Rumors stir throughout the land: when the wielder of the black sword draws his dark blade, all who stand in its path are torn asunder...! Köinzell, the mysterious young boy who carries the black sword, undeniably wields it with exceptional skill, but can he truly be responsible for the bloody rumors? Pursued by the Traitorous Lances, four powerful warriors who were thought to have been defeated by the Seven Heroes, the strength of the young swordsman will be tested to its limit. At battle's end, only the shocking truth of Köinzell's quest will stand above the corpses of his enemies... An epic fantasy on the grandest of scales!

Lebellond continues to assert his military might over Jebr, sending his sons and daughters to subdue the scattered peoples of Glenn's former holdings. Lebellond's youngest son, Guelld, eager to prove himself, has secured the help of the legendary "siege master" Betzegarm to lead his troops. However, when one legend meets another--namely the "Traitorous Lance" Ascheriit-the limits of loyalty and leadership will be tested in the heat of the battle!

By attacking his own father, the emperor, the full extent of Glenn's betrayal is exposed--as is the monstrous truth behind his youthful form. In the name of bringing his own brand of "peace" to Szaalenden, Glenn has turned to Wischtechian magics to preserve his cause, conveniently ignoring the thousands of lives lost in the war against those same magics so many years ago. While Köinzell continues to struggle with the limitations of his new body, Glenn's has made him a threat more terrible than any the empire has seen!

Who will emerge as the true hero of the people?! Köinzell engages again with Glenn's knights, but their spells have critically weakened him. Just as capture seems imminent, Aht rejoins the fight! Despite her injuries, Aht is determined to prove to Köinzell that her devotion can be an asset and not a hindrance in battle, even if it costs her life. Meanwhile, the deeply paranoid Barestar sends an army against the city to kill the hero-killer--at the price of citizens' lives! The knights of the Order of the Seven Lances face a difficult choice: follow the will of the hero Barestar and allow the soldiers to pillage the city, or fight to protect the people alongside Köinzell, the very man they were sent to eliminate! An epic fantasy on the grandest of scales!

One man's journey for vengeance-and the battle that will determine the fate of the empire-comes to a close! As the final battle between the Imperial Army and Glenn,s forces intensifies, Köinzell and Ichfeis take advantage of the chaos to approach the floating fortress where Glenn awaits. The pair of past and present Blatt Meisters is prepared to cut down any who stand in their way, starting with Dragongrave Ischüdien! At last, Köinzell will confront his betrayer, the "hero" who has achieved prominence and power at others, expense. Will Glenn win the day-and the Empire-or will Köinzell have his ultimate revenge? An epic fantasy on the grandest of scales!

Now that the emperor has fallen, how will the tide of battle turn? Find out in the latest volume of this action-packed series!

Mad with rage after the death of his son, Marquis Lebellond has turned his forces against Marquis Glenn, forcing the remaining heroes to choose their actions carefully as the terrible War of Heroes unfolds. However, even Lebellond's allies are not safe from his wrath, as he imprisons those who would help him and commits countless atrocities, single-minded in his desire to triumph over Glenn. His blind actions may cast him not only his chance the empire, but also what lands he already rules...