Hoping to tame the Great Rift that has split the Galaxy in two, the archmagos Velizar Cole invites representatives of the forge-worlds from all over the Imperium into the artificial world Pontus-Avernes, confident he can convince the delegates of his genius. He needs their help in uncovering the secrets of the pilot network—cyclopean structures built by an ancient race—which, in his view, could prevent the pull of the Warp.
But among the attendees, an uninvited guest has slipped in: none other than Fabius Baile.
Pater Mutatis doesn’t need recognition of his talents—and has his own plans. Bringing his schemes to life will lead to an epic confrontation of the greatest minds of the Galaxy—only one of whom will come out victorious.