Xavier passes MC intel that the Onychinus organisation (N109) has placed a bounty on Rafayel for refusing to fulfil a commission for them. Confronted, Rafayel acknowledges that the red coral stone in his 'Illusion' paintings comes from Lemuria — the first direct in-story confirmation. Reporter Joe ambushes them about Raymond's death. Rafayel agrees to help MC access N109 in exchange for her helping him find more red coral. They take a private boat to Hat Island. Wanderers attack; they get stranded; they rescue a cat (Rafayel hates cats — comic beat). A Deluge Wyrmlord Wanderer appears. Rafayel steps in front of MC and redirects the water with his Fire Evol. She tries to fight, loses consciousness, and subconsciously calls out to him. The Lemurian covenant activates: mid-combat, unable to override it, Rafayel abandons attacking the Protofield and transforms into his full Lemurian form — fish tail, scales, the whole reveal — carrying her ashore. This is the first time MC has seen his Lemurian form. He did not choose to transform; the covenant compelled him.