Timeline

Chapter 1: The Rise of the Astral Empire
Parker and Rose arrive at their peaceful home to find a large, intimidating stone brick wall surrounding the premises. Confused, they seek answers until they are met by Magenta. They discover that Kenny had now become "King Kenneth" and is building an empire. After arguing, they agree to take down half the wall and allow Parker an audience with the "King."

Upon receiving a letter from Rose, Parker finds that she has moved to the forest and made new friends on her journey to start her own bakery. While visiting her Parker meets her new friends, Strange and Ducky. Parker explains his situation with the empire to the three of them and asks for their help. All three agree to think about it, but Parker knows that Rose will decline to avoid conflict.

While preparing for a mining trip, Oparion discovers that his horse is missing. In place of his companion was a chest containing a note with the coordinates of the newly build Astral Empire Headquarters. Upon arrival, Oparion panics due to his situation. He knows full well that he could take on the king on his own, but he does not want his horse to be hurt or killed. When offered, he decides to join the empire. He has confidence in the empire's power although he was blackmailed into joining.

Back in their forest home, Rose and Strange are awkward living together. They have odd interactions as they eat their breakfast and tend to their animals. Strange finds and reads Rose's journal and learns how Rose is feeling, but they brush it off and continue on. After a run-in with Magenta and Ducky at the bakery, Strange and Rose talk and bond over shared interests and their favourite holidays. In the end, Rose gifts a powerful axe to Strange titled, "Blooming Nightmare."

Upon arriving home, Parker discovers a chest left by the Astral Empire that he had been waiting for. The chest contained a compass that pointed him directly to the Astral Empire Headquarters. Parker went through the empire's rules and followed orders knowing he could not yet take them all on. He was led into the building and stood in front of the empty throne. Parker and the king's men stood awkwardly until the drunken king arrived. The two argued as King Kenneth attempted to recruit Parker. However, Parker refused and argued back more aggressively. Becoming agitated with Parker's defiance, the king had Parker tied up and thrown into a small prison cell underneath the white throne.