While Koushi meets his new family and learns about the task before him, Touko struggles to keep her place on the truck. But even if she succeeds, an unexpected obstacle may cut her journey short.

While Touko and her companions flee the wreckage of their trucks, Koushi digs through the archive for forgotten tomes. What he discovers casts his mission in a new light.

The survivors of the dragon attack receive unexpected aid from Akira, a lady fire hunter with an unconventional hound. Later, they come upon an abandoned child...with ties to the group that wants them dead.

War looms over the capital, and Koushi's work with for Yuoshichi Okibi is coming to a head. On the eve of their new weapon's final test, two unexpected visitors complicate the situation. Who can Koushi trust, and what does he truly want to accomplish?

Hinako's illness worsens, provoking a crisis at the Okibi mansion. Meanwhile, Touko joins Akira to confront the gods. New forces and unguessed truths emerge as Flickering Flame draws ever closer.

Koushi struggles to load and operate the Lightning Cannon, but both the gods and the spiders have other ideas. Meanwhile, a chance encounter leads Touko to witness a startling scene.

Koushi finally reunites with Hinako. They set out for the palace, but their path brings them face to face with the last of the capital's treefolk. Meanwhile, Touko and Akira encounter a familiar face of their own.

Yuoshichi is on the rampage, seeking revenge against the divine clans, but with the Flickering Flame now residing within his own daughter, what lengths will he go to in order to achieve his ultimate goal?