The novel follows Sasha Samokhina, a young girl who is mysteriously compelled to attend the Institute of Special Technologies, a bizarre and enigmatic school that defies the norms of reality. As Sasha navigates the school's rigorous and often surreal curriculum, she discovers that the lessons challenge not only her intellect but also her very perception of existence. The story delves into themes of transformation, the nature of knowledge, and the boundaries of human understanding, as Sasha grapples with the profound and often unsettling changes she undergoes in her pursuit of mastery at the institute.