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Zellion confronts the Cinder King’s full armada massed near the decoy search site. His nine-ship flotilla bursts from rain cover and unleashes welded cannon fire, ripping holes through ships and Charred and buying critical shock and confusion. The display evokes in Rebeke the nauseating awe of destructive power, while Zellion counts on panic to break untrained lines.

Solemnity Divine warns that the barrage drains their sunhearts, and Zellion acknowledges their fragility: four gunships, four overloaded transports, and limited maneuverability. Rejecting Confidence’s suggestion to re-scout, Zellion insists the Refuge is not here and presses forward, betting the Cinder King hid its true location close by while spreading inaccuracies.

Watching for insecurity-driven reactions, Zellion spots the tell: the Cinder King’s own ship and a fast squadron peel off at speed, likely rushing to defend the real doorway. Zellion explains to Rebeke that projecting certainty exploits the tyrant’s fear of being exposed, effectively letting the enemy lead them to the target.

As the rest of the enemy regroups and closes, Zellion orders Rebeke to prioritize positioning over firing. He arms himself with a steel spear, then frees Elegy despite her doubts, urging purpose over rage and control over bloodlust. A Charred lands on their deck, signaling the shift from shock to hard fighting.

Zellion manifests a Shardspear and gives it to Elegy, judging her more effective with a weapon that can cut anything despite limited training. He cautions restraint to avoid friendly or structural damage, reiterates their goal is survival, and together they surge onto the deck to hold off boarders while pursuing the fleeing squadron toward the Refuge.