Echonia unleashes the Eight-Headed Serpent Formation, ambushing Dragonia and plunging the defenders into chaos. Wounded fighters hesitate to engage while Alex — shown to possess an SS-grade weapon — stands apart, earning scorn. During the rout a soldier admits his mother is Echonian and offers to surrender, sparking accusations of betrayal. Commanders debate loyalty as one man declares he won't die for Dragonia's 'legacy.' Alex publicly severs ties with Dragonia, rejecting its claim on him. With Echonia closing in, Dragonia fractures and the city's fate hangs undecided.