Vanitas comes to the rescue and helps Noé and company battle Charlatan's curse-bearers. Noé questions Vanitas's methods. Some unexpected help arrives when they face another threat. Noé confronts Vanitas, but will it bring them together or tear them apart?

Noé unwilling taps into Jean-Jacques memories and learns what happened to him and how he befriended Chloé. The Beast's true identity and the vast conspiracy behind it also come to light. Vanitas tries to stop Chloé from activating the Alteration Engine.

Noé springs into action after he receives a disturbing letter. Details about Domi and Louis' past, as well as Mikhail's past, come to light. Vanitas is alarmed to hear of Mikhail's return. Noé confronts Mikhail but is forced to do as he asks.

Mikhail pleads with Vanitas to join him. Dominque comes to terms with her inner self. Mikhail unleashes terror on his foes, but the book exacts a toll. An unexpected figure appears amid the ruins. Vanitas mends fences with Noé and parts ways with Mikhail.