Darkness Style

Dark Sword Style (暗刀流 Antōryū) is a Sword Style used by Dark Knights (暗黒騎士 Ankoku Kishi). It uses pain to significantly enhance their techniques, but also strains them if used consecutively.

It was developed by Falgabard, and is notably used by Cecil Knightwalker.

Information
Dark Knights generally use physical pain, either self-inflicted or as a result of battle, as a source of dark energy. The power they gain is relevant to the pain they suffer—a simple bruise will see little difference, while a gaping wound will show drastic results.

Dark Knights, though relatively rare, can use mental pain as well. For example, traumatic experiences grant power equivalent to the pain they recall (even distorted memories); grudges grant power equivalent to the anger or hate they bear; a killing intent could easily double or triple their abilities.

As powerful as it seems, though, it is not without its weaknesses.

A direct (but not universal) drawback is that by inflicting pain upon oneself to gain power is risky. Not only is repeated use severely harmful to the body, it's also a chance for the enemy to kill the user. A skilled enemy could easily dodge augmented attacks and strike the wounded user.

Another drawback applies universally. Dark Sword Style is similar to steroids; in exchange for enhanced capability, it heavily strains the user's body, and cuts off a small portion of their lifespan for every use. It can become life-threatening as well, if used consecutively within a short period of time.