Julius recalls his time as a student at the Nigerian Military School (NMS) in Zaria. When he leaves his home in Lagos, he senses a tension between his parents and instinctively takes his father’s side. During the interview process at the school, a student drops out when he sees a snake. Julius, proud of his toughness, makes it through the interview process and enrolls in the school, where he learns how to navigate hierarchies.

Julius’s father dies during his third year at NMS. Julius reveals his name for the first time while recounting this memory, noting that he is named after his mother, Julianne. The European name sets him apart from other Nigerians, identifying him as half German. After his father’s death, Julius listens to Julianne talk about her childhood trauma. He notes that they will later become estranged.

Back at school after his father’s death, Julius is adrift. He dislikes his classes, which involve more music history than music theory. One of his teachers, Musibau, resents him for his half-German heritage, believing he must be rich. When Julius absent-mindedly takes a newspaper from the classroom, Musibau accuses him of stealing it and canes him in front of the other students.