After giving it a bit more thought, I think that when the character keeps using those tadpole powers, it's
not the shield blocking the absolute that is getting weaker, but rather the tadpole itself is getting stronger, allowing it to get through. Only a little bit at first, which is why the absolute can visit the main character in dreams, because this is when their conciousness is not in full control. But "feed" the tadpole enough and it'll break through completely.
