Kenshiro finds himself at a crucial turning point. He joins his companions, Myrtle and Fel’Tal, at the bar, where tensions remain high after a fraught interaction with Ingot. Kenshiro converses casually with Fel’Tal in Orcish—thanks to his Fellowship skill—but underneath the small talk, his mind churns with frustration and a sense of inadequacy. Ingot’s criticisms have hit him hard, awakening a realization: he’s been floundering through this world without a solid plan, acting reactively rather than with purpose. Motivated by his mission to find Tara and shaken by his vulnerability, Kenshiro resolves to take a more deliberate, tactical approach to his journey.
As preparations for their next move begin, Kenshiro isolates himself to organize his thoughts and possessions. He empties his bag, laying out everything he owns in a moment of stark humility—his resources are meager. This act of taking inventory isn't just physical; it's metaphorical. Kenshiro evaluates his skills, his remaining slots, and the gaps in his strategy. Determined to stop stumbling through this alien world, he commits to taking control where he can. The chapter closes on this note of introspection and renewed purpose, as Kenshiro shifts from survival to strategy, ready to meet the coming challenges with clearer intent.