Synopsis

The chapter opens with the main character reflecting on their potential and ambition to become the supreme ruler. Meanwhile, the escort group they are with takes an alternate route to bypass a bandit stronghold, but the others in the group explain how this is actually riskier because it's a strategy already used by other groups and will enrage the bandits. A former leader is also introduced, having been demoted for seeing something he shouldn't have, and now is a porter with a particular condition for accepting that role. The chapter ends on a tense note with the group wondering if they have made a huge mistake trying to avoid the stronghold.