A man named Cole is given an ultimatum by a family member: surrender or be exiled. He chooses to leave, renouncing his heartless family. As he departs with his mother, he is taunted and told he is nobody without the Astra name. Cole vows to compete in the upcoming Rift Trials and crush the family's pride to prove them wrong. His mother secretly gives him her old, powerful mech, the Ephemera, for protection. She stays behind, claiming her status will keep her safe, as Cole promises to return for her.