In the aftermath of the brutal war on Prescott, the planet struggles to rebuild amid shattered cities and uneasy truces. For James Kovacs, the brilliant yet burdened mech smith, peace is anything but restful. As his revolutionary designs begin to reshape the battlefield, Kovacs wrestles with the weight of his creations and the lives they now protect—or destroy.
When a discovery of rare elements hints at a deeper conspiracy behind the war, Kovacs is thrust into a dangerous mission to a more advanced world. Accompanied by Jackie Stewart, a skilled pilot turned protector, and a team with divided loyalties, he must navigate treacherous politics, alien technology, and the echoes of his past.
Amid secrets that could alter the balance of power, Kovacs searches not only for answers but for a master to hone his craft. As enemies close in and alliances fray, Kovacs must decide whether to remain a builder of machines—or forge a new legacy that could change the fate of worlds.
Essence is a gripping tale of redemption, discovery, and the relentless pursuit of purpose in the shadow of war.