On his deathbed, the Grand Qian Emperor entrusts the brilliant Alaric Sterling to assist his daughter, Aveline, in becoming empress. He grants Alaric twelve gold medallions, allowing the empress twelve chances to make mistakes. Fearing General Alaric Sterling's great power, Empress Aveline Arden listens to the treacherous minister Gideon Preston and orders Alaric to withdraw his troops just as he is about to unify the Central Plains. The empress then repeatedly uses the gold medallions for acts that disappoint Alaric, eventually stripping him of his military authority. Once all twelve medallions are used, Alaric leaves the court and retires to the countryside. The Jhin seize the opportunity to invade, and Gideon Preston betrays the nation by negotiating for peace. Aveline, realizing Alaric's importance, tries to recruit him three times but is unwilling to relinquish power. Alaric refuses to return. As the Grand Qian Dynasty falls, Aveline is forced to call the Jhin king 'Father Emperor.' After accidentally discovering Gideon Preston's true nature and killing him, she has a complete awakening and seeks out Alaric to take control. Alaric puts himself on the line, employing the Empty Fort Strategy to go to the enemy camp alone. He secretly orders his subordinates to burn the Jhin's supplies and slay their chieftain. The enraged Jhin king surrounds and attacks him. As arrows fly, Aveline shields him with her body, and the two embrace in a pool of blood.
