The astragali arc finally comes to a head as the Order of the Silver Phoenix dives back into the forest to rescue their captain! They will not find themselves uncontested, however, as the Rubel clan has detected their unwanted advances and are preparing drastic measures in response.

So will it be war? The Rubel clan is beset (partially unknowingly) by the other genoses, the newcomers from the west, and the goblins under their own aegis. The clan’s response will likely cause one of the groups—or even all of them—to resist the Rubel clan’s attempt to claim hegemony. And of course, this will only be further complicated by Ernie’s participation.

Still, a lot is riding on Ernie’s actions. Will he be able to reunite with his knight order? Will he ever get Ikaruga back or fix Kasasagi into a state fit for combat? And will he be able to navigate the situation to coordinate efforts between all sides, lest the Rubel clan divides and conquers its way to victory?