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Chapter 21 - Chapter 21: Essence

Essence

The essence is a substance that flows naturally through the atmosphere, as if it were an integral component of the air itself. Though normally invisible to the naked eye, it can be perceived through ascension. Feeling it is the first step in opening one's mind to the world and its hidden possibilities. That moment marks the beginning of one's ascent.

Essence exists in two primary states: raw and refined.

The refined form is the most commonly used, if not the only one, because it is directly filtered through the body, granting its user a blessing and a partial enhancement of their physical form.

A blessing is a trait one is born with. Immutable and sometimes entirely unique, it can range from a simple increase in speed to something more extreme, like transforming one's skin into iron. The potency of a blessing depends on one's level of ascension.

Blessings are difficult to rank, as their value is highly subjective. Their effectiveness is shaped by the bearer's will and natural affinities rather than by any external standard.

The raw form of Essence, by contrast, is far more difficult to control. It can be used to reinforce the body or manipulated directly by hand, but doing so requires an intimate understanding of the ambient flow of Essence, regardless of one's blessing. Because of its complexity and limited advantages compared to refined Essence, the raw form is rarely used. Its only notable benefit is that it can be wielded independently of one's ascension level.

The House of Madness

The House of Madness is both a metaphor and a mental framework, composed of two main parts.

The "house" refers to a conceptual inner space, an enclosed mental structure shaped entirely by one's own mind. This internal space may be orderly or chaotic, depending on the individual's psyche. One climbs this house much like one would ascend floors in a building. Each ascent grants access to a new room, a new level of understanding, or power. Thus comes the idea of floors and stairs.

There are said to be five floors in total, each representing a significant qualitative and quantitative transformation. To reach the next floor is to evolve in a way that redefines one's capacity for Essence, thought, and will.

In addition to its raw and refined forms, Essence also governs the development of secondary traits, aspects of power that exist alongside one's blessing.

Unlike blessings, these traits are not hereditary. They form organically through life experiences, personal values, and one's worldview.

For instance, Natasha possesses stealth-related traits that make her Essence nearly imperceptible, likely a reflection of her quiet, solitary nature. Candice also demonstrates sensory traits, which allowed her to spot the distant beast with surprising clarity.

The madness aspect refers to the difficulty of advancing in one's ascent. To ascend, one must gain understanding — of oneself, of one's surroundings, and of what one could become.

The most effective method is to face monsters or other people, preferably those more powerful, and observe how they wield their abilities. Through conflict, reflection, and survival, clarity is born.

That's why so few truly attempt the ascent. For every person who succeeds, hundreds fail. Hence the nickname: madmen, not just for their ambition, but for daring to tread a path so few survive.

Ice's eyes widened as Candice explained, barely pausing for breath. He slowly raised his cup and took a sip of tea.

So that's why Ray avoided explaining all this when I asked him...

Some of his suspicions had been confirmed, but most of what she said was entirely new to him. His mind struggled not to drown in the flood of thoughts rushing in all at once.

Now that he had a clearer picture of how the prison functioned, Jilius's feat appeared all the more astonishing. He had defeated such a beast while still stuck on the first floor, and relying only on raw Essence. His trait wasn't even offensive.

"You're going to have to wake up," Elpis interrupted his thoughts. "Start using Essence. Strengthen your body. Improve your odds. And fast."

Ice clenched his fists and nodded in silent determination.

Elpis turned to Candice.

"How long do we have before he arrives?"

Candice looked pensive. "Three days. Four, if we're lucky."

Elpis stood. "Then you have three days before things get complicated. Eat. Rest. When you wake up, you begin your awakening."

Candice offered a gentle smile. "Stop scaring them," she said, then turned to the group. "Come on. I'll show you to your rooms."

They climbed the stairs. Ice and Ray would be sharing a room. Natasha had a room to herself, and Celestia would be staying in the last one, sharing with Candice.

"I feel bad for her," Ice muttered. "Having to sleep next to that walking ball of energy."

The moment he saw the bed, he sighed in relief and threw himself onto the mattress. This place continued to surprise him. It felt like he'd been plucked from the outside world and dropped into something unreal.

"We're almost there," Ray murmured from his bed, one arm stretched toward the ceiling.

"Yeah," Ice replied with a faint smile. "Just one last push."

Ray sat up, his voice quieter. "You know… I've never said it, but you're the best thing that's happened to me in a long time."

Ice raised an eyebrow. "Why so serious all of a sudden? We all pulled our weight to get here."

Ray smiled, genuinely. "Still… thanks."

Ice walked over to Ray's bag, rummaging through it. "If you want to be useful, how about lending me some of your ridiculous collection of clothes?"

Ray chuckled. "I would, but… you're what, ten, fifteen centimeters too short? They'd drown you."

Ice turned slowly, fixed him with a death glare, and said flatly,

"You know, it's comments like that that get people sent to prisons no one ever comes back from."

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