Merlin

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Merlin Shaw (梅林)
Alias(es)	Spider-Man; Arcee
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Merlin's Custom Shop; R-Star Platform; Kamar-Taj; Asgard
Occupation/Role	Vehicle and weapons modifier; game-platform creator; inventor; sorcerer
Status	Active
First Appearance	Chapter 1

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Ninth Art Technology System user	1	Transmigrates with a system that lets him release games and obtain technologies corresponding to their influence.
R-Star Subsystem activated	20	Reaches five million Reputation Points, unlocking Offline Mode, advanced vehicle and weapon technologies, and an Intelligence increase.
Advanced armored combatant	73 75	Builds an Adamantium Mechanical Longsword and liquid-form battle armor that can convert into a backpack; uses the sword as a flying platform.
Uru Armor user	137	Crafts a battle suit entirely from Uru Metal, prioritizing magical compatibility and future magical-tech upgrades.
Kamar-Taj sorcerer	165 166	Begins formal occult training under the Ancient One; rapidly learns portal magic, combat spells, defensive magic, control techniques, and Mirror Space.
Fae Power Fragment host	172 173	Bonds with the Fae Ring and stabilizes its life-draining hunger through the Eye of Agamotto; can devour energy to strengthen his physique, improve magical control, and gain machinery-transformation ability.
Experience-based enhancement developer	213 220	Deduces an Experience Point panel from his own combat gains, then develops a leveling system intended to enhance players’ physiques through the Fae Power Fragment.
Runic magic-tech craftsman	242 243 298	Studies Odin Runes and applies Isa, Thurisaz, and Kenaz Runes in protective armor with stability, defense, rebound, repair, and healing properties.

Background / History

Merlin’s soul originates from another world, where he was an extreme-sports enthusiast with a particular interest in shooting and racing games. He died after falling from a cliff during an underground race, then awakened in the body of Merlin Shaw, a high-school student from Queens whose original owner had been beaten to death after his father’s death in Hell’s Kitchen. He inherited the Ninth Art Technology System, which converts the influence of released games into usable in-game technology. 1

He continued his father’s work by operating Merlin’s Custom Shop in Hell’s Kitchen. The shop became known for vehicle modification, particularly its “Skeleton Horse” armored vehicle, while Merlin also sold advanced firearms and ammunition to underworld clients. 1

As Grand Theft Auto gained public influence, Merlin expanded from a shop owner into the operator of the R-Star Platform. He acquired workshops, weapon stores, bunkers, and repair shops to support the platform’s real-world infrastructure. 20 23 His inventions and commercial success brought attention from Stark Industries, Hammer Industries, Kingpin, S.H.I.E.L.D., and political figures. 2 11 21

Following encounters with extraterrestrial and mystical threats, Merlin transitioned from relying chiefly on weapons and armor to studying magic at Kamar-Taj. The Ancient One recognized his unprecedented aptitude and chose to guide him despite Mordo’s concerns over the danger his potential represented. 165 166 After two years of cultivation, Merlin left Kamar-Taj to participate directly in resistance against an alien invasion. 170

He later expanded his research and the R-Star Platform toward Asgard and the Nine Realms, studying Asgardian magic, Odin’s Runes, alchemy, and magical technology. 221 230 242 243

Appearance

Merlin is initially a teenage boy with deep-set features, messy black hair falling over his forehead, and visible youthful immaturity. 1 After two years at Kamar-Taj, he becomes tall and slender, with longer curly hair, more mature features, and a calm, steady demeanor. 170

• Often wears practical workshop clothing, goggles, or combat armor. 1 75
• Uses black-and-white sci-fi armor with a sharp black V-shaped electronic eye. 73
• Later wears a fully Uru-metal battle suit that folds into a backpack. 137
• Frequently carries thick books and wears loose gray Kamar-Taj robes while studying magic. 170
• Is described in later years as youthful, neat, scholarly, and possessing an appearance that approaches “divinity.” 352

Personality

Merlin is intensely curious, especially toward technology, magic, unfamiliar worlds, and dangerous phenomena. He responds to dimensional travel with exhilaration rather than fear, and his interest in new possibilities often outweighs caution. 164 172

He is resourceful, analytical, and highly self-directed. Merlin can immerse himself in research for days, whether developing vehicles, studying magical texts, refining systems, or producing alchemical solutions. 26 166 242 287

Despite his growing influence, he retains a playful and provocative streak. He teases Thor, startles Mordo, enjoys observing interpersonal drama, and is candid when speaking to allies. 164 294 295 In battle, he can become excited by danger and increasingly enjoys direct combat after gaining the Fae Power Fragment. 186 213

Abilities & Skills

Ninth Art Technology System

Merlin’s system enables him to release games and receive technologies based on their influence. 1

• Uses game influence and Reputation Points to unlock technologies and system functions. 1 20
• Activated the R-Star Subsystem after reaching five million Reputation Points. 20
• Uses the platform to distribute missions, equipment, professions, resurrection functions, and a leveling system. 140 220 243

Engineering and Modification

Merlin is an accomplished modifier, weaponsmith, inventor, and technological researcher.

• Builds armored vehicles, including the Skeleton Horse and Vigilante. 1
• Produces firearms, ammunition, laser weapons, explosive arrows, and electromagnetic technologies. 1 2 24
• Develops androids, Baymax medical robots, Mechanical Spiders, armor, mechs, and platform infrastructure. 120 220 331 332
• Collaborates with Stark on the Hunter Mech Plan and combat simulations. 331 332
• Applies magical materials and Runes to technological equipment. 137 298

Sorcery

Merlin is a Kamar-Taj-trained mage with exceptional learning speed and a photographic memory. 165 166

• Portal magic — Opens stable portals with a Sling Ring; quickly succeeds on his first recorded attempt. 166
• Defensive magic — Learns Seraphim’s Shield and can create magical defenses. 166
• Offensive magic — Learns Cyttorak’s Crimson Chains, Vishanti’s Holy Sword, Balthazar’s Lightning, and Watoom’s Wind. 166
• Control and deception — Learns Energy Whip and Ikon Illusion/Eikon Form, whose clones possess the original’s strength. 166
• Spatial magic — Uses Mirror Space and dimensional travel. 166 198
• Energy manipulation — Demonstrates the ability to borrow Hell energy and create magic arrays before formal training. 165

Fae Power Fragment

The Fae Ring contains a fragment of Fae Power, whose hunger is restrained by the Tree of Life’s vitality and the Eye of Agamotto. 172 173

• Devours sparks, AllSpark energy, and energy from defeated creatures to strengthen Merlin’s physique. 173
• Improves magical control to the point where spells can increasingly be cast by will rather than incantation and gestures. 173
• Grants a machinery-transformation ability after absorbing AllSpark energy. 173
• Is potentially dangerous: its initial activation rapidly drained Merlin’s life force. 172
• Requires the Life Core’s limiting effect to prevent overconsumption and physical collapse. 173

Combat

Merlin combines firearms, swords, armor, sorcery, and mechanical support in battle.

• Repels the Lizardman Peter with an Atomic Gun and MK2 Heavy Revolver. 24
• Defeats the Destroyer using the Mechanical Longsword and Melt Sword abilities. 81
• Fights Shockwave with an energy shield and silver longsword while coordinating with Arcee. 151
• Uses the Adamantium Longsword while piloting Arcee’s Gundam form against the Fallen. 185 187
• Demonstrates enhanced physical strength after absorbing sparks, including tearing open the Fallen’s chest with his bare hands. 187

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Mechanical Longsword — Adamantium sword fitted with a Melt Ion Device; can function as a flying skateboard. 73 75
• Black-and-White Battle Armor — Liquid-like armor with a cold-fusion power source; folds into a backpack. 73 75
• Uru Armor — Uru-metal battle suit designed for magical compatibility. 137
• Eye of Agamotto — Relic containing the Time Stone, entrusted to Merlin through the Ancient One’s orders. 172
• Fae Ring — Bronze ring containing a Fae Power Fragment and stabilized by life energy. 171 172
• Fae Knuckles — Pink combat knuckles used for close-quarters testing and brutal physical strikes. 213
• Mechanical Spider — Platform terminal and upgraded device capable of teleporting items and quests under appropriate permissions. 220 288
• Ducati 916 — Merlin’s preferred motorcycle; he later obtains another abandoned Ducati 916 for modification. 1 26
• Storm Hammer — Merlin’s three-armed magic mech, tested alongside Stark’s Hunter Mechs. 332
• Runic armor for Jane Foster — Armor incorporating Isa, Thurisaz, and Kenaz Runes for defense, rebound, repair, healing, and stability. 297 298

Relationships

• George Stacy — Guardian figure who promised Merlin’s late father to protect him; their initially distant relationship develops into mutual respect. 2 21 331
• Tony Stark — Friend, technological collaborator, and fellow mech developer; Stark gifts Merlin a second-generation Arc Reactor. 81 135 331
• Arcee — Close ally and combat partner; assists Merlin in battle, transportation, and defense. 56 123 324
• The Ancient One — Mentor at Kamar-Taj who recognizes Merlin’s talent, guides his magical development, and entrusts him with the Eye of Agamotto. 165 172
• Karl Mordo — Fellow sorcerer and occasional guide; initially disdainful of Merlin’s background but later respects his ability and assists him in obtaining a magic tool. 165 170 171
• Thor — Friend and guide in Asgard; Thor invites Merlin to Asgard and later works alongside him in Nine Realms affairs. 81 227 332
• Sif — Asgardian friend whom Merlin helps by researching a permanent cure for her hair-color curse; Frigga later arranges a blind date between them. 287 288
• Queen Frigga — Magic instructor in Asgard who helps Merlin obtain research assistance and attempts to match him with Sif. 230 287
• Kingpin / Wilson Fisk — Business contact whose material support helps establish Merlin’s shop as a trading post; their relationship remains politically tense. 2 21
• Gwen Stacy — Ally who fights alongside Merlin against Black Cat and later comments on his increasingly brutal close-combat style. 123 213

Story Role / Major Arcs

Custom Shop and Platform Foundation

Merlin operates a Hell’s Kitchen custom shop, sells modified weapons and vehicles, and begins using the Ninth Art Technology System to convert game influence into real technology. 1 2 He establishes the infrastructure for the R-Star Platform and gains major influence after Grand Theft Auto becomes widely popular. 20 23

Technology Conflicts and Superhuman Battles

Merlin becomes entangled with Stark Industries, Hammer Industries, Kingpin, S.H.I.E.L.D., and enhanced threats such as the Lizardman. 11 21 24 He adopts increasingly advanced weapons, armor, and mechanical allies while confronting Transformers, Hydra, and extraterrestrial crises. 56 81 151

Kamar-Taj Training

After being approached by the Ancient One, Merlin visits Kamar-Taj, witnesses the wider Multiverse, encounters Dormammu’s projection, and begins formal sorcery training. 164 165 He masters portal magic and numerous combat, defense, control, and spatial spells before leaving after two years to face an alien invasion. 166 170

Fae Power and Multiversal Development

Merlin chooses the Fae Ring as his magic tool and receives the Eye of Agamotto with the Time Stone. 171 172 The Fae Power Fragment gives him an experience-based growth method, inspiring the player leveling system and contributing to his plans for a self-created game dimension. 173 220 292

Asgard and the Nine Realms

Merlin expands the platform toward Asgard, studies Asgardian magic and Runes, develops magical technology, and participates in Nine Realms affairs. 221 230 242 He receives Vanaheim alchemical knowledge, helps Sif, protects Jane with runic armor, and prepares the Nine Realms as future game fields. 286 287 297 298

Mech Development and Night City

Merlin returns to Earth amid escalating crises, collaborates with Stark on the Hunter Mech Plan, and develops the three-armed Storm Hammer mech. 322 331 332 He later directs planning for Night City, using his resources and platform influence to bring player guilds and national representatives into the project. 331 352