Summary:The Engineer

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This page contains a chapter by chapter summary of The Engineer, book two in the The Last Horizon Series.

Prologue

Characters
Plot Summary

One year ago, Starhammer is rescuing the damaged Halcyon Days when he suddenly receives a message from the Priest of Night, a prisoner of the Advocates. The Priest of Night is taunting Starhammer, describing how he has destroyed Starhammer's home. The message is suddenly interrupted by an unknown wizard, who had saved the planet and Starhammer's wife, Leilari. The Priest of Night is then killed by a summoned rabbit. Leilari and Starhammer discuss their relief and gratitude to the wizard.

Chapter 1

Characters
Plot Summary

Queen Shyrax is on her way to The Last Horizon, and Varic and Horizon prepare to recruit her. The Last Horizon is still damaged from the battle with the Iron King, so they plan to wait until Shyrax nears. As they are in the Dornoth system, they are surrounded by Lichborn ships. Varic has Horizon teleport Benri Vallenar onto Dornoth Four, while they discuss how to meet Shyrax. They decided that Sola and Raion will be teleported to Shyrax and make way for Varic, while Omega stays in the vault.

Chapter 2

Characters

Queen Shyrax (POV)

Plot Summary

Shyrax, in her battlecruiser, are moving towards The Last Horizon. Suddenly, they are hailed by The Last Horizon, and Horizon announces that she is sending a representative directly to them. Sola is teleported onto the bridge. Shyrax's expectations are raised, and after a quick exchange, Raion is teleported onto the bridge aswell. Varic is then teleported onboard, and introduces himself. Shyrax challenges him for the Captain position, and Horizon agrees if Shyrax overcomes him magically.

Chapter 3

Characters
Plot Summary

They hold the magical contest in Shyrax's personal training room. They begin, with Shyrax going first. She conjures a dragon made of light, but after unleashing the attack, Varic dissipates it with ease. Varic then shows Shyrax his spell, which leaves the Aether trembling as soon as he starts. Shyrax begins to defend herself, but Varic stops the incantation. Melerius, who had been watching, asks to see him. Varic responds to him, surprising Shyrax. Melerius is summoned, analyses Varic, and asks to be taught by him. Shyrax accepts defeat in the match, and then challenges Raion for a duel. They fight using their Combat Arts, and Raion's abilities surpass her expectations. Shyrax accepts defeat again. Varic invites her onboard The Last Horizon, to give her an official offer.

Chapter 4

Characters
Plot Summary

Shyrax is taken onboard The Last Horizon. Varic and Horizon explain why they wanted her and the contract's rules. Horizon tells her they want her as the Commander, and Shyrax is ready to accept when Varic clarifies that he would still outrank her as Captain. Shyrax questions why she should follow him, and Varic explains that he has seen the future. He tells Shyrax of the requests from the other crew members, and Shyrax accepts under the goal to regain her throne.

Chapter 5

Characters
Plot Summary

Mell abducts the Advocate Moonmaster onto a stolen ship, using her Nova-Bots to surgically remove his Aethertech Implants that give him his abilities. However she is caught by more Advocates, and Mell self-destructs the decoy she was controlling from her home. Having failed in her first step of her plan against the Advocates, Mell resolves to wait for The Last Horizon, but is instead arrested for real by Advocates who had tracked her signal to her base.

Chapter 6

Characters
Plot Summary

Varic finds out about Mell's arrest and imprisonment. Varic and Horizon try to figure out how to break her out, but Raion doesn't want to hurt the Advocates. Varic explains to him what he experienced in Starhammer's reign of the galaxy, to Raion's despair. Shyrax's ships emerge infront of The Last Horizon, and Shyrax and her party teleport onboard. Varic gives them a formal greeting in their language, to their surprise. Raion also greets them in Karoshan, attracting the attention of Shyrax's twins. Varic prepares to fill Shyrax in on Mell and Horizon's condition.

Chapter 7

Characters
Plot Summary

Starhammer and the Advocates High Council have gathered to discuss the recent movements of the Iron Legion. They are relieved to hear that the Iron King has been defeated by The Last Horizon. Blade Dancer, announces that she has captured Doctor Nova, and Starhammer leaves to go see Mell.

Chapter 8

Characters
Plot Summary

The Last Horizon is moving through Subspace to reach Carturus, the place where Mell is being held. Varic is holding the ship together with sealing spells, while Shyrax is repairing the ship with her crew. Varic sends Omega to help, and in his absence, both Raion and Sola complain about his presence in the crew. Omega's help isn't enough, so Varic sends Raion to help as well. The surrounding fleet begins to report unusual sounds, and to avoid any risks, Varic calls all ships to surface. However, The Last Horizon is unable to surface, and Varic realizes they are facing a slipwraith. Sola attempts to leave, but Varic stops her and sends Raion instead. Instead, Raion holds the ship together while Omega goes to fight. Varic takes over holding the ship together with his magic while Raion joins the fight. As soon as they are done, they emerge from Subspace.

Chapter 9

Characters
Plot Summary

The Last Horizon emerges into the border of the Free Worlds and are immediately noticed by the Advocates. Varic, Sola, and Shyrax prepare to break into Carturus, and they head to Horizon's fabricators for some disguises. Meanwhile, Varic discusses his experiences with Starhammer and his abilities. They plan to crash a ship onto the planet, take Mell, and steal a ship to return, and avoid or kill Starhammer. Varic then tells Sola and Shyrax about Mell and her qualifications. He is interrupted by Horizon fabricating him the costume he wore in an alternative life.

Chapter 10

Characters
Plot Summary

In another life, Varic leaves the Vallenar Corporation and sets out as a mage for hire. Initially, he avoided criminal work, but after a few harsh months, Varic gave up and was hired by smugglers to keep an eye on their cargo. However, they are caught by Steel Avalanche. Though the smugglers comply with Avalanche, he kills their captain and announces them as criminals. A fight breaks out, and Varic begins summoning rabbits to attack him. Suddenly, Mell, as Doctor Nova, breaks in. While Steel Avalanche is distracted, Varic summons bunnies that push him into an escape pod. Mell reveals that she was there for the cargo, and now that the rest of the smugglers were dead, she offers him a job.

Chapter 11

Characters
Plot Summary

As Varic, Sola, and Shyrax crash into Carturus, Sola and Shyrax discuss potentially ending the war between the Lichborn and Karoshans. Varic cautions them against taking over the galaxy. As they emerge from the crashed ship, they are attacked. Varic decides to use his Lagomorph Contract in this mission, and takes down an Advocate wizard. He casts a spell directing Sola and Shyrax to Mell, and then they go.

Chapter 12

Characters
Plot Summary

Mell has her first meal in prison, and waits for The Last Horizon. Unfortunately, Starhammer visits her. They talk for a while, and Mell expresses her concern about him and the Advocates. Starhammer is sympathetic but dismissive about her worries, and they are then interrupted when a Karoshan breaks into the prison and grabs Mell.

Chapter 13

Characters
Plot Summary

Starhammer starts his Temporal Field and tries to stop Mell's kidnapping. He pushes away an unknown Lichborn and chases the Karoshan with Mell. Initially he holds back to avoid hurting Mell, but the Karoshan is able to keep up with him. He is then attacked by a rabbit. Starhammer stops holding back, and is able to recapture Mell and destroy the rabbit. He is then caught by a trap that surrounds him with rabbits, set up by an unknown summoner. Six rabbits hit him.

Chapter 14

Characters
Plot Summary

Varic prepares his plan in case Starhammer was present in the prison. It succeeds, and from his perspective, Starhammer is quickly left defeated at his feet. Varic is about to shoot Starhammer, but a memory from another life causes him to hesitate. Varic still shoots him, but is unable to kill him before Starhammer escapes into Subspace. Varic momentarily panics and wants to go after him, but Advocates' ships catch up to them. Advocates come down to defeat them, but Varic just jumps into the Advocate ship taken over by Shyrax's Karoshans. Sola defeats one of the attacking Advocates, and the Karoshans begin to chase after him, against Varic's orders. Varic holds them in place until they follow his orders.

Chapter 15

Characters
Plot Summary

Starhammer emerges into Subspace and regrets his failure in saving Mell. His Evolution Engine starts up.

Meanwhile, Varic and Shyrax sense Starhammer's Evolution Engine triggering, and discuss how they must kill him next time. Varic reassures Sola for being unable to keep up with Starhammer's Temporal Field. Mell is distraught and suspicious how Varic knows so much about Starhammer and herself. As the ship jumps into Subspace, Varic explains to her about his ritual and how he met her in a past life. Mell remains skeptical, and Varic reassures her. Suddenly, they are all teleported onto The Last Horizon, where on the bridge are three defeated Advocates and the remaining crew.

Chapter 16

Characters
Plot Summary

Mell is fascinated by The Last Horizon, which Horizon appreciates. Raidon explains how no one was hurt, and they defeated the Advocates that attacked Karoshans. Varic allows an Advocate, Lemon, to speak. Lemon insists they were acting in self defense and reinforcements had already been called, but footage shows the Advocates attacking first. Shyrax prepares a recorded message for when more Advocates arrive. While Omega declares his love for Lemon, Varic places a seal on the captured Advocates to prevent them from speaking about The Last Horizon's prescence in the system. As Shyrax finishes her message, Varic notifies Mell to prepare to officially join The Last Horizon.

Chapter 17

Characters
Plot Summary

The entire crew is moved to the ritual room where contracts are signed. Varic, Shyrax, Raion, Omega, and Sola all tell Mell what they had requested from The Last Horizon. Mell hesitates at some of the requests, causing Shyrax to doubt her. Mell asks for some hypothetical requests, and Shyrax ends up rejecting her as an Engineer. Varic convinces Shyrax to give Mell another chance. Mell requests to find all the Zenith Devices, and Shyrax accepts her as an Engineer. Omega questions the complexity of Mell's request.

Chapter 18

Characters
Plot Summary

The crew define the phrasing of Mell's goal, and Mell is officially welcomed as the Engineer. They then decide which task to accomplish first. Varic wants to leave the Free Worlds and fix the ship, but Horizon suggests a lead to find the Zenith Colony, which also contained vital material for repairing the ship. However, they will have to negotiate with a World Spirit, so Varic hesitates before agreeing to check out the lead. Mell is then shown the damage of Horizon, which is devastating. Repairs on Horizon begin.

Chapter 19

Characters
Plot Summary

In another life, Mell and Varic watch Starhammer VI: son of Starhammer together. Varic confesses to Mell that his last name is Vallenar, and she is surprised. Mell ends up confessing that she has no last name and she was grown in a lab from Stellar Synthesis Labs, during an attempt mass-produce Aether Technicians. She insists it wasn't as bad as it seemed, but when she was young, they would lock Mell in a small room for punishment or otherwise. They mostly stopped when she grew up, but once during a transfer Mell was forgotten in a room for a night. Afterwards, Mell broke out, and caused the labs to lose their fundings. Mell further confesses that she is Starhammer creator.

Chapter 20

Characters
Plot Summary

Sola finds herself in the weapons laboratory, debating on how to upgrade her armour from the Units she earned from the Iron King's defeat. She broods over her inability to do anything against Starhammer. Varic enters the room and he explains the room is modeled after his memories. Varic works on remaking his shield amulet, and Sola questions him about it. Varic tells Sola's his fears, and insists that recruiting Sola wasn't a mistake. He invites Shyrax in to let her work on Sola's armour. Shyrax enters the room, and though Sola is cautious, she lets Shyrax work on her armour. While she works, Varic and Sola leave to eat together.

Chapter 21

Characters
Plot Summary

Omega is in his room, on a call with his grandson, Jak. Jak demands to know why and how Omega hasn't returned yet. The Black Syndicate wants to see Omega, and the Iron Legion is Jak's system. Defeated by the situation, Jak asks Omega for instruction. Omega taunts Jak for being a disappointment and a coward, and tells him to beg for help. Angered, Jak cuts the call. Omega laughs, and turns to Raion, who had been watching the entire time. To Omega's irritation, Raion is happy that Omega has given Jak advice. As he's leaving, Raion admits Varic told him to stop by. Omega becomes uneasy over Varic's knowledge and actions.

Chapter 22

Characters
Plot Summary

A day later, Varic is on the bridge when the Advocate fleet arrived, The Last Horizon hidden behind the Karoshan ships. Steel Avalanche is leading the Advocate fleet, to Varic's distaste. Steel Avalanche demands an explanation from the Karoshans, and the recorded semi-hostile message from Shyrax is played. He is then directed to a Karoshan Ambassador. Meanwhile Varic tries to detect Starhammer using a niche pathfinding spell, and briefly panics when he detects Starhammer searching for them. Horizon manifests and exaggeratedly comforts Varic. She tells Varic more about the Zenith Colony, Shadow Ark.

Chapter 23

Characters
Plot Summary

Varic and Mell are watching the fabrication of Nova-Bots by Horizon. Mell is upset when the Nova-Bot's eyes are made to be purple instead of red, but she is excited by Horizon's fabrication abilities. Horizon then shows them the fabrication of starships, and demonstrates the synergy between the crew's abilities. Varic considers the possibilities and begins to feel hopeful. Mell questions if it was enough, and Varic feels bleak once more.

Chapter 24

Characters
Plot Summary

In the world formed by Terminus Mundi, Varic meditates to become more familiar with Horizon's memory manifestation magic. Horizon materializes and aids him by recounting past tales of the people and creatures that make up her hands and eyes manifestations.

Chapter 25

Characters
Plot Summary

Varic is working on his mantle when Horizon tells him he has a message from his Magic Tower students. In the message, Mariala says that her and some students have come searching for Varic for further training. She gives the location they are travelling to, which is obfuscated by noise, before the message ends with the students getting caught. Varic locates them with his pathfinding magic, and decides they are too far away to pick up. Horizon convinces him to go after them, and Varic decides to bring Omega with him as a backup pilot.

Chapter 26

Characters
Plot Summary

On the flight to reach Varic's students, Omega spends the flight eating the fabricator out of food. They reach the Kallver System and Varic submits a docking request on the colony, Gardener 315. They discover that Advocates are searching incoming vehicles, to Omega's excitement. Varic asks Omega if he could bring back the students on his own, and Omega confirms that he could but not without harm. Varic sends him out anyway, telling him to prioritize the student's safety. Omega leaves and someone heads Varic's way.

Chapter 27

Characters
Plot Summary

Varic accepts a call from a life-pod that had come towards the shuttle, revealing the Mariala and the other students inside. Mariala is relieved to see him, and explains how they found Varic. Varic uses hand constructs to move the life-pod into the shuttle, and the students clumsily enter the shuttle. Mariala is interested in the hands, and Varic gives a quick explanation on them. Varic calls Omega to return, but then the colony's water purification plant explodes. Varic questions Omega if he was behind that, but Omega reveals that Steel Avalanche had been the one to explode it after the colony had resisted the Advocates. Varic orders Omega back to the ship, and thinks of his history with Steel Avalanche. From the shuttle with Eurias, Varic attacks Steel Avalanche and leaves him in a whirlpool of water. Omega returns to the ship, which startles Mariala and provokes the other students to attack him. Varic prevents any harm done and explains the situation.

Chapter 28

Characters
Plot Summary

Now on planet Murrok, The Last Horizon heads towards the cavern where they would find the World Spirit Murrok. Mariala and the other students are locked away and not allowed to watch the negotiation. The crew discusses the plan on how to negotiate with Murrok for information on the Zenith Colony. They go back and forth on what to trade, Omega suggests selling away items from Horizon's vault, Horizon suggests Raion's Divine Titan instead, and Sola points out they could scavenge and sell materials from the Grand Hive. Varic considers Omega's and Sola's suggestions, and begins to call Murrok from an airlock. Varic releases Eurias, and between him and Horizon, Murrok responds quickly and appears befor him. Varic and Horizon introduce themselves to Murrok, though Horizon angers the World Spirit by looking down on him. To Varic's panic, Horizon has come up with her own plan to convince Murrok without advising him. Varic runs with it, and Murrok tells them where to find Shadow Ark, wanting them to rob the Advocates.

Chapter 29

Characters
Plot Summary

Back on the ship, Shyrax scolds Horizon for acting alone on her strategy, though Raion defends her. Omega, Sola, and Shyrax discuss raiding the Advocate headquarters, but Varic, Mell, and Raion argue against attacking. Varic and Mell point out that Horizon is still damaged and that the Advocates do not know they have the Shadow Ark. Raion insists the Advocates are good, and that he is on their side. The crew ends up voting on the issue, where they decide to withdraw from the Free Worlds.

Chapter 30

Characters
Plot Summary

Starhammer wakes up in the Advocate's infirmary, Aether Technicians working on him. Clockworker, one of the Advocates, checks up on him. Starhammer is irritated and snaps at his questions, but then apologizes, admitting that his previous conversation with Doctor Nova has affected him. Starhammer and Clockworker then discuss Mell's kidnapping, suspecting Queen Shyrax and the wizard who had saved Starhammer previously. Starhammer decides to personally look into leads on the case, and leaves. He turns on his Temporal Field, and is hit with a violet pulse. Starhammer follows the pulse, which leads him towards an enclosed obsidian jewel in the Advocates evidence containment. The jewel reveals himself to be the Zenith Colony, and has called for Starhammer to awaken him. Shadow Ark then releases himself from the container, and prepares to move towards The Last Horizon.

Chapter 31

Characters
Plot Summary

Varic is overseeing the repair of the ship when Horizon appears. They discuss how Mell has adjusted to the other members of the crew, and how she avoids Varic. Horizon gives Varic advice, and announces the completion of the ship's gym. She gives Varic an exercise outfit, and teleports him to the gym. The other crew members are there already, with Shyrax, Sola, and Mell on treadmills and Raion in a hydraulic press. They all chat, but the conversation shifts to the material requirements for The Last Horizon's repairs. Mell points out it would take a year to reach full power without supplies. Omega and Horizon express their displeasure for waiting for a year, and Varic decides they need to take action soon, as he is paranoid that something was after them.

Chapter 32

Characters
Plot Summary

In a call with Benri, Varic asks for help for supplies to repair The Last Horizon. Benri reveals that he knew that Mell was their Engineer, and tells Varic the requisites for aid from the Vallenar Corporation. Varic considers the information, and questions Benri to figure out where the Aether is heading. Benri's responses confirm Varic's fears, and Varic concludes that they are about to be ambushed by the Galactic Union, the Karoshans, the Advocates, and Shadow Ark.

Meanwhile, Starhammer observes the ships from the Advocates, Karoshans, and Galactic Union for the battle to capture The Last Horizon. Shadow Ark expands into his full size, and Starhammer leads the fleet into the Colony.

Chapter 33

Characters
Plot Summary

Over the past week, Varic prepared for the ambush by creating a dense formation of asteroids. Currently, he marks out a spell on the asteroids while talking with Horizon. Varic tells Horizon about the corruption of the Advocates, and compares it with the crew. Horizon gets defensive over the herself and the other Zenith Devices. They then discuss the potential battle ahead, and Horizon worries about losing. Varic reassures her, but points out that there is no good outcome to the battle even if they win. Horizon's worries become more apparent. They continue talking, but Horizon is suddenly distracted, and Varic is teleported onto the ship's bridge. The crew members take their places, and Shadow Ark emerges from Subspace infront of them.

Chapter 34

Characters
Plot Summary

Starhammer and his ship emerge from Subspace, to find The Last Horizon prepared for them. Starhammer is enraged and disheartened, as he realizes a fight will be a bloodbath. The Last Horizon is contacted, and Varic responds. Wanting to end things peacefully, Starhammer states that for his crimes against the Advocates, Galactic Union, and Karoshan Alliance, Varic can be given a fair trial for the cooperation of The Last Horizon. Instead, Varic effectively explains and disbands each accusation. As Starhammer searches for a response, the Perfected commanding the Karoshan ships moves the Karoshan dreadnought forward for attack. Starhammer orders her to return back to position, and Shadow Ark asks to negotiate with Horizon directly. Shadow Ark and Horizon, with much taunting, discuss requirements for peace. Starhammer asks to communicate with Mell, and is relieved to see her safe. Varic calls for a retreat to discuss negotiations, and Starhammer accepts the ceasefire. As the ships begin to retreat, Galactic Union ships explode. The Perfected resumes her previous plan and orders the dreadnought to engage, while Starhammer attempts to hail The Last Horizon with no avail. More Galactic Union ships are attacked, and Starhammer prepares for attack, giving command to the Perfected.

Chapter 35

Characters
Plot Summary

Varic watches the Galactic Union ships explode, and realizes Solstice blew them up to ensure a fight. Mell and Raion are let down by Starhammer's actions and wonder if he was behind the attack. Varic tells Shyrax to not engage until they are attacked first. As they are attacked, Varic warns the enemy, and then gives Shyrax command. Varic heads to a window and reads the spell marked out on the asteroids, summoning eyes and hands across the system. He then chants the Mirror of Silence with his staff.

Meanwhile, Starhammer flies through Subspace with Shadow Ark, who doesn't believe Horizon and Varic were behind the attack on the Galactic Union ships. They are suddenly attacked by Omega, who had been stationed in Subspace. Omega is able to infect Starhammer's arm, and Starhammer loses track of his location. Starhammer struggles to fight Omega off, but Omega is able to take both of them out of Subspace. Back at full strength, Starhammer grabs Omega, but is then ambushed by multiple ships. He releases Omega, activates his Temporal Field, and dodges the ships' attacks, but is then attacked by a soldier in gray armor with their own Temporal Field.

Chapter 36

Characters
Plot Summary

Sola ambushes Starhammer with her new Temporal Field. She is able to take his arm off with Worldslayer. After that shot, Sola shoots Starhammer multiple times with different guns dealing minor damage before she is killed.

Starhammer observes her death, and is then attacked by Raion. Despite Raion not having a Temporal Field, he is able to keep up with Starhammer. They exchange blows, and Starhammer is able to crack Raion's helmet. Despite being exposed to vacuum, Raion keeps fighting. Starhammer runs in attempt to prolong the battle, but Raion lands a hit on him. Starhammer returns the attack, shattering Raion's helmet. Starhammer's Temporal Field drops, and he prepares to die to Raion, but Raion is teleported away instead.

Chapter 37

Characters
Plot Summary

With Eurias, Varic multiplies ships across the system with the Mirror of Silence. Horizon fights off the Karoshan dreadnought, and Sola, Omega, and Raion were preparing for Starhammer. In quick succession, Varic watches the fights with Starhammer. When he sees Raion about to be teleported away, he yells for Horizon to stop. To Varic's relief, Raion stabs Starhammer before he is teleported. Varic resumes the Mirror of Silence, but keeps an eye on Starhammer. He watches as Mell, in a decoy-bot, say her goodbyes to Starhammer. As she does so, Varic notices Starhammer active the Evolution Engine again and calls the Horizon to attack him. Mell begs Starhammer to stop the Engine, and Horizon unleashes fire on him. Shadow Ark puts a wall in front of Starhammer, protecting him. Advocate ships release from Ark and attack The Last Horizon. Starhammer is taken into a ship, and Varic is teleported onboard in a last effort to kill Starhammer. Before he is able to, Shadow Ark swallows Starhammer, allowing him to escape.

Chapter 38

Characters
Plot Summary

After she reviews through the footage of the fight, Shyrax coldly points out all flaws and errors committed in the fight. She goes over the mistakes of every crew member present, and Varic dreads his turn. On Varic's turn however, Shyrax describes how the crew has failed him. Varic tries to blame himself, but Shyrax convinces him to think otherwise. They then discuss how to deal with Starhammer. Mell explains his Evolution Engine, Temporal Field, and why she can't make another Masterwork Aethertech to stop him. Defeated, Mell explains that they can't predict Starhammer, but then Varic gets an idea.

Chapter 39

Characters
Plot Summary

Leilari is awoken by alarms in the middle of the night. As she leaves through the emergency exit, Clockworker picks her up. The two leave Leilari's home by car. Clockworker tries to keep information from Leilari, but she calls him out. Clockworker then explains that Starhammer's Evolution Engine had triggered again, and the severity of the situation. Leilari insists she must return, out of concern, trust, and responsibility to Starhammer. Clockworker expresses his concern, and refuses to take Leilari back. Before they can argue, Starhammer arrives and crashes into the car. He keeps Leilari safe and Clockworker alive. Starhammer questions Clockworker, and correctly accuses him of working with the Priest of Night. Clockworker attempts to defend himself, before Starhammer kills him.

Chapter 40

Characters
Plot Summary

The crew is gathered in their conference room. Mell and Horizon argue about The Last Horizon's condition. Varic shifts the conversation back to Starhammer, and explains that Starhammer will take hostages. Horizon questions Mell about Starhammer's appearance. Mell defends herself, and Varic tries to get the converstation back on track. Horizon and Shyrax question if Starhammer feels anything towards Mell, and if that can be exploited. Varic returns to the past topic and they discuss potential hostages. Varic proposes they split up and cover likely hostages.

Chapter 41

Characters
Plot Summary

Starhammer delivers an inspirational speech in front of thousands of gathered Advocates. He announces Clockworker's betrayal and ultimate death. Starhammer then announces his intent to spread the Advocates' cause for justice across the galaxy. He points out The Last Horizon as a threat. The speech is an overall success, and Starhammer considers the outcome of the speech.

Chapter 42

Characters
Plot Summary

After his call with Omega, Jak Escalon has found himself caught by the Nuren group who were after the Grave Hound. As they threaten Jak, the Advocates show up with a warrant for Jak's arrest. The Advocates order the Nuren Group to release Jak, but soon after the Advocates are picked off one by one by Omega. Omega fights off the Advocates and takes off with Jak, dismissing the Nuren Group.

Chapter 43

Characters
Plot Summary

Raion is teleported onto Nyron Seven, where the former Yellow Knight, Javik Leed, lives. Javik questions whether there was an emergency, and Raion briefly explains the situation with the Advocates. Javik had already prepared to leave with Raion, and as Raion and Javik discuss the situation, an Advocate, Undermaker, arrives. Javik looks through and notes Undermaker's negative reputation on the Subline. Raion, upon learning Undermaker was a Combat Artist, challenges Undermaker to a fight. Undermaker is hesitant, but attacks Javik when Raion leaves his side. Javik defends himself, and Raion and Undermaker fight. After a few blows, Raion stops the fight. He explains how Undermaker has disappointed him. Raion then explains his own Combat Art, and thinks back on memories when his understanding of his art deepened. Raion demonstrates it, destroying Undermaker's ship and Javik's trees. Undermaker surrenders.

Chapter 44

Characters
Plot Summary

Varic, Mell, and Horizon observe the monitors displaying the other crew member's progress. Varic is sceptical over how well the plan is going.

Meanwhile, Starhammer and Ark overview the progress of their own plan. In his console, Starhammer observes a security feed of Leilari, who had been forced into hiding by Starhammer. With the crew of The Last Horizon in position, Starhammer and Ark head after the The Last Horizon through subspace. Starhammer emerges in front of Varic Vallenar, who looks exactly like the wizard who saved his home.

Chapter 45

Characters
Plot Summary

Varic confronts Starhammer, and describes to him the future disaster he had seen of Starhammer's reign. Starhammer is still determined to continue his plans, so Varic reveals Leilari, and how she had been in danger under Starhammer's protection. Leilari defends Varic, and Starhammer finally thanks Varic for rescuing Leilari in the year before. Starhammer then reiterates that he still needed to arrest Varic and Ark reveals himself, unable to find Horizon. Varic self-destructs his decoy-bot and finds himself back on The Last Horizon. Mell starts her part of the plan.

Chapter 46

Characters
Plot Summary

Nova-Bots appear from the walls, and Starhammer attacks them to protect Leilari. Upon their guns breaking, the Nova-Bots release a pink gas made up of microscopic Nova-Bots. The gas causes Starhammer's Temporal Field to fail. Starhammer is about to be sealed away, but he is able to track The Last Horizon's signal, and Shadow Ark removes Starhammer.

Meanwhile on The Last Horizon, Varic realises Starhammer had adapted his pathfinding magic. Shadow Ark and Starhammer emerge a few miles from the ship. While Starhammer begins to attack and Shadow Ark begins to swallow the ship, Varic has Horizon send Mell away. Inside the Shadow Ark, the Aether is thin, and Varic prepares to fight. Starhammer reaches Varic, and Varic, Nova-Bots, and Horizon begin to shoot him.

Chapter 47

Characters
Plot Summary

Mell finds herself on one of The Last Horizon's shuttles. Unable to let Starhammer win, she plans to avenge Varic.

Meanwhile, Varic, the Nova-Bots, and Horizon continue to shoot at Starhammer while he advances. Little by little they are able to damage Starhammer, until Varic is backed into a hallway. Starhammer holds Varic down, and demands Mell to come out. When he realizes she isn't there, Starhammer is about to kill Varic until he is stopped by Shadow Ark.

Chapter 48

Characters
Plot Summary

In another life, Varic is caught and imprisoned by Starhammer after a heist. The Advocates question Varic over Doctor Nova's location, but Varic refuses to answer. After a few days, Varic is taken in front of a stage. Starhammer tortures Varic until he reveals Mell's location, after which Varic is executed, dying in failure.

Chapter 49

Characters
Plot Summary

Mell gathers the rest of the crew. The crew members discuss how to break Varic and The Last Horizon out, but Mell is confused over why they believe Varic is still alive. The others convince Mell that Varic is still alive, and she then plans on preparing Nova-Bots and staying behind. Shyrax questions Mell over this decision, and inspires Mell to design a way to join the battle.

Chapter 50

Characters
Plot Summary

In prison, Varic is kept under high anti-magic security and is questioned. Steel Avalanche accepted the guard duty of Varic to make life difficult for him, but quickly notices strange occurrences around Varic. Steel Avalanche is suspicious Varic is up to something.

Meanwhile, Varic scratches out symbols to eventually collapse the anti-magic defenses in the walls. He hides his work when he is interrupted by Leilari, who has come to question Varic herself. They discuss Starhammer in Varic's past life and whether he is too far gone now. Leilari leaves, and Varic wonders if and when his crew will come for him. Only an hour later, the alarm sounds, and Varic finally collapses the anti-magic system.

Back to Steel Avalanche, alarms flare as the anti-magic system fails. Steel Avalanche immediantly heads towards Varic's cell, and runs into Varic in the halls. The two fight, Steel Avalanche with his Aethertech and Combat Arts, and Varic with basic Aether manipulation. Eventually, Varic throws Steel Avalanche in a cell with telekinesis.

Chapter 51

Characters
Plot Summary

Aether Technicians are repairing Starhammer when the crew members of The Last Horizon attack. In a hologram, Mell threatens to expose Starhammer's secret. To keep his secret safe, Starhammer turns on his Subspace Drive to kill the Technicians in the room before running out the door and engaging his Temporal Field. He runs out into the fight and takes note of the crew members before he is shot by Sola.

Meanwhile, Leilari is outside Starhammer's repair room when he bursts out. After examining the room and realizing what Starhammer had done, she sends a message to the Advocate Subline.

Starhammer continues fighting off Nova-Bots, Raion, and Sola. As he is fighting, Advocates begin to withdraw from the fight, and Starhammer begins to receive multiple messages. He ignores them until Mell calls him, who reveals to him that Leilari has exposed that he was an android all over the Subline. Lifeless, Starhammer punches Raion to the ground.

Meanwhile, Varic reaches the battle to watch Raion fall. Starhammer attacks the crowd, and despite Varic's shielding attempts, he kills Karoshans and Advocates.

Chapter 52

Characters
Plot Summary

Mell, actually not on the battlefield but outside the secure Advocate hanger containing The Last Horizon, has her Nova-Bots and Karoshans break in the hanger. The Last Horizon lights up and Horizon manifests. Horizon screams for Ark to reveal himself, and Ark is shocked that Horizon knew he was around. Mell and Horizon convince Ark to give up on Starhammer in exchange for supplies for more repairs. With the battle needing The Last Horizon's intervention, Mell hurries to repair the ship enough for the fight.

Chapter 53

Characters
Plot Summary

Varic, Omega, Sola, and Shyrax continue to unleash attacks on Starhammer, who ignores them. Varic asks Raion to summon his Divine Titan, but tries to stop him when he realises the extent of Raion's injuries. The Divine Titan starts to descend but Starhammer catches it and throws it into a tower. Varic and Starhammer realise the colony was falling apart, and Starhammer attacks escaping starships. Starhammer calls for Shadow Ark, but begins to flee when Ark doesn't respond. Varic tries to stop him, but then The Last Horizon emerges and stops Starhammer. The crew members are teleported onboard, and with the crew at their stations, Horizon takes control of the battle.

Meanwhile, Starhammer feels numb after having been abandoned by everyone. He is attacked by The Last Horizon, losing his limbs and eyes in the process. His Evolution Engine begins to activate when he receives a message from Varic, who casts Absolute Burial on Starhammer.

Epilogue

Characters
Plot Summary

The spell-anchor containing Starhammer is placed into Horizon's vault. Shadow Ark asks for a replacement guardian and Horizon mocks him. Varic questions whether he could use multiple Zenith Devices and why they were both awake. Horizon and Shadow Ark explain that no more than two devices will never be awake at the same time, and have never been awake at the same time since the Zenith Era.

Meanwhile, across the galaxy, the Zenith Devices begin to awake. The Zenith Blade is on a distant planet. The Zenith Chamber is in Karosha and is discovered by Alazar the Perfected Mage. The Zenith Cannon is found in a Galactic Union scrapper colony. The Zenith Engine is in a museum in the Aethril homeworld, and forces himself to go back to sleep. In Fathom, Lutoch goes through and sorts reports from the Subline when she is interrupted by the Zenith Processor. She questions what awoke him.

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