44. Complimentary Ointment

In the pits, Sophie exchanges pointed banter with Fire Fist meant for influential onlookers. When Fire Fist lunges, Sophie dismantles him with precise joint attacks, breaking both forearms against the cage bars and leaving him hanging before climbing out. Her dominance undercuts his reputation and elevates hers amid Clarissa’s ongoing spectacle.

At the Adventure Society marshalling yard, Rufus arrives to find nearly twenty candidates. Vincent Trenslow explains an “administrative error” erased prior assessments—conveniently affecting aristocrats seeking proximity to Rufus—requiring retesting. On the director’s request, Vincent urges Rufus to apply “punishing rigour,” which Rufus accepts, recognizing the political manipulation.

At the Broadstreet Clinic after hours, Jason and Jory share drinks that Jason’s resistances nullify. They discuss the stark contrast between magic healing and Jason’s non-magical homeland, where cancer is fought with surgery and toxic therapies. Jory suggests visiting the goddess of knowledge for a way home; Jason is wary but agrees to consider it.

Later, Sophie and Belinda arrive seeking ointment for Sophie’s burned hand. Finding Jory tipsy and the clinic closing, Jason casually tosses them a tin of monster-derived healing ointment, declining payment to spare Janice extra work. Sophie accepts and departs, leaving a brief, understated intersection of their paths.