A family meeting opens after a failed plot: unusual Slimes prevented forcing Jennett to resign. Jaeden reports there are no records of such Slimes in Sternhold or nearby cities. The group concludes producing a low-tier beast at this strength requires a Sage-level Beast Tamer, so the patriarch orders every family member to uncover the mysterious supplier. Meanwhile the patriarch gives the God-tier Slime to Xavion to contract with it; Xavion aims to pass the ninth rank. But Xaden, revealed still alive, is named as the intended sacrifice for the new divine pet, leaving him in immediate danger.