As society rises from the ashes of war, cybernetically augmented arena fighters battle for fame and fortune...or die trying. It's the 19th century, and the world has entered the Era of Rebirth, recovering from the devastating flames of war. The sport of Mechanical Martial Arts has galvanized the nations. Cybernetically augmented fighters turn their blood into steam and their bodies into brutal fighting--and killing--machines. Young Levius is one of those arena battlers, hell-bent on winning so he can simply survive. Levius succeeds in defeating Oliver at the deadly Southern Slam tournament, but the consequences are dire. He has neither the desire nor the time to celebrate his victory. The appearance of Arthur Graynore, the Grade I, Rank 2 fighter and the cofounder of Amethyst, means the fight to become est--to become a god--is not over.