The world has entered the Hobart Phase, in which time runs backwards. Old people emerge from their graves, grow to middle age, youth, adolescence and childhood, to be finally unborn in their mothers' wombs. Religious leader Anarch Peak's return from the grave means whoever apprehends him may control the fate of the world.

The world has entered the Hobart Phase, in which time runs backwards. Old people emerge from their graves, grow to middle age, youth, adolescence and childhood, to be finally unborn in their mothers' wombs. Religious leader Anarch Peak's return from the grave means whoever apprehends him may control the fate of the world.