Lelouch attempts to bond further with Zenobia and ends up in a duel with Zarkon as the Emperor puts his young nemesis' connection to the Black Lion to the ultimate test..
- Adaptational Nice Guy: Allura's prejudice towards the part-Galra Paladin is toned down from canon, on the grounds that the author thought it was weird that she'd be so cold to someone she'd been friends with all this time. Also, there's no way she could be mean to Nunnally. In-story, there is also the fact that Mao called her out over how hypocritical her own hatred of the Galra was and forced her to reflect on it.
- Adaptation Distillation: The paladin in possession of the Luxite Blade in canon, Keith, was unable to unlock its true form until the Paladins arrived at the Blade of Marmora base. Lelouch, who inherits Keith's backstory, masters it in this chapter, which is set earlier in the timeline.
- Internal Reveal: Lelouch reveals his mother's knife to the rest of the team, as well as his theory that he (and Nunnally) is part-Galra.
- Keystone Army: The only reason Allura, C.C., Nunnally, and the rest of the Paladins were able to manifest in the astral plane was because C.C. was using her bond with Lelouch and the others to access said plain. Once Zarkon kills C.C.'s astral self (temporarily killing the real C.C. as well), the rest of the group is forced back to the physical world, leaving Lelouch to face Zarkon alone.
- "Not So Different" Remark: Allura finally admits that she sees Lelouch as being very similar to Zarkon... before amending her statement to make it clear that she sees Lelouch as similar to Zarkon's original, noble self.
- Not So Similar: This chapter firmly lays to rest any comparisons between Lelouch and Zarkon by making it clear that even at his worst, Lelouch will always be kinder and more empathic than Zarkon could ever hope to be.
- Tell Me How You Fight: The duel between Lelouch and Zarkon in the Black Lion's Mental World (with Lelouch being backed up by his fellow Paladins, C.C., Allura, and Nunnally, while Zarkon has Haggar and the Druids aiding him) gives a fair bit of insight into their respective characters and leadership styles.
- Zarkon uses his Bayard’s Morph Weapon power creatively to keep Lelouch off guard, but relies primarily on direct attacks, showing that he is capable of using strategy but prefers straightforward and brutal tactics. His allies empower him and are more tools to reach victory than fellow warriors.
- Lelouch mostly fights defensively, since he is outclassed by Zarkon, instead relying upon his mental strength to challenge Zarkon's ideals and call the latter out over how he treated his former allies. When Lelouch's allies intervene, they stand by his side as he fights Zarkon, cementing them as his True Companions.
- Wham Episode: Among other major reveals, Nunnally has her own powers that no one, not even she, knew of, Lelouch reveals that he and Nunnally might be part Galra, Lelouch awakens the Luxite Blade, and it is heavily implied Lotor is making his way to Earth to meet C.C., unaware she is with the Paladins.
