Cagaster of an Insect Cage

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.