The Atonement Arcanist
By Michael Ross
Synopsis
Reality is fracturing. Anomalous weather patterns plague the globe – snowstorms in the Sahara, tsunamis in Kansas – and whispers of arcane abilities echo in the dark corners of the internet. When struggling artist Ethan Bellweather stumbles upon a hidden nexus to the realm of the 'Aetherium,' he unlocks the power of the 'Arcanist' – a mage tasked with safeguarding Earth. However, Ethan's path to power is paved with acts of public contrition and bizarre penances. To grow strong enough to face the coming extra-dimensional threat, he must embrace the 'Path of Atonement,' performing increasingly outlandish and self-deprecating deeds.
Chapters
The Graffiti of Calamity
11 min read
The Aetherium's Whisper
11 min read
The First Penance: Public Apology for 'Bad Art'
14 min read
Arcane Illusions and a Lost Tourist
12 min read
The Voidborn's Scrimshaw
12 min read
Penance Number Two: Singing Opera in the Subway
13 min read
The Whispers of the City
12 min read
Meeting Evelyn Reed: The Skeptic
14 min read
The Penance of Procrastination: Writing 1000 Apologies for Late Bills
13 min read
The Chicago Conduit: A Hidden Nexus
13 min read
The Voidborn's Corruption Spreads
13 min read
Penance Number Four: Wearing a Chicken Suit and Directing Traffic
11 min read
The Scrimshaw's Connection
15 min read
Confronting the Collector
13 min read
The Penance of Forgiveness: Apologizing to Every Person He's Ever Wronged
12 min read
Evelyn's Betrayal?
14 min read
The Ritual Begins
12 min read
Penance Number Five: Performing Stand-Up Comedy about His Failures
13 min read
Unmasking the Conduit's True Intentions
12 min read
The Final Penance: Sacrifice
12 min read