Chapter XLIII

Summary

• The protagonist wakes up sore and injured, with physical pains from previous experiences.
• Despite being in pain, they manage to wake up late, stretch and arrive at breakfast where they notice an overall sorrowful and subdued atmosphere in the hall.
• They learn that a student named Feriun from their class has committed suicide from a friend, Callidus. From Callidus, they understand that Feriun was expected to move to Class Three by his family and must have been under immense pressure.
• They feel sorrow at Feriun's demise and are taken aback when Callidus suggests that this could be an opportunity for them to move up to Class Five. Regardless of the connotation, Callidus reassures the protagonist that they are not to blame for Feriun's death.
• The protagonist is then summoned by another teacher, Taedia, who in a conversation with Dultatis, demands to know who could replace Feriun.
• A duel is organized for the protagonist and another student named Ianix to determine who will take Feriun's place in Class Five. Being told that Ianix was the champion of the Catalan Games makes the protagonist anxious but they agree to the duel regardless.
• After the confrontation with the teachers, the protagonist is punished with cleaning stables for the night, preventing them from practicing for the duel.
• Emissa, another classmate proposes to help the protagonist practice using especial 'Will-imbued' training armor, an Amotus. The protagonist hesitates because of an obligation to tutor another classmate, Eidhin.
• Ultimately, the protagonist and Eidhin head for the gymnasium to start their practice with Emissa and the Amotus.