The Elian Empire is on the verge of collapse and destruction. War, a rebellion, a Church conspiracy. Knowledge and technology versus skill and magic. All together. All at once. It all started—the very thing that had been prepared for for a good two hundred years by everyone dissatisfied with imperial power. The conspirators are ready to activate the Black Portal. From there something will emerge so terrible it can doom the entire world. Hope rests only on five young mountain craftsmen, plus seven allies from the outside circle—and an ancient prophecy. But will it come true? After all, the legend is so vague, so uncertain…