Xenron Xexen is the latest in the line of succession for the Xexen Empire, a young but powerful interplanetary dominion. The teenage prince has a bright future - but for one problem. He can't use magic. When he even attempts it, the best he gets is existential dread, and it gets worse from there.

His father isn't much help - his focus is almost entirely on his war with an ancient zealot, the Light Incarnate. His teacher struggles to help him, and he doesn't have a lot of connections beyond her. But he knows he can't leave things like they are - this only becomes more clear as mysterious kidnappings, terrorist attacks, and conniving masterminds plague Xenron's homeworld. He needs to be stronger, smarter, and bolder - to be the symbol that Xexen culture not only craves, but requires. But to get there, he'll need to reach way beyond his comfort zone, working with and learning from quirky people both in person and remotely, through mundane and magical means.

All the while, regular people with less far-reaching concerns and just trying to make it through the workweek, and keep their friends and family safe from the Black Hand. A girl with sticky fingers and a love of brawling leaves home for fairly ordinary reasons but quickly finds herself mixed up in more danger and excitement than she had bargained for.

While this is progression fantasy with a lot of power growth, this isn't primarily a story about the biggest underdog becoming the strongest warrior. More, this is a story of self discovery for the protagonists. In Xenron's case, he knows between the blank spots in his memory, his mounting anxieties, and voices he should not hear that something is very strange about his current circumstances - his powerlessness included. Knowing is only half the battle in his path to self-actualization - but if he can accept a hand extended on his path forward instead of giving into despair, he may just find the strength to extend a hand in turn.

Content warning for themes of depression and mental illness as a whole, as well as perspective character thoughts of suicide. I don't intend this to be a depressing story, on the whole, and aim to write from a place of compassion based on lived experience and second-hand accounts. Your feedback is appreciated.