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Synopsis of The Shadows Ascend

In a world shattered by the appearance of the Tower of Eternity and the subsequent rifts that ravaged the Earth, humanity is forced to survive amidst the ruins. The Tower looms over the remnants of civilization, offering unimaginable power to those who can ascend its endless floors—but at a terrible cost: the soul of the climber.

Kael Valen, a bitter and cold-hearted survivor, is one of the Rift Servants—a class of people forced to venture into dangerous rifts to collect valuable resources for the Syndicates that now rule the Earth. Once a hopeful boy, Kael’s life was ruined when his family was torn apart by the Tower’s arrival. Sold into servitude, Kael has learned to trust no one, survive at all costs, and most of all, hate the Tower and everything it stands for.

When Kael stumbles upon an ancient, mysterious power within a rift—the Null Nexus, an unshaped shadow that offers strange, unexplainable abilities—his world changes. But this power, still untamed, is not without its risks. As Kael fights to control it, he realizes that the Nexus is more than just a tool for survival: it’s a key to understanding the true purpose of the Tower—and perhaps a way to destroy it once and for all.

Joined by Lira Thorne, a ruthless climber with a deadly secret, Kael must navigate the deadly rifts, betrayals, and twisted politics of the new world, all while avoiding the watchful eyes of the Eclipsed Order, an ancient cult that worships the Tower’s power, and the Syndicates that seek to control the resources. But with each passing day, Kael’s control over the Nexus weakens, and the shadow begins to consume more than just his body.

In a world where survival is a constant gamble and power comes at the price of humanity, Kael must decide: will he use the power of the Nexus to destroy the Tower and save the remnants of Earth? Or will he succumb to the darkness within, losing himself in the process?

"The higher you climb, the darker your shadow becomes."


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This synopsis builds on the key themes of survival, power, and sacrifice, while giving a glimpse into Kael's motivation and the dark world he's navigating.

Table of The Shadow Ascends

Table of contents

Volume 1