Six decades ago, the supreme archmage Merlin dissolved his immortal body into twelve divine talismans to seal an apocalyptic demonic breach. Returning to the mortal realm in modest wanderer garb to retrieve his scattered relics, he encounters a corrupted aristocracy that has completely forgotten his world-saving sacrifice. When arrogant noblewoman Cecily publicly mocks his poverty at Duke Valerius's palace, Merlin delivers a chilling prophecy of her imminent demise.
Despite round-the-clock protection by Knight Captain Caitlyn and elite palace guards, Cecily is mysteriously slaughtered inside an iron-plated royal carriage. Branded as a primary suspect by corrupt inquisitors, Merlin unleashes forbidden elemental sorcery to unravel the palace murder mystery, unmasking a traitorous cabal aiming to reopen the demonic abyss.
