Reinhard von Müsel leads the Galactic Empire to a decisive victory over the Free Planets Alliance in the Fourth Battle of Tiamat. Arriving at the imperial capital of Odin to a hero’s welcome, his triumph earns him promotion to High Admiral and the distinguished title of Count von Lohengramm. On the opposite side, Yang Wen‑li returns to the Alliance capital of Heinessen quietly and reunites with his friends. Both men anticipate a long‑awaited respite, but the situation quickly worsens. At the urging of the scheming Duke Otho von Braunschweig, the Imperial High Command orders Reinhard to launch a massive invasion of the Alliance with a fleet of twenty thousand ships. When the Duke leaks this plan to the Alliance government, the Free Planets mobilize three fleets totalling forty thousand ships to counter the attack, essentially recreating the famed Battle of Dagon. Despite being outnumbered two to one, Reinhard has devised an ingenious strategy, though Yang sees through its flaws. The question remains: will Yang’s superiors heed his warning before it is too late?