Power System: The Path of the Sword and the Path of the ArcaneIn this world, every individual must choose their path upon awakening their Crest and Resonance: Swordmastery or Archmagecraft. This choice determines how they interact with the world's energy, mana, and their own bodies.

1. The PathsPath of the SwordmasterSwordmasters (or warriors in general) focus on physical prowess. By forgoing direct magic use, they channel mana into their bodies for physical enhancement, becoming superhuman in strength, speed, endurance, and reflexes.

Advantages

Unmatched Physical Power: Swordmasters are capable of shattering boulders, moving faster than the eye can see, or leaping great distances.Weapon Mastery: Specializes in any weapon, including swords, axes, spears, and even unarmed combat. Their weapons are often imbued with mana for additional effects, though they do not cast magic directly.Combat Durability: Physical enhancements allow them to survive extreme conditions, endure powerful attacks, and recover more quickly than ordinary humans.Techniques

Mana Infusion: Channeling mana into weapons to increase cutting power or add effects (e.g., fire-infused strikes).Martial Forms: Advanced combat techniques passed down through schools or noble families, such as the Phantom Strike (a high-speed dash and attack) or the Mountain Breaker (a devastating, ground-shattering blow).Berserker States: Overloading their bodies with mana for short bursts of immense power, at the risk of injury or death.Limitations

No Magic: Swordmasters cannot cast spells or manipulate mana outside of their physical enhancements.Mana Reliance: Overusing mana during enhancement can cause muscle degradation, internal damage, or worse.Path of the ArchmageArchmages devote themselves to mastering the flow of mana in the world. They sacrifice physical enhancement to wield powerful magic, shaping the elements or manipulating reality itself.

Advantages

Spellcasting: Can cast a wide range of spells, from destructive firestorms to protective barriers or illusionary trickery.Elemental Control: Mastery over one or more elements or magical concepts, determined by their Crest (e.g., fire, shadow, time).Area Control: Capable of influencing large areas of battle, forcing opponents into unfavorable situations.Techniques

Chantless Casting: Advanced mages can forgo lengthy incantations for faster spell execution.Ritual Magic: High-level spells that require preparation but can change the tide of war (e.g., summoning storms, creating magical fortresses).Mana Constructs: Creating tools, weapons, or shields from pure mana.Limitations

Physical Fragility: Without physical enhancement, Archmages rely on protective spells or allies for close combat.Mana Overload: Overusing spells drains their mana pool and risks burning out their Crest.2. Duality of the PathsThe choice between Swordmaster and Archmage is absolute. The body cannot sustain both physical enhancement and spellcasting due to the strain of managing mana in two distinct ways.

Swordmasters channel mana internally, reinforcing their muscles, bones, and reflexes.Archmages channel mana externally, shaping it into spells and constructs.Only legendary figures or ancient beings are rumored to have ever balanced both paths, but the process was said to destroy their humanity.

3. Power Scaling and the Role of CrestsCrests remain central to the power system, influencing the strength and style of both Swordmasters and Archmages.

For Swordmasters:Elemental Crests allow elemental-infused strikes (e.g., a fire-enhanced sword slash).Bestial Crests grant beast-like physical abilities (e.g., dragon-scaled skin or hawk-like vision).Runic Crests enhance unique combat styles (e.g., teleportation-based swordplay).For Archmages:Elemental Crests determine their primary magical affinity.Bestial Crests grant summoning abilities or beast-themed spells.Runic Crests unlock rare, conceptual magic like gravity manipulation or time distortion.4. Combat and Team DynamicsThe dichotomy between Swordmasters and Archmages fosters strategic cooperation in battles and wars.

Swordmasters serve as the vanguard, dominating close combat and protecting Archmages.Archmages provide ranged support, area control, and utility, creating opportunities for Swordmasters to strike.