The chapter opens two hours before the present story timeline, introducing Callum Nova, the sixth and final recruit for the Alexandrian Society. Callum is a rare "manipulist" — an empath capable of influencing people's emotions and decisions so effectively that his exes describe the experience as hallucinogenic. He comes from a wealthy family that controls a magical media conglomerate focused on beauty and illusion. Despite his extraordinary power, Callum has spent the six years since graduating university doing very little of consequence, working a cushy job in the family business where neither his sister nor his father hold him accountable.

Atlas Blakely arrives at Callum's office and presents his card as Caretaker. Rather than asking about the opportunity itself, Callum immediately asks about the other recruits, reasoning that the game changes depending on its players. Atlas obliges, naming Nico de Varona (a physicist who compels physical forces), Libby Rhodes (a physicist with extraordinary environmental influence), Reina Mori (a naturalist to whom the earth "personally offers fruit"), and Tristan Caine (who can see through illusions). When Atlas reaches the final name — Parisa Kamali — he hesitates, saying her specialty is "better left unsaid." Callum notes that Atlas did not tell the other recruits about his own abilities, and Atlas confirms they didn't ask.

The conversation shifts into a subtle psychological duel. Callum probes Atlas's defenses and finds them blurred and resistant to his influence, suggesting Atlas was warned about Callum's powers. Atlas observes that he and Callum are opposites: Atlas knows what people want to hear, while Callum makes people want to hear what he says. Atlas then challenges Callum directly, calling him "very, very uninspired" beneath his talent — not empty, but "unfinished." He questions why someone who could start or end a war in minutes, or kill or save a life at will, has chosen to do nothing with his power.

Callum deflects, claiming restraint is necessary for someone with his abilities, but Atlas counters that it may be a lack of imagination rather than restraint. Stung but unwilling to show it, Callum agrees to consider the opportunity, privately calculating that it would take him four minutes and thirty-nine seconds to accomplish the destructive feats Atlas described. Callum recognizes that Atlas is deliberately baiting him and decides not to resist. Atlas departs with a polite but pointed farewell, having successfully hooked his final recruit.