Relieved not to have sync belt training with her partner Julian, a young woman is warned by a man who knows them both. He reveals he found a notebook in Julian's room filled with detailed analyses of opponents' weaknesses, including hers. The man clarifies that Julian only views relationships through the lens of winning and losing, and bluntly tells her she is merely a stepping stone for Julian's return to the singles World Championships. Angered, she confronts Julian, accusing him of taking pleasure in her failures. Julian denies wanting to defeat her, hinting his true intentions are something else entirely.