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After spending the last few days diving deep into everything Shinsu (Watching youtube videos,reading what I can about shinsu on ToG Wiki...), I tried to compile text from different sources as well as write a lot of things in my own words... Shinsu is far more complex than it seems. I’ll write here how it works, particularly its reinforcement mechanics, quality differences, and adaptability challenges. So get ready for a VERY VERY long post (I made post in Word over several days and copied it here, in case of any formatting mistakes, please keep that in mind).
This excerpt offers an insightful look into the mechanics of shinsu and highlights its integral relationship to life within the Tower.
Shinsu's Dual Nature:
Shinsu's properties vary by concentration, acting like a gas at low levels and a liquid at higher levels. This duality allows for its versatile use in combat, reinforcement, and utility.
Circulation of Shinsu:
Shinsu as a Self-Sustaining System:
Irregulars’ Perspective:
Shinsu Reinforcement
Sadly there is not a lot of information on ToG Wiki about this topic. The only thing said about body reinforcement is this:
"Body reinforcement is an ability to strengthen your body with Shinsu. Every living organism within the Tower has an individual flow of Shinsu. By using this flow, one can heal themselves or others, enhance their physical capabilities or grant numerous other abilities"
But let's explore it ourselves.
Shinsu reinforcement refers to using shinsu to enhance a user's physical body, improving their speed, strength, durability.
Key Pieces of Evidence Supporting How Reinforcement Works
Example: Urek Mazino using "10% reinforcement" likely means he’s allocating 10% of the shinsu he controls for body reinforcement, not limiting himself to 10% of his total power. This is consistent with the need for precise control over shinsu rather than brute force.
Supporting idea: A low percentage of shinsu reinforcement might focus on fine-tuned speed or reflex boosts, while a high percentage might prioritize raw strength or durability.
For instance, a spear doesn’t stop being a spear when shinsu is added—it just becomes far deadlier. Similarly, shinsu reinforcement works alongside a user’s physical body, amplifying their natural strength or speed without making it the sole source of power.
For example, Urek might use 10% reinforcement in a weaker environment (where shinsu is thin,lower floors) to conserve his reserves, while 100% could be used in a high-stakes battle to push his body to its limits.
Implication: A percentage like "10%" suggests a focus on efficient, controlled use of shinsu rather than dumping everything into reinforcement. Urek Mazino, known for his unmatched strength and control, likely optimizes reinforcement rather than overloading it.
Why Doesn’t Reinforcement Directly Reflect Strength Output?
The misconception arises because people assume percentages directly relate to total power output (e.g., “10% reinforcement = 10% strength”). Instead:
Shinsu reinforcement percentages seem to describe how much shinsu allocation is used for physical augmentation.
A user with a higher baseline (like Urek) would see much greater effects from even a small percentage compared to an average Ranker because of their natural power.
Examples to Illustrate This
Shinsu Density and Floors
39th Floor (Name Hunt Station):
This floor appears relatively "calm," with floating structures and stable environments, which suggests a moderate level of shinsu density. Shinsu seems usable, but likely not as oppressive as on higher floors.
40th Floor (Mushroom Farm):
The floating platforms and vibrant atmosphere here could indicate either controlled or fluctuating shinsu levels, depending on the nature of the terrain. Shinsu might behave more fluidly here due to the unique "floating island" structures.
41st Floor:
This floor has a barren, desert-like appearance. The flat, quiet landscape might signify low shinsu density, which could make combat or movement reliant on raw physical strength rather than shinsu-based abilities.
42nd Floor:
This mountainous terrain seems harsh, with shinsu levels likely being dense or turbulent. In environments like this, shinsu manipulation might become harder or require significant control.
High shinsu density on floors like the 42nd might make it easier to draw on large reserves for reinforcement but harder for precise control.
Conversely, low-density areas like the 41st floor could limit how much shinsu one can utilize for reinforcement or attacks.
Floors with structured, stable environments, like the 39th and 40th floors, allow shinsu to behave in more "normal" or predictable ways.
Shinsu Quality
Shinsu Quality represents an phenomenon where Shinsu embodies unique attributes or behaves as elemental forces like heat, light, or electricity.
Every individual capable of manipulating Shinsu possesses a unique Shinsu Quality. These qualities reflect the user's affinity for specific phenomena or attributes—such as fire, electricity, ice, or light—based on the unique way Shinsu flows through them.
A Shinsu Quality often aligns closely with the user's personality, natural talents, or combat style, making each wielder distinct. This uniqueness not only enhances their control but also allows Shinsu to behave in ways tailored to their abilities, whether manifesting externally as elemental attacks or internally to augment strength and resilience.
For example, Khun Eduan wields multiple Shinsu Qualities, such as electricity and ice, showcasing his versatility. However, most individuals discover and master only one or two qualities, requiring immense dedication to harness their potential.
Tension
There is not much to talk about tension...
Tension is the ability to pack a lot of power into a single Baang. If you concentrate a lot of power into a Baang, you get a ton of power when it explodes. V had the greatest Shinsu tension among the 12 warriors who came with Zahard.
Types of Shinsu Manipulation
Flow Control
(This part is directly copied from ToG Wiki):
" Although there is no exact predictable pattern to the flow of Shinsu, Shinsu does momentarily flow in certain directions, so one can efficiently manipulate Shinsu by reading and encouraging the flow in desired directions. Once a person begins to control Shinsu in one direction, it is difficult to change direction. The greatest advantage to flow control is that it allows the manipulator to control a large amount of Shinsu without much effort. Compared to the reverse-flow control, this normal flow control is much faster and the user can control larger amounts of Shinsu. Sometimes, one can take advantage of the flow of the enemy's Baang to make it their own. Of course, the most important part is reading the current flow of Shinsu and finding the optimum point, is the best way to use it.
Let's take a look at the case of Eurasia Blossom, who was the most talented and destructive in the Tower's history. She once proved that just by "accelerating" the Shinsu in one area, she could instantly kill 99% of the population living there. "(This is likely the accident where she killed an entire civilization).
Reverse Flow Control
Reverse Flow Control is an advanced Shinsu manipulation technique that enables the user to disrupt or counteract the natural flow of Shinsu in another being or object. By reversing the flow of Shinsu, the practitioner can immobilize their opponent, nullify their abilities, or weaken their resistance to attacks. This technique requires a profound understanding of Shinsu flow and exceptional precision, making it accessible only to highly skilled individuals.
Reverse-Flow Control is slower than flow control and thus generally means the user can only control a smaller amount of Shinsu in comparison to flow control, but allows the user to completely dictate the flow of Shinsu, allowing them efficiency for the amount of Shinsu used. Reverse-flow control is mostly used to "destroy" or to "stop" the enemy.
Very contradicting statement (in my personal opinion) from ToG Wiki ,however it might not be as contradicting once we take away talent of our MC which allows Baam to always successfully pull RFC :
" Is wiser to not make situations where you need to use reverse-flow control, but if you ever fall into a situation in which you must use reverse-flow control, listen to the wise words of Lightpen the current vice-president of the Research Association - "There is only one thing needed to defeat an enemy using reverse-flow control; which you just have to be overwhelmingly more powerful than your opponent."" (This is good for our favorite topic in ToG - Power Scaling , showing that if you can't get out of reverse flow control it means you aren't that much stronger than your opponent, most noticeable in Jinsung vs Kallavan and Maschenny).
Why Avoid Situations Requiring Reverse Flow Control?
The advice to avoid situations where you need to use RFC stems from the high-risk nature of the technique. RFC involves disrupting an opponent's Shinsu flow, which is inherently challenging because it requires precise control, timing, and the ability to overpower your opponent's Shinsu manipulation. This is particularly dangerous if:
Dual Use of Flow Control and Reverse-Flow Control
The ability to simultaneously use Flow Control and Reverse Flow Control is described as an extraordinary feat, reserved for only the most skilled Wave Controllers. Comparing it to playing table tennis against two opponents with a paddle in each hand emphasizes the level of coordination, precision, and mental focus required. It’s not just about creating multiple Baangs (Shinsu spheres); it’s about controlling opposing forces within the same Baang.
Key Differences:
Mastering this dual-control technique significantly boosts efficiency and power. It allows a Wave Controller to:
Floral Butterfly Piercing Technique
The Floral Butterfly Piercing Technique is a prime example of the synergy between Flow and Reverse Flow Control. It’s a destructive FUG-exclusive technique that perfectly demonstrates the potential of mastering these skills. How it works:
I guess that would be whole of my Word file copied. I don't expect much discussion here, but would be nice if people could at least learn something from this post.
“Dear readers,
A long time ago, King Zahard came into the uncivilised Tower and taught the inhabitants civilisation and ruled over them. He had said, "This place is too boggy".
For us, who were born and raised inside the Tower, it is a statement that makes no sense. But for the people outside the Tower, the "Irregulars", it is something they know very well. Surprisingly, there's no shinsu in their world and something called "air" fills their world instead. They said that the Tower filled with shinsu is too boggy and uncomfortable for them.
I have never seen air, but I have found out some commonalities and differences between air and shinsu by interviewing the Irregulars.
First, the common point is that they both let beings breathe. And they both flow constantly. It is also identical that they are powerful enough to threaten others when they flow harshly.
Then the difference? The biggest difference is indeed the characteristics by the concentration. In shinsu's case, it's more like a gas when it's in low concentration and more like liquid when it's in high concentration. But it seems air is not liquefied even in high concentrations.
The second difference is the circulation. The circulation of shinsu is very fluent but there is no common law. (And the movements are all different by the Floors of the Tower.) But it is said that there are set laws in the circulation of air. (I want to study some more about the laws, but the research is slow because none of the Irregulars that I have met is knowledgeable enough about the laws of air.)
The third difference is consumption. Shinsu exists everywhere inside the Tower. So shinsu exists even in a room that is completely sealed. Shinsu does not flow in from somewhere else, but is rather created from the Tower. So, we can live in the sealed places. Air is not created from sealed places and if a being is locked inside a sealed room, the being will consume all of the air and die. (It seems very uncomfortable.)
You readers may not understand why I, who is not even a Wave Controller, am writing about shinsu on the front pages of a book about weapons. But it is because you are ignorant of the weapons of the Tower. Shinsu and the weapons of the Towers are interrelated. You cannot fully understand the weapons unless you understand shinsu.
All of the weapons we use are modelled after the weapons from the outside of the Tower, which Zahard and the 10 Family Heads brought in with them when they came inside the Tower. Their weapons were, of course, all made to suit air, not shinsu. (Even though some were used in a vacuum.) They had to develop and modify their weapons to suit the properties of shinsu. That's how the weapons we use were born. So it's essential to know about shinsu to understand the weapons of the Tower.
For this reason, there're going to be a lot of stories about shinsu in the following chapters and I request that readers place special emphasis on the relationship between the weapons and shinsu while reading.”
A long time ago, King Zahard came into the uncivilised Tower and taught the inhabitants civilisation and ruled over them. He had said, "This place is too boggy".
For us, who were born and raised inside the Tower, it is a statement that makes no sense. But for the people outside the Tower, the "Irregulars", it is something they know very well. Surprisingly, there's no shinsu in their world and something called "air" fills their world instead. They said that the Tower filled with shinsu is too boggy and uncomfortable for them.
I have never seen air, but I have found out some commonalities and differences between air and shinsu by interviewing the Irregulars.
First, the common point is that they both let beings breathe. And they both flow constantly. It is also identical that they are powerful enough to threaten others when they flow harshly.
Then the difference? The biggest difference is indeed the characteristics by the concentration. In shinsu's case, it's more like a gas when it's in low concentration and more like liquid when it's in high concentration. But it seems air is not liquefied even in high concentrations.
The second difference is the circulation. The circulation of shinsu is very fluent but there is no common law. (And the movements are all different by the Floors of the Tower.) But it is said that there are set laws in the circulation of air. (I want to study some more about the laws, but the research is slow because none of the Irregulars that I have met is knowledgeable enough about the laws of air.)
The third difference is consumption. Shinsu exists everywhere inside the Tower. So shinsu exists even in a room that is completely sealed. Shinsu does not flow in from somewhere else, but is rather created from the Tower. So, we can live in the sealed places. Air is not created from sealed places and if a being is locked inside a sealed room, the being will consume all of the air and die. (It seems very uncomfortable.)
You readers may not understand why I, who is not even a Wave Controller, am writing about shinsu on the front pages of a book about weapons. But it is because you are ignorant of the weapons of the Tower. Shinsu and the weapons of the Towers are interrelated. You cannot fully understand the weapons unless you understand shinsu.
All of the weapons we use are modelled after the weapons from the outside of the Tower, which Zahard and the 10 Family Heads brought in with them when they came inside the Tower. Their weapons were, of course, all made to suit air, not shinsu. (Even though some were used in a vacuum.) They had to develop and modify their weapons to suit the properties of shinsu. That's how the weapons we use were born. So it's essential to know about shinsu to understand the weapons of the Tower.
For this reason, there're going to be a lot of stories about shinsu in the following chapters and I request that readers place special emphasis on the relationship between the weapons and shinsu while reading.”
This excerpt offers an insightful look into the mechanics of shinsu and highlights its integral relationship to life within the Tower.
Shinsu's Dual Nature:
Shinsu's properties vary by concentration, acting like a gas at low levels and a liquid at higher levels. This duality allows for its versatile use in combat, reinforcement, and utility.
Circulation of Shinsu:
- Unlike air, which follows fixed atmospheric laws, the flow of shinsu differs depending on the Floor. This suggests that the Tower itself actively controls or influences shinsu circulation.
- Is the Tower alive in some way, or are its properties maintained by a central system or deity-like figure (Admins? But then what about floor of death that has no Admin,but still has shinsu)
Shinsu as a Self-Sustaining System:
- The fact that shinsu is created within the Tower and exists in sealed spaces hints at the Tower being an entirely self-contained ecosystem. This might explain why inhabitants can survive in environments that would otherwise be inhospitable.
- Could this self-sustaining system be a clue to the Tower's origins or purpose? Perhaps it was designed as an artificial habitat or testing ground (GoG once said "Beta testers" for Great Warriors) for those seeking to ascend?
- The weapons brought in by Zahard and the 10 Family Heads were originally made for air-based combat. Their modification to suit shinsu illustrates how the Tower's unique environment reshaped even the most fundamental tools of battle.
- Does this adaptation imply that the Irregulars’ knowledge of external physics and weaponry grants them an edge over tower borns in certain scenarios?
Irregulars’ Perspective:
- For Irregulars, the Tower's "boggy" shinsu-filled environment is unnatural and uncomfortable. This stark contrast might contribute to their exceptional abilities, as they adapt to wielding and manipulating shinsu in ways natives cannot easily replicate.
- Could this discomfort also explain why Irregulars demonstrate unique approaches to shinsu, breaking traditional rules?
Shinsu Reinforcement
Sadly there is not a lot of information on ToG Wiki about this topic. The only thing said about body reinforcement is this:
"Body reinforcement is an ability to strengthen your body with Shinsu. Every living organism within the Tower has an individual flow of Shinsu. By using this flow, one can heal themselves or others, enhance their physical capabilities or grant numerous other abilities"
But let's explore it ourselves.
Shinsu reinforcement refers to using shinsu to enhance a user's physical body, improving their speed, strength, durability.
- Percentages Likely Indicate Shinsu Allocation, Not Overall Strength
Example: Urek Mazino using "10% reinforcement" likely means he’s allocating 10% of the shinsu he controls for body reinforcement, not limiting himself to 10% of his total power. This is consistent with the need for precise control over shinsu rather than brute force.
- Shinsu’s Versatility
Supporting idea: A low percentage of shinsu reinforcement might focus on fine-tuned speed or reflex boosts, while a high percentage might prioritize raw strength or durability.
- Shinsu Does Not Directly Replace Physical Power
For instance, a spear doesn’t stop being a spear when shinsu is added—it just becomes far deadlier. Similarly, shinsu reinforcement works alongside a user’s physical body, amplifying their natural strength or speed without making it the sole source of power.
- Combat Implications of Reinforcement
For example, Urek might use 10% reinforcement in a weaker environment (where shinsu is thin,lower floors) to conserve his reserves, while 100% could be used in a high-stakes battle to push his body to its limits.
- Efficiency Is Key
Implication: A percentage like "10%" suggests a focus on efficient, controlled use of shinsu rather than dumping everything into reinforcement. Urek Mazino, known for his unmatched strength and control, likely optimizes reinforcement rather than overloading it.
The misconception arises because people assume percentages directly relate to total power output (e.g., “10% reinforcement = 10% strength”). Instead:
Shinsu reinforcement percentages seem to describe how much shinsu allocation is used for physical augmentation.
A user with a higher baseline (like Urek) would see much greater effects from even a small percentage compared to an average Ranker because of their natural power.
- Urek Mazino at 10% Reinforcement
Urek’s base physical power is immense. Even if he uses 10% of his shinsu for reinforcement, the effect would vastly outclass a weaker user going all-in with 100% reinforcement. This supports the idea that the percentage reflects resource allocation, not total strength. - High-Density Shinsu and Adaptation
Floors with denser shinsu require more effort to manipulate. A weaker combatant might struggle to achieve even 10% reinforcement in such an environment, while someone like Urek could achieve 100% with ease. This shows how control over shinsu plays a bigger role than raw percentages. (This hardly plays any role on high rankers as they should be able to achieve 100% even on highest of floors)
- Density Variations:
The image highlights how shinsu behaves differently as you move up the floors:
39th Floor (Name Hunt Station):
This floor appears relatively "calm," with floating structures and stable environments, which suggests a moderate level of shinsu density. Shinsu seems usable, but likely not as oppressive as on higher floors.
40th Floor (Mushroom Farm):
The floating platforms and vibrant atmosphere here could indicate either controlled or fluctuating shinsu levels, depending on the nature of the terrain. Shinsu might behave more fluidly here due to the unique "floating island" structures.
41st Floor:
This floor has a barren, desert-like appearance. The flat, quiet landscape might signify low shinsu density, which could make combat or movement reliant on raw physical strength rather than shinsu-based abilities.
42nd Floor:
This mountainous terrain seems harsh, with shinsu levels likely being dense or turbulent. In environments like this, shinsu manipulation might become harder or require significant control.
- Implications for Reinforcement and Abilities:
High shinsu density on floors like the 42nd might make it easier to draw on large reserves for reinforcement but harder for precise control.
Conversely, low-density areas like the 41st floor could limit how much shinsu one can utilize for reinforcement or attacks.
- Shinsu and Environment Relationship:
The Tower’s environments seem to be influenced by shinsu, or vice versa:
Floors with structured, stable environments, like the 39th and 40th floors, allow shinsu to behave in more "normal" or predictable ways.
Shinsu Quality
Shinsu Quality represents an phenomenon where Shinsu embodies unique attributes or behaves as elemental forces like heat, light, or electricity.
Every individual capable of manipulating Shinsu possesses a unique Shinsu Quality. These qualities reflect the user's affinity for specific phenomena or attributes—such as fire, electricity, ice, or light—based on the unique way Shinsu flows through them.
A Shinsu Quality often aligns closely with the user's personality, natural talents, or combat style, making each wielder distinct. This uniqueness not only enhances their control but also allows Shinsu to behave in ways tailored to their abilities, whether manifesting externally as elemental attacks or internally to augment strength and resilience.
For example, Khun Eduan wields multiple Shinsu Qualities, such as electricity and ice, showcasing his versatility. However, most individuals discover and master only one or two qualities, requiring immense dedication to harness their potential.
Tension
There is not much to talk about tension...
Tension is the ability to pack a lot of power into a single Baang. If you concentrate a lot of power into a Baang, you get a ton of power when it explodes. V had the greatest Shinsu tension among the 12 warriors who came with Zahard.
Types of Shinsu Manipulation
Flow Control
(This part is directly copied from ToG Wiki):
" Although there is no exact predictable pattern to the flow of Shinsu, Shinsu does momentarily flow in certain directions, so one can efficiently manipulate Shinsu by reading and encouraging the flow in desired directions. Once a person begins to control Shinsu in one direction, it is difficult to change direction. The greatest advantage to flow control is that it allows the manipulator to control a large amount of Shinsu without much effort. Compared to the reverse-flow control, this normal flow control is much faster and the user can control larger amounts of Shinsu. Sometimes, one can take advantage of the flow of the enemy's Baang to make it their own. Of course, the most important part is reading the current flow of Shinsu and finding the optimum point, is the best way to use it.
Let's take a look at the case of Eurasia Blossom, who was the most talented and destructive in the Tower's history. She once proved that just by "accelerating" the Shinsu in one area, she could instantly kill 99% of the population living there. "(This is likely the accident where she killed an entire civilization).
Reverse Flow Control
Reverse Flow Control is an advanced Shinsu manipulation technique that enables the user to disrupt or counteract the natural flow of Shinsu in another being or object. By reversing the flow of Shinsu, the practitioner can immobilize their opponent, nullify their abilities, or weaken their resistance to attacks. This technique requires a profound understanding of Shinsu flow and exceptional precision, making it accessible only to highly skilled individuals.
Reverse-Flow Control is slower than flow control and thus generally means the user can only control a smaller amount of Shinsu in comparison to flow control, but allows the user to completely dictate the flow of Shinsu, allowing them efficiency for the amount of Shinsu used. Reverse-flow control is mostly used to "destroy" or to "stop" the enemy.
Very contradicting statement (in my personal opinion) from ToG Wiki ,however it might not be as contradicting once we take away talent of our MC which allows Baam to always successfully pull RFC :
" Is wiser to not make situations where you need to use reverse-flow control, but if you ever fall into a situation in which you must use reverse-flow control, listen to the wise words of Lightpen the current vice-president of the Research Association - "There is only one thing needed to defeat an enemy using reverse-flow control; which you just have to be overwhelmingly more powerful than your opponent."" (This is good for our favorite topic in ToG - Power Scaling , showing that if you can't get out of reverse flow control it means you aren't that much stronger than your opponent, most noticeable in Jinsung vs Kallavan and Maschenny).
Why Avoid Situations Requiring Reverse Flow Control?
The advice to avoid situations where you need to use RFC stems from the high-risk nature of the technique. RFC involves disrupting an opponent's Shinsu flow, which is inherently challenging because it requires precise control, timing, and the ability to overpower your opponent's Shinsu manipulation. This is particularly dangerous if:
- Your Opponent is Stronger or Skilled: If your opponent's Shinsu control is better than yours or they are physically more powerful, using RFC could backfire. They might counteract your attempts or even reverse the flow back at you.
- It's Not Always Reliable: Reverse Flow Control isn't a guaranteed solution. It requires significant effort and precision, and in the heat of battle, it may not always succeed, especially if the enemy is actively resisting.
- It Exposes Weakness: Attempting RFC often leaves the user vulnerable if it fails. In a critical moment, a failed RFC could result in an immediate counterattack or loss of position.
Dual Use of Flow Control and Reverse-Flow Control
The ability to simultaneously use Flow Control and Reverse Flow Control is described as an extraordinary feat, reserved for only the most skilled Wave Controllers. Comparing it to playing table tennis against two opponents with a paddle in each hand emphasizes the level of coordination, precision, and mental focus required. It’s not just about creating multiple Baangs (Shinsu spheres); it’s about controlling opposing forces within the same Baang.
Key Differences:
- Creating two Baangs with different techniques: While impressive, it’s more about multitasking.
- Using both techniques in the same Baang: This is far more complex and dangerous. It involves managing contradictory flows of Shinsu simultaneously, a task requiring mastery over the very essence of Shinsu manipulation.
Mastering this dual-control technique significantly boosts efficiency and power. It allows a Wave Controller to:
- Counteract the opponent’s Shinsu manipulation with Reverse Flow Control.
- Maintain stability and offensive force with Flow Control.
Floral Butterfly Piercing Technique
The Floral Butterfly Piercing Technique is a prime example of the synergy between Flow and Reverse Flow Control. It’s a destructive FUG-exclusive technique that perfectly demonstrates the potential of mastering these skills. How it works:
- Step 1: Reverse-Flow Control in the Opponent
The user forcefully disrupts the opponent's Shinsu flow by accelerating the flow of Shinsu within their own body. This causes devastating damage to the opponent as their Shinsu flow is violently thrown into disarray. - Step 2: Flow Control in the User’s Body
The returning shockwave caused by the disruption in the opponent’s Shinsu would normally harm the user. However, by employing Flow Control within their own body, the user absorbs and stabilizes the backlash, ensuring they remain unharmed.
I guess that would be whole of my Word file copied. I don't expect much discussion here, but would be nice if people could at least learn something from this post.
