Cedric arrives in Brad Village carrying medicine, records, and a small bag of star candy from Marida. At the same time, the ancient mountain bull that has avoided humans for more than two centuries finally dies—and rises again under the Demon Beast King's dominion. Its pressure twists mountain dogs and wolves into demon beasts before the transformed bull itself ever reaches the village. When a low-running beast breaks into a house, Bana draws her dagger for the first time and is bitten deeply while protecting Mina. Aida refuses amputation, Cedric fights the wound through three days of fever and blood-rot, and Bana begins the painful road back to standing, carrying water, and learning two blades. As the mountain crushes its own paths and the village prepares for what is coming, Aida gives Bana one final instruction: look at me.