MTLNOVEL Chapter : system ability and essence
### **Essence System – The Power Behind Kilineiram's Revival**
In this world, Kilineiram is bound by a unique mechanic: **Essence Absorption.** Since he no longer has a humanoid form, his only path to regaining it is through gathering *essence* from those who wield him.
#### **1. What is Essence?**
Essence is a metaphysical energy that represents a being's life force, experience, and combat potential. It exists in all living creatures, but only through battle and conflict can it be extracted.
There are **three primary sources of essence:**
- **Combat Essence** – Absorbed when Kilineiram's wielder defeats enemies.
- **Wielder Essence** – Gained over time from a wielder's emotions, ambitions, and growth.
- **Resonant Essence** – Extracted when Kilineiram and his wielder achieve a deep bond, synchronizing their thoughts and will.
#### **2. Essence Absorption & Growth**
Kilineiram's transformation back into a Sword Demon is locked behind an **Essence Threshold** system. He must absorb enough essence to unlock different phases of his former power.
##### **Essence Tiers & Kilineiram's Progression:**
- **Tier 1 – Dormant Blade (0-10% Essence Collected)**
- Completely immobile without a wielder.
- Can slightly influence the wielder's instincts in battle.
- Can speak telepathically but has no physical abilities.
- **Tier 2 – Awakened Weapon (11-30% Essence Collected)**
- Gains the ability to emit a weak aura that improves the wielder's reaction speed.
- Slight self-repairing ability.
- Can subtly guide the wielder's movements.
- **Tier 3 – Cursed Armament (31-60% Essence Collected)**
- Unlocks **Passive Ability: Bloodthirst**, which enhances cutting power when striking enemies.
- Can briefly move on its own (e.g., levitate for a few seconds).
- Starts developing a deeper connection with the wielder's emotions.
- **Tier 4 – Blade of the Demon (61-90% Essence Collected)**
- Unlocks a **temporary combat form**, where Kilineiram can manifest spectral limbs for a short time.
- Gains a signature **weapon ability** (e.g., explosive slashes, shadow extensions, or draining enemy stamina).
- Can now influence a wielder's fighting style more actively.
- **Tier 5 – Incarnation of the Sword Demon (100% Essence Collected)**
- Regains his humanoid form, though limited at first.
- Can shift between weapon and human states.
- Retains all sword abilities and wields **himself** in battle.
#### **3. Risks & Drawbacks of Essence Collection**
- **Unworthy Wielders:** If a wielder is too weak or lacks ambition, the essence absorbed is minimal.
- **Corrupting Influence:** If Kilineiram's hunger for essence grows too strong, he may begin influencing the wielder's mind, making them more aggressive or bloodthirsty.
- **Forced Wielding:** If a wielder is killed while bonded to Kilineiram, some of their essence is permanently absorbed, strengthening him but leaving behind echoes of their will.
### **Conclusion**
Essence serves as both Kilineiram's **growth mechanic** and a **moral conflict**—does he seek out stronger wielders at the cost of betraying the weak, or does he nurture those who are unworthy but have the potential to become legends?