Lemeza Kosugi teaches archaeology at a university, where he holds the title of assistant rather than professor and tries to get out on expeditions whenever he has vacation time. One day he returns from a lecture to find a battered envelope on his desk. The handwriting is his father's. Inside: a scribbled note of triumph, a poem titled "Legend of Ancient Times," and a single gold coin with writing Lemeza recognizes. His father has apparently found La-Mulana—the legendary ruins believed to be the origin point of all human civilization. The childish excitement of the note tells Lemeza everything he needs to know. He packs his archaeology laptop, his whip, his gun, and heads to the airport. Most of the gear gets confiscated at security. He goes anyway.