In the aftermath of the siege of Mont Tombe and Luca’s shocking flowering in the midst of his and Zoe’s battle with the mysterious Akira, something strange about the Garland’s guardian is revealed. Later, back in Thermi, the capital of the Holy Realm, the Branched squad gets a brief rest. A meeting with the Pontiff causes Luca to question his motives for becoming a maestro and opens his eyes to the true origin and purpose of the Spires. Are Luca and Zoe doomed to a life of endless war, or can they take their fate into their own hands?