Darrow observes that only 911 of Apollonius’s once-massive Minotaur host remain. Apollonius delivers a blistering speech on the tarmac, condemning their decadence and the Ash Lord’s betrayal, then calls them to reclaim their honor by riding for the Ash Lord’s head. The men answer with renewed zeal.

Back in Tharsus’s library, Sevro challenges Darrow’s plan as suicidal and accuses Darrow of believing his own myth. He lists fallen friends as the cost of Darrow’s shortcuts and says the mission is wasted. Darrow refuses to abort. Sevro, torn between loyalty and family, salutes but declares he will quit after this: his girls will have a father.

As the Minotaur remnant launches south, the Howlers ready the Nessus and ripWings. Apollonius bids farewell, insisting he must lead his troops personally. Darrow reminds him of the embedded bomb’s conditions: inside the darkzone it switches to a three-hour timer, detonates if Darrow’s team dies, or if Apollonius flees the theater. Their alliance remains wary and transactional; Apollonius departs to rendezvous at the waypoint.

Darrow keeps their involvement hidden from the Minotaur troops and prioritizes firepower over maneuver with the Nessus. He assigns Rhonna as a gunner under Min-Min, with Colloway flying his ripWing. As final checks conclude, Darrow’s doubts resurface—especially about the Ash Lord’s three-year absence—casting a shadow over the imminent strike.