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In hiding after Marsh’s capture, the crew debates abandoning the plan, fearing their cover is blown. Kelsier arrives exhausted and reveals he destroyed the Pits’ atium crystals, effectively halting atium production for centuries. The crew reels at the economic implications while Kelsier insists they plan next steps.

As they wait, Vin questions Sazed about the Eleventh Metal, which he has never heard of, underscoring uncertainty in Kelsier’s hopes. An apprentice reports new executions. Kelsier vows to witness them, accepting responsibility for reprisals after his actions.

On the way, the crew hears prisoner carts approaching. From a rooftop, they spot well-dressed captives—Renoux’s people, including Spook—revealing the Ministry struck Renoux’s convoy, likely informed by Marsh’s interrogation. Kelsier resolves to act despite Vin’s warnings and rushes to intercept.

Kelsier smashes into the convoy, flaring metals to scatter guards and tear open a cart, but an Inquisitor springs a trap as imperial soldiers and hazekillers flood the square. Dockson restrains Vin from charging in; Breeze begins Soothing fear into soldiers to hinder them.

Ham arrives with one of their militia units, carving toward the carts and freeing prisoners while the Inquisitor presses Kelsier. Crowds clog the streets, slowing imperial reinforcements. Elend Venture pushes into the melee, demanding to know who ordered the raid on Renoux, adding public pressure.

When the Inquisitor casually murders a fleeing servant, Kelsier, enraged, drinks more metals and unleashes a powerful Steelpush to clear space, committing to a direct duel. He aims to hold the Inquisitor long enough for Ham to free captives, even at great personal risk.