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 championship fight between Levius and Oliver at the Southern Slam is in full swing. As Levius takes hit after hit and Oliver taunts him about being too soft to actually ever fight effectively, things also look dire for A.J., who has made a surprise sacrifice!