Late at night in the gymnasium, Emissa equips Amotus training gear for Vis and Eidhin, explaining how the wooden control pieces Will‑lock to floating steel armor. She outlines the rules: slipping a strike behind a limb’s armor triggers heavy repulsion on the opponent’s corresponding limb, and a clean hit to head, neck, or chest severs the connection. Eidhin, already adept, overwhelms Vis in their first bout by disabling a leg and shield arm before delivering a finishing thrust.

Between rounds, Eidhin notes he was taught by his tribe’s Bladesmiths—“They were”—and rejects sympathy. Vis resets, adapts to angles and sightlines, and, with Emissa’s tactical cues, steadily improves. He pushes Eidhin hard, wins the third bout, and then doesn’t lose again that evening. Leaving the gym, Emissa hints she might “forget” to store the armor so Vis can practice in the morning. Eidhin needles Vis about Emissa’s interest; Vis, bound by upbringing and his secret identity, refuses to pursue it. Emissa mentions Aequa has been asking when Vis returned from the Necropolis, raising Vis’s concern. As they part, Emissa reveals she understands Cymrian, startling both Vis and Eidhin.

Before dawn, Callidus helps Vis sneak in extra practice, but afterward pointedly challenges Vis’s fabricated background—citing rare books, dead languages, and unfamiliar dueling styles—suggesting he could confirm the truth through his father’s records and speculating Vis is a hidden child of a powerful Military senator. Vis deflects without confessing; Callidus leaves disappointed. Vis resolves that keeping the lie intact is necessary, despite straining their friendship.

Throughout the day, Dultatis is smug and partial, openly advising Ianix while students predict Vis’s defeat. Callidus skips the midday meal, while Ianix approaches to urge Vis to concede to preserve a future chance to advance. Vis refuses. When the final bell rings, Dultatis murmurs “See you tomorrow,” and Vis ignores him, heading to the quadrum for the duel.