Max Martin is gearing up for his last year as an Axial at the Monolitho Academy for Stone Holders. However, before the school year begins, Dean Bowdine presents an opportunity that changes the dynamic of how Max, and his friends, live their lives. If that isn't enough, he learns Monolitho is set to compete in a dangerous tournament that only happens once every twenty-three years in the Bonded Realms. Does Max have what it takes to rise up and become a Hero, or will he be handed over to the dragons of Sage Islands and be put on trial for Dark Dealing?