While working as security for a merchant, exterminator Kidow intervenes when insects attack, then promises to convey young Ilie to her mother.

As gruesome murders come to light, Kidow suspects they're not the work of insects. When Ilie goes to the market, someone steals her bag.

Ilie befriends the leader of the Red Rats. At Mario Garden, Kidow receives a letter and a map marked with the locations of the murders.

The army prepares to exterminate an insect lurking in the sand beneath E-05. Still regretting his actions five years ago, Qasim volunteers as bait.

Ilie learns from Mario how Kidow's adoptive father, Lazarus, taught him the harsh lessons of survival in the Cagaster-infested Far East.

A man claiming to be Ilie's father arrives to take her away. She and Kidow try to flee, but are ambushed by Acht before they can make their escape.

Adham's forces plot to overthrow the Bazaar Overseer and turn E-05 into an insect cage. Kidow escapes to E-07, where Ilie is now held prisoner.

Kidow infiltrates E-07's main tower in search of Ilie. After learning the truth of her origins, Ilie proclaims herself the next queen of the cage.

Reunited, Ilie and Kidow make their way up to the throne room, but Adham's security detail and numerous Cagasters stand in their way.

Gravely injured, Franz guides Ilie to the queen's chamber and gives her control over Tania's fate. Acht and Kidow face off for the final time.

As the battle between Salif’s forces and the defenders of E-05 come to an end, the survivors inside E-07's main tower confront their futures.