FROM THE DARK EXPANSE, A MAN It is a time of great uncertainty. Sixteen years have passed since a mysterious and mournful champion disappeared into arctic desolation. In his absence, buried effectors consolidate powers of technology, messaging, and wealth while an explosion of criminal occupation, misinformation, and social rot is launched across the globe. International black market activities escalate and expand as bilateral trade disputes and sanctions cause government tensions to peak. Nearing critical mass, the swell of gang war and global war threatens every metropolitan area as the impending feeding frenzy for dominion emanates from shocking sources, all the while societal foundations, rightful norms, languages, and natural order are persistently violated at the hands of a hidden, illusive, perverse, and disturbingly probable illuminati. And to what end? Who is able to oppose them? It has been three hundred years since the early opera serias were introduced, wherein tales of the courts saw characters purposed with noble mores, knitted, and interlaced with uncompromised fibers suitable of legend. Tragedy is no less real today. Justice and mercy are no less vital, no less urgently required. So, it is in our modern setting that this lion of mythical strength, skill, and understanding returns. And he will be far from alone.