[This chapter is for the information about the worldbuilding and the mechanics of the power system so this may contain spoilers as the story will unravel the information slowly throughout the novel so this chapter will serve those who are eager to understand the world before organic reveals, but for those who enjoy diving in the unknowns don't really have to read this and jump straight into the first chapter.]
☆☆Voletiles☆☆
Voletiles are man-eating entities that feed exclusively on human blood. They are immune to all conventional human weapons and can only be harmed lethally by Manifesto-based abilities.
☆☆Carriers☆☆
Some humans possess the ability to manifest weapons or objects capable of killing Voletiles. These individuals are called Fortextiles.
☆☆Power System☆☆
Morphing
An innate Voletile ability that allows them to reshape their bodies into weapons.
Manifesto
A power wielded by Fortextiles that lets them summon weapons or objects capable of killing Voletiles. Only Manifesto-based abilities can inflict lethal damage on a Voletile.
Enhancer
A rare ability found in roughly one in five hundred people that lets the user temporarily turn any object into a Manifesto-capable weapon.
Note: Enhancers cannot naturally use Manifesto themselves.
Renvra
A biological organ exclusive to Voletiles that manifests from their backs. Its form and number evolve with the Voletile's rank.
Kagano
A biological armor used only by high-rank Voletiles (S–SSS). It appears as a crimson armored layer that protects and amplifies their power.
Body Suits
AI-assisted combat suits worn by Fortextiles. They assess a Voletile's rank and enhance the wearer's defensive capabilities during battles.
Revelation X
An ability to create a space that advantages the user, like a mini pocket dimension. Rare among both Voletiles and Fortextiles' highest ranked.
☆☆Voletile Rankings☆☆
+E — Newborns
The weakest class. Black, featureless bodies. Quadrupedal. Limited Morphing. Completely unintelligent.
+D — Infantiles
Faster than Newborns but otherwise similar. Quadrupedal and incapable of speech. Still unintelligent.
+C — Fledges
Can sprout a single Renvra as tendrils from their backs. Black bodies develop cracked crimson patterns. Upright posture, rudimentary intelligence, broken speech.
+B — Striders
Manifest two Renvra simultaneously. Extremely fast and agile. Bodies remain black with thicker crimson patterns on the upper torso, a single horn on the forehead. Fully capable of speech and thought.
+A — Graduates
Able to shift into human form. Black bodies retain crimson facial lines and two horns. Can sprout four Renvra and speak fluently.
+S — Honours
Appear naturally human. Possess one unique Renvra. Faint crimson lines trace their bodies. Can assume Kagano, covering a quarter of their body.
+SS — Masters
Manifest two unique Renvra. Fully human appearance, no crimson markings. Full human intelligence. Kagano covers the face and half of the body.
+SSS — Ascenders
The pinnacle of evolution. Indistinguishable from humans. Can manifest all four Renvra and assume full Kagano armor, from head to toe.
☆☆Fortextile Rankings☆☆
Cadet — Fortextiles in training. Not yet qualified for field operations.
First Class (Sergeant) — The lowest rank among qualified Fortextiles. Can engage E- to D-rank Voletiles.
Second Class (Sergeant) — Mid-level rank. Can act as temporary squad leaders and engage E- to B-rank Voletiles.
Third Class (Sergeant) — Highest rank among sergeants. Authorized to lead a squad and take on E- to S-rank Voletiles.
Captain — Commands a handpicked special squad. Typically works solo and engages S- to SSS-rank Voletiles.
Commander — Oversees an entire branch of Fortextiles. Typically directs operations from command but can personally engage S- to SSS-rank threats when required.