In this chapter, we learn that the Republic's chief scientist, a man named Desdemona, is in the process of creating a new form of life that will allow him to live longer and live healthier than he has ever lived. He is a member of the elite group of scientists who have been trained in the art of combat and who are known as the Evremonds. Desdemonas's life is described in great detail, and he tells us that he was once known as "the finger chewer" because of his training in the combat arts. He explains that his only life was in the atelier, where he learned how to use his special weapons to destroy his enemies. He says that the only thing he knew back then was that he had to learn how to take on the enemy and devour the enemy. He also says that he loved being inside the embrace of Olympe after a battle, and that he wanted to be the "ultimate guignol" in the world of claw-and-fang. But at some point, he says, he had a hunger that made him want to eat, but he could not because his flesh, blood, and bones looked nothing like that of the other humans or the Egremond. He apologizes for the deception, but says that if he wins the next round, he will grant him ownership of the woman. He promises to bake her, boil her, and eat her.