Valentine Yu, the Blue Phoenix of Ashbourne Island
Sunset Phoenix was created by NeverDraws, it can be read on Webtoon
Welcome back to the blog! Along with the Coral blog, I had another blog planned that covers a series in its early stages. As Sunset Phoenix is made by the author of another series I really enjoyed called Asterion, I have high hopes for this one. Even though it isn't far in at the moment, I can already tell it's going to surpass my enjoyment of the aforementioned series. I'll be updating this as it goes on, as I do with every other blog. If you'd like to stay updated with the revisions I make, please consider joining the Discord server for my blogs!
Background
"I'm sorry. When I said I'd prevent the Blue Phoenix from coming, I lied. I'm already here."
On the surface, Ashbourne Island seems like the perfect place to travel to for a summer vacation. That's where you're wrong. The island is incredibly dangerous, as it is controlled by five criminal factions that serve their own functions. The Goldenrod Gang is in charge of supplying illegal products, the Sunset Family distributes them locally, and the Midnight Ring smuggles those and other goods off the island. All three pay the cult the Lilac Circle to launder money into legal funds while the Shadow Syndicate uses their blackmail network to keep police off their backs. Although a balanced system and a fair economy, if a Phoenix were to die war would break loose as every group would turn on each other to claim power.
These aren't your typical crime groups, as each one is led by a Phoenix. Phoenixes are immortal people with magic powers and are able to regenerate from all injuries. The only way to truly kill a Phoenix is with a magical weapon called the Phoenix Feather Blade, which all Phoenixes and a select few people in their groups have access to. Each leader is deadly and cunning in their own right, and the newest of them is the Blue Phoenix and leader of the Midnight Ring, Valentine Yu.
Compared to her fellow Phoenixes, Val appears more reckless. She acts casual and informal, she enjoys getting a rise out of people, and she has let herself "die" more times than any Phoenix in the last four years. Don't let your guard down around her, as she's still more than worthy of being called a Phoenix. She's far smarter than she lets on, thinking two steps ahead of those around her. She's an expert smuggler, a thorough and organized leader, and her quick thinking often gets her out of pinches. She's fully aware of the power she wields, and likes teasing others by flaunting it.
Along with her excellent wit she hides a much darker side. She isn't chill and composed because she doesn't take things seriously; it stems from her waiting for the situation to crumble around her. She also deeply values self sacrifice. Going back to when I mentioned she reformed more than the other leaders, it's not just out of carelessness or purposeful tactics, but she's dying so often to prepare for the inevitable time when she has to pass the torch to the next Phoenix… Just like the last one did with her.
Many assume her rise to power was deceitfully carried out, but that's far from the truth. The previous Blue Phoenix Rohan accepted her into the Ring for her spell knowledge, and he treated her like family. When the Midnight Ring celebrated after the end of a war between all factions, the Red Phoenix Sloane attempted to assassinate Rohan. Val whisked him away before she could kill him, but he was critically injured. Val was forced to kill Rohan so the Ring would be kept alive. Otherwise, his immortality would've transferred to someone random. Because Rohan gave up his own life, she believes she has to do the same for hers.
She hasn't gotten over his death, but she's on better terms with Sloane. After all, it's expected for each Phoenix to claw for power at the right moment. The two even had a heart to heart during one of their recent meetings where Sloane gave her the advice that Val won't be the one dealing with consequences after her own death, the Midnight Ring she cherishes will...
And one day after that talk with her, Val discovers her spy Emilia in a boat, bearing a Phoenix Feather Blade, covered in blood as Sloane's beheaded body lays beside her.
All Emilia did was blend into Sloane's ranks prior to this, but she claims she was knocked out and woke up with the corpse in the middle of the ocean. Val actually believes her, thinking that both were set up since the other Phoenixes would likely find out Emilia worked for Valentine. Then the blame for Sloane's death would shift onto her. There's one week left until all Phoenixes meet up, so Val invites Emilia to aid her in searching for the true culprit before time runs out.
Both face many hurdles in their investigation. They have to infiltrate the hideouts of the Yellow and Black Phoenix to fetch clues, defend themselves against Sloane's vengeful second-in-command Catalina, search for the crime scene that was mysteriously stolen, and deal with a mysterious third party doppelgänger of the Yellow Phoenix with their own agenda. Throughout this ordeal, Emilia learns more and more about her mysterious boss. Despite the risky situations Val plunges her into and how reckless she can appear, Emilia really grows to appreciate her and the Midnight Ring. She originally joined the Ring to kill Val, but now they're as thick as thieves.
With only three days left until the meeting, here are the relevant clues the Midnight Ring have uncovered:
- Sloane has a fake Phoenix Feather Blade on her leg. Her real one is on her chest
- After Sloane's death, a mysterious person named Al wanted info from certain files owned by the Shadow Syndicate
- Someone impersonating Sloane texted Catalina that her body would be found at the harbor, which was sent half an hour before the meeting of the Phoenixes
Despite the clues discovered, all possible theories still tie back to Val being the obvious culprit. At least she figured out that the Sloane she spoke with before her body was found was in fact Al, the mysterious shapeshifter and illusive White Phoenix. Their run-ins with Al led to Val getting kidnapped by them, subjecting her to illusions of the night of Rohan's death. Thankfully Emilia came to save her and the two were able to best the shapeshifter. However, Al was not the culprit, only a person close to Sloane. After this revelation, they were slaughtered by the other phoenixes who now know that Sloane is dead.
Despite everything that has transpired, Val can only lie about everything they have tried to clear up to this point. Emilia is now the Sunset Phoenix.
Equipment
Phoenix Feather Blade
The only weapon that can kill a Phoenix. It's a blade entirely made out of magic energy that sticks on her back like a tattoo. It’s compared to a black hole because it absorbs all forms of energy: light, heat, and of course magic. It always returns to the same spot on her body when removed. Phoenixes are able to create blades that can be used by other people, like how Emilia woke up with a Feather Blade on her arm. She prefers range and adaptability when she fights, so she prefers to not use her blade often. However, that's more so a front, as using her blade reminds her of her unspeakable actions.
The only weapon that can kill a Phoenix. It's a blade entirely made out of magic energy that sticks on her back like a tattoo. It’s compared to a black hole because it absorbs all forms of energy: light, heat, and of course magic. It always returns to the same spot on her body when removed. Phoenixes are able to create blades that can be used by other people, like how Emilia woke up with a Feather Blade on her arm. She prefers range and adaptability when she fights, so she prefers to not use her blade often. However, that's more so a front, as using her blade reminds her of her unspeakable actions.
Gloves
Val has many spells within her gloves, making it highly convenient for her to cast them. Without them, she wouldn't be nearly as ready for combat
Val has many spells within her gloves, making it highly convenient for her to cast them. Without them, she wouldn't be nearly as ready for combat
Invisibility Sheets
Large sheets she can make with spells with one side that makes whatever it covers completely invisible to the human eye. It's an excellent form of camouflage that she can mass produce, which is great for hiding her smuggling boats
Large sheets she can make with spells with one side that makes whatever it covers completely invisible to the human eye. It's an excellent form of camouflage that she can mass produce, which is great for hiding her smuggling boats
Melee Spell
Val has a melee spell placed on the back of her neck at all times that lets her sprout magic floating shards. She can summon one at a time or form multiple around her arms like wings to swipe at her opponents.
Val has a melee spell placed on the back of her neck at all times that lets her sprout magic floating shards. She can summon one at a time or form multiple around her arms like wings to swipe at her opponents.
Lighter
Val owns a lighter imbued with an Electricity to Heat spell. As the name implies, it converts electricity into fire
Val owns a lighter imbued with an Electricity to Heat spell. As the name implies, it converts electricity into fire
Abilities
Immortality (Types 1 and 3)
Time to dive into the specifics of Phoenixes. As the name suggests, all Phoenixes are immortal. Once someone becomes a Phoenix, they gain an infinite magic source that's responsible for everlasting life and youth. Not only that, but Phoenixes are able to survive practically any injury. Decapitation, combustion, being reduced to only a pair of legs, Val's body will simply regenerate afterwards. The only thing capable of killing her as stated before is a Phoenix Feather Blade. Bonus fact: Val's bones, blood, and flesh tissue are blue.
Time to dive into the specifics of Phoenixes. As the name suggests, all Phoenixes are immortal. Once someone becomes a Phoenix, they gain an infinite magic source that's responsible for everlasting life and youth. Not only that, but Phoenixes are able to survive practically any injury. Decapitation, combustion, being reduced to only a pair of legs, Val's body will simply regenerate afterwards. The only thing capable of killing her as stated before is a Phoenix Feather Blade. Bonus fact: Val's bones, blood, and flesh tissue are blue.
Magic Spells
Magic is only contained in living things, like how electricity is stored in a battery. Magic is useless on its own unless you know how to perform spells. With the right symbols engraved into something, any form of energy can be converted into another easily. Since humans can control the magic output in their bodies, the output of a magic spell can be altered as well. Thanks to her infinite magic source, Val is loaded with spells. Some can be conjured from her fingertips while others need to be engraved on external objects to work. The technique section's gonna be highly populated by the many spells she knows. It should be mentioned that the chief principle behind spellcraft is the conservation of energy. Since energy cannot be created or destroyed, energy entering a spell is always equal to the output.
Magic is only contained in living things, like how electricity is stored in a battery. Magic is useless on its own unless you know how to perform spells. With the right symbols engraved into something, any form of energy can be converted into another easily. Since humans can control the magic output in their bodies, the output of a magic spell can be altered as well. Thanks to her infinite magic source, Val is loaded with spells. Some can be conjured from her fingertips while others need to be engraved on external objects to work. The technique section's gonna be highly populated by the many spells she knows. It should be mentioned that the chief principle behind spellcraft is the conservation of energy. Since energy cannot be created or destroyed, energy entering a spell is always equal to the output.
Regeneration (Mid)
Valentine regenerates skeleton first, her flesh follows suit. It takes at most a minute regardless of what types of injuries she sustains. No Phoenix has “died” as much as Val, which can be seen as unprofessional. However, that actually gives her an edge compared to her fellow Phoenixes. The more damage she takes in a lifetime, the faster she heals. The extent to how much her body can regenerate from non-feather blade injuries is unknown, but her best regeneration feat so far comes from after she exploded. All that was left of her was her legs, and she fully reformed after that.
Valentine regenerates skeleton first, her flesh follows suit. It takes at most a minute regardless of what types of injuries she sustains. No Phoenix has “died” as much as Val, which can be seen as unprofessional. However, that actually gives her an edge compared to her fellow Phoenixes. The more damage she takes in a lifetime, the faster she heals. The extent to how much her body can regenerate from non-feather blade injuries is unknown, but her best regeneration feat so far comes from after she exploded. All that was left of her was her legs, and she fully reformed after that.
Immortality and Regeneration Negation
The reason why Phoenix Feather Blades are able to bypass a Phoenix's immortality and regeneration is that it interrupts the flow of their infinite magic. If cut by it, the Phoenix would have to heal from the wound like any normal person.
The reason why Phoenix Feather Blades are able to bypass a Phoenix's immortality and regeneration is that it interrupts the flow of their infinite magic. If cut by it, the Phoenix would have to heal from the wound like any normal person.
Strategic Mind and Manipulation
The Blue Phoenix isn't just a title. As the head of a smuggling group and someone who has to watch her back at all times, Val is a strategic mastermind who hides her brilliant mind behind her coy attitude. She thinks two steps ahead of others and evaluates every option in front of her, and when things don't go as planned she adapts to the changes quickly. Sometimes she doesn't even need a plan, she can improvise great ploys on the fly to manipulate peers and foes alike. She can reeeeally get into peoples' heads. She's also very intelligent in general, as some of her spells require her to be exceptional in math in order to get her best use out of them.
The Blue Phoenix isn't just a title. As the head of a smuggling group and someone who has to watch her back at all times, Val is a strategic mastermind who hides her brilliant mind behind her coy attitude. She thinks two steps ahead of others and evaluates every option in front of her, and when things don't go as planned she adapts to the changes quickly. Sometimes she doesn't even need a plan, she can improvise great ploys on the fly to manipulate peers and foes alike. She can reeeeally get into peoples' heads. She's also very intelligent in general, as some of her spells require her to be exceptional in math in order to get her best use out of them.
Limited Body Manipulation
One time, an enemy of hers tried to kill her quickly by cutting off her arms so she can't perform spells. That's actually not the case. Even if her arms are hacked off, they're still capable of performing spells.
One time, an enemy of hers tried to kill her quickly by cutting off her arms so she can't perform spells. That's actually not the case. Even if her arms are hacked off, they're still capable of performing spells.
Limited Shapeshifting
In order to prove a theory regarding how the shapeshifter Al can effortlessly turn into anyone they want, Emilia dares Val to try it herself. Given how every light ray bouncing off of someone would have to be accounted for to make a perfect visage, it's very difficult for Val to accurately shapeshift. The least she can do is turn into this cursed monstrosity.
In order to prove a theory regarding how the shapeshifter Al can effortlessly turn into anyone they want, Emilia dares Val to try it herself. Given how every light ray bouncing off of someone would have to be accounted for to make a perfect visage, it's very difficult for Val to accurately shapeshift. The least she can do is turn into this cursed monstrosity.
Techniques
Explosion Spell
A trademark spell of hers. If she wants to take out a whole legion of foes with the flick of her wrist, she can simply conjure a massive explosion. Sure, it'll take time for her to regenerate after the damage is done, but her opponents won't.
A trademark spell of hers. If she wants to take out a whole legion of foes with the flick of her wrist, she can simply conjure a massive explosion. Sure, it'll take time for her to regenerate after the damage is done, but her opponents won't.
Beam Spell
Val fires a concentrated and large beam of magical energy with both hands, disintegrating anything in its path
Val fires a concentrated and large beam of magical energy with both hands, disintegrating anything in its path
Kinetic to Heat Spell
A spell that takes time for her to prepare, as she has to trace her finger across all four walls of an enclosed room. When the spell activates, it creates a barrier between her and whatever is on the other side. If someone attempts to pass through, all the energy propelling them forward or pulling them down is converted into heat. Effectively, it slows their velocity to a complete halt until someone else can scratch out the spell
A spell that takes time for her to prepare, as she has to trace her finger across all four walls of an enclosed room. When the spell activates, it creates a barrier between her and whatever is on the other side. If someone attempts to pass through, all the energy propelling them forward or pulling them down is converted into heat. Effectively, it slows their velocity to a complete halt until someone else can scratch out the spell
Magic to Kinetic Spell
A spell that slows her fall, letting her land safely
A spell that slows her fall, letting her land safely
Laser Finger Spell
Val shoots a thin magic laser out of her fingertip, which results in a small explosion. She can also use this spell to burn magic symbols into surfaces in order to perform certain spells. Kinda like a laser printer!
Val shoots a thin magic laser out of her fingertip, which results in a small explosion. She can also use this spell to burn magic symbols into surfaces in order to perform certain spells. Kinda like a laser printer!
Combustion Spell
These spells are like mine bombs. Step on the symbol and it'll totally dismantle you.
These spells are like mine bombs. Step on the symbol and it'll totally dismantle you.
Wall-Ride Spell
She can engrave a symbol into a vehicle—or anything, honestly—allowing it to move more surfaces than just the ground below.
She can engrave a symbol into a vehicle—or anything, honestly—allowing it to move more surfaces than just the ground below.
Magic to Heat Spell
Val can send Magic to Heat spells through her gloves. She can channel puffs of fire or heats up the palms of her hands to the point where she can melt things. As seen here, she is melting the glass of a car window
Val can send Magic to Heat spells through her gloves. She can channel puffs of fire or heats up the palms of her hands to the point where she can melt things. As seen here, she is melting the glass of a car window
Light Spell
Val can create a light spell that can encompass an entire room by making markings on the walls. Not only is it blinding, but it proved crucial during her run-in with Al, making it easy for Emilia to look past their illusion arms and spot their real limb that wields a light-absorbing blade.
Val can create a light spell that can encompass an entire room by making markings on the walls. Not only is it blinding, but it proved crucial during her run-in with Al, making it easy for Emilia to look past their illusion arms and spot their real limb that wields a light-absorbing blade.
Feats
Overall
- For several years, she has been the leader of the most established smuggling faction, the Midnight Ring
- Inherited the power from the previous Blue Phoenix, after he urged her to kill him
- Killed several members of the Sunset Family after regenerating her arms
- Successfully snatched secret intel from the Goldenrod Gang's hideout
- Can power a car with her magic
- Caused a scene at the Shadow Syndicate so Emilia could pass security undetected
- While Catalina and her gang chased Val and Emilia on a motorcycle, Val burned combustion spells on napkins against her driving spy's rear before tossing them behind her and wrecking one of the cars
- In the same chase, when their exit was blocked by a truck, Val did spell math in her head to perfectly use her wall-ride spell, allowing Emilia to avoid the truck and escape
- Toughed it out when Al forced her to relive her memories of Rohan's death in an illusion
Strength
- Caused a huge explosion that blew up the building she's in
- Her magic beam blew a perfectly round hole through a wall
- Ripped off someone's leg
- Sliced an electrified taser with her "wing"
- Her combustion spell threw a car into the air
- Launched herself forward with an explosion spell
Speed
Durability
- Survived decapitation by knives circling all sides of her neck
- Regenerated from her own building-sized explosion
- Regenerated her arms getting blown off
- Regenerated the side of her face and her ribs
- Survived a building-level explosion
Weaknesses
- If parts of her are completely blown apart, she can’t use them until they’re fully regenerated. Take her head for instance, she can’t see or hear if her head exploded. She can still perform spells with hacked off limbs, but not if they're completely disintegrated.
- Worst case scenario is if she’s blinded and deaf
- Reckless compared to her fellow phoenixes, has died more often than them in the last four years
- Without her gloves or the melee spell on her neck, her destructive output would be a lot more situational
Matchup Potential
There aren't many mystery series out there with characters with such dynamic powersets, so Val really sticks out to me for that reason. Not only that, but Val is such a fun and intriguing character that would make for a great analysis. Sunset Phoenix is flashy and stylish and I'd love to see the overall style of her series represented in a fight. I'm curious if there's an opponent out there that's able to match both
NEXT TIME ON WCAB… whenever I feel like it
