The descending platform carries Vis smoothly into a colossal, torchlit chamber carved from the mountain, its far wall dominated by a massive Hierarchy symbol. The place feels ancient and forbidden, but with time pressing, Vis advances. An eyeless man in rags appears—Artemius Sel—who states he is a condemned traitor bound to guide entrants.

Artemius provides a control bracer set with inscribed stones; when Vis dons it, towering black walls rise to form a Labyrinth. In clipped, scripted answers, Artemius explains the test is for basic proficiency, that passing allows entry through a gate to Obiteum and Luceum, and that synchronism is reserved for leadership. He adds that Remnants guard the way and that, near the gate, Accord becomes too strong, necessitating the bracer to advance.

Unwilling to risk unknown stakes, Vis removes the bracer and the walls sink away. When Vis questions why the bracer is required, Artemius offers to demonstrate and walks forward. Crossing an unseen boundary triggers the appearance of Remnants—roiling waves of dark, glass-like shards—which spear and envelop Artemius, killing him and consuming the bracer. Horrified, Vis notes the Remnants withdraw once sated and wonders at their range and awareness.

Immediately, a new eyeless guide, Elia Veranius, appears, reciting the same condemnation and offering another bracer. Vis refuses any demonstration, presses for details, and learns little beyond confirmation that the platform will return him to the entrance. With time running short, he rides the platform up, speaks Scintres Exunus to reopen the exit, and emerges to find it past noon, leaving him in a race to make his rendezvous.