Definitions
The universe is a 4-dimensional space-time manifold of unknown total size, of which a diameter of 93 billion light-years has been observed, that originated with the spatiotemporal expansion known as the Big Bang around 13.8 billion years ago. A collection of multiple universes is known as multiverse, with each of them normally being made of its own manifold, but certain cosmologies (such as the quilted multiverse) have them share a single greater space-time. In vs debating, the term "verse" is used to simply say "the universe of a fictional series", for example the "Dragon Ball verse" is referring to the "Dragon Ball series".
Standards
A common theme in vs debating is the creation/destruction of pocket dimensions and how these scale to a character's Attack Potency, mostly in their relation to the universe. Per the basis of our Tiering System, the size of a space-time continuum isn't relevant to its applicability to AP, but if this structure even is a space-time continuum in the first place is the key to determining if they can be considered Universe level. The following is a list of standards used to judge if these dimensions qualify for the requirements of being considered a space-time continuum:
- Being directly called "universe" makes the place qualify as a space-time continuum.
- Being called "world”, "dimension", "alternate reality" or "realm" doesn’t make the place qualify as a universe without further evidence of its status as a space-time continuum, such as being equated to a universe.
- Being called "timeline" makes the place qualify as a space-time continuum.
- Being described as "infinite in size" makes the place qualify as an infinite-sized universe.
- Being stated to mirror or copy a place that already qualifies as a space-time continuum makes the duplicate qualify as a space-time continuum.
- Being shown to house a galaxy, or multiple galaxies, is a strong indicator the place may qualify as a universe, but doesn't serve as concluding evidence by itself.
- Being shown to house a star, or multiple stars, can be an indicator the place may qualify as a universe, but doesn't serve as evidence by itself.
Note: As stated above, while a place qualifying as an alternate universe is assumed to be its own spatiotemporal manifold by default, if evidence against this is presented (such as these universes being physically traversed without issue), then they would taken as a quilted multiverse. However, if the universes are directly stated to be their own space-time even if such contradictions arose, they’ll be taken as Tier 2 structures and the characters who perform said feats would get Immeasurable Speed.