Summary

In Chapter 39, Ven grows nostalgic as he leaves the city with the two novices. He encounters a few vehicles with the combustion engines. They are not as reliable as the electric cars, but no one cares because of the inherent symbolism. Ven knows they are built to intimidate. Ven becomes terrified at one point and feels sure he has lost his authority over the two novices.

In Chapter 40, Ven and the novices sneak through the region to the river. When Ven hopes it is safe, he uses his flashlight to flash a signal. At the answering signal, the three run toward the river. Drones find them, and men in trucks begin shooting. Ven urges the others to run faster. Men in the boat return fire. The two novices make it to the waiting barge, but Ven does not. Someone gives Ven an egg...