The chapter opens with an excerpt from Major Rorilee’s Guide to Appeasing the Gods emphasizing the importance of giving the belongings of a loved one to the god of death, Malek, once they have passed.
The protagonist describes their continued struggles at the Gauntlet, a challenging obstacle course that simulates the physical requirements of riding a dragon.
Despite considering a safer path to the Scribe Quadrant, the protagonist decides they want to stay at their current post and prove they are capable.
It is Presentation Day and all first-year students are called to run the Gauntlet.
The protagonist uses a series of unorthodox methods, including ropes and a dagger, to complete the Gauntlet. This causes controversy among other cadets, but the protagonist cites an addendum in the Codex which validates the legality of their actions.
All members of the protagonist's squad successfully run the Gauntlet and the protagonist sustains injuries to their hand from their exertion.