Syndicate members Teros ‘the Bookkeeper’ Scuto Rubro, Elise Cecidit Petra and General Dronov Auctoritas Tenebris discuss the mysterious disappearance of the head of Angus ‘the Banker ’ Scuto Rubro after his horrific beheading. His twin daughters Odia and Vidia are present. General Dronov received a letter from the Councilator of Lokos confirming that the perpetrator – is most likely an air element magician – and that there was inside information about the disappearance.

The Bookkeeper then asks Odia and Vidia what they know about the Syndicate. They tell him that their father told them at a young age about the secret role their family plays within the Syndicate, and that they don't know much yet because they haven't really started their apprenticeship within their father's company. The Bookkeeper then asks the ladies to leave the room, because only family heads are allowed to discuss these matters.

Vidia and Odia, in private, talk about the fact that their uncle Teros ‘does not know ’, what exactly do they not mention here. They fear they will be deported or destroyed if they say something. Meanwhile, the Syndicate members in the adjoining room discuss what Vidia and Odia know about Angus' horrific act during the Entry. General Dronov reports that there are currently no notable issues, except for some observations of Lokos patrols on the Silver River and control of the Ligare in the metropolis Tridecapolis. The Bookkeeper wonders what should be done with President LeBlank and proposes to use the Detective to find the culprit. The Syndicate will meet to install the new regent and decide whether to deploy the Detective.

Modi and his friends meet secretly with Eep Loc at the grove just outside of Lokos after their daily duties. He tells them about the secret emergency order and why he is executing it, while the Consulator of Lokos isn't. Then Yurian, the chief magician of the sky, appears at the campfire and Para, who practices the element of air, is elated. The air magician says there is a major threat above Lokos and that they need help. Modi and his friends are willing to help and realize that they are at the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

Eep explains that they have a long and difficult journey ahead, and that is why he has collected a chest of supplies. They have to act surreptitiously, because the other gatekeepers will soon discover that they have left and will chase them. That is why they have agreed to set the grove where they are located on fire to divert attention. Then they destroy their minidigs to disappear from the radar. They bring tools, supplies and other supplies, including the Bestiary. Modi declares himself and his friends The Resistancers of Lokos.

In the garden of the mansion of the Scuto Rubro family, Odia and Vidia enjoy needle tea. It is a warm summer evening, and they have contacted all the members of the Syndicate who have to gather tomorrow morning for the appointment of Teros ‘the Bookkeeper’ Scuto Rubro as successor to Angus. Odia and Vidia talk about the plan of Angus and asks who else knows about it. Vidia finds it strange that her sister is bringing this up now and realizes that her father has already told them a lot that they weren't supposed to know. They both realize that they have always managed to keep it well for themselves and the Syndicate, and that otherwise they would betray themselves and possibly could be destroyed.