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The book follows the story of Rin, a young warrior who possesses the power of the gods, as she navigates a world of war, politics, and mythology. The story begins with a dark ritual performed by Riga, Daji, and Ziya, which binds them together and grants them increased power. Rin, now a commander, leads her troops in a series of battles against the Mugenese forces, driven by her desire for revenge and power. As she fights, she grapples with the moral implications of her actions and the weight of her responsibilities. Throughout the book, Rin's journey is marked by encounters with various characters, including Yang Souji, a rebel leader; Daji, the former Empress of Nikan; and Jiang, a powerful shaman. Rin's relationships with these characters are complex and multifaceted, and she is often forced to make difficult choices and confront her own demons. The story takes a dramatic turn when Rin discovers that she is being hunted by the Hesperians, a powerful and technologically advanced nation that seeks to exploit the resources of the Nikara territories. Rin must use all her skills and cunning to evade capture and continue her fight against the Hesperians. As the book progresses, Rin becomes increasingly obsessed with her goal of defeating the Hesperians and reclaiming her country. She is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve her objectives, including sacrificing her own morals and values. However, she also begins to realize the true cost of her actions and the consequences of her desire for power. The book culminates in a final confrontation between Rin and her enemies, in which she makes a shocking decision that will determine the fate of her country and her own destiny. Ultimately, Rin's story is one of sacrifice, redemption, and the complexities of power and morality in a world torn apart by war and conflict.
A dark and ominous ritual is underway, led by Riga, with Daji and Ziya participating. The ritual involves the sacrifice of a deer and the recitation of an incantation, which holds the power to bind the three individuals together, granting them increased power and connection. Despite initial failures and doubts, the ritual is ultimately successful, and the three feel a surge of energy and a sense of being complete. However, the outcome is tainted by the costs of their actions, and Daji is left with a sense of dread and foreboding, haunted by the memories of their past betrayals and the prophecy of a mysterious figure, Tseveri, who warned of a grim future: one will die, one will rule, and one will sleep for eternity.
Rin, now a commander, leads her troops in an ambush against the Mugenese forces occupying the town of Khudla. As she prepares for battle, she struggles with the pain and itchiness of her recently amputated right hand, a constant reminder of her past injuries. Despite her nerves, Rin is determined to succeed in her mission to liberate Khudla, driven by her desire for revenge against the Mugenese and her need to prove herself as a capable leader. As the battle commences, Rin unleashes her powerful flames, fueled by her connection to the Phoenix, and carves a path of destruction through the Mugenese camp. However, she begins to feel a pang of guilt and unease as she realizes that the enemy soldiers are mostly young and unprepared, and that she is killing them with ease. Nevertheless, she pushes on, driven by her hatred and determination to win. When the Mugenese take hostages in a nearby temple, Rin decides to use her flames to burn the temple down, despite the risk of killing innocent civilians, in order to ensure a decisive victory and minimize her own losses. As she unleashes the flames, she is haunted by the screams of those inside, but she steels herself and continues, driven by her ambition and desire for power.
Rin returns to her camp after liberating the village of Khudla, where she is greeted by Kitay. She is struggling with the aftermath of the battle and the weight of her responsibilities as a commander. As she interacts with the villagers, she is met with a mix of awe and fear, and she begins to realize the impact of her actions on the people she is trying to help. Rin also meets Yang Souji, a rebel leader who has been fighting against the Mugenese in the south. Souji is initially resistant to Rin's attempts to recruit him and his troops, the Iron Wolves, to join the Southern Coalition. However, after a tense confrontation, Souji agrees to join forces with Rin, and she asserts her authority over him and his men. Meanwhile, Rin continues to grapple with her own demons, using her memories of Altan to cope with the trauma and guilt of her past actions. As she prepares to leave Khudla, Souji reveals that the Mugenese are still occupying a cluster of villages in the south, including Tikany, a place that holds significant personal meaning for Rin. This revelation sets the stage for Rin's next move, as she prepares to lead her troops to Ruijin and plan her next campaign against the Mugenese.
Rin returns to the Southern Coalition's base camp in Ruijin, where she meets with Yang Souji, the leader of the Iron Wolves, and Du Zhuden, the right-hand man of the bandit leader Ma Lien. Rin is determined to convince the coalition's leadership to launch a campaign against the Mugenese in Rooster Province, but she faces resistance from the Monkey Warlord, Liu Gurubai, who prioritizes survival over expansion. Meanwhile, Rin secretly meets with Zhuden and agrees to hasten the death of Ma Lien, who is terminally ill, in order to gain control over his troops. After Ma Lien's death, Rin seizes the opportunity to fill the power vacuum and demands to be given command of the coalition's army. With the support of Zhuden and Souji, she is able to sway the coalition's leadership and gains permission to lead a campaign against the Mugenese in Rooster Province, marking a significant turning point in her quest for power and revenge.
Rin leads her troops towards the Beehive, a network of villages in northern Rooster Province, with the goal of liberating the central township of Leiyang. She faces challenges in planning the attack, as her intelligence on the Mugenese forces is limited and she struggles to come up with a strategy that will minimize civilian casualties. Yang Souji, the leader of the Iron Wolves, offers his expertise and advises Rin to use small-scale tactics and deception to weaken the enemy before launching a full-scale attack. Despite initial reservations, Rin comes to see the effectiveness of Souji's methods, which involve using guerrilla warfare, ambushes, and feints to disrupt the Mugenese forces and gather intelligence. As they approach Leiyang, Rin and her troops continue to use these tactics, but they know that eventually they will have to face the enemy in a direct battle. Souji's unorthodox approach to warfare challenges Rin's classical training, but she begins to understand the value of adaptability and creative strategy in the face of overwhelming odds.
Rin and Souji infiltrate the Mugenese-occupied township of Leiyang, where they meet with Chief Lien, who is hesitant to join their cause due to the risks of reprisal. However, his son Qinen is eager to fight and has been secretly preparing the villagers for rebellion. Despite Rin's initial reluctance, Qinen's determination and the villagers' bravery eventually win her over. Meanwhile, Rin receives a mysterious letter from Nezha, who claims to want to negotiate a truce and offers to spare her allies if she surrenders. However, Rin is skeptical and decides to ignore the letter. As the Southern Coalition prepares to attack Leiyang, they discover that the Mugenese have been tipped off and are holding the civilians hostage. In a desperate bid to save their lives, the villagers launch a suicidal charge against the Mugenese, prompting Rin to unleash her powers and join the battle. The fate of the south hangs in the balance as Rin and her troops fight to reclaim the territory from their enemies.
Rin walks through the aftermath of the battle in Leiyang, feeling a mix of emotions, including a sense of pleasure and power from having unleashed her flames. She meets with Qinen, who is badly injured, and learns that the villagers are rising up against the Mugenese in other parts of the province. As Rin tours the area, she witnesses the brutal violence and retribution meted out by the villagers against their former oppressors, including collaborators who worked with the Mugenese. Rin is torn between her desire for justice and her discomfort with the violence, but ultimately decides not to intervene. The arrival of Venka, a former ally, brings news that Nezha, a powerful enemy, is ill and may not be a threat for the time being. Rin also encounters a group of young girls who are being sold by an old woman, and she intervenes to protect them, offering them a place in her army instead. The chapter ends with Rin reflecting on the complexities of war and the moral ambiguities of her actions.
Rin returns to her hometown of Tikany, which has been devastated by the Mugenese occupation. She is met with a mix of emotions, from the survivors who are grateful for her liberation to her own feelings of guilt and nostalgia. As she explores the town, she is struck by the extent of the destruction and the suffering of the people. She visits the general's complex, where she finds evidence of the Mugenese's brutal treatment of the townspeople, and discovers a series of charcoal sketches of a woman, which humanize the enemy and make her question her own motivations. Rin also encounters Venka, who is struggling to cope with the trauma of her past, and the two have a tense confrontation. Later, Rin and her troops uncover a mass grave, where they find the bodies of many of the town's inhabitants. Among the dead, they discover a young boy who is still alive, and Rin is forced to confront the reality of the atrocities that have been committed. As she stands among the graves, she is approached by a woman and two young girls, who are survivors of the occupation. The woman reveals that they have been protected by a mysterious lady who has been living in a hut in the forest, and Rin becomes determined to find this lady, who she suspects may be Su Daji, a figure from her past.
Rin follows two girls to a hut in the forest, where she finds Daji, the former Empress of Nikan. Daji appears old and desperate, and Rin is torn between her desire for revenge and her pity for the woman. Daji reveals that she has been trying to break the Seal she placed on the Trifecta for decades, but cannot. Rin realizes that Daji is not a threat to her, but rather a potential ally in her fight against the Hesperians. Daji proposes that Rin create an army of shamans to counter the Hesperian threat, but Kitay is strongly opposed to the idea, citing the risk of inflicting harm on innocent people. Rin is torn between her desire for power and her moral obligations, and the chapter ends with her feeling uneasy and uncertain about her future. Meanwhile, the town of Tikany celebrates its liberation, and Rin attends a dance ceremony, where she feels out of place and uncertain about her role in the celebration. The chapter ends with Rin and Souji hearing the sound of bombs exploding in the distance, signaling the start of a new attack.
Rin and Souji are caught off guard by a surprise bombing raid on Tikany, and they struggle to survive the intense attack. As they try to escape, Rin is separated from Souji and encounters a severely injured officer, whom Souji mercy-kills. Rin then discovers that the bombing is a prelude to a ground assault, and she realizes that the enemy is trying to capture her alive. She soon faces off against Nezha, who has become even more powerful and is able to control the rain. Despite being outmatched, Rin engages Nezha in a fierce hand-to-hand combat, but she is eventually overpowered and beaten. Just as Nezha is about to kill her, Rin manages to strike him with a rock and knock him unconscious. However, she is shocked to discover that Nezha's body is able to rapidly heal from his injuries, making her question how to defeat him. As she hesitates, a dirigible arrives, and Nezha is taken away, leaving Rin alone and injured in the forest.
Rin awakens in a muddy field, disoriented and injured, after a brutal bombing raid on Tikany. She searches for Kitay, but he's nowhere to be found, and she's met with silence and fear from the survivors. As she tries to come to terms with the loss and destruction, she realizes that she's lost her connection to the Phoenix and is powerless without Kitay. She attempts to reach out to him through their anchor bond, but it's unresponsive. Desperate and alone, Rin tries to gather her thoughts and plan her next move, but she's confronted by Souji and the Monkey Warlord, Gurubai, who reveal that they've been secretly negotiating with the Republic and plan to surrender her to Nezha in exchange for a ceasefire. Rin is shocked and outraged, but she's overpowered and beaten by Souji. Just as she's about to be killed, Daji appears, using her hypnotic powers to manipulate the men and spare Rin's life. Daji proposes taking Rin to a mountain in Snake Province, where she claims Rin will be safe, but Rin suspects that Daji has an ulterior motive and that she's being taken to the Chuluu Korikh, a stone prison for mad shamans. As Rin is sedated and prepared for the journey, she's left feeling helpless and trapped, with no clear escape or rescue in sight.
Daji finds Riga reading a book of children's myths, seemingly detached from the chaos unfolding around them. She tries to confront him about the situation, but he is unresponsive and instead shares a myth about the goddess Nüwa mending the sky. Ziya arrives, frantic about the attack on Speer, and Riga reveals that he has allowed the Mugenese to destroy the island, killing everyone, including Hanelai. Ziya is devastated and tries to attack Riga, but Daji intervenes, using an incantation to stop them from fighting. The incantation has an unexpected effect, causing a strange venom to seep into their minds and rendering Riga and Ziya incapacitated. As Daji stands amidst the chaos, she is left to wonder if she had intentionally triggered this outcome or if it was an accident, and she is haunted by the ghostly echo of Tseveri's laughter.
A private memorandum from Major General Josephus Belial Tarcquet to the Office of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Hesperia discusses the ongoing efforts to acquire assets and establish trade in the Nikara territories. The Consortium has secured rights to critical mining deposits and discovered valuable local goods, including porcelain, jade figurines, and textiles. However, the Gray Company's attempts to convert the indigenous population to the Order of the Holy Maker have been met with resistance due to the natives' indifference to religion and resentment of social discipline. The report assesses the risk of a concentrated armed uprising as minimal, but notes the threat posed by indigenous guerrilla movements in the south, particularly the Speerly Fang Runin, who possess pyrotechnic abilities believed to be manifestations of Chaos. The memorandum concludes that the southern rebels are no match for the Consortium's military might and that the development of countermeasures, including opium missiles, will soon render the shamans powerless, paving the way for the Consortium's dominance over the Nikara territories.
Rin awakens on a dirigible, disoriented and injured, with Daji by her side. She learns that she is being taken to the Chuluu Korikh, a stone prison for mad shamans, where she will be immured. Despite her initial resistance, Rin is eventually overpowered and taken to the prison, where she is left to suffocate and lose her mind. However, she is rescued by Jiang, who has been freed from his own imprisonment, and Daji, who reveals that she has been planning to use Rin to gain access to Jiang. As they escape the prison, Rin confronts Jiang about his abandonment of her, and he explains that he was trying to protect her. The three then begin to plan their next move, with Daji and Jiang advising Rin to kill her enemies and take control of the southern army. Rin is initially hesitant, but begins to consider the possibility of using violence to achieve her goals. As they make their way down the mountain, Jiang and Daji reveal that they plan to retrieve Rin's anchor, Kitay, and then wake their own, setting the stage for a larger conflict.
Rin, Jiang, and Daji journey to the heart of enemy territory to rescue Kitay, who is being held by the Republic. As they navigate the war-torn landscape, they witness the devastating effects of the Hesperian bombing campaigns and the destruction of entire villages. Upon arriving at the New City, the Republican wartime headquarters, they are struck by the drastic changes brought about by the Hesperian occupation. The city is transformed into a hub of Hesperian architecture, technology, and culture, with Nikara residents seeming to embrace their new rulers. Rin, Jiang, and Daji must use their wits and cunning to gather intelligence, avoid detection, and locate Kitay. They eventually discover that Kitay is being held in a building bearing the symbol of the Gray Company, which appears to be a church rather than a prison. Rin uses her connection to Kitay to communicate with him, and he provides her with coordinates to his location. As they prepare to rescue Kitay, they are aware of the risks and challenges that lie ahead, including the Hesperians' advanced technology and the brainwashed Nikara population.
Rin, Jiang, and Daji infiltrate a church in the New City to rescue Kitay, who is being held by the Republic. They use their unique skills to evade detection and make their way to the dungeon where Kitay is being kept. Once they reach him, they engage in a conversation with Nezha, who reveals his struggles with the Republican cabinet and his Hesperian advisers. Kitay and Nezha's conversation is laced with tension and underlying emotions, hinting at a complex history between them. After Nezha leaves, Rin and Kitay make their escape, killing a missionary who discovers them. As they flee the city, they discuss their plan to join forces with the Dog Province and launch a counteroffensive against the Republic. However, Kitay expresses his doubts about their chances of success, citing the Hesperians' superior technology and knowledge. He even suggests that the Hesperians might be innately better than the Nikara, which Rin strongly rejects. The conversation highlights the deep-seated differences in their perspectives and the moral ambiguities of their situation. Despite their differences, they continue on their mission, driven by their determination to resist the Republic's occupation and reclaim their country.
Rin and her allies, including Jiang and Daji, hatch a plan to rescue Kitay and break the Southern Coalition out of the Republican blockade. They infiltrate the blockade by swimming through a stream and then make their way through old mining tunnels. Jiang uses his shamanic powers to summon beasts from the Emperor's Menagerie, tearing through the Republican army and allowing the Southern Coalition to escape. Rin calls down massive flames to destroy the Republican dirigibles, and in the chaos, she confronts and kills Yin Vaisra, the President of the Nikara Republic. However, Jiang is injured in the battle, and as they try to escape, he becomes catatonic and starts whispering about someone named Riga, causing Daji to become frantic with fear.
Rin and her army escape from the Anvil through a network of mining tunnels, emerging into a cavern where they rest and tend to their wounded. As they prepare to continue their journey, Rin realizes that she must deal with the traitors among them, specifically Souji and Gurubai, who had planned to surrender her to the Republic. With Daji's guidance, Rin decides to execute Gurubai and publicly humiliate and kill Souji as a demonstration of her power and authority. The crowd, fueled by anger and resentment, brutally murders Souji, and Rin declares the end of the Southern Coalition, announcing that she will now make the decisions for the army. Through this violent display, Rin solidifies her leadership and inspires fear and loyalty in her followers, becoming the embodiment of power and liberation.
Rin and her army continue their perilous journey to Mount Tianshan, facing numerous challenges such as treacherous terrain, harsh weather conditions, and dwindling supplies. Along the way, they are forced to discard many of their weapons and supplies, and Rin struggles to keep her troops motivated and healthy. Meanwhile, Jiang's mental state deteriorates, and he becomes increasingly unhinged, revealing a darker and more sinister personality. Daji's true intentions are called into question, and Rin begins to suspect that she is hiding something. As they press on, Rin is torn between her determination to awaken the Dragon Emperor and her growing unease about the consequences of their actions. The group's dynamics are further complicated by Venka's presence, who has become a source of comfort and support for Rin. Despite the obstacles, Rin remains resolute in her mission, driven by her desire to reclaim her country and defeat the Republic. However, the true nature of their quest and the secrets that Daji and Jiang are keeping threaten to upend everything they thought they knew about their mission and themselves.
Rin and her troops continue their arduous journey through the Baolei range, facing numerous challenges and hardships. As they march, Rin learns more about the Trifecta's past and their motivations, particularly through conversations with Daji. However, Daji's secrecy and evasiveness regarding certain topics, such as Riga's abilities and the circumstances of Jiang's Seal, leave Rin with more questions than answers. Rin decides to drug Daji and confront Jiang, who reveals fragments of a dark and troubling story involving a person named Hanelai and the Speerly children. Meanwhile, the army's food supplies are dwindling, and some soldiers have resorted to eating human flesh to survive. Rin is forced to confront the harsh realities of their situation and the moral compromises they must make to survive. As they near the end of their journey, they begin their descent into Dog Province, and Rin sees a glimmer of hope in the form of a blue orchid blooming in the snow, a sign that they are nearing their destination and the promise of divine salvation.
Rin and her army arrive in Dog Province, a remote and sparsely populated region, in search of an alliance with the Dog Warlord, Quan Cholang. Cholang is hesitant to join forces with Rin, citing his province's lack of defenses and resources, but eventually agrees to guide them to Mount Tianshan, where they hope to find a powerful ally. That night, Rin meets with Chaghan, the leader of the Hundred Clans, who reveals that he has been tracking her and warns her about the dangers of awakening the Trifecta, a group of powerful beings who may not be what they seem. Chaghan takes Rin to the spirit realm, where she meets with the ghost of Hanelai, a Speerly woman who reveals a dark secret about the Trifecta's past and their involvement in the slaughter of the Speerly people. Rin is torn between her desire for power and her growing unease about the consequences of her actions, but ultimately decides to continue on her path, determined to awaken the Trifecta and use their power to defeat the Republic and the Hesperians. Chaghan warns Rin that his men will be waiting outside Mount Tianshan, ready to attack whatever emerges, and Rin responds by saying that she hopes they aim well, as long as they are not targeting her.
Rin, Jiang, and Daji climb Mount Tianshan to awaken the Dragon Emperor, Yin Riga, who has been asleep for twenty years. As they reach the Heavenly Temple, they are met with a surprise attack by the Hesperian dirigible fleet, led by Nezha. Rin discovers that Riga is not what she expected and that he has a dark past, having delivered the children of Speer to the Federation. Riga reveals his true power and terrorizes Rin, forcing her to flee. Jiang intervenes, allowing Rin to escape, and she unleashes the Phoenix, calling down a fiery destruction upon the temple and the Hesperian fleet. As the temple is destroyed, Rin jumps onto a fleeing dirigible and escapes, watching as the mountain is engulfed in flames and the Hesperian fleet is decimated. With the Trifecta and the Hesperian fleet eliminated, Rin sees a new path to victory in her war against the Empire.
The chapter delves into Nezha's past, nine years prior to the current events, where he has a rare and intimate conversation with his father, Yin Vaisra. Vaisra, who is usually distant and uninterested in his children, shares a story about the history of Arlong and the legend of Yu, a man who made a sacrifice to control the rivers and transform the land. However, this transformation came at a great personal cost, and Yu was eventually shunned by the people he had helped. Through this story, Vaisra seems to be warning Nezha about the dangers of taking on too much responsibility and the potential costs of greatness. The conversation is laced with underlying tensions and emotions, and Nezha is left feeling uncertain and confused about his father's intentions. The chapter also hints at Vaisra's own struggles and the secrets he may be keeping, adding depth to the complex and troubled character of Nezha.
Rin and her allies discuss their next move after the destruction of the Hesperian fleet on Mount Tianshan. They plan to attack the Republic on two fronts, with a double-pronged strategy to exploit the Republic's weakness and split their reinforcements. Rin proposes to create an army of shamans to counter the Hesperian threat, which sparks debate among her allies. Despite the risks, they agree to move forward with the plan, and Rin sets out to meet with Chaghan, the leader of the Hundred Clans, to discuss their strategy. Chaghan reveals that he has been investigating the Yin family and their connection to the Dragon, and shares his findings with Rin. He explains that the Dragon is a physical manifestation of the ocean's power and that it has a hold on Nezha, making him a formidable opponent. Chaghan advises Rin that to defeat Nezha, she must destroy Arlong, the source of his power. Rin realizes that this will be a crucial step in ending the war and sets her sights on taking down the Republic once and for all.
Rin sets out to create a group of shamans to counter the Hesperian threat, selecting volunteers and putting them through a rigorous training process. She uses her own experiences and the lessons she learned from Jiang to guide them, pushing them to their limits and beyond. Despite the challenges and setbacks, Rin's recruits begin to show promise, with Pipaji being the first to successfully call down a god. However, their progress is marked by tragedy, as Merchi dies after being poisoned by Pipaji's touch. Rin continues to drive her recruits, using their anger and fear to fuel their connections to the gods. As they near the end of their training, Rin reflects on her own legacy and the lessons she learned from Jiang, ultimately deciding to pay her respects to him with a makeshift memorial. With her recruits ready, Rin sets her sights on the upcoming campaign, determined to use their newfound abilities to defeat the Republic and the Hesperians.
Rin and her army launch a surprise attack on the city of Jinzhou, a major metropolitan target in Republican territory. Despite being offered the chance to surrender, the city's leaders refuse, and Rin unleashes her shamans, including Dulin, who has the power to create earthquakes and sinkholes. The city's defenses are quickly overwhelmed, and the walls are breached. As the battle rages on, Dulin loses control of his powers, causing widespread destruction and chaos. Rin intervenes, using opium to sedate Dulin and restore order. With the city under her control, Rin's troops plunder its riches, gathering supplies and resources for their continued campaign against the Republic. Rin also discovers the city's magistrate has fled, and she orders her troops to pursue and capture him. As she sits in the magistrate's throne, Rin reflects on the thrill of power and authority, and she vows to continue her campaign against the Republic, determined to burn it down and claim victory.
Rin's Southern Army continues to gain momentum, with a series of victories against the Republican forces. As they move east, they encounter more resistance, but Rin's use of shamans and her ability to adapt to new situations allows them to stay ahead. The army discovers a cache of Hesperian arquebuses, which Kitay is able to figure out how to use, giving them a significant advantage. However, they soon realize that they will run out of ammunition, leading Rin to come up with a plan to collect the enemy's bullets by baiting them into firing on corpses. Meanwhile, Venka sends a message informing Rin that Nezha is moving his forces north to meet them, and proposes a rendezvous at Dragab. Rin and Kitay discuss the strategic implications of this move, realizing that Nezha is trying to choke them off in the mountains, where the shamans will be less effective. Despite the risks, Rin decides to accept the challenge and meet Nezha at Xuzhou, seeing it as an opportunity to defeat him before he can reach the full power of the Dragon.
Rin and her allies prepare for battle against Nezha and the Republican Army in the city of Xuzhou, a graveyard of tombs and monuments. They employ a series of tactics, including using "turtles" (armored vehicles) to absorb enemy fire, and attempting to outmaneuver Nezha's troops. However, Nezha proves to be a formidable opponent, using his control over water to create a barrier that protects him from Rin's flames. Despite her best efforts, Rin is unable to penetrate the barrier and is forced to retreat. Nezha's actions reveal that he had never intended to make a stand at Xuzhou, but rather to test Rin's capabilities and embarrass her. The battle ends with Rin's defeat and a humiliating retreat, leaving her seething with rage and indignation.
Rin and her allies regroup after their defeat at Xuzhou, realizing that Nezha's powers have increased significantly, making him a formidable opponent. They devise a plan to cross the Western Murui River, using decoy squadrons to distract Nezha's forces while they attempt to reach the Nine Curves Grotto, where they intend to kill the Dragon of Arlong, the source of Nezha's power. Rin, Kitay, and a small group of soldiers use a dirigible to cross the river, but they are ambushed by Republican troops and forced to crash-land. After a intense battle, they manage to escape and continue their mission to kill the dragon, with Rin showing a more ruthless and determined side as she prioritizes their goal over the lives of her soldiers.
Rin and her allies launch a final attack on the city of Arlong, targeting the Dragon of Arlong, the source of Nezha's power. As they descend into the underwater grotto, they are met with a massive treasure trove of jewels and artifacts, but also a horrific sight of human bones and faces carved into the walls. Rin and her troops engage in a fierce battle with Nezha, but he proves to be too powerful, and they are quickly overwhelmed. Just as all hope seems lost, Nezha suddenly stops fighting and begins to communicate with the Dragon, revealing a deep connection between them. He offers to surrender himself to the Dragon in exchange for sparing the city, and to Rin's surprise, the Dragon accepts. As the Dragon retreats, Rin is left to confront the aftermath of the battle and the revelation that Nezha had been experimented on by the Hesperians, who had used him as a test subject for their divine technology. The chapter ends with Rin and Nezha sharing a moment of understanding, but also a deep sense of unease and uncertainty about their future and the consequences of their actions.
Rin deals with the aftermath of the battle in Arlong, where she is forced to confront the consequences of her actions and the cost of her victory. She visits a hidden graveyard for babies and unborn children, where she buries the ashes of her fallen shaman, Pipaji. Rin is met by Kitay, who brings incense and wine to keep vigil for the dead. They are unexpectedly joined by Nezha, who comes alone and unarmed. The three former friends share a moment of silence and nostalgia, holding hands and remembering their past. However, the moment is fleeting, and they are soon reminded of their differences and the reality of their situation. Rin and Kitay warn Nezha that if they see him again, he will be killed. The chapter ends with the three going their separate ways, Rin and Kitay returning to the city to rule and Nezha walking away into an uncertain future.
Rin and her army occupy the city of Arlong, and she sets out to find Sister Petra, a Gray Sister who had been conducting twisted experiments on shamans. Rin discovers Petra in a hidden laboratory, where she had set up a trap for Rin. However, Rin outsmarts Petra and captures her. Instead of killing Petra, Rin decides to subject her to a cruel and unusual punishment. She straps Petra to a table and forces her to ingest poppy seeds, which put her into a trance-like state. Rin then uses her connection to the Phoenix to take Petra's soul to the plane of the gods, where Petra is confronted with the reality of the Pantheon and the forces that shape the world. Petra's mind is shattered by the experience, and she is left a catatonic, drooling mess. Rin reflects on the outcome, feeling a sense of satisfaction and closure. She realizes that Petra's punishment is not just about revenge, but also about proving the existence of the gods and the power of the shamans.
Rin, now in control of Arlong, struggles to maintain order and stability in the city. She faces numerous challenges, including food shortages, bandit attacks, and epidemics. Meanwhile, she receives a series of letters from Nezha, who is trying to negotiate a truce and offer food aid from the Hesperians. However, Rin is skeptical and suspects that Nezha is trying to manipulate her. As she delves deeper into the letters, she begins to suspect that one of her own allies, Venka, may be a spy working for Nezha. Rin's suspicions lead to a confrontation with Venka, which ends in tragedy when an assassin attempts to kill Rin and Venka is fatally wounded while trying to save her. The chapter ends with Rin realizing that she has been played by Nezha and that the true extent of his plans is still unknown.
Rin returns to her hometown of Tikany, where she is met with a mixture of desperation and resentment from the starving and exhausted population. Despite the challenges, Rin is determined to rally her people and launch a final attack on the Hesperians. However, her plans are thwarted when the opium fields, her only trump card, are set on fire, likely by Nezha's saboteurs. With no leverage and no backup options, Rin's troops are on the verge of collapse. Kitay suggests surrendering to the Republic, but Rin refuses, convinced that giving in would be a betrayal of her people and her vision for a free Nikara. As the situation spirals out of control, Rin's relationship with Kitay begins to fray, and she starts to suspect that he may be working against her. In a desperate bid to maintain her power and control, Rin pretends to agree to Kitay's proposal, all the while planning to break free from his influence and continue her fight against the Hesperians, even if it means going alone.
Rin meets with Nezha on the island of Speer to negotiate a peace treaty, but she soon realizes that the Hesperians are not interested in peace and are instead planning to ambush her. Rin unleashes her powers and destroys the Hesperian fleet, but Kitay intervenes and cuts her off from the Phoenix, rendering her powerless. The two engage in a fierce battle, and Rin is forced to confront the reality of her actions and the consequences of her desire for power. In the end, Rin makes a shocking decision, using Nezha's knife to fatally wound herself, and instructs him to tell the Hesperians that he killed her in order to gain their trust and further his own goals. The chapter ends with Rin's ultimate sacrifice, as she chooses to die rather than continue down a path of destruction and chaos, and Kitay's resolve to follow her to the end, their fates tied together by their shared culpability.