In 2235, the one nation world of Axis is a stunning example of near perfection. Helmed by The Honorable Chase Vaughn, and solidified after a devastating clash that has been written down in history as The War of the 9th, Axis's economy is thriving, the low class is all but nonexistent, and technology has leaped forward several decades in less than one. Spirit, the energy of life, present in all living beings has been employed effectively in two practices- Techsmithing and Cyphering, attributing to advancements in science in the arcane, respectively. However, to those determined enough, the Spirit can offer so much more. Legend has it that when a man or woman reaches self actualization, a unique Awakening occurs, and they gain access to special abilities that epitomizes the power of their spirit. While some people view them as blessed, others regard them as self righteous offenders of the gift of life, as granted by their spirits. Among those of this school of thought is the The Honorable himself. In his resentment of their kind, Chase Vaughn has begun to rally the hearts and minds of the world against these gifted individuals with the help of a dark congregation, known as "The Order." A young Awakened named Melik Cloud, under the tutelage of his Aunt Kyomi, is taught of the plight against his people and must prepare for a fast brewing war while striving to understand a deeper war raging within himself.

Phoenix has left his family, and is on a mission to rid the land of Demetrius' influence all by himself. The stone has taken him over almost completely, removing his conscience, and making him capable of horrible acts of violence, murder, and other atrocities. Can Ember, Lindani and Spedro save him before it's too late? Or will he cut a path across the land, leaving a trail of smoke and bodies in his wake?