turey said:
He's had it since the first time we met him (to be exact, Chapter 41 page 14 shows him using it), but apparently it's gotten a major power upgrade since the last time we saw it in action.
but that's his fully released form, isnt it? it seems like he can control it more now, having only a part of his body transform instead. still, that is a powerup from the last time.
turey said:
Also, I was reading the early volumes again, and has anyone noticed that the pactio cards have gotten significantly simpler since the series started? I mean, go check out Chapter 25. They never do the "Activate the contract for n seconds" thing anymore, it just kind of happens.
that 'active contract' is a powerboost for the partners, so they can gain some superhuman/magic strength, like more speed. the artifact is the partner's own use which he/she can summon at any time. since everyone is pretty powerful already, and that the small boost makes negi have to give some of his magic away and wont be very effective on stronger enemies, the concept was no longer needed.
that, or akamatsu forgot about it.