Chapter V

In the orphanage, Rex is awoken abruptly by another resident, Vermes, who informs him of an adoption taking place that day.
As the senior resident, Rex has the responsibility to prepare the other children for the event.
Struggling with past memories and his ongoing disguise, Rex tries to maintain a normal facade while dealing with the adoption proceedings.
News of the potential adoptive parent, a Quintus, creates a buzz in the orphanage, as this could mean a lifetime of comfort for the selected child.
Rex, who is regarded with a mix of respect and mockery by the other children, continues to brush off their taunts and focus on his duties.
A sudden visit from Hospius, a man Rex had encountered at a prison, throws him off balance. The man is now claiming to be a Quintus. Rex tries to convince Hospius he is just a regular orphan, but the man remains skeptical and insists on testing Rex's powers.
Despite the man's offers of leaving the orphanage and gaining wealth and status, Rex refuses to yield his Will power.
Although Rex's resistance and stubbornness seem to frustrate Hospius, it also appears to increase the man's interest in him.
The chapter concludes with a sense of mounting tension as Rex begins to be pressed with increasingly challenging and philosophical questions.

The protagonist is in a conversation with Ulciscor for two hours, while Matron Atrox interrupts them five times under the guise of offering refreshments.
The protagonist tries not to enjoy the conversation too much as Ulciscor's motives remain unclear to her, though she is aware that he is keenly interested in what she has to say.
Eventually, Ulciscor stops questioning her when she finishes her drink; he notes that her time at the Bibliotheca has been well-spent, despite a few gaps in knowledge.
The protagonist shows her willingness to take up any opportunity Ulciscor has to offer, but he appears uncertain and expresses his concerns about her temperament, a reference to a fight from the night before.
The protagonist insists she can keep her temper under control; Ulciscor seems unsatisfied and questions her about her choice to fight naked the previous night, which she explains was an effort to prevent her opponent from limiting her movements.
Ulciscor is convinced by her reasoning but remains in two minds, as he continues to evaluate her potential.
The protagonist points out that Ulciscor imbued a coin with "Will" to track her, a feat which he doesn't deny, and she infers that he alone is trying to recruit her, given that he risked his false identity to interview her in person.
To confirm his affirmative decision, Ulciscor displays a silver triangle, suggesting that the protagonist will be accepted.
Finally, Ulciscor suggests they inform Matron Atrox of the good news.

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