In a city blanketed by snow, Ratramne de Baccarat stands on the verge of a decision that could annihilate humanity. Haunted by decades of disappointment and disillusionment, he holds a device that could make his dark vision a reality. Yet in his moment of hesitation, fate intervenes—a mysterious infant is left abandoned on a nearby bench. Ratramne, resentful yet compelled, finds himself drawn to the child and carries him to the Lybboane Academy, a powerful institution he holds sway over.