Chapter XLIV

Summary

• Emissa is waiting in the gymnasium with four sets of armor: two made of wood and two made of steel.
• The protagonist and Eidhin meet Emissa. They discuss the armor and decide to put on the wooden sets.
• Emissa explains that the wooden armor is Will-locked to the real armor and blade, which allows the wearer to experience battle conditions without the danger. An "Amotus" is formed, a perfect replica of the wearer's motions.
• A "Will-lock" is how the armor pieces stay connected throughout the battle. The feature also enables the sword to repel opponent's attacks, making their affected body parts feel heavy and disabling their movements.
• Making strikes to an adversary's head, neck, or chest will disable their harmonic connection entirely, allowing a player to win.
• The protagonist, Emissa, and Eidhin participate in multiple rounds of Amotus duels. Eidhin wins the early rounds. The protagonist, however, wins the third and subsequent rounds, demonstrating improved skill and knowledge.
• On leaving the gym, Eidhin and Emissa joke about the protagonist's unexpected prowess. The protagonist thanks Emissa for her help.
• Eidhin points out Emissa's interest in the protagonist, suggesting a romantic connection. The protagonist denies it due to his personal beliefs and inability to reveal his true identity.
• On their walk back, Callidus accuses the protagonist of lying about his past. He suspects the protagonist is an illegitimate child of a powerful figure. The protagonist doesn't confirm or refute his accusations, choosing to leave the subject open-ended. Callidus observes that after the upcoming battle, people will have more questions about the protagonist.
• During class, the protagonist faces Dultatis and Ianix's smugness. Ianix suggests that the protagonist concede and avoid losing, but the protagonist refuses.
• The protagonist, despite the taunts and the tension, sticks to his decision and heads for the quadrum.