Basilio and Simoun meet as changed men, but Basilio more so, physically and emotionally. Both thirst for revenge. Simoun finds strength in Basilio and outlines his plans. He has a ball of nitroglycerin disguised as a pomegranate. At his party, the bomb will explode and ignite bags of gunpowder throughout the house so none will escape. Then, after the explosion is heard, Cabesang Tales will enter the city and take it by force. Basilio is to secure bridges and kill non-rebels. He feels conflicted, but Simoun gives him a loaded pistol and they part.

Basilio waits for the carnage to begin. He sees Juanito and Paulita’s wedding procession and feels sympathy for Isagani (whom he warns in passing). He notices Simoun leave and follows him. The wedding is going to be held at Captain Tiago’s old house, now owned by Timoteo Peláez (Juanito’s father), who redecorated with money borrowed from Simoun.

The guests arrive at the wedding, including the Captain-General. Basilio watches Simoun arrive and is uncertain what to do. His sympathy for the innocents at the party is overshadowed by his hatred when he sees Fathers Salví and Irene arrive.