The Overdrive form of Ether Gear takes the user's power to the next level, allowing them to harness Ether with incredible intensity. This power surge transforms the user's physical appearance and surrounds them with a powerful Ether aura. While some have attempted a pseudo-overdrive, such as Jinn and Shiki in World 29, only Drakken Joe has achieved the true form of Overdrive. However, Shiki manages to unlock his latent Overdrive power during his battle with Drakken Joe, pushing him to his limits and unleashing his unique Gravity Ether Gear abilities. With these newfound powers, Shiki earns the title of Demon King.
How Did Shiki Gain Access to the Overdrive State?
According to Drakken Joe in World. 29, the prerequisites for achieving the Overdrive state are not fully understood. However, it is believed that pushing one's body to its limits is a crucial factor, although even this may not be enough as Overdrive strength is largely dependent on one's inherent abilities. Shiki was able to unlock a pseudo-overdrive state during his battle with Jinn in World. 29. Although it granted him a significant boost in power, it was nowhere near as impressive as Drakken Joe's genuine Overdrive state. Visually, the only discernible differences were the ethereal horns protruding from Shiki's head and the transformation of his one-dimensional Ether lines into three-dimensional ones.
Gravity Ether Gear Overdrive
Shiki was able to tap into his latent power of Overdrive just moments before being shot in the head by Drakken Joe, despite not knowing the prerequisites for awakening this state. This sudden surge of power may have been triggered by memories from World 29 resurfacing in his mind, specifically the memory of seeing Weisz lose his arm and being shot at by Drakken. These memories could have potentially stirred up intense emotions within Shiki, pushing his body beyond its limits and unleashing the true potential of Overdrive.
Shiki's Satan Gravity Ether Gear is already a force to be reckoned with in battles, granting him unparalleled strength against most foes. However, with the activation of his Overdrive form, his power reaches new heights. The most noticeable change is in his appearance; his hair turns completely white, horns sprout from his head, and his arms are etched with a purple hue due to the surcharge of Ether coursing through him. It's clear that Shiki's Overdrive form is a sight to be feared.
Shiki's physical transformation isn't the only thing that receives a significant boost - his strength is also amplified to a colossal extent, surpassing even Drakken Joe's Ether-fueled form. His gravitational pull becomes so intense that it transforms into a black hole, drawing in everything within its reach, including memories. Just moments before obliterating Drakken with his black hole, Shiki witnesses his childhood memories, revealing a past filled with ridicule and an obsession for immortality. This showcases the extent of Shiki's newfound powers, which are capable of extracting the memories of others.
Additionally, Shiki's other abilities receive a significant upgrade, with each gravity-infused punch packing an absurd amount of power. His signature Magimech Attack is now an Ether powerhouse, easily defeating Drakken Joe with a single Gravity Punch, thanks to the immense gravitational force of his black hole. In his current Overdrive state, Shiki is on par with elite members of the Oracion Seis Galactica, such as Drakken Joe and Elsie Crimson.
The Final Form of Overdrive
With Shiki now possessing newfound power, he has cemented his status as a formidable player in the Sakura Cosmos. However, the emergence of his true Overdrive form raises the question of whether this is the ultimate manifestation of Ether Gear or if there are more powerful forms to be unlocked. As Overdrive initially presents itself in a pseudo-overdrive state, it is reasonable to assume that with further training and exploration, Shiki may attain an even stronger form.
Considering that the series has yet to catch up to the manga and is only in its second season, it is highly likely that Overdrive will evolve into a more potent form as the story progresses. Reaching a power ceiling too early could potentially harm the narrative, so it would make sense for the ability to undergo further enhancements. Regardless, Shiki's true Overdrive has earned him the title of Demon King, as evidenced by his victory over a member of the Oracion Seis Galactica.