Warsaw under German occupation—World War I is underway. A Russian army pushed far to the east is preparing for a counteroffensive, while Rudnitsky receives an offer from the Germans that he cannot refuse. Trying to stay out of politics, the alchemist is unwittingly drawn into a game where life—and even more—is at stake.
Meanwhile, in the enclaves appear creatures bearing the names of fallen angels. Rudnitsky’s and Samarin’s paths cross again, but this time each of them fights under a different flag.