Savior Complex

Abstract

Savior Complex is the prologue and first three chapters of a fantasy novel which follows Vivlan, a young con man who flees his country after stealing his mentor's most prized possession in hopes of proving his skill and uncovering said mentor's mysterious past. While fleeing, he is invited by an old friend to take part in the last con he will ever need to pull— the training and consequent manipulation of the crown prince of their neighboring kingdom, Neevos. Neevos is a society which revolves around physical strength and mental resolve. In order to climb social rankings, the next in line to a position would propose a "challenge:'' an arranged fight to the death to overtake the position of power. The cold and reclusive prince challenges his mother, the queen, and the people of Neevos race to find some sort of influence over him in hopes of changing their country in ways they see fit. Vivlan is forced to transfer the skills he learned through small schemes of loaded dice games and the occasional bribe to a nation-wide stage: navigating the choppy world of politics, all the while chasing his real goal of finding out who the man who raised him really is.