Glossary & Power System
(Warning: Spoilers – Read after Chapter 14!)
Ether : An extraordinary and omnipresent energy, whose origins remain a mystery.
Serum : At the age of 16, every human begins to show symptoms of ether overload. The serum delays these effects and must be taken daily.
Awakening : A soul trial that humans undergo after dying from ether overload. This trial is unique to each individual. (Survival rate: 30%)
Resonance : A unique power obtained after surviving the Awakening. Those who possess a Resonance are called Enforcers.
Coating: A power shared by all Enforcers who have reached the Intermediate rank. It allows the user to manifest the ether contained within their soul to enhance themselves or their weapon. (Enforcers cannot manipulate the ether present in the environment—only Calamities can.)
The Order : An organization that regulates and controls the Executors. Led by the Absolutes, the Order enforces its laws upon humanity and controls access to the serum.
Its motto is: "The Order is Absolute."
Calamities : Sentient monsters that seek to destroy humanity. Each possesses an Authority, a special power unique to them.
Vermin
This term is used to refer to a specific group of Calamities. (A more precise definition would be a spoiler.)
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Power Hierarchy :
Human Ranks :
— Initiate
— Intermediate
— Master
— Transcendent
— Absolute
Calamity Ranks :
— Minor (equivalent to an ordinary human)
— Baron
— Count
— Marquis
— Duke
— King
(This glossary will be updated as the story progresses.)