On the fifth day of the Centennial, Isla receives Grim’s charred invitation to the first demonstration: a duel. Because Grim had warned her earlier, Isla already has a suitable Starling sword and new armor. Ella helps Isla dress, and Isla reflects that Terra’s brutal training made even heavy armor feel familiar.

The duel takes place in a domed arena before islanders from every realm. Grim announces that the rulers must fight without powers. Oro quickly defeats Azul, revealing unexpected skill with a sword. Celeste then loses to Cleo, but Isla is relieved because Celeste and Isla had planned to appear capable without drawing enough attention to be strategically separated later.

Grim reveals that Isla’s match is against him. Isla suspects he paired them together to elevate himself over another hated ruler, but once the duel begins, Isla’s training takes over. She withstands Grim’s strength, pushes him back, and pins him to the wall with her blade at his throat, publicly proving that Wildlings are warriors even without visible power.

Oro begins clapping, prompting the arena to cheer for Isla, while Grim seems delighted rather than angry at being beaten. Celeste’s concern reminds Isla that the victory has made her too noticeable. In the winners’ round, Oro defeats Cleo despite taking a bloody wound to the arm, then faces Isla in the final duel.

Oro tries to overwhelm Isla with strength, but Isla draws on memories of Terra’s punishing endurance lessons and tricks Oro into overcommitting. Isla gains the advantage and nearly wins, but Celeste’s presence reminds her that winning would disrupt their plan to avoid being seen as major threats. Isla deliberately lowers her attack and loosens her grip so Oro can disarm her.

Oro is crowned winner, and the crowd celebrates him. However, Oro studies Isla closely and appears to understand that she let him win. Isla bows in defeat and retreats, aware that Oro’s attention has shifted from lifeless indifference to a dangerous, merciless focus.