Ephraim scales Griffinhold to reach Ozgard, showing a datadrop proving Xenophon’s treachery. Unable to reach Sefi directly, they plan to use the skuggi and free Valdir to force an audience. Ozgard gathers eighty skuggi, led by Gudkind, and they move to the Alltribe prison. Ozgard confronts Valkyrie at the bridge as the skuggi strike from the mist, overwhelming the guards to extract Valdir.

Meanwhile, Ephraim infiltrates Xenophon’s quarters. He discovers a recorded message from Atlas au Raa directing Xenophon to trigger an “asset” when Obsidian warbands mass on Mars. Xenophon admits being First Frumentarius of Legio Zero (a Gorgon), explaining that Volsung Fá was planted within the Ascomanni to rise from within. Xenophon tries to recruit Ephraim; Ephraim stalls, intent on exposing him.

Ascomanni enter through the windows. Ephraim feigns collapse under a heartspike controller but is knocked out. He awakens bound beside Ozgard before Sefi, who—convinced by Xenophon—believes Ephraim attempted a coup with Valdir. Sefi orders Ephraim and Ozgard skinned, but at Xenophon’s suggestion, they are dragged to witness her address to the assembled jarls. Sefi denounces treason, displays skinned skuggi as conspirators, and vows to crush the heretic Volsung Fá. A Republic shuttle lands as part of a supposed summit arranged by Xenophon.

In the hall, Xenophon descends from Sefi’s side and publicly defies her, questioning her divine lineage and reciting an origin lay that exalts an ancient Allfather and proclaims He Who Walks the Void. Xenophon then introduces Volsung Fá with grand titles, declaring him Emperor of the Obsidian and Ragnar Volarus’s father, as Volsung Fá enters.