Herculaneum, 79 AD - On the day of the historical Vesuvius eruption, some unusual artefacts were hidden within the mysterious Villa of the Papyri. They remained buried for centuries beneath a thick layer of mud and lava, until the mid-nineteenth century, when a young archaeologist named Oleg excavates them. The discovery changes his life, making him into a famous magician known throughout Europe. But at the height of his popularity, Oleg mysteriously disappears, leaving behind questions, enemies, and an assistant who is blamed for Oleg's thefts of valuable pieces of artwork.

Then a scientist named Heinrich stumbles across the artefacts Oleg left behind, seeks out Oleg's former assistant Irina, and the two embark together on a journey that leads them centuries into the future, when humanity has advanced beyond their wildest dreams.

In that future, Oleg is close to realizing his own dreams of true immortality, but despite myriad solutions, mankind's problems have multiplied. Only the unexpected help of someone he had once loved, then betrayed, will be able to save him.