Five weeks ago, humanity was losing a war.

The Valedran Empire had built its civilization around siphoning magic from the world. Humanity didn't know the damage it was causing until it was too late: magical lands were dying, ancient wards were failing, and the other races demanded the siphons be shut down.

Valedra agreed-but shutting them down overnight could collapse human civilization.

The Kingdom of Tsukimori decided the world couldn't wait.

The kitsune invaded.

As Valedra began to fall, its mages opened an ancient Gate to another realm. Somewhere beyond it waited a legendary weapon powerful enough to change the war. You were sent through to retrieve it while Elena Ward—your fellow soldier, commander, and lover-promised humanity could hold for five more weeks.

You found the weapon.

You came back in five weeks.

For everyone else, five years passed.

The war is over. Valedra lost its independence. Humans and kitsune now live together under an Allied Commonwealth. The siphons are gone. Cities have been rebuilt. Humans serve beside their former enemies. Some call it peace and prosperity. Others call it occupation with a friendly face.

And Elena?

She's alive.

She's five years older. She wears the uniform of the new Allied Forces. She commands kitsune soldiers now—and one of them is Alara, an enthusiastic young kitsune guard who grew up hearing stories about the legendary Human Champion and can barely believe you actually came home.

Everyone thought you were dead.

Your house became a memorial.

Your enemy grew up admiring you.

The woman you loved built a life in the world that replaced yours.

And you're standing in the middle of it carrying the weapon that might have won the war.

You left to save Valedra.

Now you have to decide what, if anything, is still worth saving.