Thanks for the feedback!
Wax is the main resource in the game; it serves as both HP and currency. A pile yields 25 wax: it restores health, and any amount exceeding your maximum health goes into your reserve. You can use it to buy upgrades or to respawn. The Shift ability works in the direction of movement; it’s not a mandatory skill and costs HP, but it is effective when you’ve upgraded your speed and makes movement more convenient.