A mage named Ellimies asserts his intent to take over the kingdom's lands and promises to handle the Manticore threat in the deadly Manticore Valley, home to tens of thousands of the beasts. Concurrently, a village experiences Manticore attacks and their captain rallies the villagers to fight back. The chapter ends highlighting the sheer number and power of the Manticores, particularly mentioning a Manticore King that is more powerful than multiple knights.