Chapter 11

Before dawn, Nezha and Kitay bring Rin on deck to witness Arlong’s Red Cliffs and discuss an ancient inscription about impermanence. The Seagrim threads the narrow channel into the well-defended city, whose waterways and vantage points reveal why Vaisra chose it as a wartime capital.

After Vaisra is whisked ashore, Nezha ferries the Cike through Arlong’s canals, boasting of naval strategy and innovations. Officer Sola efficiently integrates the Cike, outfits them with superior armor, and shows Ramsa advanced rockets. Nezha displays militarized lily pads and an immense defensive warship project delayed by a shipyard fire.

General Yin Jinzha confronts Nezha and demands Rin demonstrate her fire. Provoked by Jinzha’s contempt for Speerlies and Altan, Rin attempts to summon the Phoenix but is struck by searing pain and collapses. Jinzha derides her, saying they should have saved “the other one.”

Chaghan arrives and uses a potent drug to enter the spiritual plane with Rin. They encounter an ancient Seal—Daji’s venom—that blocks Rin’s access to the Pantheon and will erode her memories of the Phoenix. Entering the Seal, Rin faces illusions of Altan and a memory exposing Chaghan’s fearful attraction to him. Overwhelmed, they break out; Rin accuses Chaghan of obsession, and he confesses trying to catch Altan’s lingering spirit. She expels him, despairing that he cannot fix her.

Captain Eriden later instructs Rin to maintain the facade of Vaisra’s hidden weapon despite her blockage. Seeking food, Rin overhears Venka’s bitter quarrel with her father after she procured an abortion against Lady Saikhara’s religious dictates. Rin visits Venka, who reports partial recovery of her arms and a resolve to fight. Rin admits fearing she’s no longer useful; Venka curtly reminds her she can still wield a sword.