Life is looking up for Rudeus. His sisters are settling in, and he has plenty of time for friends and family... until an announcement from Sylphie and an unexpected letter upend his idyllic school life.

Rudeus and Elinalise reach Rapan and soon reunite with Paul, only to learn that a deadly labyrinth has claimed both Zenith and Roxy. The fruits of Rudeus's studies offer a last, faint hope to reach his mother and his mentor in time.