Kai examines the body of a young Dor guard and quickly concludes that Paedyn killed him. The stab wound through the chest, the disturbed sand, and blood wiped on the guard’s shirt tell Kai that Paedyn was there recently and likely in poor condition. That realization gives Kai hope that she cannot be far ahead, even as he forces himself to treat her weakness as an advantage.

He has his Imperials carry the corpse into Dor, where the group is met with open distrust from the city’s residents. Kai reflects on Dor’s hatred of Ilya and its sympathy toward Ordinaries, recognizing that Elites are resented outside their kingdom. When he presents the body to a local guard, the man identifies Paedyn as the "Silver Savior," and Kai sees the bounty poster offering twenty thousand silvers for her capture, dead or alive.

Kai questions the guard, but the man refuses to help and only cares about claiming the reward himself. Kai reveals his authority as the Enforcer, which unsettles the guard and draws attention from people nearby. As Kai moves through the market, whispers and hostile scrutiny follow him, showing that his identity makes him too visible to search effectively.

At a food cart, Kai tries to buy provisions for his men, but the merchant deliberately charges him double because he hates Elites. Kai keeps his temper under control, pays anyway, and uses the exchange to confirm how unwelcome he is in Dor. After feeding his men, Kai orders the Imperials to split up and stay inconspicuous, deciding that only a quieter search will help them find information about Paedyn, food, and shelter.