9 East

Dumai and Kanifa climb the second peak of Mount Ipyeda to service the ancient Queen Bell, a forbidden-to-sound iron giant that guards against the Risen Fire. Their practiced partnership, bound by rope and trust, reflects years of secret training and Unora’s eventual wary acceptance of Dumai’s climbing.

Returning to the temple, Dumai tends an injured Unora, who was found outside in the snow after rashly following the rescued saltwalker by night. Unora, anxious and distracted, unexpectedly proposes they leave for another temple or even the coast, unsettling Dumai.

News breaks that the Kuposa lady has fled at dawn. Unora, suddenly urgent, orders Kanifa to overtake and forcibly return the woman, forbidding her from reaching Antuma. Kanifa departs at speed while Dumai stays to care for Unora, who grows tense at each sound.

The next morning, Dumai spots Kanifa ascending alone. During Unora’s bath, the hot spring erupts into a dangerous boil; Dumai drags Unora clear and begins cooling and washing her severe burns, improvising with warmed pool water.

Kanifa arrives breathless to find Unora scalded and Dumai aiding her. He reports he could not return the Kuposa guest and delivers a grave warning: Emperor Jorodu is coming to Mount Ipyeda, forcing an imminent confrontation with Unora’s past and the temple’s secrets.