Alissa is steadily advancing in her magical research using the last surviving Professional in the legendary Keep. But she’s haunted by dreams-dreams disclosing that other Experts have survived.

Alissa’s dreams lead her to a distant island where she and a rescue party discover countless Experts, alive and element of a flourishing magical culture. But instead of being welcomed, Alissa finds that she herself might need to end up being rescued. The Experts’ leader, Keribdis, feels that she ought to be Alissa’s instructor, whether Alissa prefers it or not. When Alissa rebels, she endangers not merely her magic but also her lifestyle.