Tomas and Karthian squad explore a phosphorescent fungal chamber. A soldier (Jorek) dies horribly after touching fungal residue, consumed from within by spores. Progenitor carvings reveal warnings of sealed creatures. The group discovers supplies are nearly gone (one day food, half day water).

Cael addresses one hundred volunteers for the ritual sacrifices, including young Sera who volunteered to save her siblings. Through interviews, Cael grapples with survivor guilt while volunteers form community and prepare for death.

Summit climax on Alderson. Alaina delivers Trevmarch files to Delacroix, confronts Minister Mielo directly, vote passes for independent tribunal. Abdullah on Denigen's Fist resolves to protect Abi after seeing broadcast.

The group debates route selection: left tunnel kills quickly, right tunnel has creatures that flee, center tunnel is unknown. Cael argues for right tunnel based on tactical reasoning.

Alaina at resistance safehouse plans summit delivery. Interludes show Argus leaking Ministry intelligence from Axis, Vivian redirecting toward Alderson after receiving word of the summit. Alaina travels to Alderson through Kovac transit.

Hiding with demon blood on her hands, Adeline is found by elves Silviana, Caelum, and Aldric. They shelter her at the Silver Stag Inn and reveal Thaelon's true identity: a six-hundred-year-old prince exiled for killing his brother to stop the shadow plague centuries ago.

Alaina executes escape after weeks of preparation. Dominic intercepts, reveals truth about her parents, gives unredacted files and triggers alarm to cover her escape. She crosses 12km of frozen Tellus, nearly dies. Anders finds her at dawn.

After three nights, Adeline escapes through her bedroom window in disguise. She navigates to the Broken Crown tavern where elves direct her to Thaelon. Finding him at a warehouse, she arrives as demons attack.

Abdullah stood in the conference hall in front of his seven chosen Officers, arms folded behind his back. He surveyed their uniforms to ensure they were pressed and clean. Pristine.