After being left alone together, the six recruits size each other up in a tense group conversation. Tristan notes Callum's silence, while Parisa stares intently at Reina, causing the nearby fern to react—revealing Reina's naturalist abilities to the group. When Libby questions Reina about her specialty, Reina bluntly explains she didn't study naturalism but instead specialized in ancient magics and classics, drawing skepticism from Parisa about whether she cultivated her own craft.

Nico attempts to break the tension by suggesting they share specialties, volunteering that he and Libby are both physicists of force and molecular structures. Tristan and Parisa resist revealing their abilities, arguing that sharing details would disadvantage them competitively. The debate stalls until Nico notices that Libby has been unnaturally silent—someone has magically influenced her emotions. Tristan immediately glances at Parisa, but she denies responsibility. Through process of elimination, the group identifies Callum as the culprit: he admits to being an empath who dampened Libby's anxiety without her consent.

This revelation also exposes Parisa's specialty as telepathy, since the Society would be unlikely to recruit two identical skill sets. Libby and Nico demand that both Callum and Parisa refrain from manipulating or reading the others without permission, and Callum reluctantly agrees to a mutual truce with Parisa. Parisa notes that everyone has already raised mental shields against her, and Tristan observes that no one can maintain such defenses indefinitely.

Attention turns to Callum's identity as a member of the Nova Corporation family—a global media conglomerate known for illusion-based products and ruthless business practices. Reina takes quiet satisfaction in Parisa's realization that she overlooked the wealthiest person in the room. When finally cornered, Tristan reveals he can see through illusions, immediately confirming he can detect Libby's concealed blemish. Tristan then locks eyes with Callum, perceiving something about Callum's true nature that visibly unsettles the empath. The two agree to keep each other's secrets, forming an implicit alliance that divides the group into factions.

Throughout these interactions, Reina's emotions cause the surrounding plants to react—sprouting fruit, whispering "Mother," and trembling with distress—despite her efforts to stay composed. A loud gong interrupts before Libby can steer the group toward their security assignment. As the others file out, Libby lingers to apologize to Reina for her earlier comment. Reina cuts her off, stating they don't need to be friends—they just need to be better than the other three. Libby accepts this pragmatic alliance and follows the group, leaving Reina to trail behind alone.