Note: I decided to locate feedback on this post specifically, I hope you don't mind...
The prologue of the story has a cool, "mythopoeic" tone, which sets the main themes of the story and plants the conflict. I quite liked it.
Then we are introduced to Ace, our protagonist, who just graduated but is perpetually stressed by fear what comes next, being often told to "go with the flow", the future will arrive when it arrives. But worrying and not knowing what he'll do in the future is a pretty relatable concern...
Then we meet "Origin" the creator being as well as the Universe, who puts Ace in a world based off his memories. I like the description of how the white sash transforms into a moebius strip with runes as it hovers around Origin's hand and how it can control everything at will. Though I will say Origin being like "Pfff, I'm not a god, I'm just an all-powerful creator being who also happens to embody the Universe and Everything..." is kinda funny....
Origin also kinda reminds me of Truth from Fullmetal Alchemist, I wonder if it was an influence...
Then we are introduced to Felix and Lady Meng. Their banter feels natural and shows how the two are total opposites in personality. His laid-backness is funny, being very casual despite being a professional. That scene in which a Cursed Phantom appears as a slimy, decayed monster is exciting. It has the right mix of scare and dread, even if we know Ace obviously isn't going to die yet. It also shows off more of Felix, who even let's more appear just for the fun of destroying them.
The relationship between Ace and his dad is refreshing. Too often we see angsty protagonists with bad or distant relationships with their fathers. So it felt nice to see them having a decently good relationship (if a bit strict). The part when he's like: "Stop staring at your hands." was pretty funny. This also makes the part when the memories have to be "burned" away much sadder.
It's good how it quickly goes into worldbuilding, defining and specifying the words and terms used. Aberrants, Essence, Cursed Essence, Edgerunners... it helps the reader feel more in the world.
How he enters this whole new Sanctum reminds of the Men In Black movies. You know, a group that deals with otherworldy threats, capable of erasing memories and the normal public doesn't know about...
With the way the powers work it's like a bizarre mix of the Men In Black and the Jedis.
I hope you appreciate this post.
