Hugh Carverson is the chief of a downtrodden mining crew. One day, he discovers a dragon tooth deep underground. It dissolves into his body when he touches it, turning him into an Aspirant, someone capable of inheriting the unparalleled might of ancient dragons. Now, all he has to do is survive hordes of murderous fanatics, a gang of wily and brutal killers, and a crushing bureaucracy which has an army of trained soldiers at its beck and call. With the gorgeous but enigmatic Artificer Stephania as his handler, and the resourceful beauty Lana caught in a revolutionary plot, Hugh's newfound powers make him both a valuable asset and a dangerous threat. He just has to survive long enough to unleash the dragon within.