Rudeus journeys to the harsh northlands in search of his lost mother. Or at least, that's what he tells himself. The scars of his parting from Eris run deep, and getting back on his feet may not be so easy.

Rudeus doesn't want a new party, but he still grows closer to Counter Arrow as he settles into life as a northlands adventurer. When danger rears its head, he finds himself risking it all for his new friends.

Things seem to be looking up for Rudeus. And when Sara asks him on a date, he decides to forget his heartbreak and start a new romance. But putting the past behind him may be easier said than done.