Alicia—now going by the name Alia—decides to continue her training in the woods, isolated from others. Through ingenious use of the resources available to her and despite the growing pains associated with her increasing aether, she continues to hone her combat skills and begins her forays into the world of sorcery. One day, on her way out of town after stocking up on supplies, she senses a distinct presence—or lack thereof—and realizes she's being watched. It's a dangerous encounter, one with life-changing consequences she couldn't have anticipated.