During the chaotic evacuation, Chelsea carries the unconscious Kate through failing corridors while Marcus covers their retreat. The station is being consumed by corruption spreading from multiple points. One crew member is absorbed by the corruption during their escape.

Two years after Arcadia's discovery, Traq liberates a massive slave facility on Daer, killing guards and freeing prisoners. Miraculously, he finds Adeline alive in the deepest cage—thought dead for three years. Adeline reveals slaves speak of something ancient and old.

Arthur reaches Dominick after the explosion. Gathers the hollow body against his chest in raw, animal grief. Finds the blood-smeared letter to Marvin. The team converges in silence. Arthur forces himself to stand, to function, to begin the evacuation. Petrillo carries the body.

Kingdom forces unite at the Heartlands. Cultural friction between Meridian forest-kingdom discipline, Eastern steppe cavalry mobility, and Southern Alliance war-chaplains resolved by Abigail's integrated formation tactics. Captain Vance of Meridia dies holding the eastern perimeter.

The expedition returns to New Haven with 63 of 81 members. Daven receives them at the gate and counts the missing. In the council briefing, Mira delivers a precise report: Cael volunteered for the anchor role and will not be returning.

Petrillo and Emma train the next generation of Hunters at a converted factory facility. Petrillo teaches combat using Dominick's methods while managing post-war trauma. Emma teaches intelligence analysis.

Sara watches the Meridian research fleet approach Novum's quarantine boundary on live broadcast. Despite civilian status and 240 million viewers, the empire fires, destroying two vessels and killing 25 scientists. The attack galvanizes the scientific community.

Major confrontation with Belphegor forces. Abigail unleashes full power against the greater demon, but he endures her assault deliberately — mapping her threshold, escalation curve, and emotional triggers. The corruption spreads to her forearms. Belphegor retreats satisfied with his data.

Jim stands in the observation bay processing the cost: 209 dead across four ships. Elizabeth confronts her conflicted feelings about her father's defeat. Oliver finds Jim and they reflect on what they've become. Maven's economic disruption on Regamon begins.