[participant in the Royal Road Writathon challenge]
In the bio-mechanical city of Kur, lost souls from the devastated Kenoma solar system have fallen into the underworld, becoming immortal in a state of deathless suffering for most, but endless entertainment for the Archons. These powerful beings control the city's electromagnetic and mycelium networks using the VaporFlame, and their currency is both the literal and metaphorical lifeblood of everyone and everything in the city.
Amidst the city's five social classes, Aktaly is a transmogrified Cyber Bard and a member of the punk underclass. After accidentally stealing the power of Ra, the most powerful Archon, she gains exceptional abilities that can be used for both healing and destruction. She trains to become a Composer and understand her potential. But with Ra's spirit slowly overtaking her own, Aktaly faces a moral tests of power and pleasure that could lead her down a dangerous path. She must choose whether to follow in the footsteps of the five Vapor Archons or to follow the example of Zani, the only Flame Archon and a protector of all people and cats like Bastet.
Inspired by mythology from various cultures, Aktaly's katabasis to heal the city of Kur updates the stories of Inanna, Eurydice, and Sophia Achamoth for a modern audience. With a non-violent, female lead and a system based on music, biochemistry, and mycelium, this biopunk fiction saga offers a unique story of how the worst of all underworlds can become the seed for the rebirth of a Solar Punk utopia.