The Poppy War

Rin is astounded Nezha has healed so well, since his previous prognosis was paraplegia. She notices that war stripped away his pretensions and wonders why they didn’t become friends sooner. Enki arrives and Nezha leaves. Enki asks why Rin didn’t tell him Nezha is a shaman. When she appears incredulous, Enki questions Nezha’s miraculous healing process. Rin brushes off the comments and goes to Altan’s office.

Altan accuses her of spending too much time with Nezha. He grows frustrated that Rin cannot call the Phoenix and grabs her so tightly he leaves bruises on her collarbones. After this altercation, Rin, crying, meets Nezha again. Nezha accuses Altan of hurting her, and Rin points out that Nezha tormented her at Sinegard. Nezha admits that he feared Rin in school and apologizes for his behavior; Rin turns away, and he leaves in frustration.

On night watch, Rin hears shouting. A civilian says they are fleeing from a “chimei.” Rin remembers the beast from an arcane bestiary and volunteers to kill it. Nezha accompanies her. As they move against the flow of the crowd, Rin tells Nezha what she knows: Chimei collect faces and can imitate anyone. They see dozens of civilians and Mugenese soldiers with their faces gnawed off.