The Will of the Many

In the morning, Feriun is found dead, seemingly having died by suicide. Callidus says this is lucky for Vis: with Feriun gone, a Fifth student will move up, allowing Vis to move up from Class Six. Vis suspects Relucia killed Feriun to help him advance.

Dultatis submits a different student, Ianix, to advance instead. Vis objects, and Dultatis suggests a sword duel between Vis and Ianix to secure the spot in Class Five, which Vis accepts. Callidus and Emissa think this is a mistake, as Ianix recently won a competition. Sparring at the Academy is not like the underground fighting Vis is used to. Students wear Will-imbued suits that manipulate empty armor to do the fighting for them. Vis has never used one before and is at a disadvantage.

Emissa and Eidhin teach Vis how to use the suits and fight with him to prepare. Vis catches on quickly and is soon beating Eidhin, who is a skilled fighter. Eidhin explains that he was taught by the Bladesmiths of his tribe, some of the greatest sword masters in the world. He says that even he could not beat Ianix. As they finish training, Eidhin speaks to Vis in Cymrian, observing that Emissa likes him.