After a chaotic fight, the group is able to successfully defeat the robot scorpion, losing Bazan, Myrdra, Hiroto, and Safala in the process. It is pointed out that the SMF have already arrived ahead of them, but since this group was defeated, they can probably still find whatever was supposed to be here. Vera attempts to comfort Motoko, but with Hiroto's death, her mission is at an end. Vera talks to Talthis about perhaps resurrecting him, but Talthis is hesitant to until they are out of danger. Bozja is given many pets and handed off to Talthis for the time, as whatever lich put Bozja in the axe has not yet been paid, and none of Meneldin's group wants to risk being around for when they discover they aren't getting paid. The party discusses where Safala might have gone and her strange acquisition of magic.

The central elevator descends, several soldiers standing beside Fulkan on it. He thanks them for being part of his weapons test. He comments that Ward is insightful and that he did not pursue him because he was simply a student. Ward challenges Fulkan, replacing Meneldin's name in his rapier. Accepting the challenge, walls of flame surround the area, and combat ensues once more. Most attacks against him are barely effective. Once Armin learns Fulkan's name, Armin cautions everyone to leave immediately. Most of the group is able to reach Meneldin to teleport out, but Fulkan prevents it from working. He asks Ward what his intention is. Ward says it's revenge, which Fulkan says he understands. He comments that he wouldn't have joined the SMF if he hadn't wanted to see the world burn. In a moment of surprising self-sacrifice, Meneldin steps in to protect Luna from Fulkan, and is killed as a result. Elliard comes over the comms of the former temple, requesting Fulkan's presence in a more urgent matter—Project Omega has escaped. Fulkan leaves, allowing the party to escape to Kitheroc.

Returning

• Bazan - Goliath Barbarian
• "Beryn" Berynneth - Succubus
• Thyrr Bloodmuzzle - Gnoll archer
• Meneldin
• Modrod - Modrod
• Safala - Catfolk Rogue
• Talthis Vim
• Armin Desult - Vampire
• Bozja - Bazan's dog in a battleaxe
• Hiroto Karuto - Samurai
• Motoko Sukai - Attendant/Naginata wielder
• Fladict - Elven Archer
• Myrdra BelBreln - Dwarf
• Garton Rainshadow - Halfling
• Alibi
• Fulkan
• Elliard Methuss

• Gamma core (by Eck)
• Pristine gamma tentacles (4, by Eck)
• Spellcasting sub-brain (by Eck)
• 86gp, 17sp (by Ward)