Julia takes her nephew to yet another hospital visit, though this one leads to a new treatment for Xavier where he will be in Nova Terra for two years while nanites strengthen his real world body. As they prepare for the procedure and Xavier's two-year separation from the real world, Julia shares with him a bit about Nova Terra. She worries about her nephew in the virtual world, but she promises not message him during his first year in the game, about a month and a half in the real world.

Athena receives a message from her nephew Thorn, who is faced with the monumental task of seizing Fang Valley and securing it before being besieged by the super guild Ragnarok in a matter of days. She and her War Roses arrive near the end of the battle, decimating Ragnarok's forces but forced to watch as Thorn and Ouroboros, the leader of the Ragnarok forces, face each other in a duel to settle the fate of the valley. Thorn emerges victorious, and they all celebrate with a feast.

Athena and the Society of Roses stay in the valley for a short time to aid Thorn's guild, Nova Luna, in establishing its structure and processing the initial flow of applications to join the guild.

Athena joins Thorn to the capital of the Human Empire, though they quickly separate upon entering the city to each handle their own affairs. After hearing that Thorn had been imprisoned due to political intrigue, she contacts the Ironhold Duke (within whose duchy Thorn's barony is located) to exert his political influence, effecting Thorn's release. After sticking around a little longer to assist Thorn, she departs to handle her business.