As society rises from the ashes of war, cybernetically augmented arena fighters battle for fame and fortune...or die trying. It's the 19th century, and the world has entered the Era of Rebirth, recovering from the devastating flames of war. The sport of Mechanical Martial Arts has galvanized the nations. Cybernetically augmented fighters turn their blood into steam and their bodies into brutal fighting--and killing--machines. Young Levius is one of those arena battlers, hell-bent on winning so he can simply survive. It's Levius versus Oliver in the championship match at the Southern Slam, the top tournament in Mechanical Martial Arts. Before the fight, Levius learns that steam syndrome may be endangering Oliver's life, and that only Levius can save him. But when the starting bell rings, Levius finds out just how dangerous the champion can be, steam syndrome or no!