# Hypnoapotheosis
**The Core Power Progression System of the Novel**
Hypnoapotheosis is a clandestine ritual of ascension, involving the divination and induction of memories and essence from the bones of fallen deities: angels such as cherubim and seraphim, nethers, devils, demons, gods, and apexes—also known as saints. This forbidden knowledge is veiled from the common masses, guarded as a sacred secret by the churches and the Order of Guidance.
## The Process
Upon successful divination and induction, the aspirant—termed a Walker—is drawn into the memoryscape of the fallen deity. These memories are organized into three Memory Domains, beneath which lie eight mysteries: pivotal events witnessed or imagined through the deity's lingering will. Solving each mystery grants mastery of a corresponding stage within the domains, propelling the Walker toward ascension. Failure, however, invites dire peril.
## Memory Domains
### 1. Chivalry: The Domain of the Knights
Ascension Stages:
- Squire
- Sentinel
- Vanguard
- Bastion
- Herald
- Eternal
- Ascendant
- Sovereign
### 2. Covenant: The Domain of the Mages
Ascension Stages:
- Votary
- Caster
- Alchemist
- Spell Singer
- Hecate
- Reaper
- Weaver
- Magus Supreme
### 3. Codex: The Domain of the Sages
Ascension Stages:
- Scholar
- Scribe
- Seer
- Truth Seeker
- Star Gazer
- Law Binder
- Grand Archivist
- Oracle
Ascension stages are attained through the completion of their required mysteries.
## The Risk
Each memory is actively woven by the wills and essences of the fallen, pulsing with latent hunger. If a Walker fails to solve a mystery or perishes within the memoryscape, their consciousness is reaped by the dormant will of the deity. The Walker's body then serves as a conduit—a fragile gateway to the divine realm. Yet the human form is ill-suited to bear such higher essences, compounded by the fallen deities' seething resentment toward the mortal plane. This incompatibility twists the vessel into a monstrosity, its power rivaling that of the original fallen deity, and it is termed a Hollow by the Order of Guidance and the churches.
An exception exists for apexes, known as saints: their process halts at the fourth ascension stage, with no risk of Hollow transformation upon failure. Thus, the ritual unfolds under the vigilant supervision of a Sacred, within multidimensional artifacts forged by living saints. Rogue divinations are strictly prohibited by the Order, often overseen by an Oracle wielding measures of omniscience.
## The Corrupted
These abominations arise when a Walker, having successfully ascended some or all mystery stages, is slain, succumbs to death, or descends into mental overload or despair. The fallen deity's will overtakes the body, amplified by its grudge against the fallen Walker. The result is a vengeful, mindless predator, driven by raw instinct.
It falls to the Walkers of the three pathways to hunt and contain these threats, preserving the fragile balance.
### Ranking of the Corrupted
They are classified by the ascension stage achieved by the deceased Walker:
- First Ascension Stage: Wretch
- Second Ascension Stage: Fiend
- Third Ascension Stage: Aberration
- Fourth Ascension Stage: Harbinger
- Fifth Ascension Stage: Despoiler
- Sixth Ascension Stage: Ravager
- Seventh Ascension Stage: Calamity
- Eighth Ascension Stage: Abomination
## The Condemnation
Enigmatic entities purportedly birthed by the higher deities to regulate the proliferation of life, the Condemnations span from aimless, mindless wanderers to cataclysmic forces.
### The Great Condemnations
These are the ultimate harbingers of annihilation, each wielding power on par with a full deity. Only seven exist, collectively known as the Unranked.
## The Sacred
Rare human vessels attuned to the Infinites—transcendent beings of eternal continuity—who ascend not through Hypnoapotheosis, but via Dormant Ascension. In this perilous rite, they bind and subdue the essence of an Infinite within themselves. Success elevates them to realms of power surpassing the eighth ascension stage of the three pathways. Failure renders them Soulless: hollow puppets enforcing cosmic continuity, often under the watchful eye of higher Sacreds.
Note: Sacreds are exceedingly rare, with survival through Dormant Awakening defying all odds.
## The Saints
Beings of caliber akin to the Sacreds, serving as mediators between the higher deities and humanity—also called Apexes. Upon their death, their bones yield a diluted essence suitable for cultivation, ascending only to the fourth stage but without the peril of Hollow formation. This makes them-their bones- prime targets for rogue divinators. To safeguard them, the Order consigns their remains to the Grave of Anubis.
**Note:** This compendium serves merely as a prologue for deeper understanding, not the full lens of the story. The themes herein hold far greater depth, meaning, specificity, and diversity—along with myriad other terms left unmentioned here. For the sake of narrative retention, it minimizes spoilers and information dumps.
This is my second book, and I aim to make every chapter count.