This chapter is a flashback to Oak's childhood after Madoc was exiled to the mortal world following his treason. Oak, living with Vivi and Heather, blames himself for the war and his family's rupture. Tormented by nightmares of Madoc's potential execution, he secretly practices swordplay at night, but his trainers agree he lacks real talent because he refuses to hurt anyone, treating combat as a game.

Eventually Oriana takes Oak to visit Madoc at his waterfront apartment. Madoc, finding Oak softened by his mother and sisters, takes him to a cemetery lawn to test his skills. Oak demonstrates competent technique but admits he struggles to actually strike opponents. Madoc, forbidden weapons under exile terms, spars with him using a mop handle and quickly identifies the problem: Oak blocks rather than seeks openings, held back by guilt, shame, and the desire to be liked.

Madoc instructs Oak to split his mind in two, becoming a foot soldier obeying the general's single order, abandoning his identity as Oak until the fight ends. When Oak resists, Madoc escalates the violence, hitting him hard enough to bruise. Oak throws down his sword and surrenders, but Madoc continues attacking, declaring that if Oak won't defend himself, Madoc may as well kill him rather than let someone else.

Terrified and crying, Oak retrieves his sword. Slipping into a detached state similar to his gancanagh magic, he gives himself one order: win. He blinks back to awareness with his blade at Madoc's throat, his father bleeding from a slash Oak doesn't remember inflicting. Madoc approves and demands they go again, having taught Oak to weaponize dissociation.