Manlius Alair - a student of the Master of the Order of Magicians - discovers that his panic attack disease has returned. Trying to fight his fears, he shows impudence towards another student - an aristocrat from an influential family - and runs into a duel with his protege. This incident will lead Manlius to serious consequences, acquaintance with the famous scientist Nerta Olkander and a journey that will change his life. However, not everyone wants Manlius, his friend Adrian Leonius and the scientist to return from this journey alive. Not everything is even in Manlius's native order.