Neverness to Everness (NTE) offers several powerful free S-Rank Arcs (weapons) through Anomaly Commissions and boss fights. Reality Refuge stands out as one of the earliest obtainable S-Rank Solid-type Arcs, making it highly valuable for mid-game progression.
What is Reality Refuge Arc?
Reality Refuge is an S-Rank Solid Arc with a butterfly/movie-themed design. Its flavor text reads: “She told me that I was only ever a butterfly.”
It serves as the signature Arc for characters like Jiuyuan (also referred to as Chi Yu-On or Joan in some communities) and excels on Anima-based DPS units that rely on Attachment damage and Ultimate bursts.
Reality Refuge Stats
- Rarity: S-Rank
- Type: Solid
- Base ATK (Level 1): 37
- Substat: ATK% (starts at 12%, scales up to 30% at max level)
- Max ATK (Level 80): 570
Level Scaling (ATK + Substat ATK%):
- Lv. 20: 154 ATK + 15%
- Lv. 40: 301 ATK + 21%
- Lv. 60: 448 ATK + 27%
- Lv. 80: 570 ATK + 30%
This high base ATK combined with a strong ATK% substat makes it an excellent generalist weapon for many characters.
Swallowtail Skill Effects
The core passive is called Swallowtail:
Base Effect (Refinement 1):
- Increases Anima DMG by 15%.
- Increases the wearer’s Attachment DMG by 10%.
- When the wearer casts an Ultimate, the Attachment DMG bonus increases to 20% for 6 seconds. (Effect does not stack.)
At Max Refinement (A6 / Refinement 5):
- Anima DMG +25%
- Attachment DMG +15%
- Ultimate trigger boosts Attachment DMG bonus to 30% for 6 seconds.
This makes Reality Refuge perfect for burst-heavy Anima DPS who frequently use their Ultimate to trigger big damage windows. The Arc also provides solid sustained damage through the passive Anima and Attachment buffs.
Best Characters for Reality Refuge
- Jiuyuan (Signature weapon) — Excellent synergy with her Anima and Attachment damage kit.
- Other Anima-focused DPS or characters that benefit from Attachment marks and Ultimate uptime.
It is considered one of the strongest early-to-mid game free S-Rank options for Anima teams.
Swallowtail Boss Location and How to Unlock
The Swallowtail boss is the direct source of Reality Refuge.
Location:
Floe Cinema in the New Herland District (Camelot Avenue area).
Exact Entrance:
Enter Floe Cinema and go through the obscure hallway to the left of the ticket booth. This leads to the projection room where the anomaly boss fight takes place.
Unlock Requirements:
- Progress through the main story until Anomaly Commissions become available.
- Accept and complete the “Let’s Go See a Movie” Anomaly Commission.
- This commission can be accessed via the map screen under Anomaly Commissions once unlocked.
- After completing the commission, the Swallowtail boss becomes repeatable in the cinema’s anomaly zone.
The area appears as a distorted anomaly zone on the map. Once inside, progress through the instance — the Swallowtail boss (a butterfly/paper-themed encounter) spawns after a short sequence in the central area.
How to Obtain Reality Refuge
- Defeat the Swallowtail boss for the first time to receive Reality Refuge as a drop/reward.
- The Arc is account-bound and can usually be obtained quite early once Anomaly Commissions open.
- Additional copies or refinements may come from Arc Research Program, shops (limited), or repeated clears (for materials).
Farming Tip: After unlocking, you can replay the boss for Ascension materials (including Colorful Ticket Stub mentioned in previous guides) and other rewards like Hunter EXP and Beetle Coins.
Swallowtail Boss Fight Tips
- The boss features fast sweeping attacks, paper/butterfly summons, and flight mechanics.
- Bring a balanced team with good single-target burst and mobility.
- Focus on dodging sweeping patterns and prioritize breaking any adds or cores if they appear.
- Early-game players can clear it with properly leveled Espers and basic modules. Higher difficulties yield better rewards.
Why Farm Reality Refuge?
This is one of the best free S-Rank Arcs available early in the game. Its combination of high base stats, ATK% substat, and targeted Anima + Attachment damage buffs makes it a strong pick for powering up your main DPS without relying on gacha luck.
Pair it with strong Anima teams and watch your burst damage skyrocket during Ultimate windows. Many players recommend grabbing this Arc as soon as the “Let’s Go See a Movie” commission unlocks.
Additional Advice
- Raise your Hunter Level and Appraisal Level quickly to access higher-difficulty Anomaly Hunts for better material drops.
- Combine this farm with other free S-Rank Arcs (like Hethereau’s Keeper from the Justice Executioner) for a strong starting collection.
- Use Material Selection Boxes from various Anomaly Hunts if you need duplicates or refinement materials.
Reality Refuge turns the cinematic Swallowtail encounter into a major power spike. Head to Floe Cinema in New Herland District, complete the commission, and claim this beautiful butterfly Arc for your roster.
Enjoy the show in Hethereau’s anomalies — happy hunting!
