Chapter 118

Reunited at the poachers' camp with a still-dazed Hemlock in tow, the assassins survey their target while Matthew outlines the plan: knock out the group's communications, interrogate the leader, then kill him. Yor explains away the fresh wounds she and Hemlock carry as the result of a scuffle over exactly that question. The opening phase goes flawlessly, and while Matthew handles the interrogation, Yor and Hemlock sweep through the remaining poachers. Even entranced, Hemlock reflexively cuts down anyone who strays near him, standing rooted in place; Yor improvises by shoving him toward clusters of targets. When the survivors band together against him, their display of teamwork enrages Hemlock back to full awareness, and he finishes them all.

With no survivors left and the camp destroyed, the team buries the poachers' gear for a disposal crew to collect and prepares to drive home. Hemlock refuses the ride, declaring it improper company, and runs off alone, vowing to isolate himself harder than ever rather than end up like Yor. Yet the lump on his head throbs, and he catches himself wondering whether her path might also lead to strength.

On the drive back, Yor recounts the fight and confesses that Hemlock's words have her questioning whether an assassin marrying was a mistake. Matthew answers that no universal rule exists; devotion to the work simply has to stay first. Asked why he married despite that outlook, he explains the wedding predates his time in Garden, and admits that while he takes pride in fighting for Ostania, outsiders would call the work filthy, and Maureen would likely leave if she ever learned of it. He stays with her anyway, hoping she would not. His parting advice cuts deep: if Yor is having doubts, she should dissolve the marriage, because half-commitment will only wound everyone close to her. Yor returns home, greets Anya and Bond, and learns Loid is in his room. Telling herself the assassin secret can never come out, she nonetheless finds the burden unbearable and knocks on his door.

Garden annihilates the poaching operation, interrogates and kills the Poacher Leader, and completes the mission. Hemlock departs alone but leaves conflicted about his doctrine of isolation. Matthew reveals his marriage predates Garden and voices his hope that Maureen would stay even knowing the truth, then advises Yor to end a marriage she cannot fully commit to. The chapter ends with Yor knocking on Loid's door, poised for a conversation about their arrangement.

The chapter has no cover characters listed and runs 17 pages, released June 23, 2025 and collected in Volume 16. Two poachers named Jimmy and Josh die alongside their leader. Hemlock's grandfather and mother receive their first mentions, hinting at the roots of his solitary philosophy, and the closing scene feeds directly into the marriage tension explored in Chapter 119.