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The book tells the story of Rin, a young orphan girl who enrolls in the prestigious Sinegard Academy to escape her miserable life. She faces numerous challenges, including discrimination, bullying, and self-doubt, but perseveres and discovers her latent powers as a shaman. Rin becomes embroiled in a war between the Nikara Empire and the Federation of Mugen, and joins the Cike, an elite group of assassins and shamans. As she navigates the complexities of war, politics, and her own destiny, Rin must confront her inner demons, make difficult choices, and face the consequences of her actions. Along the way, she forms alliances, forges friendships, and uncovers dark secrets about the Empire and the Federation. Ultimately, Rin's journey is one of self-discovery, empowerment, and transformation, as she becomes a powerful force in the world and a leader in the fight against oppression. The book explores themes of identity, power, trauma, and the human cost of war, raising questions about the nature of morality, loyalty, and the true meaning of strength.
The story follows a young girl named Rin as she prepares to take the Keju, a prestigious exam that determines one's fate in the Nikara Empire. Rin is an orphan who has been raised by the cruel and manipulative Fangs, who want to marry her off to a wealthy merchant. However, Rin is determined to pass the Keju and attend the esteemed Sinegard Academy, which would provide her with a better life and a way out of her miserable circumstances. With the help of her tutor, Feyrik, Rin studies tirelessly and makes great sacrifices, including burning herself with hot wax to stay awake and focused. On the day of the exam, Rin is nervous but determined, and after a grueling test, she must wait seven days for the results. When the results are finally posted, Rin discovers that she has scored at the top of her village and province, earning her a place at Sinegard Academy. Her journey is one of desperation, hard work, and determination, as she seeks to escape her difficult life and create a better future for herself.
After being cleared of cheating accusations, Rin prepares to leave for Sinegard Academy, saying goodbye to her foster family and setting out on a long journey to the capital. Along the way, she and her tutor, Feyrik, face various dangers and warnings about the city, including the threat of bandits and the prevalence of fake currency and poisonous food. Upon arriving in Sinegard, Rin is overwhelmed by the city's chaos and hostility towards southerners, but is awestruck by the beauty of the Academy. As she begins her orientation, she meets a group of students, including a condescending and rude boy named Yin Nezha, who slanders her teacher and prompts Rin to punch him in the face. The altercation is broken up by a dark-robed apprentice, who reminds them that fighting is against the rules. Despite the rocky start, Rin is determined to make a new life for herself at the Academy and prove that she deserves to be there.
The story continues with Rin's first day at Sinegard Academy, where she meets the grand master, Jima Lain, and the other masters who will be her instructors. Jima warns the students that only the most elite will be allowed to continue at the academy, and that those who are not worthy will be sent home. Rin is intimidated by the other students, many of whom have had prior martial arts training, and struggles to keep up in her classes. She meets her fellow female students, Niang and Venka, and the two of them size each other up. Rin also meets Kitay, a young boy who is a year her junior but has achieved the highest Keju score in Sinegard Municipality. Kitay is friendly and witty, and the two of them quickly become friends. The day's classes include martial arts training with Master Jun, who teaches them about the importance of discipline and technique, and history with Master Yim, who lectures them on the Empire's military embarrassments and the loss of Speer. The students are also introduced to the academy's strict rules and harsh punishment for disobedience. The day ends with a mysterious and unexplained Lore class, which seems to be some kind of prank or test. Rin and Kitay are the only ones who remain in the garden, where they discover a variety of unusual plants, including poppy flowers, and speculate about the true nature of the Lore class.
The students of Sinegard Academy are pushing themselves to their limits as they delve deeper into their studies and training. Rin is struggling to keep up with her classmates, particularly in Combat class, where she is no match for the skilled and arrogant Nezha. Despite her best efforts, Rin is consistently outmaneuvered and humiliated by Nezha, who takes great pleasure in her misery. Meanwhile, the mysterious and elusive Altan Trengsin, a Speerly student, has become a topic of fascination among the students. His exceptional fighting skills and enigmatic nature have earned him a reputation as a formidable warrior. As the students continue to train and compete, they begin to realize that their abilities and strengths are being tested in ways they never thought possible. Rin, in particular, is forced to confront her own limitations and weaknesses, and she must find a way to overcome them if she hopes to succeed at the Academy. The pressure and intensity of the training take a toll on the students, leading to conflicts and power struggles that threaten to upend the delicate social balance of the Academy.
Rin's life at Sinegard Academy takes a tumultuous turn after she is expelled from Master Jun's Combat class. She is devastated by the punishment, feeling that it is unfair and biased towards her as a low-born student. Her emotional turmoil is further complicated by her first experience with menstruation, which she had not been prepared for. Despite the challenges she faces, Rin finds a way to cope with her situation and begins to focus on her studies, particularly in the subject of Strategy. She becomes fascinated with the teachings of Master Irjah and excels in his class, impressing him with her cleverness and strategic thinking. Meanwhile, Rin also starts to teach herself martial arts, using forbidden texts from the library to learn techniques and attending matches at the rings to observe and learn from other fighters, including the enigmatic and skilled Altan Trengsin. As the semester progresses, Rin's determination and resourcefulness ultimately lead her to find a way to overcome the obstacles in her path and continue to pursue her goals at the academy.
Winter has arrived at Sinegard Academy, bringing with it harsh weather conditions that make everyday life a challenge. Rin, still struggling to keep up with her classmates, continues to sneak away to the Lore garden to practice her martial arts skills using a forbidden Seejin text. One day, she is caught by Master Jiang, the enigmatic and unpredictable Lore Master, who has been absent from class for the entire semester. Despite his eccentric behavior, Jiang offers to teach Rin martial arts, but only if she agrees to complete a bizarre task: carrying a piglet named Sunzi up a mountain every day to drink from a special stream. Rin reluctantly agrees and embarks on a daily routine of running up the mountain with Sunzi, which proves to be a challenging and transformative experience. As she trains with Jiang, Rin learns unconventional martial arts techniques and develops a unique bond with her instructor. However, when Sunzi's time comes to an end, Rin must confront the reality of her situation and make a choice about her future at the academy, including whether to pledge Lore or pursue a more traditional path with Master Irjah.
As the term comes to a close, the students of Sinegard Academy prepare for the Trials, a series of exams that will determine their apprenticeships and ultimately their futures. Rin, determined to prove herself, focuses on her studies and training, particularly in the subject of Strategy. She also continues to train in martial arts, using forbidden texts and observing other fighters, including the enigmatic Altan Trengsin. The Tournament, a martial arts competition, is a key part of the Trials, and Rin surprises everyone by advancing to the finals against Nezha, the arrogant and skilled son of the Dragon Warlord. Despite being the underdog, Rin defeats Nezha in a fierce and intense match, but not before losing control and unleashing a powerful and terrifying force. After the match, Jiang, the Lore Master, reveals that Rin has stumbled upon something she's not ready for and offers to take her on as his apprentice, teaching her to control her power and rage. Rin accepts, pledging to study Lore and embarking on a new path that will change her life forever.
Rin spends her summer break at Kitay's estate, where she experiences a life of luxury and comfort. She attends the Summer Festival with Kitay, where they watch a shadow puppetry show that tells the story of the Trifecta, three legendary heroes who unified Nikan. Rin becomes fascinated with the idea of shamans and the possibility of summoning gods, but Kitay is skeptical. They discuss the story and its implications, with Rin suggesting that the Trifecta may have been shamans and Kitay arguing that it's just a myth. As they enjoy the festival, Rin meets Kitay's family and sees the Empress in person, who makes a profound impression on her. The Empress's beauty and presence are mesmerizing, and Rin feels an intense loyalty and devotion to her. Meanwhile, Kitay's father is concerned about the threat of Mugen and the potential for another war, and Rin begins to realize the complexities and dangers of the world beyond the Academy.
Rin returns to Sinegard Academy for her second year, eager to continue her studies in Lore under Master Jiang. She is tasked with registering for her classes and is surprised to learn that the academy is not sure what color armband she should wear as a Lore student, as it has been so long since anyone has pledged the subject. Rin spends most of her time studying with Jiang, who teaches her unconventional martial arts techniques and pushes her to expand her mind and understand the world in new ways. Jiang introduces her to the concept of psychedelics and their potential to access the universe within her mind, but warns her that they must be used with caution and proper mental preparation. Rin struggles with meditation, finding it boring and difficult, but eventually begins to experience strange and vivid visions. Jiang takes her on a hiking trip and teaches her about various plants and their properties, including their potential for spiritual connection. As Rin delves deeper into her studies, she begins to understand the true nature of the world and the forces that shape it. She has a profound experience during a meditation session, where she sees a vision of the Pantheon and communes with a mysterious woman who warns her about the dangers of seeking power. Jiang reveals that Rin has finally understood the truth of the world and is now "cured" of her imbalance, but Rin is left feeling confused and unsure of what to do next. She wants to learn how to channel her power, not suppress it, and is determined to figure out how to do so, even if it means going against Jiang's teachings.
The story shifts its focus to the Emperor Ryohai's ship, the Ryohai, which has been patrolling the eastern Nikara border in the Nariin Sea. On board is General Gin Seiryu, the grand marshal of the Armed Forces, and a mysterious Nikara guest, Cike commander Tyr, who is hiding in the shadows. Tyr is a skilled assassin and shaman who has been sent to infiltrate the ship, but his plans are disrupted when the Empress Su Daji arrives, revealing a shocking turn of events. Meanwhile, back at Sinegard Academy, Rin and her friends are preparing for the impending war with the Federation of Mugen. The Academy is being transformed into a military encampment, and the students are being absorbed into the Eighth Division. Rin and Kitay are tasked with aiding the civilian evacuation effort, but they are frustrated with the slow pace of preparations and the lack of action. As the enemy approaches, Rin becomes increasingly desperate and considers using the power of the gods to fight back, despite Jiang's warnings against it. The chapter ends with Rin secretly taking poppy seeds from Jiang's garden, setting the stage for a potentially disastrous confrontation with the forces of the Federation.
As the Federation of Mugen's army approaches Sinegard, Rin prepares for battle, but her fear and anxiety threaten to overwhelm her. Despite her training, she struggles to cope with the reality of war and the likelihood of her own death. With the help of Kitay, she fights against the Federation soldiers, but they are vastly outnumbered. Just as all hope seems lost, Jiang, the Lore Master, appears and summons a powerful force to drive back the enemy. However, his control over the force falters, and the city's east wall is breached. Rin is left to face the Federation general alone, but she manages to tap into the power of the Phoenix, a god she had previously encountered, and unleashes a devastating flame that destroys the general. As the battle rages on, Rin is left weakened and injured, but she is found by Niang and eventually tended to by the Empress herself, who seems to possess an otherworldly understanding of Rin's connection to the gods.
Rin is being held in a basement after her display of powerful abilities during the battle against the Federation. She is eventually visited by General Irjah, who informs her that she will be joining the Cike, the Empress's squad of assassins, due to her unique abilities as a Speerly. Rin is initially resistant to the idea, but Irjah explains that it is for her own safety and the safety of others, as the Militia is afraid of Speerlies and their unpredictable powers. Altan Trengsin, the commander of the Cike and a fellow Speerly, arrives and introduces himself to Rin. He explains the nature of the Cike and their role as assassins, and tells Rin that she will be trained to control her powers and use them for the Empress's benefit. Rin and Altan set out on a march to Khurdalain, a coastal port city, where the Cike is stationed and the Empress has established a front against the Federation. Along the way, Altan explains the Empress's defense strategy and the importance of holding Khurdalain, which is a crucial location in the war against the Federation.
Rin arrives at the Cike's base in Khurdalain and begins her training with Altan, who teaches her how to harness her powers and control the Phoenix. She meets the other members of the Cike, a group of misfit soldiers with unique abilities, and learns about their individual strengths and weaknesses. The group is led by Altan, who is determined to prepare them for the impending war with the Federation of Mugen. However, tensions arise when General Jun Loran, a commander of the Fifth Division, clashes with Altan over the Cike's role in the war effort. Meanwhile, Rin struggles to adjust to her new surroundings and the Cike's unconventional methods, but she is determined to prove herself and earn the respect of her comrades. As she navigates the complexities of her new role, Rin must also confront the darkness within herself and the true nature of her powers.
The chapter describes the events leading up to and during a battle between the Cike, a group of shamans led by Altan, and the Federation of Mugen's fleet in the city of Khurdalain. The Cike, with their unique abilities and Altan's strategic planning, are able to sink the fleet and destroy the supplies, giving them a significant advantage in the war. The chapter also explores the characters' personalities and interactions, particularly Rin's struggles to control her powers and her relationship with Altan. After the battle, the Cike celebrates their victory, and Altan speaks with Rin about her performance, encouraging her to tap into her anger and build on it to access her powers. He criticizes her former master, Jiang, for holding her back and warns her that caution will not give her the power she needs. The chapter ends with Altan's enigmatic statement that he does not know how to stop the flames once they are lit, leaving Rin wondering about the risks and consequences of using her powers.
The city of Khurdalain is celebrating a victory after the Cike, led by Altan, successfully defeated the Federation of Mugen's fleet. However, the celebration is short-lived as a Federation delegation arrives with a white flag, bearing gifts of salt and sugar. The delegation's head, a calm and collected individual, reveals that the gifts are actually saltpeter, a key ingredient in explosives. Before the truth can be fully revealed, the saltpeter ignites, causing a massive explosion that devastates the city. Rin, Altan, and the other characters struggle to come to terms with the aftermath of the blast, which has left many civilians dead or injured. As they navigate the ruins of the city, they realize that the Federation's true intention was not to surrender, but to weaken the city's defenses and demoralize its people. The survivors are left to pick up the pieces and tend to the wounded, while also preparing for a potential ground assault. Rin is tasked with helping at a triage center, where she is forced to confront the harsh realities of war and the consequences of the Cike's actions. The chapter ends with a sense of sadness, loss, and foreboding, as the characters and the city of Khurdalain struggle to recover from the devastating blast.
The city of Khurdalain is in chaos after the Federation's bombing, with thousands of civilians dead or injured and the refugee problem spiraling out of control. Rin, a member of the Cike, is struggling to cope with the aftermath and her own role in the war. Altan, the commander of the Cike, is pushing his soldiers to their limits, planning increasingly desperate operations against the Federation. However, his behavior becomes more erratic and manic, causing concern among his team. Rin is tasked with training with Altan, but she is afraid to tap into the power of the Phoenix, fearing it will consume her. Meanwhile, the city is gripped by suspicion and violence, with civilians turning on each other and the Militia struggling to maintain order. Just as the situation seems hopeless, reinforcements arrive in the form of the Seventh Division, led by the Dragon Warlord, and Rin is shocked to see her old rival Nezha alive and walking among the troops.
Rin is tasked with killing a chimei, a monstrous creature that has been terrorizing the city of Khurdalain. The chimei has the ability to imitate the faces of its victims, making it a formidable and terrifying opponent. Rin and her companion, Nezha, track the chimei to an alleyway, where they discover that it has taken on the form of a young girl. However, when Rin looks into its eyes, she sees the face of her former friend and charge, Kesegi, which causes her to hesitate and nearly fall under the chimei's control. Nezha helps her to break free, and together they manage to kill the chimei by burning its face off with a torch. The experience leaves Rin shaken, and she is forced to confront the darkness within herself and the true nature of her powers. Meanwhile, Altan's behavior becomes increasingly erratic and abusive, causing Rin to question her loyalty to him and the Cike. The chapter ends with Rin returning to the Cike's base, where she is met by Altan, who seems unaware of the fact that she has just killed a creature that took on his form.
The story continues with Rin assessing the riverbanks and reporting back to Altan, who is struggling to maintain control and composure. A scream interrupts their conversation, and they rush to find Qara, a sentry, collapsed on the floor, writhing in agony. Altan reveals that Qara and her brother, Chaghan, are anchor twins, spiritually linked in a way that makes them vulnerable to each other's pain. Chaghan, Altan's lieutenant, arrives, badly injured, and Altan is furious with him for taking unnecessary risks. As the Cike tends to Chaghan's wounds, Rin learns more about the spiritual link between Qara and Chaghan, and the concept of anchor twins. Later, Chaghan confronts Rin about her performance issues and her disrespect towards Altan, warning her that if she speaks about Altan in such a manner again, he will have her killed. Despite his arrogance, Chaghan shows a sympathetic side, revealing that Altan is struggling with the weight of command and the pressure to win, and that he is more fragile than Rin thinks. Chaghan advises Rin to get her priorities straight and learn to control her powers, warning her that Altan's failure to hold Khurdalain will break him.
The story continues with Rin and the Cike launching a joint assault with the Seventh Division against the Federation's embassies by the wharf in Khurdalain. However, the Federation unleashes a poisonous gas that kills many Nikara soldiers and sends the rest into a panicked retreat. Rin tries to rescue her friend Nezha, who has been caught in the gas, but is stopped by Altan, who prioritizes capturing a Federation prisoner over saving one of their own. This leads to a confrontation between Rin and Altan, with Rin defying Altan's orders and questioning his leadership. Altan responds with violence, striking Rin across the face, but she refuses to back down and instead summons the power of the Phoenix, unleashing flames that rival Altan's own. The two engage in a fierce and intense confrontation, but ultimately, Altan's flames prove stronger, and Rin is forced to retreat. Despite this, Altan seems pleased with Rin's display of power and tells her to return to her post. The chapter ends with Rin feeling drained and angry, but also more determined than ever to defy Altan and forge her own path.
Rin seeks out Chaghan's help to understand and control her powers, and to learn more about the mysterious Woman who has been blocking her connection to the gods. Chaghan takes Rin to a mystical place called the Divinatory, where they meet a goddess known as the Talwu, who reads the Hexagrams to provide guidance. The Hexagrams reveal a pattern of misfortune and victory, and Chaghan interprets the signs to mean that the Federation's true target is not Khurdalain, but rather the war capital of Golyn Niis. Altan is informed of this revelation, and he uses his powers to extract information from a Federation prisoner, who confirms that the Federation has found a mountain pass and is marching towards Golyn Niis. The prisoner is eventually killed by Altan, who becomes increasingly unstable and inhumane. The chapter ends with Altan's eyes glowing bright red, indicating that he is no longer fully human.
The Cike, led by Altan, arrive at Golyn Niis, a city that has been brutally devastated by the Federation. They are met with a gruesome scene of corpses, many of which have been deliberately arranged in a sadistic display. As they search the city, they find few survivors, including Kitay, who recounts the horrific events that led to the city's downfall. The Federation's actions are revealed to be brutal and inhumane, with soldiers committing atrocities such as rape, torture, and mass murder. Venka, a fellow student, is found to have been subjected to unimaginable trauma, and she begs Rin to swear to kill the Federation soldiers responsible. Rin, overwhelmed by the horrors she has witnessed, seeks out Altan, who is found to be using opium to cope with his own trauma. The chapter ends with Rin kneeling beside Altan, who is lost in his own world of pain and addiction.
Rin discovers Altan's secret opium addiction and is shocked, feeling that he has let her and the rest of the Cike down. She confronts Chaghan, who reveals that Altan's power comes not from his Speerly heritage, but from the deep-seated hatred and rage that drives him, forged from the traumatic experiments he endured at the hands of the Federation. Chaghan warns Rin that Altan's plan to release an army of powerful shamans from the Chuluu Korikh prison will have catastrophic consequences, but Rin is torn between her loyalty to Altan and her duty to stop him. Eventually, she decides to join Altan on his perilous path, and together they pledge to unleash the gods and take revenge on their enemies, no matter the cost.
Rin and Altan journey to the Chuluu Korikh, a mystical mountain where powerful shamans are imprisoned, with the intention of unleashing an army of gods to fight against the Federation of Mugen. However, upon arrival, they are met with resistance from Jiang Ziya, a powerful shaman and Rin's former master, who warns them of the catastrophic consequences of releasing the gods. Despite Jiang's warnings, Altan frees Feylen, a mad and murderous shaman, who quickly turns against them. Feylen attempts to kill Altan, but Rin manages to save him. As they try to escape, they are ambushed by Federation soldiers, who have been waiting for them. With their powers suppressed by the mountain's walls, Rin and Altan are forced to fight without the aid of the gods, and their situation becomes increasingly desperate.
Rin and Altan find themselves in a research facility, captured by the Federation and subjected to the cruel experiments of Dr. Shiro. As they undergo physical and emotional torture, Rin discovers the dark truth about the Federation's intentions and the Empire's betrayal of the Speerlies. With the help of Altan, Rin taps into the collective anger and vengeance of the Speerly ancestors, unlocking a powerful and ancient force within herself. As they attempt to escape, Altan sacrifices himself to destroy the research facility, calling upon the Phoenix to aid him. Rin is left alone, forced to come to terms with the loss of her commander and friend, and the weight of her newfound power and responsibility. With the guidance of the constellation of the Phoenix, Rin sets out to fulfill her duty and complete the mission that Altan started, determined to bring vengeance to those who have wronged her people.
Rin, having escaped the research facility where she was being held and experimented on, swims for hours, driven by the voice of her commander Altan, who had sacrificed himself to destroy the facility. She eventually reaches a island and follows a path that leads her to an underground temple, where she intends to summon the Phoenix and exact revenge on the Federation. Despite warnings from the ghost of Mai'rinnen Tearza, Rin gives herself to the Phoenix, offering it worship and blood in exchange for its power. The Phoenix accepts, and Rin feels an intense, overwhelming pain as she becomes a conduit for the god's power. She unleashes a devastating blast of flame that destroys the island of Mugen, killing millions of people. Rin's mind recoils from the horror of what she has done, and she shuts off her emotions, refusing to acknowledge the lives she has taken. She emerges from the temple, her body engulfed in flames, and collapses onto the sand, unable to control the power that now courses through her veins.
Rin wakes up on a ship, unsure of how she got there, and is greeted by Ramsa, a member of the Cike. She is struggling to come to terms with the aftermath of the events at the Chuluu Korikh and the destruction of the island of Mugen. Kitay, another friend, is present but seems distant and concerned about Rin's actions. As Rin tries to process what happened, she learns that the Cike has been searching for her and that they have all survived. However, the group is grieving the loss of Altan, their former commander, and are trying to come to terms with the consequences of their actions. Rin is torn between her desire for revenge against the Empress, who she believes betrayed them, and the moral implications of her own actions. She eventually comes to realize that she has been named as Altan's successor and is now the commander of the Cike. With this new responsibility, Rin forms an alliance with Chaghan, the group's Seer, to seek revenge and reshape the world.