Class Four begins with markedly intensified lessons under Praeceptor Scitus, whose high-energy style drives rapid-fire questioning and combative debates. Vis observes factional alliances—Axien often backed by Atticus and Cassia; Aequa supported by Ava and Felix—and chooses arguments on merit, maintaining neutrality despite earning some glares. Within the cohort, Vis is surprisingly welcomed, while Aequa is recognized as top-ranked yet quietly disliked.

On the fifth day, Class Four trains at the Labyrinth with the Thirds watching. Nequias attends with visible boredom, while Iro greets Vis with hostility. Aequa runs first with Vis on the bracer; their coordination starts strong until Iro moves close behind Vis, murmuring moves and then personal insults. The distraction ruins Vis’s cadence, doors grind and mistime, and Aequa is forced into detours before being cornered. Emissa reprimands Iro and argues with Nequias, who refuses to intervene.

Scitus publicly rebukes Vis for failing under pressure, emphasizing that Will is not wielded in silence, then privately commends Vis’s restraint given Iro’s provocation. Vis warns Aequa that Iro may try similar tactics; Aequa dismisses the concern, promising to punch Iro if necessary. On Vis’s subsequent run with Aequa guiding, doors open smoothly, he never pauses, and he exits victorious, easing tension between them.

Later, Indol approaches and, citing his father’s gratitude for the naumachia, invites Vis to join a Military-families training retreat over the trimester break alongside Emissa and Belli. The group will depart directly to Indol’s family estate on Suus, a warm northern island. Recognizing the political and training value, Vis accepts, though the mention of Suus drains the color from his face.