I mostly play FF and am not used to action games, so some of these enemies like the master tonberries frustrate me

But seeing them explode into a pile of gummi bears is so satisfying.

>>713849156
Soul shield both raises your max MP and refilles your MP which is required to do your job skill and combo finishers (which act as your special moves). Against smaller enemies it will also repel their attacks. I also could be wrong but I think you take damage if you block elemental damage but not when you soul shield.