The Golden Lion has retreated to Atalia with the remnants of his army. An anxious calm has settled over war-torn Bergonia, but it doesn't seem likely that things will stay quiet for very long. With the burden of command finally removed from his shoulders, Max is headed to northern Bergonia. To the lands of the Margraviate de Valier, which were conferred on him by King Carl III. Frequent ebbs and flows, raids by Shadow beasts, mysterious ghosts--there are good reasons why the place known as Shadow Pass is considered one of the most dangerous regions in all Mainland. Sworn enemies, unexpected meetings, secrets from the past . . . Max is about to face a whole range of new trials.