With the end of the Rinascita Arc, we get our first overt look into the deep influences Abby will have in the story.
We’ll begin again with the start of Act 7: Thaw of Eons, Abby mentions another name: Abraxas, under their breath.
I had previously speculated that Abby is the “First Echo” told of in Huanglong mythology — the one that granted untold power to shape the world.
To which I then described the mythological origins of the name as follows:
The name has origins as inscriptions on amulets or talismans where “Abrasax/Abraxas” (Αβρασαξ/ἀβραξάς) was written, and were believed to possess magical qualities. However, “Abraxas” is also recognized as a mystical Gnostic word or a Gnostic deity. The mythological entity is recognized as a sort of “progenitor god” — a supreme deity from which all other sources of “divinity” emanate from. A fitting moniker for the “First Echo” then, wouldn’t you agree?
The most powerful TD — the Prime Threnodian, so to speak — birthed the most powerful Echo. One that, even in its current form, both Threnodians we have met thus far have shown a certain type of response to Abby’s presence. But Leviathan’s reaction to Abby is rather unique — this Threnodian actually has something to say, and it’s rather surprising to hear It cry out in anger and frustration.
But there’s something odd here. Abby has been present since the beginning of Rinascita — Leviathan should have been aware of their presence the second Rover stepped onto Ragunnesi territory. But that’s not the case at all: Leviathan has been seemingly blind to Abby’s presence for most of, if not the entire, time.
“You are connected. While you are two separate individuals, your energies and vitals can affect each other, for better or for worse. You may even feel each other's emotions. The bond between you and this creature is symbiotic. As it strengthens, so do you. However, if one is harmed, the other suffers. Fortunately, since it can't ever leave your side, it's not an easy target for attackers. And if they do strike, it can seek shelter inside your body for safety.” — Yangyang; Chapter 1, Act 7
Before the events of Mt. Firmament, we find out that Abby and Rover are inextricably linked through a phenomenon called “Convergent Codependency” — their frequencies are merged to the point where one’s wellbeing and strength affects the other. So, they share a soul-link, but there’s a few more threads we can pull here.
In physics, there is a concept referred to as “wave interference” which we can simply define as two (or more) coherent wavelengths combining to make a new wave.
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“The interference of two waves. In phase: the two lower waves combine (left panel), resulting in a wave of added amplitude (constructive interference). Out of phase: (here by 180 degrees), the two lower waves combine (right panel), resulting in a wave of zero amplitude (destructive interference).” — Wikipedia (Link)
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In cases where the waves clash and destroy each other, it’s referred to as “Destructive Interference,” shown on the right waveform profile. On the other hand, in cases where the waves actually result in a stronger amplitude are referred to as “Constructive Interference,” shown on the left.
While we do not have a concrete report on Rover’s current status, we have much evidence that Rover’s power has not diminished in any capacity compared to the “First Resonator” documented in Jinzhou, which already outlines Rover’s Forte profile.
So it’s relatively reasonable to perceive Convergent Codependency as a form of “wave interference.” It’s important to note that it doesn’t matter whether or not Rover’s power was stronger or weaker compared to their past. What is though: both Abby’s and Rover’s frequencies are essentially indistinguishable from each other without robust, analytical tools. An example is shown below how this might be possible, using speakers.
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Speakers “In-phase,” or “in-sync” in other words. Two distinct sources, but they play one thing in tandem — with little-to-no conflict in output. Image taken from University of Connecticut.
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Baizhi and Yangyang are prime examples of this lack of noticing, as both have frequency sensitivity and assessment capabilities through their Fortes — it’s only through Baizhi’s physical in a hi-tech laboratory that she is able to glean this information.
Baizhi: “To put it simply, it seems there is another dimension or... a creature, hiding inside your body.”
Rover: "Sounds like I have a little universe within me.”
Baizhi: "A universe. That's a poetic and intriguing comparison.”
— Act 1, Chapter 1
There are, however, two other individuals who were able to detect Abby, off-the-cuff.