Sae’s Pursuit

Sae’s extraordinary reading of small traces leads her toward Van, but the pursuit is broken by violence and then unexpectedly resumed in the cave.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Tracker Reads the Mine

Reading What Remains Evidence in straw and soil Sae reconstructs how Van broke his chain, entered the kitchens, and escaped. Her conclusions come from details others overlook, even after rain and the removal of bodies. A difficult assignment She follows Van’s route toward the Oki region, joining a search that is simultaneously a pursuit and an attempt to understand the sole known survivor.

The Cliff Attack

Separated in the Snow A sudden ambush Rochai attack Sae and Makokan on a narrow mountain trail. Sae shoots with skill but falls from the cliff while saving Makokan from a beast. An unresolved disappearance Makokan searches the riverbank in heavy snowfall but cannot find her. The incident ends their pursuit without confirming Van’s location or Sae’s fate.

The Tracker Returns

Recognition in the Bath A survivor reappears Van meets Sae at the hot spring in the Echo Master’s cave, where she is recovering from the injuries of her fall. The pursuit becomes personal Sae recognizes the bite scar on Van’s arm and urges him to consult Suohl. Her role shifts from tracker seeking a fugitive to witness who can help Van understand what has happened to them both.

Seven days after Van escapes

During the journey toward Oki

After reaching Yomida Forest