Once the Kenoma began to realize what is happening, chaos quickly descended on everyone congregated in the chamber. Xishen had commanded them all to stop the others, but how exactly were they supposed to do that? Many resorted to the most immediate and simplest answer, but Howl had no love for violence. As anxious seconds turned into loud and frantic minutes, Howl remained at the sidelines, unsure of what exactly he should do under these circumstances. He wasn't even sure yet how he felt about this in the first place — if they want to leave, what is the point of forcing them to stay? — but if he wanted to prevent casualties, he had to do something.

"Wait! Please, stop!" Howl paced quickly toward the ritual circle, hands raised to prove he isn't armed. His eyes rested on one particular man focusing intently on the spell. He only vaguely recognized him — probably one of many who'd tried to comfort him, only to get blown off. That surely did not set them off on the right foot, but he had to try talking to him regardless.

"You've no chance of making it! You have to stop, or these people are going to kill you!"