Suriyawong dismisses the notion that a recent event was a rescue operation, sarcastically suggesting it resembled target practice instead. He emphasizes that the situation was more about manipulating relationships, offering transportation to a guest of the Hegemon while also metaphorically lending a knife, symbolizing trust or betrayal. Achilles, confused and hurt, questions Suriyawong's intentions after discovering a bloody knife, suspecting it was meant for him.

Achilles confronts Suriyawong about his dangerous expectations, feeling abandoned and manipulated. Suriyawong, however, justifies his actions by saying he anticipated Achilles would handle his own challenges. This exchange highlights the complex dynamics of power and expectation between them, with Achilles grappling with feelings of betrayal and Suriyawong maintaining a pragmatic but cold stance on responsibility.