XAT agents begin to fall ill, one after another. Then one day, in response to a massive emergence of Amalgams in the city, the agents themselves start turning into Amalgams. A fierce battle breaks out within the XAT ranks who have turned into Amalgams and those who have not, when at last, Joseph regains consciousness.

Amanda takes the injured Joseph to a dilapidated church. There, Amanda learns of Joseph's past and of his parents who died to protect him. His parents were what ordinary citizens called "Outsiders," a class of people considered inferior. Joseph was brought up by a priest who continuously reasoned with him that however harsh the world is, there must be some meaning to his life. However, reality as an Outsider was far harsher on young Joseph than anyone could ever imagine...