Survivors establish daily routine. Marcus proposes escaping via a truck from Gamma Building. The core group (Wilson, Emily, Kira, Marcus, Antoine, Rebecca) forms an extraction team to retrieve the vehicle in three days. Fifteen defenders will hold Alpha-8.

In the med bay, Kate sits vigil over recovering Commander Vance, plagued by survivor's guilt and the knowledge that her actions draw the Hollowing toward them. Chelsea comforts her, revealing that Kate's presence gives her and others reason to live, not just strategic value.

Traq tracks down Emoria (Ria), a criminal information broker, after she helps Gunther Finn escape Terminus. Through surveillance and deception, Traq poses as a wealthy off-worlder and catches Emoria in a bedroom ambush.

Haatim channels the Gift as Abigail's lifeline as time fractures around the ritual site. He analytically tracks his failing reserves — blood pouring, hands trembling, knees giving way. Arthur tells him to spend everything; the team will catch him when he falls.

Arthur, clearing the east corridor, moves instinctively toward Belphegor after hearing Emma's analysis. Dominick intercepts him physically, arguing the math: Arthur's body, broken by Hell, needs eight seconds to close; Dominick needs four.

Three sequential battles test different command approaches. Abigail's channeled terrain deployment kills efficiently at Riverside Crossing with 41 dead.

Aftermath of the anchoring. Petyr stands alone at the dais as the expedition departs. The harmonics shift warmer when he speaks - Cael recognizes him. Sera confirms global tremor cessation and all seals stabilized. Mira orders the return.

Abigail's nightmares, phantom corruption reach, forearm scars. A mid-tier demon throws her into a wall - humiliating without the power. Arthur gives honest counsel: the silence stays heavy, carry it, not gracefully. Dawn comes.

Vane confronts Gaius about Prometheus program, threatens coup. Now includes Vane revealing the approaching Vaalin anomalies as additional justification for maintaining secrecy. Gaius discovers the true depth of the machinery, activates ancient Guard network.