Power System 

Mana and Aura 

- Mana: The essence that fertilized the world, manipulated by mages. 

 - Blood Mana: Present in all awakened beings (in their blood). 

 - Ambient Mana: Used by mages for spells. 

- Aura: The manifestation of a martial artist's power. 

Paths of Progression 

- Martial Artists: Require a strong physique and rigorous training to awaken their Aura. Goal: Perfect Sword Aura (speed, precision, power, flexibility) and enhance the body through Affinity Embodiment (endurance, agility, resistance). Secret family techniques are the strongest. 

- Mages: Require mana sensitivity (more common in elves). Meditation and studying magic circles are key to awakening. They unlock an elemental affinity or unique ability. 

- Some (e.g., Luxia von Arcadia) combine both paths. 

Power Sources 

- Lineage: Bloodline-based (common among Alfumans). The Indivar lineage, for example, supposedly masters the "Blood Lotus" (A-rank technique). 

- Pact: Agreements with celestial (angel) or demonic beings. Some are chosen at birth by Archangels (e.g., Arthur Aurora) or Archdemons (e.g., Lucas von Arcadia). 

 - Seven Virtues (Faith, Hope, Charity, Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance): The angelic houses, each led by an Archangel. 

 - Seven Deadly Sins (Pride, Greed, Envy, Wrath, Lust, Gluttony, Sloth): The Archdemons. 

- Contract: Bonds with spirits (fairies, naiads, sylphs, etc.). Ranked: Common, Rare, Epic, Mythic (rumored). Jaedan River contracted an Epic-ranked Naiad. 

Power Levels (Stars) 

- Ranked from 1 to 9 stars. 

- Weapon Masters/Archmages start at 5 stars. 

Affinities 

- Elemental: Water, Fire, Earth, Wind. 

- Deviant: Lightning (Fire), Ice (Water), Metal (Earth), Sound (Wind). Typically stronger than basic elements. 

- Special/Unique: Light, Draconic Breath, Darkness, Blood, Space, Time, Healing… Rare, often tied to unique bloodlines, angels, or demons. 

Mana Body/ Affinity Embodiment 

- Mana Body: Uses blood mana to enhance the body proportionally to control %, boosting perception. Favored for prolonged combat. 

- Affinity Embodiment: Amplifies specific traits at the cost of others, mentally exhausting. 

Forbidden Technique 

- Banned by the Scryers' Tower. Allows a Swordmaster to forcibly resonate blood/ambient mana—but risks severe internal injury or death. An explosive variant destroys body and soul. 

Dominion 

- A domain where a Weapon Master or Archmage imposes their affinity, expelling other mana types. Weakens foes and amplifies their own techniques. 

- Requires 5-star mastery (minimum for Swordmaster/Archmage).