The Awakened progression system has five major ranks.
Sleeper
Freshly infected by the Spell. Very limited abilities. The majority of humans stop here.
Awakened
First true threshold. Unlocks an Aspect Ability (Shadow Step for Sunny). Grants routine access to the Dream Realm through Nightmare Gates.
Ascended
Higher tier. Unlocks a second Aspect Ability (Shadow Manifestation). Recognized by the Great Clans, considered elite.
Transcendent
Power beyond ordinary laws. Advanced Aspect Ability (Shadow Incarnation). Very rare. Potential clan founder.
Supreme
Apex of the system — unlocks a Domain (a personal metaphysical territory) and a Domain Ability (Shadow Legion). Sunny reaches this rank by killing himself in Vol 9.
Beyond: Sovereign
After Supreme, a few attain the status of Sovereign — ruler of an aspect of reality. Sunny becomes Sovereign of Death.