One

At an end-of-year celebration at the Scholar's Common in Irvian, young research assistant Dafyd Alkhor navigates the complex social and political hierarchies of the academic elite. He encounters Llaren Morse from Dyan Academy, who makes a cryptic warning about Tonner Freis, and later speaks with his aunt Dorinda about potential threats to Freis's research team. When Dafyd approaches Else Yannin, Tonner's partner and co-leader, he learns of rumors that another group is attempting to take over their proteome reconciliation project, a discovery that sparks Else's concern and marks a pivotal moment in events to come.

Dafyd attends the end-of-year celebration at the Scholar's Common, a prestigious gathering where academic hierarchy and political maneuvering are hidden beneath claims of casual socializing. He initially spends time with Llaren Morse, a tall astronomer from Dyan Academy who becomes increasingly guarded after learning Dafyd is the nephew of Dorinda Alkhor, a woman controlling research funding. Morse makes an ominous comment—"Enjoy it now"—directed at Tonner Freis, the celebrated researcher whose proteome reconciliation project has topped all major research rankings. Dafyd navigates the building with practiced ease, seeking out his aunt on a high-status balcony where she introduces him to Mur from the research colloquy. She warns him against being too self-effacing and self-deprecating. When Dafyd mentions meeting Morse and his apparent dislike of Tonner, his aunt's reaction suggests she takes the information seriously. Dafyd then locates Else Yannin, Tonner's partner and project co-leader, dressed in emerald green. He approaches her under the pretense of casual conversation, asking if she has heard anything about another group attempting to take over their research. Else initially dismisses the concern, confident their success guarantees security. However, when Dafyd reveals he has heard rumors of an actual takeover attempt, Else becomes visibly concerned, placing her hand on his arm and pressing him for details about what he has learned.