Synopsis

The chapter details Lortelle's plan to seize Ophis Hall and create a rival student faction, using Ed RothTaylor as a key pawn due to his expulsion from the hall and perceived lack of morals. Ed, however, is not simply following along but instead intends to set events back to their original course and mitigate Lortelle's scheme. Meanwhile, Ed is living in the woods where several visitors come by including a mage who makes odd suggestions, a spirit sorcerer offering help, and finally Lortelle who coerces him into participating in her plot. The chapter ends with Ed deciding to take action after witnessing a fight gone wrong that upsets Lortelle's initial script.