After writing a letter to her parents, Umeko slips away from the Tsuguri estate with Master Tooth and heads for the airfield.

Gibson and Lilac are already waiting, and it is agreed that Tooth should wait for a week before following, so that he can bring news of what happens after they leave.

During the flight, Umeko's new persona, 'Kin Riko' practices fighting with Gibson so she has some reference for mammals.

Arriving in Rephidim, they set out to find one of the scholars on the list they uncovered, who is also another Curator. When they arrive however, they find out that the mercenaries have beat them by mere moments, and move to defeat them.

During the battle, Lilac undergoes another transformation – but this time she seems to recognize Gibson and so doesn't attack him.