The world is exactly like ours: skyscrapers, crowded subways, the internet, and the flow of money. However, superimposed on this reality, there is the Spiritual Frontier
Divine warfare doesn't take place on ancient battlefields, but in the dark alleys and corporate boardrooms of modern metropolises. It's also quite common in forests, though in specific contexts. There are no traditional "adventurers." Magic users are ordinary people—police officers, hackers, doctors, students—who have been "Awakened" to a hidden reality.
But only one "race" can truly possess abilities in this hidden war: The Chosen. They are graced with an ability to act according to their God, and few are truly chosen, most merely serving the god as an Awakened, not a Chosen. The reasons are unknown, but the Awakened believe they are being prepared to be Chosen, while others were Chosen much earlier.
All magic flows from two primordial entities. Choosing a side defines not only your Gifts (powers), but your philosophy of life. Those chosen by the Benevolent gain a Blessing. Those chosen by the Malevolent gain a Curse.
Aureus, The Benevolent(Order): Preservation, protection of humanity and maintenance of the status quo[1]. His powers manifest as constructs of solid light, healing, and barriers. Aureus' magic is safe and reliable. It does not exact a physical price from the user, but it does require a Code of Conduct. If the user violates their moral principles or wavers in faith, the power weakens. This is why there are few Chosen for the Benevolent, as it demands strong renunciations, an almost restricted lifestyle, and unparalleled kindness. But this does not mean that he lacks compassion for his beloved Awakened.
Umbra, The Malevolent (Chaos): Ambition, social Darwinism[2], radical change, and personal power. Their powers are "alive," violent, and made of shadows, blood, or entropy. Umbra's magic is more destructive than Aureus's, but it is unstable. Using the power requires sacrifice. It can be excruciating physical pain, the draining of one's own vitality, or the risk of the magic getting out of control and harming the user. There are many more Chosen in this field, as there is more evil in the world than good.
In the narrative, there are no "XP levels." Evolution occurs through Fervor — the accumulation of Acts of Faith. A character doesn't get stronger by killing a monster; they get stronger by acting in accordance with their God. Although killing is more of a feat of Umbra, Umbra still demands much more than "killing."
A Chosen of Aureus evolves by sacrificing themselves for the group or protecting innocents.
A Chosen of Umbra evolves by dominating enemies or fulfilling selfish desires.
This evolution, when achieved, is classified into Circles. The Circle is the refinement of your spirit to enhance your Gift (power). There are 5 levels of Circle, and the further you advance in it, the stronger your Gift becomes. They say the fifth Circle is Apotheosis[3].
That's all you need to know. Now, it's your turn to explore the wonderful world of this story and follow our protagonist.
[1] The term "status quo" means the existing state of affairs, the current situation, or "the way things are now". It's a Latin phrase that literally translates to "the state in which" and is used to describe the present conditions, often in social, political, or economic contexts, and is sometimes associated with resistance to change.
[2] Social Darwinism is a set of pseudoscientific theories that falsely apply Charles Darwin's idea of "survival of the fittest" to human societies, using it to justify social inequality and competition.
[3] Apotheosis is the elevation or exaltation of a person to divine status or godhood. It can also refer to the highest point or ideal example of something, meaning the perfect or ultimate version of a person, thing, or idea.