With the brand new season of Made In Abyss currently being released, fans can eagerly follow Riko, Reg, and Nanachi’s descent into the abyss in search of Riko’s long-lost mother, Lyza. Knowing that the party has just made their ‘last dive’ and can never return to the surface, avid followers of the series can discover an entire layer brimming with mystery, new terrors, and surprises.
Though the series has given some answers in regards to what the curse of the abyss is, the effects and curse itself are still shrouded in mystery. Fans would of course be familiar with the different ‘strains of ascension’ that each layer demonstrates and that the deeper delvers go, the more fatal the effects. However, there are still several details that fans may have missed out on in regards to the curse itself and how it functions.
Warning: Spoilers Ahead
4 The 7th Layer: Final Maelstrom May Be The Final Point Of No Return
Though departing the 5th layer can be considered a delver’s ‘last dive,’ it technically is still possible for one to ascend back to the 5th level under the ‘right’ circumstances. Bondrewd’s experiments have demonstrated the ‘blessings’ of the abyss, shown when two people who love one another very much will trigger such the phenomenon, causing one of them to receive the blessing whilst the other loses their humanity and ability to reason and think. The refinement of Bondrewd’s cartridge system (though brutal) also demonstrates the possibility of returning.
Where it may be impossible to return may be departing the 6th layer itself to reach the 7th layer: Final Maelstrom. As indicated by the writer, the strain of ascension from this level is certain death. Further secrets may reveal that it is still possible to return to the surface but that remains to be seen.
3 The Curse Acts Like A Forcefield
As described by Nanachi when she interacted with Reg, the curse of the abyss is a forcefield that operates like a blanket - when one ascends, they unknowingly pierce this forcefield which then triggers the negative effects. The flow is akin to describing inverted thorns allowing one to pass through as one descends but piercing and harmful should they try to ascend.
As shown in the series, some areas within the abyss have a weaker force field, resulting in the curse being less severe. Some areas such as Nanachi’s hideout on the 4th level don’t have the forcefield present at all, making it safe to traverse and move at will. This explains why creatures of the abyss are not affected by the curse either due to being immune or can ‘read’ and observe the forcefields.
2 The Birthday Death Disease Might Be Related To The Curse
One unexplainable phenomenon about the abyss is the rumored birthday death disease. This disease occurs on the birthday of Orthians living around the abyss, particularly young children. On the day of their birthday, these young Orthians will fall grievously sick and die on the same day itself, regardless of how much treatment and medication they received.
Though small in scale, the disease has already claimed 5 victims, with Kiyui being the only survivor after he was transported offshore onto the Caravan Fleet. After leaving Orth, Kiyui recovered in a matter of minutes which shocked both Mio and Jiruo. It is speculated that the praying skeletons found on the first layer of the abyss may have died due to this strange phenomenon as all one can do when catching this malady is pray. Due to Kiyui’s recovery, it is highly suspected that the abyss is the cause though more research and study on the phenomenon needs to be conducted.
1 Certain Artifacts Negate the Effects Of The Curse
Though some delvers dive into the abyss for the spirit of adventure, others seek treasures and lost artifacts that demonstrate great power. These artifacts are thought to be leftovers from a previously advanced civilization that cannot be comprehended or replicated. Regardless of rank and type, these artifacts are valuable and can be sold for money. Even artifacts found on the first level by red whistle orphans are enough to maintain the upkeep of the Belchero orphanage.
However, some of the more powerful and rarer artifacts that are found deeper within the abyss are highly sought-after prizes to the point where rival delving groups will kill one another for them. Some of these artifacts could even counter or manipulate the effects of the curse itself, as demonstrated with the Curse-Warding Box that was responsible for reviving Riko who was inside it even though she was born a stillborn. Other artifacts such as Bondrewd’s Zoaholic and the Cradle of Desire can alter and negate the effects of the curse and avert death itself in other ways.