Chosen Ascender

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

A Tower looms eternal, piercing the heavens and its foundations buried in endless shadow.Its origins are lost to time, its purpose known only to those who ascend it—and none have ever returned.

Kain awakens within an empty stone chamber, his memory stripped away. All he knows are three things: his name, the cold weight of the thin blade at his side, and a celestial voice that echoes in his mind, whispering simple, straightforward guidance.

As he attempts to ascend the Tower’s halls, Kain discovers he possesses a strange ability: the Mark, a sigil on his hand that allows him to channel unknown power meant to aid him in his ascension. But unknown power will always have a cost;a cost he cannot yet understand.

Kain doesn't understand his purpose in this tower, nor does he understand why this voice keeps egging him on towards ascension. However, a contrarian never did listen to the commands of anyone, ethereal being or not. Not for long, anyhow. After all, understanding who he was, is a far more interesting prospect for the young man.

What to Expect:Pragmatic and Realistic MC (With plenty of cool moments. I'm living vicariously through him.)Weak to Strong MCUnique magic system based on Marks and Inherited AspectsDark, atmospheric world-building reminiscent of some Souls-like games.

Information

Status
Hiatus

Royal Road Stats

Rating
4.4/ 5.0
Followers
4

Chapters(0 total)

No chapters available yet.

Reviews

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Community Reviews(1)

  • Aetherchasm ExplorerRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 4.5
    The writing creates a vivid and immersive atmosphere, pulling readers into Kain's mysterious and dangerous world. The descriptions are strong, especially in setting up the eerie tower and the tension in each chamber. The dialogue feels natural, though the contrast between Kain’s defiance and the calm, commanding voice could be sharpened. Some sentences repeat ideas or slow the pace, so trimming those would make the story flow more smoothly.
    The plot hooks you immediately with Kain’s amnesia and the strange, otherworldly setting. Each event builds intrigue, from the cryptic commands to the glowing Mark and the fight with the shadowy beast. The pacing is mostly good, but the battle could use more buildup to make it even tenser. The mix of action, mystery, and hints at a larger purpose for Kain makes for a compelling start.
    The grammar is clean, with only minor issues like occasional punctuation inconsistencies in dialogue tags. The writing is clear and easy to follow, helping readers stay engaged without distractions.
    Kain is a strong lead with his mix of frustration, sarcasm, and determination. His disdain for commands and curiosity about himself make him relatable and human. The voice adds mystery and keeps the plot moving, though it could have more personality. The beast is a decent first threat but could feel more unique or terrifying to leave a lasting impression.
    The story balances action and internal conflict well, keeping the stakes high. Kain’s fear and confusion are palpable, and the voice’s cryptic commands add to the tension. The fight scene is exciting but could dig deeper into Kain’s emotions to make it hit harder. The repetition of "climb" builds suspense effectively, making readers wonder what’s next.
    This is a strong start to a dark fantasy tale full of mystery and danger. The vivid writing, relatable protagonist, and intriguing plot set the stage for a gripping journey. Tightening the pacing and adding more depth to key moments would make it even bet