Gifts (선물) are supernatural abilities that are possessed by superhumans who are referred to as "Gift Users". These abilities are produced from a special kind of energy called EST.
History
Gifts have likely existed alongside humanity since the dawn of time, though their true origins remain a mystery. Most, like Ihwa, view them as a mysterious force.[1] The exact moment Gifts appeared in recorded history is unknown but they have been seen across various regions, even before the Chaotic Era.[2]
Throughout history, Gifts have played a significant role in world events. The majority of humanity has revered Gift Users, with some even worshipping them as "gods." However, this perception has varied over time. In more primitive societies, Gift Users were sometimes seen as "demons" and met with hostility, even execution.
Those who misuse their Gifts are often labeled Villains, even by other Gift Users. Some individuals, in turn, regard ordinary humans as inferior or as mere "playthings" to be manipulated or destroyed.[3] These views have persisted and evolved, eventually giving rise to the modern concept of Heroes.
After the Chaotic Era's end, a new world order emerged led by the Elders, the nine most powerful Gift Users, who were elevated to a status of reverence, worshipped by the public for their immense power and the "light" they radiated.[4]
Information
EST grant Gift Users an incredibly resilient body and an extraordinarily long lifespan. Gift Users retain a youthful appearance, aging more slowly or even stopping entirely at a certain point in life.[5] However, the aging process can vary, with some users appearing elderly while others look like preteens. Gift Users are also less sensitive to temperature changes, allowing them to wear clothes suited to any climate.[6]
Ironically, few Gift Users live long enough to die of natural causes; many die young due to conflicts among users. Some may even lose their abilities due to sickness, like The Executioner of the Silver Forest [7], or old age, as seen with Chaos.
Gifts manifest in various forms, with differences not only in their types but also in how they activate. Some Gifts that seem similar may activate in different ways. According to Engen, many Gifts are triggered by psychological or emotional factors, such as fear, trauma, guilt, or yearning. These mental states can amplify a user’s Gift, making even minor emotional events enhance their power. However, not everyone can manifest a Gift, as these emotional triggers are not universal.[8]
Naming
As per Chaos' knowledge, Gift Users don’t name their abilities for flair. Instead, the name is often chosen with great care to refine the control over their powers. Imagination and focus are key in naming, and adding restrictions can further enhance a Gift's strength. For example, warriors like sword wielders may refine their techniques by placing limits on their powers.[9]
Conditions
Some Gifts require specific conditions to be met before they can be used, or they may impose penalties for overuse. The reasons behind these conditions are not yet fully understood.[10]
Heredity
Gifts can be inherited genetically. For instance, Villains Rachel Sinclair and Bagna were born with similar Gifts from their parents. Even when one parent is a normal human, a child may inherit a Gift. However, it remains unclear whether a child of two Gift User parents would inherit both abilities. Scar of Vendetta once hinted that Gifts are rarely passed down genetically, though this was initially dismissed as a tactic to provoke Rachel during their fight. This idea was later supported by the case of Reagan Sinclair, whose children rarely inherited his abilities.[11]
Imbuing
Gift Users can imbue their equipment, weapons, and objects with their Gifts, using them as extensions of their own bodies.[12] Some users can even imbue their Gifts onto their ammunition.[13]
Breakthrough
A Gift User can undergo an awakening, often triggered by intense stress or emotions, such as in a life-or-death situation. This breakthrough can unlock a new level of strength or introduce new aspects to a user's ability.[14]
Grafting
Through a scientific process, Gifts and Shards can be grafted onto or implanted into unpowered humans. This process was developed by Project Newborn, a research program aiming to create Gift Users artificially. It was conducted by scientists affiliated with the Hero Clan during the War of the Reeds.[15]
Types of Gifts
Materialization
These Gifts allow users to generate unknown energies, manipulate existing energy spectrums, alter matter, and create extra-dimensional spaces based on or with EST.
Physicality
These Gifts enhance or alter the user's own body chemistry or the physiology of others using EST.
Polymorphing
These Gifts enable users to change their appearance or form. However, if control is lost, users may not be able to return to their original form. [16]
Mental
These rare Gifts manipulate the minds and mental functions of others or themselves using EST. Due to their potency, these Gifts are considered some of the most dangerous, depending on the user's power and experience.
Trivia
- According to the creators, there are many Gifts that require conditions or a price to pay without the use of EST.
References
- ↑ Hero Killer Episode 57
- ↑ Hero Killer Episode 175
- ↑ Hero Killer Episode 194
- ↑ Hero Killer Episode 111
- ↑ Hero Killer Episode 154
- ↑ TMI Insignificant 2022#1
- ↑ Hero Killer Episode 147
- ↑ Hero Killer Episode 57
- ↑ Hero Killer Episode 183
- ↑ Hero Killer Episode 13
- ↑ Hero Killer Episode 119
- ↑ Hero Killer Episode 43
- ↑ Hero Killer Episode 56
- ↑ Hero Killer Episode 58
- ↑ Hero Killer Episode 72 & Episode 202
- ↑ TMI Insignificant 2022#1