Cinerus is an empire built on lies; a secret known only by a few: Emperor Aeskar, revered as the savior and a god, merely stole his sacred rituals from ancient deities. These truths lie hidden in the shadows of the Ashwood, amidst the screams of the Albiz and the whispers of forbidden magic. In the lowest echelons of the palace, Vesper, the son of a declared traitor and a mere jester, has spent his life hiding behind a false laugh. Born Coreless, unable to wield magic, Vesper's inner Mist Source awakens, coursing through his veins like molten glass. This uncontrollable power pushes him not only towards death but also towards avenging his father and uncovering the horrific truth at the heart of the Empire. With the help of old allies, Vesper discovers his destiny is far more than a jester’s play: it is a dangerous wager, a "Jester's Gambit," to bring down a corrupt empire.