Ephraim addresses two hundred Obsidian skuggi in an empty hangar, assessing their mixed physiques and tribal origins and noting their uniform topknots, tunics, and tattoos. He introduces himself with bold claims about stealing the children of Darrow and Sevro, drawing skepticism led by their young leader, Freihild. Ozgard stands by as Ephraim’s overeager shadow.

To reframe their purpose, Ephraim tells the skuggi their queen wants a kingdom, not body counts. When Ephraim quizzes Freihild on neutralizing fully armored Golds, she jokes about catching them off guard. He rejects that mindset and proposes a neodymium magnet approach.

Freihild argues for EMPs; Ephraim corrects her, saying new armor resists such attacks and chastises the unit for not reading current mechanical specs. He presses the shift from killing to mission success, emphasizing tech literacy and discipline.

Ephraim outlines a rigorous program: Soc Legion spycraft, surveillance and countersurveillance, bypassing laser grids, subverting security, fomenting insurrection, cultivating assets across Colors, conversational cover, neodymium use, hot-wiring engines, and social manipulation—becoming invisible urban operators who own the underworld. Silence follows, until Ozgard reveals only half speak Common. Ephraim mutters, “I hate you,” recognizing the immediate language barrier.