Jack Rakan

Jack Rakan (Jacobus Racan on his pactio card as the "k" sound is written with the letter "c" in Latin), also known as "Rakan of the Thousand Blades", is the large, dark-skinned member of Nagi's group. He has been referred to several times as the 'Ultimate Broken Character', a reference to RPG characters whose stats and abilities are so powerful that they are almost unbeatable.

Appearance
Rakan appears as a tall, highly muscular Hellas male with a fiercely intimidating physique. He has notably golden eyes, darkly-tanned skin, and long spiky light-colored hair with exceptionally long bangs. He wears a red bandana around his head along with an open red shirt, tan pants, and brown shoes. He also possesses multiple battle scars from his past battles scattered across his body. Two prominent scars are the magical stitching marks on his biceps that he gained after his past battle with the Life-Maker destroyed his arms.

Personality
Rakan appears as an incredibly powerful fighter through demonstration of his immensely destructive attacks with relative ease, such as emitting a high-powered laser from his body at a whim. He also tends to be greedy and lackadaisical, refuses to do any free favors, and tends to not really care much about most things. He seems to follow the "idiocy" theme that Kotarou mentioned, as he tends to do silly things in battle, including using more strength than is required and using moves with ridiculous names like ("Eternal Negi Fever"), which was thought to be a rough draft of a move he wished to teach Negi. He is firmly confident in his own strength and proudly exclaims that he has no weaknesses, but he relishes the chance to fight an opponent that he feels may be worthy of his power.

Rakan was shown to be a pervert as he lifted the skirts of Fate's subordinates to take off their panties and breach their defenses. However, he doesn't like the idea of turning young girls into soldiers as shown when he asked Fate if he was the one who did that to his subordinates. In a fight or a test of strength, Rakan doesn't hold back, but was shown to worry of the result of his actions as shown when he thought he might have killed Negi in their battle. Despite his arrogance and bravado, Rakan was shown to have instinctive fear of the Mage of The Beginning as he felt every cell in his body tell him not fight against the Life-Maker and he himself advised Nagi not to fight against him.

Biography
Rakan revealed that he first met the Nagi's group as an enemy, being hired to take them on after they interrupted the invasion of Ostia, and eventually changed sides and joined the group.

Journey to the Magic World Arc
Rakan initially encounters Negi (in his older disguise) in the Magical World witnessing his battles in the tournaments to raise money to free some of his students. Seeing him without a special technique, he offers Negi to teach him one for a huge fee. However, after the two of them are attacked by a shadow-manipulator who wants revenge on Nagi, Rakan is forced to save Negi's life for free, even as becoming his teacher without tuition. Rakan then teaches Negi a technique called Magia Erebea, a forbidden technique created by Evangeline A.K. McDowell. Later he has joined Negi and the rest in Ostia.

The Ostia Festival Arc
While Fate confronted Negi, Fate sent two of his partners, Koyomi and Tamaki, to Rakan in an attempt to engage him in talks. Rakan wasted no time in provoking the two by making lewd comments and stealing Koyomi's panties, which incites them to trap him in a pactio-induced alternate dimension along with Konoka and Chamo. Rakan is able to escape the trap by discerning the physical location of Koyomi and Tamaki within the dimension and confronting them. Inspection of Koyomi's stolen panties allowed Rakan to give a ballpark estimate of their location, and Chamo's expertise was able to refine the estimate into a pinpoint coordinate. The barrier dimension was then destroyed apparently by Rakan's sheer willpower.

After Fate's retreat, he began to show Negi's party (minus Yue, Anya and as it is later revealed; Asuna) a movie displaying the Mundus Magicus War. A bit later after the tournament has started, Rakan decides to make his entry allying with Kagetaro. Negi (alias Nagi) initially lost his nerve over the prospect of having to fight against his mentor, considering that according to Rakan's personal strength judging system, Rakan's base power is ranked 12,000 compared to Negi's 700 (before receiving a boost from Magia Erebea). Taking the ludicrous system into account, with one attack, he can destroy six aegis warships.

In a flashback two days before the final 20th anniversary match celebrating the end to the Schismatic War, Negi had taken time to study Rakan's past. It was then revealed that Rakan was not always the invincible being Negi had perceived, but a man who progresses through only hard-work and effort that he became the man he is today. Like the old Roman times, Rakan made his debut 40 years ago as a young slave gladiator boy in the Hellas Empire. There were numerous times when he was nearly killed over the first few years, but he managed to climb to the top of the gladiator world and obtained his freedom. It was around that time that people began to describe him "invincible". With his retirement as a gladiator, he took part in numerous real battles in the outside world, overcoming many crisis and dilemmas. Fame soon followed him, along with countless titles such as "The Man Who Cannot Die", "The Thousands Blades", The Legendary Mercenary Swordsman", and so on. After learning Rakan's history, Negi comments that Rakan's talent can be said to have been built from scratch with no cheats, tricks or luck. His strength was forged and honed over the 40 long years of real battle experience and training, thus defining his laid-back attitude was according to his mountain of experience and confidence. Negi refers to Rakan as 'The Ultimate Hard Worker' from this background.

In his fight with Negi, Rakan is overwhelmingly powerful, reversing a situation in which he was being pummeled in an instant only by studying that same pummeling. He sees through Negi's new technique and delivers, what is thought to be, the ending blow to the fight. After this blow is struck, Negi gets back up but is soon repeatedly pummeled by Jack until he is left lying on the ground. While Negi is lying on the ground, Jack gives him advice to quit and reveals that the entire fight was a test and that he never intended it to be a serious match, Jack continues saying that since Negi was defeated he will not reveal the secrets concerning Negi's mother. After Negi gets back up Rakan notices that Negi is planning something and is not defeated just yet.

Jack then fights Kotarou Inugami, who is defending Negi to buy him time to cast a spell and defeats Kagetarou, however Jack soon defeats Kotarou and then confronts Negi. Negi then activates his ultimate spell Duplex Complexio. After overcoating 2 chilpl astrapes he pummels Rakan with overwhelming speed, but sufficiently lacks the strength and power to finish it. This makes him trick Rakan into a strength contest by showing off his unison lightning lance, and when Jack falls for it, Negi absorbs Rakan's attack. When he hits Rakan with the lightning lance and 2 chilpl astrapes, the fight appears to be over. But, Rankan manages to get back up. He declares Negi a man and wants to fight Negi further.

They both know they have used up most of their magical power and are unable to use any more. So, they resort to using common fist fighting. During which Jack states to himself that even though Negi is nothing like Nagi, his fight with Negi was almost like fighting Nagi again. Although he is a laid-back guy, he seems to be aware of what is happening around him and as stated by Kaede has a field of “Ki” surrounding him at all times. He also is aware of what happened to Nagi and who Negi's real mother is, but is hiding the facts from him.

Governor's Ball
Jack confronts Fate Averruncus atop the building in which Kurt Godel's ball is held. After exchanging words that confirm that Fate is the third Averruncus, the previous two having been defeated by Nagi, they are interrupted by Fate's Minister Magi, whom Jack initially fights using the same perverted techniques he used in an earlier confrontation with Tamaki and Koyomi. After being trapped in Tamaki's barrier dimension again, for a while it appears as if Fate's partners might gain the upper hand, but Jack soon emerges unscathed from their attacks, and questions them as to why they work for Fate, which he finds out (after reading their minds) that they are all war-orphans.

After Rakan and Fate begin fighting seriously, Fate summons a staff and Rakan tries to fight back, but after learning that it's a mirage it will be too late as the worst enemy of Ala Rubra appears before him, cuts his legs and arms and forces him to wear a special armor and commence into battle. Despite a brave battle, Jack is erased by the Code of the Lifemaker, but still manages to temporarily re-form himself to pass a few last words to Negi.

Assault on Cosmo Entelecheia Arc
Later Jack Rakan returns when the conclusion between Ala Alba and Cosmos Entelecheia reaches after Negi's battle with Fate its peak. He says even though he was erased he was brought back from it because of his fighting spirit and Asuna's power. He defeats without any problems the Ancient Dragon Vrkso Nagasya and assists to keep the group in check until Evangeline finished her chanting. Evangeline is then surprised that he made it out of it alive, stating that she set her spell on him as well. While the two quarrel, they are interrupted in the form of the Mage of the Beginning. He then watches with the rest as Asuna and Negi battle the Mage of the Beginning. As the Mage of the Beginning appears to be Nagi, Evangeline is obviously shocked by, though Rakan only seems deadly serious and somewhat hateful towards him. Rakan is also present when Evangeline does her "Farewell Battle" with Negi and Asuna and as Asuna departs back to the Magical World.

Return To Old World Arc
Rakan appears in Chapter 342, watching the fight between Negi and Evangeline along with Asuna, Setsuna, Eishun, Alberio, Takamichi and Kurt.

In the Epilogue, Rakan is later seen enjoying with Nagi, Eishun, Al and Evangeline enjoying drinks while they waited for the Ala Alba to arrive.

Abilities

 * Hand To Hand Combat: Jack Rakan is an extremely powerful and high level warrior of close-quarters combat. He is said to be so unrivaled in a close range fight that facing him in hand-to-hand combat is equivalent to suicide.


 * Immense Physical Strength: One of the reasons he is so dangerous is because of his overwhelming strength that very few can handle. The sheer force of his blows is enough to create craters in the ground upon contact.
 * Immense Physical Speed: He can move at speeds that make it appear as if he is teleporting. He was able to surprise and catch Negi Springfield off guard while he was using Raiten Taiso.  


 * Ki and Magic Abilities: He has a massive amount of both ki and magical power. The natural raw power of either are both quite destructive, so much so that he can cause massive destruction by releasing his power. He has been shown to break through other dimensions through willpower by simply releasing his magical and Ki power. It was noted by Kaede that his body is surrounded by a wall of Ki at all times. As such, he's virtually indestructible. Most attacks used have no effect him, the only things that have actually hurt him are the Code of the Lifemaker, and Negi's Card_Rakan.jpgRaijinsou Titano-Ktonon, which even then could only damage him because Negi used Negica Magia Erebea: Energy Absorption Circle to absorb the energy from Jack's Rakan impact.


 * Pactio: Armiger Milliplex: His artifact is called Ho Heroes Meta Chilion Prosopon (The Hero Of a Thousand Faces). His artifact can transform into any type of weapon at his will. In his words his artifact can transform into "any shape imaginable", from multiple weapons of any kind to armor (which can act as replacement prosthetic limbs if need be).


 * Weapon Specialist: Rakan appears to be heavily skilled in usage of a variety of bladed weapons. However, the weapon he favors most is the sword.


 * Keen Intellect: Despite his ridiculous personality, Rakan is actually a considerably intelligent fighter, analyzing enemy abilities and finding weaknesses in them. This does not only apply to defeating enemy techniques, but also copying them as just by having seen his teammate Eishun Konoe perform Shinmei-ryu techniques he was able to duplicate a powerful Ni no Tachi technique. He is able to copy techniques through observation and claims to have no weaknesses in skill or ability. He is also a considerably skilled artist.


 * Guts and Willpower-He is known for possessing an unbelievably high degree of willpower and determination which he used to will himself back into existence after being erased by the Code of the Lifemaker. He possesses a strength of will to shrug off extensive damage to his body and survive life-threatening injuries.

Spells/Techniques

 * Hellfire Conflagration
 * Zan Kan Ken (斬艦剣, lit. Warship Sword Cutter) - Rakan uses his artifact to create a massive sword which crashes down on his enemies with great force.
 * Hidden Blade Surfing Rakan (秘剣・波乗りラカン, Hiken - Naminori Rakan) - Rakan rides on a blade that he sends flying at the target with great speed and attacks them upon the moment of impact.
 * Tyrannic Blazing Roaring Dragon Exploding Flash Demon God Air Cleaving Rakan Fist (覇王炎熱轟竜咆哮爆烈閃光魔神斬空羅漢拳, Haō Ennetsu Gōryū Hōkō Bakuretsu Senkō Majin Zankū Rakan Ken)
 * Negi Fist (葱拳, Negi-ken)
 * Eternal Negi Fever (エターナル・ネギフィーバー, Etānaru Negi Fībā) - Rakan emits a powerful and destructive laser-like attack released from his body.
 * Kiai Bōgyo (気合防御, lit. Willpower Defense)
 * Rakan Hurricane Palm (そよ風烈風拳, Soyokaze Reppūken )
 * Rakan Impact - Rakan charges magical power and ki in a spiral-like motion into his fist and releases it, firing off a highly powerful and destructive blast.
 * Zanmaken Ni No Tachi: In Celebration of My First Kiss with Ojou-sama Strike
 * Rakan Hariken Shō (羅漢破裏剣掌) - Rakan digs his hand into his opponent's abdomen and twists his palm to generate enough spiraling force cause considerable internal injury and shock
 * Imperial Type 97 Battering Ram Form Magical Armour
 * Rakan for the Hell of it Right Hand Punch (羅漢適当に右パンチ, Rakan Tekitō ni Migi Panchi) - A powerful and explosive punch, so much so that the entire area Rakan was battling in shook with its force.
 * Rakan Soyokaze Bakufūken (ラカンそよ風爆風拳, lit. Rakan Gentle Breeze Tempest Fist) - Rakan creates tempest whirlwinds at speeds of a 100km per hour around the target while the target feels nothing by a gentle breeze.
 * Rakan Banretsuken (羅漢萬烈拳, lit. Rakan Ten Thousand Fists)
 * Rasenshō (螺旋掌, lit. Spiral Palm)
 * Rakan Daibōtō (羅漢大暴投, lit. Rakan Mega Wild Throw)
 * Point Blank Full Throttle Rakan Impact ((零距離全開)ラカンインパクト, (Zero-kyori Zenkai) Rakan Inpakuto) - Rakan impacted used at full power at point blank range.

ANIME FINAL
Rakan appears in the Anime Final movie, tried to using magic to prevent the Mars to crash toward the Earth along with Anya and the other mages. Rakan tried to casts Rakan Impact to destroy the Earth, but the barrier on Mars blocked his attack.

UQ Holder!
Rakan appears in UQ Holder!, he first appears as a fantasy when Kirie mention what should the strongest man look like.

Rakan make a actual appearance in Chapter 119, appears with Negi after he is taken over by the Mage of the Beginning. Karin indicates that Rakan was thought to have lost his life in a battle prior to the Mage of the Beginning's confrontation with UQ Holder.

Trivia

 * Rakan is known for his (undefeated) record of single-handedly defeating: 137 ships (including 1 super dreadnought, 3 airborne motherships, and 13 cruisers), 9 divine soldiers at once, and at least one being on par with a high daylight walker like Evangeline: an ancient dragon.
 * Rakan also displayed how great his strength is by destroying a magical dimension with sheer will power. Chisame states that: "He is so broken, that it isn't even funny anymore." Giving an idea of how strong the other members are, with Rakan still being on par with Nagi.
 * Nagi and Jack were said to have had the same strength when they first met, fighting to a standstill. It is notable that Nagi was much younger than Rakan at that time (Jack stated that Nagi was only 13 when the war started).
 * Jack Rakan is considered a 'God' among the prize fighters and fighters of the "Ultima Competitio Campionis" of the magical world.