The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where two oceans have been created due to a catastrophic event known as the Great Transition. The novel explores themes of survival, adaptation, and the importance of understanding the technological process of developing modern knowledge as the basis for the survival of humanity. The plot of the book follows the main character, Artyom, who is a young man living in a small community near one of the oceans. He discovers a hidden underwater city that has been lost for centuries and becomes embroiled in a conflict between different factions vying for control of the city's resources. As he navigates this dangerous new world, Artyom learns about the history of the Great Transition and the secrets of the two oceans, which are revealed to him by an enigmatic figure known only as "the Professor".

''