Erik is sent to the only school that wants to accept him, the Stjernsberg boarding school. What the school calls team spirit is an oppressive structure where older students ignore younger ones. He meets the kitchen girl Marja, who detests the violence at school.

The school's rules prohibit students and staff from hanging out on the school grounds, so Marja invites Erik to the evening's dance.

Erik has been challenged to Rutan by Silverhielm. Erik's previous violent life in Stockholm echoes in the background. He must choose between fighting back or letting Silverhielm humiliate him.