Upon arrival, Evie refuses to go inside while companions mock her for dating Kain, who is really nice and a masseur who can't practice martial arts. The small argument is interrupted by urgent business news: Moss Co. is in crisis and must secure a collaboration with the Martial Alliance. They learn rival Theo Egan has already gained Chief Slater's trust, shutting that option. The team scrambles to find another respected backer and names Old Mr. Bell—the founder and first chief of Crest Alliance, a grandmaster—as their only hope, setting up an urgent push to secure his backing.