Casey is accused of killing an ancient divine beast, the Kirin, and faces execution by her clan despite being the leader's daughter. The clan insists the creature was the deadly Nightmare Beast, which causes poisonous sludge after death, but Casey argues the signs don't match a Nightmare Beast's corpse. She explains the Kirin’s body should form a golden cocoon and bring healing plants, none of which appeared, meaning the Kirin isn't truly dead. As her clan prepares to restrain and punish her for this blasphemy, Casey realizes the Kirin is still alive, intensifying the crisis but leaving her fate uncertain.