It's the 19th century, and the world has entered the Era of Rebirth, recovering from the devastating flames of war. The sport of Mechanical Martial Arts has galvanized the nations. Cybernetically augmented fighters turn their blood into steam and their bodies into brutal fighting--and killing--machines.

Young Levius is one of those arena battlers, hell-bent on winning so he can simply survive.

The Southern Slam, the pinnacle tournament of Mechanical Martial Arts, looms. Despite his fears of a rigged match, Levius has agreed to face "the Emperor." Oliver E. Kingsley, in a title fight. Meanwhile, in Grade III, Natalia is progressing smoothly through the preliminary rounds, but her next match will be her most challenging yet.