Perception



Perception is the supernatural ability unique to humans and utilized by the Sentinels of Humanity. Generally, only the Commander and those ranked Major are able to access this ability.

Overview
When a magic user projects their magic, they emit a magical aura that cannot be seen by the naked human eye. This aura follows their magic, tracking their movements and where they have passed through. Sentinels who have access to Perception are able to use these auras in their favor, allowing them to follow a demon's tracks in the field or find an infected human amongst a crowd.

When a Sentinel uses their Perception, they are able to discern where magic attacks will come from before they've manifested by following the aura. By using their Black Blade in tandem with this ability, some are even able to achieve the feat of cutting through magic. Doing required a high level of mastery only the Commander and few Majors have attained. When cut, the magic is completely nullified and dispelled, thereby cancelling upcoming attacks for a few moments. However, the magic of stronger demons will be harder to cut through.

Demon are completely unable to use Perception as a result of possessing magic themselves. On the other hand, most humans are also unable to use Perception. As a result, only a handful of Sentinels possess the ability. Serpents and hybrids, despite possessing magic, are able to gain the ability to access Perception.

Unlocking
It was first believed that unlocking Perception required bathing in the blood of demons. This gave way to the custom of brutality that runs through the Sentinels, although it has since been proven that doing so does nothing to unlock the ability.

There are only two true ways to unlock Perception: exposure to magic over many years, which gradually acclimates the human eye to seeing magic auras, or mere months of continuous exposure to high levels of magical energy, forcing it to unlock by putting the body through immense stress. The latter option is the way the current Commander unlocked Perception; she locked herself in an underground cavern which was fully enveloped in magical energy to force the ability to unlock.

Weaknesses
The main weakness of Perception is the eyes themselves. They are easily susceptible to damage and the user may become so absorbed in tracking the magic that they will be blindsided by a physical attack. Many young and new users have been killed due to this oversight, causing a rumor to spread amongst the lower ranks that unlocking Perception halves the user's lifespan.

Overuse of Perception will also cause permanent damage to the eyes. Once the strain becomes too much, the blood vessels in the eyes will burst, thereby blinding that eye for good. It's left to the individual to know their limits and not overstep them, but many who achieved the rank of Major have been killed or forced to retire due to pushing themselves too far and blinding themselves in the midst of combat.