Five centuries ago, Rudolf von Goldenbaum brought together the separate governments of humankind and erected a vast human empire that spanned the galaxy. With strict expectations of loyalty and discipline, Rudolf created a system designed to surpass his own reign; however, all human endeavors eventually decay. Today, the disintegrating empire is threatened by the Free Planets Alliance, and military commanders on both sides strive for dominance in preparation for what seems to be an inevitable conflict. On the empire's front, Reinhard von Lohengramm, the youthful general, considers war a chance for advancement and views the empire as a malleable substance waiting to be molded. On the part of the alliance, aspiring historian Yang Wen-li wishes for nothing more than to live his life in peace, however, moments of war offer no purpose to those who invest their time in studying past errors. Circumstances will cast both of these individuals as heroes and villains, as they inscribe new history, one blood-soaked page at a time.