Summary:The Captain

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

Chapter 1

Characters
Plot Summary

Varic conducts the ritual that summons five different lives into him and becomes a sixfold Archmage.

Chapter 2

Characters
Plot Summary

Varic wakes up from the ritual, and Benri orders safety restraints onto him. Varic escapes easily, and after a quick talk, Varic leaves.

Chapter 3

Characters
Plot Summary

One year later: Varic attacks the Iron Hive that is creating the Iron King. He casts Absolute burial on the Iron King, puts him inside a torpedo, and shoots the Iron King into the sun. At last, Varic's plans against his doom were complete, and now he has no idea where to go. Benri meanwhile gets angry at Varic for stealing the Iron King's body from him and tries to salvage the situation. He thinks about the other time Varic has stolen priceless artifacts from him.

Chapter 4

Characters
Plot Summary

A few months later: Varic begins teaching at the Magic Tower. He gives a lesson on incorporating the Theluusian aurora toad's unique weather magic to his student's individual disciplines. His students proceed to disappoint him. Arriving back as the Magic Tower, Director Porellus tells Varic to stick with teaching standard combat spells to the students instead. Varic continues to be disappointed, and makes a demonstration of magic to prove his point. Varic is suspended for a month from the Magic Tower.

Chapter 5

Characters
Plot Summary

Varic goes through mage job listings to (illegally) find something to do in his month off, until he finds the search for The Last Horizon. He decides to join the search.

Chapter 6

Characters
Plot Summary

Over the next month Varic searchs for The Last Horizon. He is caught by a squad of Karoshan searching for a fugitive. They end up discovering his identity, and after some scaring, Varic learns what happened to Queen Shyrax and lets the squad flee. Then the Iron Legion finds him.

Chapter 7

Characters
Plot Summary

Varic runs away from the Iron Legion Hunter ships. After a subspace jump, Varic ends up between two planets. The Hunter ships catch up and Varic fights them off, while keeping his own ship together. The Iron Legion will be soon though, so he heads to one of the planets to look for The Last Horizon.

Chapter 8

Characters
Plot Summary

After a bit of exploration, Varic finds The Last Horizon.

Chapter 9

Characters
Plot Summary

Varic ignores some red flags and officially becomes the Captain of The Last Horizon. The Iron Legion finally catches up, and Varic is quickly disappointed by Horizon. They end up hiding instead, and Horizon convinces Varic to hold tryouts for new crew members, which would increase her strength.

Chapter 10

Characters
Plot Summary

Shyrax, Omega, Raion, and Mell recieve and accept a prompt to compete for control of The Last Horizon. So does Sola, but she declines to keep fighting the Iron Legion.

Chapter 11

Characters
Plot Summary

The battle for The Last Horizon has started. One Challenge is to coordinate with multiple star captains to make a seal around a sun. Varic tried that in one of his previous lives, that didn’t go well last time since one didn’t do as told. Everything goes well and planet size mystic symbol appears when a new born solar dragon hatches as the sun explodes. Afterwards Varic is in an Arena. His First opponent is a Visiri with a blue aura and enchanted swords, a set of drones and an armored suit.

Chapter 12

Characters
Plot Summary

Omega, Shyrax, and Mell progress through the challenges. Omega is having fun toying with his opponent, Shyrax is beating everyone in their specialty, and Mell figures out how to get her Novabots.

Chapter 13

Characters
Plot Summary

Varic continues his challenges, beginning to grow tired. He reaches the final two rounds, one where he fights off a group of eliminated contestants, and the final round where he meets Raion again.

Chapter 14

Characters
Plot Summary

Varic and Raion meet for the first time again. Varic thinks back to the last time he saw Raion and how he quit the Titan Force. Varic and Raion begin to battle. Varic's shields break with Raion's attacks, but Varic manages to cast Absolute Burial on Raion. Raion summons the Divine Titan, Varic summons Eurias, and the combined magical force between the two break the simulated battleground. Victory goes to Varic, and Raion is summoned into The Last Horizon.

Chapter 15

Characters
Plot Summary

Omega, Shyrax, and Mell fight their final opponents. Omega begins his search for the Captain, Mell is annoyed and is given a consolation prize, and Shyrax begins to wait for her invitation.

Chapter 16

Characters
Plot Summary

Raion officially becomes the Knight of The Last Horizon, with some hesitance. His goal is to exterminated the D'niss and their leader, assuming they return within five years. The Iron Legion is still trying to break in the hanger. They have taken over Moonfall, so Horizon destroys it. Varic, missing Moonfall already, casts some magic to create a diversion for Horizon to dive into Subspace. They expect a chase, but none comes. Instead, Varic decides to look for someone to fill in the role of the Sword of the Last Horizon, to which Horizon reccommends the Fallen Sword. Varic questions Horizon on her knowledge of him, and Horizon shows Varic a mirror showing six reflections of himself. Horizon then teleports Varic and Raion to Sola's location.

Chapter 17

Characters
Plot Summary

Sola is fighting a Reaver and is guiding four survivors to escape the Hive they are in. After Sola destroys some Pawns, the Reaver runs its blade through Sola's stomach. With her armour, she is fine, though a young girl, one of the survivors, fears for her. The group falls into a trap made by a Bishop meant for her, and Sola prepares to fight, believing there will be no survivors. Suddenly, a Visiri punches his way in, with an Archmage following. Varic, the Archmage, stops an attack. Sola underestimates them, feeling that Varic is too unconcerned, and the Visiri too stupid. Varic then stops the Hive from self-destructing. With that, Sola tells Varic to run, and pulls out Worldslayer, preparing to attack the Bishop. The Visiri instead destroys the Bishop, and Sola feels stupid for worrying. Sola passes out from her injuries.

Chapter 18

Characters
Plot Summary

Varic observes Sola's broken suit while healing her with his Sealing magic. Sola wakes up, and immediately puts a gun to his temple, though Raion grabs it. Varic, while speaking in the Lichborn language, reassures Sola that he is healing her, and that he is a friend. Varic currently has everyone inside a barrier, while Pawns on the outside swarm.

Sola hands Varic her Pyre, and tells him to cover the young girl's eyes. She tells Raion to not stop her, and then she kills herself with a gun. Raion tries to stop her, but Varic stops Raion. Sola revives at the Pyre, and reassures the girl. She questions Varic on the durability of the barrier, before showing the plan to return to her ship. Raion and Sola finally introduce each other, though Sola is hesitant on Raion's abilities and character.

With that, they begin the plan to reach the ship. Sola clears a hall with her gun, Raion provides backup. Varic keeps the survivors safe, and he takes the moment to appreciate Sola's suit, Pyre, and guns. A Shepherd comes and Raion gives Sola the chance to attack the new enemies. A Bishop comes along and Raion and Varic take care of it. The Bishop gets through Varic's seals to keep the Hive from self-destructing, and they begin to run towards the ship. Varic realizes how reassuring it is to have allies he can count on, thinking he's safe at last.

Meanwhile, the Iron King awakens, revived by a device commissioned by the previous Iron King. He thinks about how this device makes him unique, and potentially immortal. He starts by accessing the Iron Legion information network and hivemind, learning about the human, and his new starship, who destroyed his body.

Chapter 19

Characters
Plot Summary

Varic considers all the first times he had raided Iron Legion Hives, once as part of a squad, another with a mentor, and another alone. On the time he went alone, he met and was saved by Sola. Now though, Varic is confident in his abilities to raid an Iron Hive alone, even more so with Sola and Raion by his side.

The group continues on to Sola's starship. Varic is skeptical about it, as it looks rather janky. Sola asks him to keep the ship together, which further concerns Varic, but he keeps the ship sealed together. As they take off, Sola takes out Worldslayer again, giving Raion and Varic a demonstration of its power by blowing up the Hive. With that, Sola properly introduces herself, and Varic extends an invitation for Sola to join the crew of The Last Horizon. He tells her they intend to wipe out the Iron Legion. Sola looks doubtful about that. They all agree to go to pick up the bounty for the Hive in the meantime.

Chapter 20

Characters
Plot Summary

Benri has many, almost perfect, copies of himself from Mirror of Silence. Therefore, he himself should be relatively safe, as he would be hard to track. Currently, he is engaged in business negotiations on a luxury cruiser. Suddenly, the cruiser is attacked by the Iron Legion. His bodyguards begin to call for help but receive no response, and Benri begins to realize the amount of danger he is in. He calls for his staff and casts Mirror of Silence on the guards bullets against some Pawns. After defeating those, a Reaver flanked by two Shepherds break in. Benri tries to think about a way out when the Reaver bows and offers an invitation for negotiation with the Iron King. Shaken, but trying not to show it, Benri begins to talk with one of the Shepherds, who shows him the contract guaranteeing his safety if he cooperates. Benri analyzes the contract for a few minutes, and eventually agrees, realizing there is no way out of the situation. Internally, he curses Varic.

Chapter 21

Characters
Plot Summary

Varic, Sola, and Raion arrive on a Galactic Union colony to drop off the survivors from the Hive. Varic goes sightseeing and looks through magical projects he could help with. Sola runs errands and collects her bounty for the survivors and the Hive. Raion goes out bounty hunting for criminals. After about an hour, Varic reinvites Sola to The Last Horizon. Though still hesitant, she eventually agrees to further discuss on her ship. Once there, Varic gives an explanation about the situation, and reassures her that with Horizon, it could be enough to defeat the Iron Legion. Sola still seems uncertain, so Varic sends her video files from the time he destroyed the Iron King and his meeting with Horizon. Finally, she makes the choice to talk to The Last Horizon, and together they teleport onto the ship.

They appear in the crew initiation ritual room, along with Raion. Startled, Sola is in her armor again and has a gun out. She questions Varic, and Horizon reveals that it was her that teleported them. Sola points her gun and her questions at Horizon, asking if Horizon was the ship AI. Horizon explains that she is a World Spirit, and is offering Sola the third seat in the crew. Sola asks the costs of defeating the Iron Legion, and Horizon responds that she only needs to participate in the other crew member's request, and that Varic already requested the defeat of the Iron Legion, so Sola gets another request. Sola asks Raion what his request is, and after listening to his response, she states that she has no other request. Instead Sola signs an open-ended contract where she could pick a request at a later date. With that, Sola becomes the Sword of The Last Horizon.

After that, Horizon leads everyone to their rooms. Varic is semi-disappointed with his, but Horizon quickly impresses him by showing that the rooms are customizable. After his long day, Varic finally falls asleep.

When he wakes up and enters the bridge, Raion and Sola are already discussing plans on what Hives to destroy. Sola insists on a more strategic approach, while Raion wants everyone take out a Hive. Sola points out the flaws in his plans, but Raion believes. Varic clarifies information on Horizon's systems, and supports Sola's approach. He asks what their plan is, which Sola explains that there has been suspicious Iron Legion activity on a system. Varic takes this as an opportunity to recommend Tanner Hall as a pilot, though no one seems particularly impressed by him. Sola insists they can do better, and Varic decides to give the matter more time. Sola question if Varic will participate in the plan, but Varic apologetically explains that he has class to teach.

Chapter 22

Characters
Plot Summary

Varic arrived at the Magic Tower using Horizon's long-range teleportation, much to the confusion of the other staff. Varic heads towards his classroom, in a good mood, when he runs into Director Porellus. Porellus happily greets Varic and welcomes him back, to Varic's confusion and suspicion. Porellus leaves, and Varic speculates on his unusual behaviors.

Varic enters his classroom, noting how there are more students present than usual and their unusual disappointment when he changes the lesson plans. He asks if they saw him fight. The students confirm this by exploding with questions and comments. Varic quiets them, then informs them that he plans to teach them to fight. He starts by questioning Mariala on her motivations and goals, and how she could react in case of a big threat. After taking some answers, Varic explains that there are limits to what a person can do. Varic then moves on to sharing information with Mariala on where to find and study magic, and how to define herself to the Aether. He proceeds to give individualized and secret information to each of his students. He was inspired to do this after becoming the Captain of The Last Horizon.

As he was sharing the information, Varic noticed that the wards he placed inside the Magic Tower were breaking, which meant they were under attack. He orders the students to their stations.

Chapter 23

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Plot Summary

The students evacuate, though Mariala stays behind. Varic tries to reassure her and convince her to leave. She eventually does, giving Varic a spell. As she is turning to leave, Varic immediately stops a bullet from striking her, shot by a shadowy corner. Varic grows angry as he recognizes the shadow to be Omega. Omega taunts him, and Varic shoots him with water. The two begin to fight, Varic casting Absolute Burial on him and attacking with water as Omega escapes. Omega shoots Varic and destroys his amulet. When he sees Varic survive, Omega expresses his hope in Varic's abilities. Varic summons rabbits to drag Omega out of subspace, before attacking with water. Omega retaliates by appearing above Varic and shooting him, narrowly missing as a rabbit pushes Varic away. Varic considers Omega's abilities, and calls for Horizon's help, recognizing how risky the fight is.

Chapter 24

Characters
Plot Summary

Varic begins to cast barriers around himself as The Last Horizon arrives. When Omega reappears to shoot him, a red shield from Horizon absorbs the shot. Omega turns his attacks towards the ship, which, to Omega's joy, ends up annihilating him. Varic orders Horizon to capture any remnants of Omega to study and question him.

The Magic Tower security eventually arrives, ordering Varic to drop his wand. Varic refuses, still angry that a student was almost killed. Director Porellus reveals himself, and begins to question Varic. Varic asks about the Tower's security, and how it was his own barriers that caught the intruder. Porellus threatens to investigate Varic's use of magic on the classroom and the students, and Varic mocks him for pushing the blame onto him. Porellus continues to threaten him, and Varic decides to quit and leave instead. Porellus backtracks, and immediately tries to convince Varic to stay. Suspicious, Varic asks if his father is on his way, and Porellus denies it. Varic believes him, but then Sunsail frigates from the Vallenar Corporation arrive. Varic decides to stay and wait to meet his father.


Chapter 25

Characters
Plot Summary

Two of the Sunsail frigates trace out a barrier to prevent Varic from escaping. The ship containing Benri lands, and Benri exits and walks up to Varic. Porellus greets him, and Varic exposes him for being a clone. Benri informs Varic that he wasn't responsible for the attack, and invites him onto the ship while dismissing Porellus. He reveals that he was assigned as the Galactic Union investigator for the incident. With some hesitation, Varic enters the ship.

Varic appreciates the use of magic inside the ship, and briefly waits inside a meeting-room. Benri walks in and displays a Subline report that reveals that Varic won the Zenith Starship. Varic wonders who had learned so fast and how. Benri shows Varic a clip of Omega stealing a starship, yelling that he plans on stealing Varic's ship. Unknowingly, Varic confirmed Omega's information by summoning The Last Horizon, and now everyone knew. Benri tells Varic that he should've taken care of Omega himself, and proceeds the give more information on who Omega is. They discuss what occured in the event. Varic begins to leave, but Benri proposes a contract for Varics cooperation in exchange for protection. Varic expresses his concerns without reading it, and Benri tells him that he had caused trouble for the corporation, and that he couldn't stand to see Varic's potential wasted. Disappointed, Varic asks Horizon to take him back.

Chapter 26

Characters
Plot Summary

Back on the ship, Varic, Raion, and Sola question Omega. Omega continuously tries to disturb the three, but is only successful with disgusting Raion. Varic offers Omega a seat on the ship in exchange for his cooperation, to Raion's horror. Omega would be allowed to join the crew for three months under the condition that he cannot hurt or betray the rest of the crew. Omega asks for time to think, and with that Varic and the rest leave him in his cell. Sola and Raion question why they should keep Omega on board. Varic explains that he still has information. He decides the next course of action is to pretend to save his father.


Chapter 27

Characters
Plot Summary

Varic wonders who is the one behind sending Omega after him, and considers how they predicted him meeting his father. Varic predicts they plan to go after Benri next, and he and Horizon begin to scan for any enemy ships. They find the ships trailing the Sunsail frigates, and Varic orders Horizon to teleport him and Raion to the battlefield as soon as the ships began to fire. Varic attacks three of the ships with his elementalism, noting that there was a real threat, possibly his hidden enemy, aboard. He sends Raion after them, and when the enemies try to escape into Subspace, Varic seals their Subspace Drives, causing an explosion. Raion drags Varic into one of the Vallenar Corporation Sunsail ships, where Benri greets them. Raion and a Vallenar Corporation boarding crew board the downed ship, while Varic and Benri watch through a drone. Raion ends up finding an Iron Legion staff, revealing that the enemy after them is the Iron Legion. Varic orders Horizon to recall them, but she doesn't respond.

Chapter 28

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Plot Summary

Back on The Last Horizon Sola is watching the live feed from Omega's prison while tracking Iron Hives. She notes that Iron Hives are being moved into position for unknown reasons, and asks Horizon for her advice. They realize that the Hives are taking orders from an Iron King, to Horizon's delight. Horizon then notes that the system the Grand Hive is located in is veiled, and Sola realizes it is hiding from The Last Horizon. Horizon tries to recall Varic and Raion, and fails, realizing that her teleportation has been blocked off. Sola and Horizon then prepare for battle.

Meanwhile, Benri finds himself in the presence of the Iron King, who welcomes him. The King describes the fun he is having controlling the Iron Legion. Benri questions why he is here, and the Iron King responds that he wants Benri's help to take over The Last Horizon. Benri is irritated to learn that Varic is the Captain, but fears what the Iron King could do with The Last Horizon. The Iron King insists that he only wants to own the galaxy, and not convert everyone into the Iron Legion. Benri and Varic would stay alive and be a part of The Last Horizon's crew, while the Iron King fills the rest of the seats. Benri accepts the deal, not having another choice. The Iron King expresses his excitement on having cornered the starship and the possibility of losing the battle. He shares a small glimpse of what he experiences while controlling the Iron Legion to Benri, which almost overwhelms him, before focusing on only the system The Last Horizon is in. Benri releases the Mirror of Silence to the Iron King, who uses it to multiply the fleet surrounding the starship.


Chapter 29

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Plot Summary

On The Last Horizon, Sola and Horizon are surrounded by Hunter ships that have spontaneously multiplied into black-and-white copies. Sola demands weapon control, but Horizon apologetically points out that Omega has escaped. They decide that Horizon would take care of the fleet, while Sola goes after Omega, who is vandalizing the ship. Sola chases him down to a supplementary power room, and shoots him when Omega tries to ambush her. Omega successfully lands a hit on her that tears her ear out. Sola retaliates and Omega expresses his disappointment with her, until she reveals a grenade that kills them both. Sola is restored by her Pyre and goes after Omega again. She notes that Omega seems to be building a weapon, and concludes that he would stop at the drone bay. She arrives and asks Horizon for drone command. Omega then reappears, and the two begin fighting again. Omega is delighted to learn that Sola is immortal, and reveals the turrets he has made from the parts he has stolen. He begins to shoot them, but once Sola got close enough, she draws a turret into her inventory, to Omega's shock and anger. Sola then draws Worldslayer and shoots Omega, destroying him and the nearby area. Defeated, Omega is recaptured by Horizon, who is annoyed about the damage to the ship caused by Sola.

Chapter 30

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Plot Summary

On the Sunsail ship, Varic had given the ship a navigational spell to The Last Horizon and is currently pumping magic into the Skimmer Drive of the ship. The ship's pilots are conflicted over the directions given by the spell, but Benri orders them to follow it. Raion comes over to inform them that the Galactic Union expected an Iron Legion fleet in their location. Varic considers the Iron Legion's actions and wonders if an Iron King is at play. He tries to plan how to get to Horizon, and Raion questions if they will make it in time. They talk about how they messed up by leaving Horizon. Varic asks about the Titan Knights, to which Raion mentions Javik is still alive. Varic talks about losing a team of his own, but realizes that he could prevent Raion's alternative fate. Varic nearly cries, to which Raion comforts him, but almost ends up hurting him. Varic tries to cheer Raion up by saying they will make the Iron Legion sorry, but internally fears for another death.

Chapter 31

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Plot Summary

The Skimmer Drive of the ship fails and the ship begins to hurl towards a nearby colony. The colony's defenses lock onto the ship, and Varic asks Raion to take care of the problem. Relieved to have one reliable ally, Varic begins relaxing and Benri yells at him to start casting. Varic responds calmly, and is validated by Raion carrying the ship. Unwilling to admit he was wrong, Benri leaves. When they dock, the colony has swarmed around the ship and a new ship is waiting for them. They prepare to leave. Suddenly, Raion catches an Iron Legion creature that has been cloned by the Mirror of Silence, revealing to Varic that the Iron Legion has a copy of or the real version of Benri. Realizing the danger they are in, Varic begins to gather water and calls for an emergency.

When ships begin to emerge, Varic, Raion, and the colony each destroy a ship, but are unable to stop all intruding Hunter-ships from crashing into the colony. Varic and Raion continue to fight off ships and Iron Legion Pawns. Varic unseals Eurias and begins to cast seals to fix the colony and colony ships, as well as do minor healing on injured colonists. He then seals out the Mirror of Silence spell on the ships, reducing the number of Hunter-ships to only a few. Varic's relief is quickly crushed when he realizes a Behemoth is about to come out of Subspace. Varic calls Raion and asks if he can fight it off alone. Raion replies that he will do his best. The Behemoth then begins to emerge.

Chapter 32

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Plot Summary

The Behemoth emerges over the colony. Varic returns to casting with Eurias to fix the colony, struggling due to the new damage done. The Behemoth focuses on Varic, interested due to the large scale magic. Raion starts to gather energy with his Combat Art, surprising Varic with the amount of power he is able to gather. The Behemoth turns its attention to Raion, but in the end his attack has little effect on it. Varic decides to seal Eurias again, and turns to the waiting Vallenar Corporation ship, only to see that they had already left. Raion summons his Divine Titan, and Varic is surprised by its improved strength and different appearance. Raion asks Varic to stop him if he becomes a threat before entering the Titan. The Titan and the Behemoth fight, and Varic is surprised at how the Red Divine Titan can keep up. Eventually the Behemoth is killed, and the Titan turns to Varic instead, who begins chanting.

Chapter 33

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Plot Summary

The Divine Titan comes to a stop in front of Varic, and begins to screech for Varic to pull out his staff. Varic begins to pretend to pull out his staff, while asking the Titan if Raion is okay. He sends a call to Raion, and the Titan accepts on Raion's behalf. Varic realises that the Titan is pushing energy into Raion, and decides to use his wand to cast a protective spell on Raion, to the Divine Titan's disdain. Raion begins to fight back, and after some coaxing, the Divine Titan releases him. Raion falls out, and the Divine Titan leaves. Varic takes note of the causualties and the Iron Legion's movements. He calls for pick up from the Vallenar Corporation, but Horzion responds instead.

Meanwhile, Raion is surprised by how he survived, having felt a strong bond of trust coming from Varic when Raion was using his unique ability to fight off his Divine Titan.

Chapter 34

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Plot Summary

Benri watches the memory of the battle between the Behemoth and the colony, observing how his plan unfolded. He had planned for Varic to be captured and Raion to die, but was surprised by Raion's Divine Titan's performance. Benri is surprised to find that the Iron King isn't angry, even though the plan to capture The Last Horizon has failed. The King and Benri discuss the battle and what they learned, the King stating that the battle had cost them nothing.

Chapter 35

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Plot Summary

Varic and Raion are teleported back to The Last Horizon. Raion collapses and is taken to Medical, and Varic takes note of the damages on the ship. Horizon tells Varic that they need to fill the crew to be able to take on the Iron King. Varic notes that the damage taken was significant, but is impressed by the damage done on the Iron Legion. Varic also discovers that Omega had escaped the prison, and plans to give him one last chance after learning about the damage he caused. Horizon and Varic begin to discuss repairs, and after learning how costly it will be, Varic asks for the Engineer candidates. Varic considers the candidates Professor Denon Javal and Zorova, but is convinced otherwise by Horizon. Finally, Varic considers Mell. He is reluctant to show bias towards her, due to their past history, but decides to pick her. Varic and Horizon decide to go deeper into the Galactic Union to pick her up.

Chapter 36

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Plot Summary

Varic brings The Last Horizon to the Magic Tower, with the intention of using the Magic Tower's political influence to get the Galactic Union on their side and go to the Vallenar Corporation. However, Varic is unable to contact the Magic Tower, and fears the Iron Legion has come after it. Instead, Commander Nelthan of GSS Kholien contacts them through the Subline. When The Last Horizon's identity is confirmed, Varic cautiously agrees to let the Galactic Union ships come to them. When the ships emerges, Varic is reminded of how he was surrounded and captured by a similar ship formation. Commander Nelthan announces that the Galactic Union plans to commandeer The Last Horizon for themselves against the Iron Legion. Horizon takes over communication with Nelthan, while Varic prepares for battle. He leaves the ship and begins to gather water. When Horizon confirms that she can teleport him onto the flagship, Varic releases the spell.

Chapter 37

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Plot Summary

Commander Nelthan agrees to a warning shot against The Last Horizon. He thinks about the Iron Legion and who had sent him on this assignment, fearing falling into disfavor if he fails the mission. GSS Kholien is then hit by a spell. Nelthan then receives and accepts a call from Varic, who insists he is not against the Union and that he was behind the spell. Varic unleashes another spell, and Nelthan orders fire on The Last Horizon. He is startled by Horizon's capabilities, but continues to fire. Varic teleports onto the ship and releases another spell, and tells them to remember that he didn't kill anyone. Varic then vanishes. Nelthan realizes the attack was made of water, and lets The Last Horizon go.

Chapter 38

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Plot Summary

Horizon announces that the Galactic Union has ordered their capture. Varic decides to find out what happened to his father. The Last Horizon travels to Benri's clone's last location, only to find that the Sunsail ship had been taken over by the Iron Legion. Varic calls the corporation directly, and receives a message from Benri claiming nothing is wrong. Back in the Subspace, Varic considers other options for allies, not wanting to run into more Galactic Union ships for Mell. Horizon suddenly confesses that she had understated her damage, and then the ship stops moving. Varic panics, and a Subspace creature attacks the hull of the ship. After gathering some information, Sola leaves the ship to attack the creature, and Varic runs to the Subspace Drive to stabilize it. They manage to return to reality, and Raion finally responds to the attack. They emerge in Dark Space, and Varic decides its time for a meeting.

Chapter 39

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Plot Summary

Varic, Raion, Sola, and Horizon gather around a table to discuss their next course of action. Varic wants to run until the crew is filled and repairs are made. Raion and Sola reject this idea. Varic points out that the Iron King already knows what they can do or can estimate them. Sola insists that they should fight, and Horizon and Raion agree. Varic, in a burst of anger at Raion's response, reveals that he had seen them die. After some questions, he tells Sola and Raion about the lives he had seen and the ritual. They believe Varic, and ask more questions. Sola asks for more information on the Grand Hive that could help plan an attack. Varic thinks back to the attack on the Grand Hive, and how it failed, and admits he doesn't want to do it again. Sola and Raion reassure him, and Varic asks Horizon if she knew the range of the Iron King. They decide that they need, and have, a pilot.

Chapter 40

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Chapter 41

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Chapter 42

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Chapter 43

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Chapter 44

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Chapter 45

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Chapter 46

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Chapter 47

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Epilogue

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