, dropping orbs straight down at set locations. Avoid by dashing in the same direction as Nova, or by standing horizontally between the dropped orbs.
|
サイコフュージョン Psycho Fusion |
Nova's special skill. Nova spawns a formation of Orbs around Gunvolt. The Orbs appear either in four diagonal directions (forming an "X" shape) or two horizontal and two vertical ("+" shape) around Gunvolt, proceeding to move inwards with Gunvolt needing to jump or walk out according to the shape. The fifth formation will merge into a giant orb after meeting in the center, which will then fly horizontally towards Gunvolt.
|
Armed Phenomenon
In this form, Nova's only vulnerable spot is the core in the center of his chest. The core is hardcoded to take half the usual amount of damage from Gunvolt's Offensive Skills.
| Skill | Description |
|---|---|
Nova has a barrier to protect his core. While it doesn't reflect Gunvolt's needles, it blocks them nonetheless. The barrier will stay down as long as Gunvolt is constantly shocking both of Nova's combat drones, Panther Force and Raven Force, with the Flashfield at the same time.
| |
Raven Force, the white drone, will lower to Gunvolt's level and start pushing him to the left with wind, trying to knock him off the stage. Falling off results in instant death.
| |
| Panther Force, the black drone, will release a ground-based shock wave that grows in height as it travels. Avoid it by either jumping over it while it's still short, or by leaping off at the right side and hovering with the Flashfield until the shockwave ends at the other side of the platform. | |
Nova drops three orbs onto the platform, each of which splits into four small orbs that fly in an "X" or a "+" pattern, much like Mind Melder
| |
| Nova fires energy beams from the Star Dragon satellite to attack Gunvolt. Several vertical orange lightning bolts will crackle for a second or two, then damaging energy beams will appear at their locations. Stay away from the lightning to avoid the beams. | |
| Nova begins using this attack at battle phase two. The two drones will each fire a laser beam, one near the ground, one in the air. Avoid by using multi-jumps. It's also possible to avoid by jumping over the lower beam and landing before the upper beam hits, but the timing is tight. | |
Nova begins using this attack at battle phase two. Two of Nova's arms release energy pulses on the platform at either side, before two more slam down and unleash a large shockwave. Avoid the pulses by keeping away, and the shockwave by jumping off the edge and hovering back, or by using multi-jumps.
| |
鳴動の The One Summoned (Come), from Beyond the Rumbling Void (Space) |
Armed Phenomenon Nova's special skill. A gigantic fireball is summoned high above the arena as Nova continues his attack patterns. If Gunvolt does not defeat Nova in time, or if he comes into contact with the slowly descending fireball by jumping, it will engulf him, killing him instantly. Lumen's Anthem cannot save him from this attack. |
The Third Revenger
Note: Attack names, with the exception of SP Skills, are conjecture.
| Skill | Description |
|---|---|
Electromagnetic Barrier (Heat Haze) |
Nova's Prevasion allows him to dodge standard attacks and Skill Image Pulses. Hitting him while he's tagged with talismans or with a Special Skill will temporarily disable it. Gunvolt's attacks ignore his Prevasion. |
| Nova flies across the upper area of the arena, raining orbs that explode into pillars when they hit the floor. Upon reaching the end of the arena, he'll turn around and send a wave of Crashbolts in the other direction. To dodge, Arc Chain behind Nova as he flies, air jump to dodge the pillars, then Arc Chain to Nova again to dodge the Crashbolts.
In Hard Mode, the attack is faster and the orbs cover the entire ground, though the Crashbolts don't. | |
サイコリング |
Nova fires 3 volleys of 3 rings at varying heights. The rings can be dodged by jumping through them.
In Hard Mode, the volleys are made of 5 rings instead. |
| Nova flies to the top of the arena and shoots a long barrage of blue orbs that erupt into Crashbolts when hitting the ground. The orbs target the player's position as they are fired and move very quickly. In Hard Mode, he fires more orbs. To dodge, quickly Arc Chain to and from Nova's sides, or slowly sidestep the orbs on the floor. | |
Nova flies to one side of the screen as Panther Force appears on the other side. Then, the following happens in any order:
| |
| Nova fires a continuous stream of rings that ripples up and down as Raven Force fires a column of wind projectiles traveling in the opposite direction. To dodge, Arc Chain to Raven Force's position while the projectiles blow past, then fall left/right through Nova's rings.
In Hard Mode, the stream of rings is longer. | |
| Nova starts using this attack in battle phase 2. Nova rains rows of rings from above while Raven Force emits wind that pushes the player away from Nova. In Hard Mode, he fires three rows for each one he would fire normally and the wind is stronger.
To dodge, dash against the wind to sidestep or go through the rings. | |
| Nova starts using this attack in battle phase 2. Nova hovers a short distance above the floor and fires rings at fixed heights. A short time later, Panther Force fires a laser through the rings. In Hard Mode, Nova fires rings at a slightly faster rate.
To dodge, repeatedly Arc Chain to Nova's level to go through the rings, then as Panther Force charges up, drop to the floor and walk between the rings to dodge the laser. | |
サイコーフュージョン Psycho Fusion |
Nova's first Special Skill. Nova spawns five formations of orbs around the player. The orbs appear either in four diagonal directions (forming an "X" shape) or two horizontal and two vertical ("+" shape) around, proceeding to move inwards with the player needing to jump or walk out according to the shape. All formations will merge into a giant orb after meeting in the center, and once all five have finished merging, the giant orbs will fly directly towards the player. The formations alternate between the X and + shapes, but the first one to appear is random. After using it once, Nova can use Mind Melder again as part of his attack pattern without the Special Skill callout to announce it. In Hard Mode, the orbs are faster and there are six formations. |
アンリミテッドヴォルト Unlimited Volt |
Nova's second Special Skill, triggered when his healthbar is completely empty. Nova fully restores his health, gains new attacks, and deals increased damage for the rest of the battle. This move also send two electric shockwaves along the floor that leave lightning orbs. A second later, the orbs are struck by lightning bolts. Nova will not flinch after losing thirds of his restored health bar. The attacks below are used after Nova has activated Septimal Surge. |
| Same as Psycho Crashbolt Shot, except Nova fires the orbs at a faster rate. | |
| Nova summons three triangular formations of three orbs of thunder around the player that curve inwards to join into purple Astraspheres, lingering in place until the end of the attack. In Hard Mode, four formations are summoned instead and the Astraspheres are launched towards the player at the end of the attack. | |
スパークカリバーシュート Spark Calibur Shoot |
Nova summons a purple Luxcalibur in front of himself as his drones appear in the corners of the screen farther from him, then he launches the sword forward, with it leaving three Dragonspheres in its wake. Then, both drones fire a laser, and the Dragonspheres fly upwards or downwards depending on their position (even numbered ones fly upwards, odd numbered ones fly downwards). The player can tag and attack the drones; dealing enough damage to one will make it disappear for the duration of the attack.
In Hard Mode, five spheres are summoned instead, following the same pattern, and when they hit the ground they split into two smaller orbs that travel across it. |
ヴォルティックチェーンサンダー Voltic Chains Thunder |
Nova deploys dark Voltaic Chains vertically across the screen and electrifies them as his drones appear in opposite corners of the screen, one at the top and one at the bottom. Both proceed to fire a horizontal laser as the chains dissipate, then Nova summons Crashbolts where the gaps between the chains used to be. The player can tag and attack the drones; dealing enough damage to one will make it disappear for the duration of the attack.
In Hard Mode, Nova finishes the attack by summoning other Crashbolts in the gaps between the already existing ones and on their sides. |
クロスヴォルテッカー X Voltecker |
Nova's third Special Skill, triggered after reaching the last 1/3rd of his restored health bar. Nova summons dark Voltaic Chains that criss-cross the arena. After the chains electrify, two Grand Strizer Meteors fly diagonally downward from the corners, shattering the chains perpendicular to them and leaving lingering electric trails. Finally, after both trails have vanished, Nova drops four giant orbs down on the floor which erupt into massive lightning bolts that cover the whole room except for the middle. In Hard Mode, the orbs drop much faster. |
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Boss Battle Voices
1st Battle
| Event | Translated | Romaji | Japanese |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body Blow | Ffufu... | Ffufu… | ッフフ… |
| Psycho Ring | Can you dodge this? | Yokerareru kai? | 避けられるかい？ |
| Psycho Shot | How about this? | Kore nara doudai? | これならどうだい？ |
| Psycho Bombing | Let’s go … Haah! | Iku yo… Haaa! | 行くよ……ハァッ！ |
| Mind Melder | Witness… Psycho Fusion! (Mind Melder!) Farewell… |
Miru to ii… Saiko Fyuushon! Owakare da yo… |
見るといい…… サイコフュージョン！ お別れだよ… |
| Defeated | Guh! | Guuu! | ぐぅっ！ |
2nd Battle
| Event | Translated | Romaji | Japanese |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divine Wind | Blow, divine wind! Drop into Hell! |
Fuke yo kamikaze! Naraku he ochi yo! |
吹けよ神風！ 奈落へ落ちよ！ |
| Darkness Claw | Lie down in the ground! | Chi ni fuse yo! | 地に伏せよ！ |
| Orb Volley | Unwavering will! | Yurugi naki ishi da! | 揺るぎなき意志だ！ |
| Star Dragon Lasers | Stars’ gleam! | Hoshiboshi no kirameki yo! | 星々の煌きよ！ |
| Double Lasers | Return to the Dark! Be defeated by the Light! |
Yami he kaere! Hikari ni chire! |
闇へ還れ！ 光に散れ！ |
| Fists of God | Go! Feel the patriotic soul! |
Yuke! Aikoku no, tamashii wo! |
行け！ 愛国の、魂を！ |
| Clamator Aethereus | Be Summoned (Come) from Beyond the Rumbling Void (Skies)! Celestial Ford Star! | Meidou no kokuu (sora), kanata yori shourare (kitare)! Amatsuhoshi yo! |
鳴動の虚空 (ソラ)、 彼方より招 来(きた)れ！ 天津星よ！ |
| 1st Phase Down | The future lies within my hands! | Mirai wa boku no te no naka ni! | 未来は僕の手の中に！ |
| 2nd Phase Down | You guys have no tomorrow! | Kimi tachi ni asu wa nai! | 君たちに明日は無い！ |
| Defeated | Only I can… protect this nation… GUAAAAAH! |
Boku dake ga, kono kuni wo… Guaaaaaa! | ボクだけが、この国を… ぐあああああっ！ |
Azure Striker Gunvolt 3
Japanese Voices
| Event | Translated | Romaji | Japanese |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start | Now, let's fight. | Saa, tatakau ka. | さあ、 戦うか。 |
| Psycho Ring | Can you dodge this? | Yokerareru kai? | 避けられるかい？ |
| Psycho Shot | How about this? | Kore nara doudai? | これならどうだい？ |
| Arc Psycho Bombing | Let’s go … Haah! It's over! | Iku yo… Haaa! Owari da! | 行くよ……ハァッ！ 終わりだ！ |
| Darkness Claw | Lie down in the ground! | Chi ni fuse yo! | 地に伏せよ！ |
| Light Wind | Be defeated by the Light! | Hikari ni chire! | 光に散れ！ |
| Divine Wind | Blow, divine wind! | Fuke yo kamikaze! | 吹けよ神風！ |
| Darkness Laser | Return to the Dark! | Yami he kaere! | 闇へ還れ！ |
| Mind Melder | Can you keep track? Mind Melder! Farewell… |
Mieru kai? Saiko Fyuushon! Owakare da yo… |
見えるかい？ サイコフュージョン！ お別れだよ… |
| 1st Phase Down | That won't be enough! | Konna mono de wa! | こんなものでは！ |
| 2nd Phase Down | More! More, I say! | Motto, motto da! | もっと、もっとだ！ |
| 3rd Phase Down | I... I am the one! | Boku ga... Boku koso ga! | ボクが… ボクこそが！ |
| Septimal Surge | Give me strength, Azure Striker! Septimal Surge! | Chikara wo yokose, Aamudo Buruu! Anrimiteddo Voruto! | 力をよこせ、アームドブルー！ アンリミテッドヴォルト！ |
| Psycho Crashbolt Shot (2nd version) | This'll... finish you off! | Kore de... kierooo! | これで…消えろおお！ |
| Astrasphere Mandala Melder | Take this! | Kurae! | 喰らえ！ |
| Luxcalibur Launcher | Luxcalibur! | Supāku Karibā! | スパークカリバー！ |
| Voltaic Chains Thunder | Voltaic Chains! Begone! | Vorutikku Cheen! Keshitobe! | ヴォルティックチェーン! 消し飛べ！ |
| Cross Overflow | Oversurge, Azure Striker! Cross Overflow! I won't lose! I'll rip you to shreds! | Hotobashire, Aamudo Buruu! Kurosu Vorutekka! Makeru mono ka! Kirisake! | 迸れ、アームドブルー！ クロスヴォルテッカー！ 負けるものか！ 切り裂け！ |
| Post-Defeat (Third Revenger) | Is this... all? | Kono... teido de wa? | この…程度では？ |
English Voices
| Event | Voice |
|---|---|
| Now, let's begin. | |
| Can you dodge this? | |
| How about this? | |
| Here I come... Haah! This is it! | |
| Bow down! | |
| Scatter in light! | |
| Divine wind, blow! | |
| Return to darkness! | |
| Open your eyes! Mind Melder! This is farewell! (JP Text: Open your eyes! Psycho Fusion! This is farewell!) | |
| Even this trifle...! | |
| More... More! | |
| But I...Even I...! | |
| Give me your power, Azure Striker! Septimal Surge! (JP Text: Give me your power, Azure Striker! Unlimited Volt!) | |
| With this, disappear! | |
| Eat this! | |
| Luxcalibur! (JP Text: Spark Calibur!) | |
| Voltaic Chains! Begone! (JP Text: Voltic Chain! Begone!) | |
| Oversurge, Azure Striker! Cross Overflow! I won't lose! Tear to shreds! (JP Text: Oversurge, Azure Striker! X Voltecker! I won't lose! Tear to shreds!) | |
| Is this... all? |
Special Skill Chants
Mind Melder:
-
English
-
Japanese
-
English fan translation
-
Korean (with Eng tl)
Ruler from above
Hunt your sworn nemeses now
And leave them no quarter
MIND MELDER
天が意思、皇の神気
仇なす輩を狩り立てん
Heaven is will, Emperor's divinity
Hunt down the opposing adversary
PSYCHO FUSION
하늘의 의지, 황제의 신기
적대시하는 무리를 사냥하라
Will of the heavens, divinity of the Emperor
Hunt down all who oppose my will
PSYCHO FUSION
Clamator Aethereus:
-
English
-
Japanese
-
English fan translation
-
Korean (with Eng tl)
Emperor and God
Sent from galaxies afar
To punish fools like this
CLAMATOR AETHEREUS
天統べる神の帝
銀河の彼方より招来れ天星
これが神罰 滅びよ愚者よ
鳴動の
Godly Emperor who rules the Heavens
Heavenly Star Summoned from Beyond the Galaxy
This is Divine Punishment, be destroyed, you fool
The One Summoned (Come), from Beyond the Rumbling Void (Space)
하늘을 관장하는 신께서
은하 건너편에서 별을 보냈다
이것이 신의 벌, 어리석은 자여 멸망하라
울려퍼지는 우주, 멀리서 오는 것
The God who rules all heavens
has sent a star from beyond this galaxy.
This is your divine punishment… Begone, foolish beings
Something that comes from beyond the roaring heavens
Septimal Surge:
-
English
-
Japanese
-
English fan translation
Song of creation floats on the wind of life
As thunder's roar portends ruin
On twin strikes of azure and violet, I arrive
SEPTIMAL SURGE
神気をもって開闢を謳い
雷哮にて滅亡を兆そう
蒼紫双雷、我至れり
With divinity in my hands creation is sung
As thunderclap forebodes destruction
Twin thunders of azure and purple, I arrive
UNLIMITED VOLT
Cross Overflow:
-
English
-
Japanese
-
English fan translation
Mine thunder is cosmic guidance
Know fear in your wayward soul
The violet path leads here
CROSS OVERFLOW
我が天雷わ星の導
怯え覚せ、其が叛心
紫の理は此処に在り
My heavenly thunder is the guidance of stars
Be terrified, you defying soul
The purple reason exists in this place
X VOLTECKER
Quotes
"What's this...? That saddens me... another one of QUILL's grievous deeds I presume?"
—Nova
, receiving news of Zonda's death
"Nope... He knows how to stir up trouble, but we needn't get involved. He's the lone wolf type, plus he's not even an adept... Just a plain human, with a huge grudge."
—Nova
, dismissing Copen as a threat
"The world is full of surprises. Sometimes, you get ones like him. It would be nice if he and QUILL would just take each other out for good. For now, focus and bringing Lumen back to me. Our little "project" will be in dire straits without our precious diva."
—Nova
, ordering the Muse's return
"Phew, thank goodness. Looks like I got the frequency just right. Nice to meet you, Gunvolt. I'm Nova, the guy in charge of all those adepts you wasted. I guess I should thank you though, for taking care of my idol... I would really like to repay you for your kindness. How much vig should I make the check out for?"
—Nova
, introducing himself to Gunvolt
"Brainwashing isn't really all that uncommon nowadays, you know. But it's something we need to keep our fair nation safe. Not that a terrorist like you would understand such things... Ta ta for now, Gunvolt. Please look forward to Lumen's big performance."
—Nova
, hanging up on Gunvolt
"Hehe... Looks like he's come to fetch my caged canary. Right Lumen? Or, should I call you Joule?"
—Nova
, witnessing Gunvolt's arrival to Firmament
"Oh, this gizmo? It gives me total control over The Muse's powers. By the way, you bumped into Copen on your way up here, didn't you? This gizmo is just one piece of the puzzle... Copen's father built the foundation for the tech used to control Adepts. Sheesh... Sumeragi as we know it today really is all thanks to him. I'll be sure to thank Copen later."
—Nova
, on Dr. Kamizono's machine
"Good grief, you're quite antsy. Ah well, whatever. Now, experience exactly what this machine is capable of."
—Nova
, about to face Gunvolt
"As long as The Muse is here with me, your attacks will do nothing. Not to mention, her powers are boosting my own Septimal power... And I'm not even using a Glaive! Her powers are really something!"
—Nova
, relishing in his power
"I'm shocked, you're... pretty strong. You're indeed our finest creation. Looks like I actually have to try now. It's time for you to see my real power!"
—Nova
, about to transform
"This Godlike power is for the protection of our nation and her people! My righteousness with crush the wicked!"
—Nova
, after his transformation
"You see, The Muse has the ability to control people's minds. While my psychokinesis grants me dominance over physical matter. Those are the two building blocks of life. I now control both. I have become omnipotent! With this power, I can control Adepts all over the world. Both Adepts and humans are all weaklings compared to me now... Under my rule, I will protect the weak and give them peace. That's right... I am the ultimate ruler! The Heavenly Emperor! I - AM - SUMERAGI!!"
—Nova
, declaring his power
"No! My absolute order cannot be broken...! You imbecile... You are... a... fool... All that awaits you now... is chaos... and destruction... Without order in society, Adepts will revolt. The rebellion is coming...!
—Nova
, in his dying moments
Creator Comments
Designer Comments
Source: Armed Blue: Gunvolt Complete Works
-
English fan translation
-
Japanese
He’s the bad guys’ boss so I prioritized giving him an elite-like and full of finesse feeling. Him being slender and androgynous is because I wanted him to give off the impression that he’s come this far by intelligence and abilities, and not his strength: that’s where it comes from. I wished his post-transformation form to have a feeling of the strongest and divine, fitting for a last boss, and thus I choose a Buddha statue as a motif. The colors cleanly splitting in the center (of his body) comes from the image of him being like an ultimate existence in which both light and darkness are in complete harmony.
-- Yoshitaka Hatakeyama
敵側の親玉ということで、エリートっぽさや気品に溢れた雰囲気を重視しました。細身で中性的なも、腕っぷしではなく頭脳や能力だけでここまでのし上がってきた感も出したかったというところから来ています。
袴のようなシルエットのズボンは荒木さんの提案で、優美さを出すのに一役買っていると思います。逆に、髪型はツンツンで攻撃的。「超能力者だから、渦巻きっぽい髪型にしてやろう！」と思って描いたのは覚えていますが、今となっては、なぜ渦巻きなのか謎です（笑）。
変身後の姿は、ラスボスに相応しい最強感や神々しさが欲しかったので、仏像をモチーフにしています。真ん中でスパッと色が分かれてるのは、光と闇が渾然一体となった究極の存在みたいなイメージから来ています。
-- 畠山義崇
Scenario Writer Comments
Source: Justice Rage
His battle concept is “a boss fought with the Flashfield and close quarters combat”, but this is actually an idea that was initially meant to be used with Stratos’ battle. Due to some reasons, the idea was discarded so I repurposed it for Nova. If we weren’t that close to making the master (ROM) when I wrote his planning, I might’ve made the battle different yet… But I didn’t have any time for that. It ultimately fits very well with the development of the plot, so that makes him one of my favorite bosses. I did have some reservations about calling purple spheres a form of psychokinesis nowadays, but since purple balls being that power is a staple, I went with it! I easily wrote that in the plan, and the result was such a cool boss, I’m so surprised at that.
Musical Themes
| Title | Context | Composer | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orbital Fortress (天に浮かぶ橋, Bridge Hovering in the Heavens) |
Firmament stage BGM, and a Nova theme. | Katsunori Yoshino | |
| The Grand Overseer (高天の支配者, Ruler of the High Heavens) |
Nova's theme, which plays in scenes with him. | Ryo Kawakami | |
| Phosphorescent Hysteria (燐光演舞, Phosphorescent Dance) |
VS Nova 1 | Ryo Kawakami | |
| The Rise to Power (満ちる神気, The Waxing Spirit) |
Nova transforms | Ippo Yamada | |
| Final Damnation (最終審判, Final Judgment) |
VS Nova 2. | Mina Hatazoe | |
| Orbital Fortress (天に浮かぶ橋, Bridge Hovering in the Heavens) |
8-bit remix included as a bonus track in the Mighty Gunvolt Original Soundtrack. | Katsunori Yoshino |
Track notes by sound designer Ryo Kawakami:[14]
- Orbital Fortress
The track of the orbital station Firmament. It imagines the anxiety and fear of GV at being at a place far away from the surface as well as the awaiting Nova. The melody line with a high dignity, made by Yoshino, could be said to be Nova’s theme. Instead of a single human, the objective reverence that the populace feels towards the charismatic (man) leading the nation is what’s expressed here.
- The Grand Overseer
The theme of “Babel Master” Nova. The intimidation that the charismatic man with the highest Septima creates is that of a mysterious atmosphere which can’t be expressed by pieces; expressed through the combination of an effective synth sound and orchestra instruments. Mixing two pieces of a different nature was hard but the Japanese instrumental sounds that suddenly joined the piece helped to make the connection smoother.
- Phosphorescent Hysteria
The track of the first battle with Nova. A complicated sequence phrase that feels like it’s clinging, the hectic changing happenings and a rhythm change that adds surprise. I imagined how he felt totally in control as he flew across the air, controlling Lumen and dragging her around as he toyed with GV, and that’s how it ended up like this. This “technical” feeling out of bounds does give you the impression of “genius” and “charismatic”! Also, this track incorporates part of Track 26 (The Grand Oversee), slightly spread over the place. Try comparing both melodies if you feel interested!
- The Rise to Power
The track of the scene when Nova transforms as he’s freed from the control of the 3 Swords and the aura flowing out of them. The solemn rhythm of the Japanese music, reminiscent of a ritual, as well as a sharp melody with a Shinto flute reminiscent of the 7th Wave sharpened to the limit that overlaps with the other one. The story is heading into the climax.
- Final Damnation
Nova has freed all of his power and turned into a bizarre form. We’re finally at the last battle. I was asked to bring out a feeling of intimidation way beyond that of other foes, so I tried light-heartedly asking Hatazoe-san, she made up an overwhelming track past what I was expecting. Most of the Gunvolt tracks ended up as memorable tracks by coming up with the “mood” of rhythmic tracks but I think this track has a tint unlike the others. So this is the 7th Wave of music composition, huh…?
Trivia
- Nova's design motif is the 1970s manga and anime Babel II, which influenced his school uniform-like outfit and transformed state[15], and presumably also his Japanese title "Babel Master". The eponymous protagonist of Babel II is the reincarnation of an alien entity named Babel and has three protectors: a giant humanoid robot named Poseidon, a shapeshifter who prefers the form of a black panther named Lodem, and a pterodactyl-like robot named Lopross. GV1 director Yoshihisa Tsuda considered Babel II to be the ultimate psychic.[15]
- The names of most GV1 characters are based on luxury cars. Nova's name is presumably taken from the Chevrolet Nova, or the Mooncraft Shiden in Japanese.
- Nova's Japanese name "Shiden" means "purple lightning", referencing both his primary color and his history with the Azure Striker Septima. It can also mean "swordflash", possibly referencing the Glaives used by Sumeragi. In Gunvolt 3, his "Third Revenger" self mainly uses purple lightning attacks.
- His last name, Tsukuyomi, is derived from Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto, a lunar deity in Shinto and Japanese mythology. His Japanese first name coming from the Mooncraft Shiden plays into this.
- Nova's Japanese voice actor, Ayumu Murase, is also the Japanese voice of Beck, the protagonist of Mighty No.9, who also has the title "Mighty." However, Nova's English title "The Mighty" was revealed in August 2014 or earlier, nearly a year before May 2015 when the Japanese voice casting of MN9 was announced. At Inti Creates Fan Festa 2015 in February that year, MN9 co-director Kinshi Ikegami commented that he thought Murase might be a good choice for Beck when asked.[16]
- During development, Nova was originally planned to be the CEO of Sumeragi. He was "demoted" to Project Muse leader when scenario writer Toshiaki Tai joined the team and said "He can't be the CEO, he's only 14."[15]
- When Final Form Nova uses his special "Clamator Aethereus" skill of summoning a meteor from the skies, he yells "Amatsuhoshi yo!" (天津星よ！), meaning "Celestial Ford Star!" In real life, there is a class A supergiant located at an approximate distance of 1,550 light years from Earth known as the Deneb, and the Chinese know Deneb as the Fourth Star of the Celestial Ford (天津四), referring to the Chinese asterism Celestial Ford (天津), formed by Deneb with Sadr (Gamma Cygni), Fawaris (Delta Cygni), 30 Cygni, Nu Cygni, Tau Cygni, Upsilon Cygni, Zeta Cygni and Aljanah (Epsilon Cygni).
- In the Japanese version, Nova is the only character to have an authentically Japanese name: Shiden Tsukuyomi, written in kanji. Other characters only have the surname written in kanji.
- "The Third Revenger" Nova is the fourth boss to have more than one special skill in the same fight, the previous three being Tenjian, Grazie, and Possessed GV.
- Additionally, he is the first boss to have three special skills in the same fight, with "The New World Order" Asimov being the second.
- His final skill's Japanese name, X Voltecker, is most likely based on the Voltekka attack used by the Tekkaman characters in the 1992 sci-fi anime Space Knight Tekkaman Blade, the Japanese spelling being exactly the same.
- Unlike his Swordsmen, who are each based off one of the Seven Deadly Sins and animals relating to those sins, traits of Nova's personality seem inspired by the sins as a whole, with pride, wrath, envy and greed being the most obvious.
- Additionally, concept art reveals that Nova once had a much more satanic Armed form, being more humanoid and sprouting goat horns. This, coupled with the Seven Deadly Sins motif of the Swordsmen and his particularly strong sense of pride, could suggest that Nova is based off Lucifer, which would make his corresponding animal the goat. This would overlap with Jota, who already represents the sin pride and has a number of other Lucifer traits (light and sun motifs), however.
- Despite Lumen supposedly being controlled by Nova during his boss fight, her Anthem can still activate.
- Nova shares several similarities with Copy X, the main antagonist of the first Mega Man Zero game, another series developed by Inti Creates. Both serve as an effective ruler for the masses, with them being a member of the race that they persecute albeit well-intentioned, and they both suffer from an inferiority complex. Their boss battles both take place atop an orbital elevator, both possess a divine-looking second form, in both second battles the floor becomes smaller and flanked by bottomless pits, and both are refought in the third game of their respective series.
- Nova's final form also bears a resemblance to Omega from Mega Man Zero 3.
- Additionally, one of the attacks Nova uses in the first part of the fight, sending out rings of energy for Gunvolt to dodge bears a striking resemblance to one of Omega's two attacks used in the initial encounter.
- There is a slightly modified and unused version of Nova's second battle theme in the game's files.
- Aside from members of the Kamizono and Sakurazaki families, Nova is the only character in the series with a known surname.
- On the GV3 English website's Update Campaign page, screenshots of the fight with Nova (added before the update with it was released) show that the fight's dialogue is translated differently than in the released version.[17]
| Released Version | Website Version |
|---|---|
| Nova: A nice cup of tea would make our reunion all the sweeter, but it seems like you're in too much of a hurry for that.
GV: ...If you're going to stand in our way, I'll take you out myself! |
Nova: We should enjoy our reunion with a nice cup of tea... but it seems like you're in too much of a hurry for that.
GV: If you're going to stand in our way, I'll take you out myself! |
| Nova: It was built on the wisdom and efforts of countless people. We piled up failure after failure, all for the sake of a single ray of hope. And you made it all for naught! | Nova: The talents of people working together, gathering their efforts, successes and failures, taking it all to create a single ray of hope... That was the way...! |
| GV: I won't deny the pile of mistakes I made back then... There's no end to my regrets of those days. Yet still...! | GV: I won't deny I made mistake after mistake... There's no end to my regrets of those days. Yet still...! |
| Nova: Amends? Don't make me laugh. You honestly think that playing the tortured hero role will make up for anything? If atonement is your goal, then just turn yourself in. | Nova: That's your repentance? Don't make me laugh... Go ahead, bear your cross and act the hero. What good does that do? If you want to pay for your crimes, go to jail like a normal person. |
- Originally in the Switch version, Nova said "Using the Azure Striker to defeat you", and GV said "Is that Septima!". This was later updated to match the Steam version.
- "The Third Revenger" Nova is the only boss that GV and Kirin fight in GV3 where neither of them say their catchphrases ("Oversurge! Azure Striker!" or "Your fate is sealed!", respectively) in the dialogue. Instead, Nova is the one to say "Oversurge! Azure Striker!"
- Oddly, despite being from an alternate world, "The Third Revenger" Nova seems to know about the events in the main world, as he talked like he was beaten by GV and knew about the new Sumeragi.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 3DS Striker Pack limited edition height chart
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Dengeki Nintendo and Official Complete Works profiles, Nova's Glaives
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Justice Rage
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Gunvolt 2 Soundtrack booklet timeline
- ↑ Azure Striker Gunvolt English (Japanese Voice Mode) script
- ↑ Azure Striker Gunvolt 3 English script
- ↑ Azure Striker Gunvolt 2 English script
- ↑ English website profile
- ↑ Japanese website profile
- ↑ Justice Rage booklet, Character Reference section
- ↑ Dengeki Nintendo magazine and Official Complete Works, Merak's profile
- ↑ Dengeki Nintendo magazine and Official Complete Works, Jota's profile
- ↑ Idolatry (Firmament)/Scripts, Japanese
- ↑ Armed Blue Official Soundtrack
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 Armed Blue Gunvolt Official Complete Works staff interview
- ↑ Dengeki Online report on Inti Creates Fan Festa 2015
- ↑ GV3 English website: Update Campaign