The Force Field

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“	Filling every corner of this pit, it’s the very blood of The Abyss, so to speak.	”
—Nanachi

The Force Field
Japanese	力場
Rōmaji	Rikiba
Information
Type	Force of Nature
Effect(s)	"The very blood of The Abyss"
Source	The Abyss
First Appearance
Manga Debut	Chapter 1
Anime Debut	Episode 1

The Force Field (力場 (りきば) , Rikiba) refers to the principle phenomenon responsible for many of The Abyss’s unique traits. Many of the inhabitants in and around The Abyss live and die by its flow, with it being responsible for blessings and curses, both literal and figurative. The deeper one goes, the stronger and denser the Force Field becomes.

Description

Throughout The Abyss, there exists a central shaft. An unbroken void that spans multiple layers. Throughout this shaft, the Force Field carries light and nutrients. And from these readily available nutrients springs life. While plants, animals, and light are more abundant near the central shaft, the Force Field and The Curse of the Abyss are also more concentrated. In special cases, it is also possible for the Force Field to not be present at all despite being closer to the central shaft, such as The Village of Iruburu.

The Curse results from piercing the Force Field of The Abyss while ascending, although this fact is not generally known among Delvers. With layer piled upon layer, the Force Field blankets living beings similar to cloth warping around them. Its structure is similar to that of inverted thorns, allowing one to easily pass through in descent, but harmful to those trying to ascend. It can be warped by the movement of creatures and is sensitive enough that it can also be altered by consciousness itself. These phenomena, from receiving the Curse to altering its flow with one's consciousness, are said to be one of the roles carried out by Souls.

Areas located further away from the central shaft and, by extension, the Force Field are often colder and darker, but also relatively sheltered from the effects of the Curse and dangerous creatures.

Many plants and animals found within The Abyss are capable of reacting to the Force Field itself, with some animals being capable of observing it. The Orb Piercer, Crimson Splitjaw, and Fuzosheppu are such creatures. The organs used for sensing the Force Field can sometimes be seen on these creatures' exteriors, often appearing as black splotches or holes. Although, some beings, such as Meinastilim and Blessed Narehate, are capable of seeing the Force Field without any such apparent organs.

It is implied that some creatures may use the Force Field itself as a means to float within The Abyss.

The Force Field is also capable of influencing non-living, physical features of The Abyss. Some of the most notable examples are the water supports and water bastions of the 5^th Layer.

Life-Insignia

Another unique attribute of the Force Field is its ability to imprint each living creature with a "Life-Insignia". It is this very insignia which links a White Whistle with their user. Some creatures, such as the Dread-Owle, can interfere with how this insignia is perceived, as a means for hunting.

According to the White Whistle Delver, Srajo, what is commonly referred to as the "soul" does not exist outside of The Abyss. This "soul" permeates into any and all that come into contact with the Force Field. The soul, overlapping with life, is what molds each individual's Life-Insignia.