Back in the present after their adventures through time, Spirou and Fantasio try to pick up their life where they left it. But the magazine refuses to publish Fantasio's account of their extraordinary journey, and he falls into depression. Until, that is, the bizarre and annoying Snuffeller reappears, bearing a call for help from Aurélien de Champignac, 'their' count's descendant. A trip to the future appears in order – but what terrible discoveries await our intrepid reporters?