Chapter LXXI

Summary

• The chapter begins with the protagonist continuing their journey through the forest, considering the consequences if the Anguis (an enemy group) does not recognize them as an ally.
• The protagonist eventually comes across Aequa and Marcellus in a clearing. Aequa informs the protagonist that Emissa has made a decoy and is planning to capture the "Heart" with the help of Valentina and Tem. Marcellus reveals that the Heart is in the eastern tower. The protagonist urges Aequa to warn another character, Callidus.
• Marcellus announces his decision to leave and Aequa shows contempt for his act of cowardice, but the protagonist urges Aequa to ignore him and proceed with their plan.
• Two men, presumably from the enemy camp, enter the clearing after Marcellus leaves. The protagonist hides and overhears them talking about capturing as many people as possible, alerting them to the imminent danger.
• The protagonist finally reaches the eastern tower, where they find the corpses of their allies, Valentina, Tem, and Titus, gruesomely killed.
• A stranger, who the protagonist recognizes from an earlier meeting, shows up and reveals that the current massacre was set into motion by the Military and that it's all a part of their plan to consolidate power.
• Feeling threatened, the protagonist makes an agreement with the stranger, promising to claim the Heart to save Emissa, another ally who is supposedly alive and in danger.
• The protagonist retrieves their knife and begins climbing the eastern tower, determined to confront whatever enemy lies ahead and protect Emissa.