Diago has to give a speech at Suus and experiences nerves for the first time, his father reassuring him that nervousness is a sign of growth and opportunity.
Traveling on a Transvect, Diago is the only passenger and notes the Seawall, a submerged stone barrier that drags down any ship or individual attempting to cross it.
He reaches Solivagus island and is greeted by Septimus Filo, a man who reveals himself to be an Academy physician and offers Diago support should he need it due to his heroic deeds.
Dropped off at the Academy, Diago meets Veridius, who is friendly and accommodating; he notes Veridius and Ulciscor's shared history, though says Ulciscor’s accusations come from a place of grief rather than fact.
Veridius takes Diago to his dormitory, which he will share with others in his class, and introduces him to Callidus, who shows signs of nervousness.
Callidus takes Diago to the mess hall, where Eidhin confronts them and gets into a physical fight with Diago, who wins with an uppercut.
The main character is chastised by another student, who tells him that he shouldn't have attacked Eidhin.
The character and some members of the Third Class aid Eidhin, applying first-aid to his injuries.
There is mention of a potentially political motive for the attack, as Eidhin's father is apparently unpopular.
The Praeceptor, Nequias, who is an authoritative figure in the Academy, appears and demands an explanation.
Despite other students attempting to explain that Eidhin started the fight, Nequias places the blame on the main character, citing his recent arrival as making him an easy scapegoast.
The main character is recognized as Ulciscor's son, an apparently significant individual, which sparks murmurs within the onlooking students.
The main character is instructed by Nequias to follow him, potentially to face punishment for the fight.