Transcendence Book 1: Waking Dream

Transcendence follows the story of Nix, the Sunborne, a 'Child of the Immortal' and her trials and tribulations on the road to becoming the hero the universe needs since her ancestor's disappearance.
Raised in slavery to participate in gladiatorial games run by a plutocratic system masquerading as a confederation to continually test her growing powers, she is infused with the personality construct of the ancient hero to assist in her training by her physician, tutor, and friend Arandir Putarcic.
Unbeknownst to anyone, Nix is the subject of long machinations to usurp her form for occupation by the shade of the ancient evil sorceress, the Matriarch, via her servant, General of the Interior Guard, head of security for and overseer of Nix, Alenna Gezhal.
The best laid plains may bear unexpected fruit, however.
With the odd triumvirate of Nix's growing power, the mental trauma inflicted upon her over her years in the Central Trade Authority, and the sliver of awareness hidden within Alenna, came the birth of something without even the saving grace of basic humanity to redeem it: The Voidwalker.
A dark twin of Nix, the Voidwalker seeks her own path to life and the eventual death of the Sunborne.
Along the way Nix will discover who she is, who she wants to be, and who she is meant to be:
The Sunborne; a force for good and a beacon of light in a universe slipping quietly into darkness.
Inspired by the song Transcendence by the Danish power metal band Pyramaze, featuring Brittney 'Slayes' Hayes of Canadian power metal band Unleash The Archers, this story builds on the worlds established in the Demons of the AstroWaste (2011), Apex (2017) and Abyss (2020) concept albums released by Unleash The Archers.
That being the case, all concepts and characters from the aforementioned music were created and are owned by Brittney Hayes, to whom I would offer my deepest apologies for the liberties I've taken, as well as my deepest gratitude for the stories and music that I love.