Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Ao receives a call from Reed, who has information about the family at the Unchanging House and has sold the D-Class Transcendent's body.
• He Ao discovers he's broken through to D-Class, with his Physical Quality at 195 after absorbing Morning Light.
• He Ao goes to help Reed, leaving Silvi sleeping at home.

Character Developments

• He Ao: Shows increased strength and control over his abilities, demonstrating his growth as a Transcendent.
• Silvi: Exhibits childlike behavior, sleeping restlessly and being clingy when He Ao leaves.

Significant Themes

• Growth and improvement in abilities (He Ao's advancement to D-Class).
• Home and belonging (He Ao's statement, "This is my home").
• The struggle between work and rest (Reed working all night, Reed and He Ao both having slept little).

Character Interactions

• He Ao and Reed: They maintain a professional relationship, with Reed needing He Ao's signature for something.
• He Ao and Silvi: He Ao cares for Silvi, ensuring she's comfortable before leaving, and Silvi is attached to He Ao, asking if he'll return.
• Reed and his subordinate: Reed shows concern for his subordinate's well-being, telling him to rest after a night of work.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Reed and his team continue investigating the Anomaly Cult but find no new leads.
• He Ao, a mysterious youth, infiltrates the association and engages Reed in conversation.
• Reed provides He Ao with information about Silvi, the last tenant of the Unchanging House.

Character Developments

• Reed shows signs of fatigue from the investigation, but his professionalism remains intact.
• He Ao demonstrates exceptional stealth and infiltration skills, hinting at his growing strength.
• Silvi's background is revealed to be one of hardship and neglect, with her aunt benefiting from sending her away.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of information and leads in the investigation of the Anomaly Cult.
• The theme of neglect and exploitation, as seen in Silvi's treatment by her aunt.
• The growing tension and mystery surrounding He Ao's true intentions and identity.

Character Interactions

• Reed and He Ao engage in a tense conversation, with Reed providing information while He Ao probes for more details.
• Riley, still groggy from sleep, interacts briefly with Reed and He Ao, showing familiarity with both.
• The relationship between Silvi and her aunt is revealed through Reed's narration, highlighting the aunt's selfishness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Ao learns that Silvi was also in the orphanage where he grew up, but they didn't meet as He Ao left on the day the orphanage caught fire.
• Reed reveals that the commotion and situation last night revolved around He Ao, not just the puppet.
• He Ao receives 530,000 for selling a D-Class Transcendent corpse, and Reed hints that someone credible is acting as a guarantor.
• He Ao is to receive a 260,000 bonus and a 'Silver Collaborator' medal for discovering the Anomaly.
• He Ao's bounty for the 'Bound Scarecrow' rule and the Anomaly Cult follower he killed is confirmed at 50,000 and 60,000 respectively.

Character Developments

• He Ao: Shows curiosity about his past and the orphanage, expresses willingness to explore the 'Vestarra's Spear' despite its dangers, and displays gratitude towards Reed's help.
• Reed: Demonstrates professionalism and reliability in his work, shows understanding of He Ao's past, and hints at his network and influence.

Significant Themes

• The past and its influence on the present: He Ao's and Silvi's shared history in the orphanage and its impact on their lives.
• Trust and credibility: The unknown guarantor who ensures the upfront payment for the D-Class Transcendent corpse.
• The value of life and anomalies: The Association's stinginess in rewarding He Ao for his contributions, contrasting with the high bounty for anomalies.

Character Interactions

• He Ao and Reed: Their conversation reveals their mutual understanding and respect, with Reed providing information and support, and He Ao expressing gratitude and openness about his past.
• He Ao and Silvi: Though not present, their shared history in the orphanage is a significant connection between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Ao meets with Reed to collect his reward money.
• Reed explains the procedures for receiving the money and hands He Ao a tablet to sign documents.
• Two middle-aged men, a West Luo City police officer (Mustached Man) and an FBI agent (Charn), enter the office.
• The Mustached Man expresses dissatisfaction with the lack of progress in the investigation.
• Charn and Reed discuss the investigation's findings, revealing that most captured individuals are either gang members or mercenaries, with little useful information.
• Reed, Charn, and the Mustached Man agree that the Anomaly Cult's actions don't make sense, given the long-term planning and resources invested.

Character Developments

• He Ao shows professionalism and understanding of the situation, signing the documents without hesitation.
• Reed demonstrates his leadership and calm demeanor, managing the conversation and keeping the situation under control.
• The Mustached Man displays impatience and frustration with the lack of progress in the investigation.
• Charn shows analytical skills, pointing out the illogical nature of the Anomaly Cult's actions.

Significant Themes

• Professionalism vs. Emotionality: Reed and He Ao maintain professionalism, while the Mustached Man lets his emotions cloud his judgment.
• Planning vs. Spontaneity: The Anomaly Cult's long-term planning contrasts with their sudden retreat, highlighting the illogical nature of their actions.

Character Interactions

• Reed and He Ao have a cordial interaction, with Reed offering help and He Ao accepting it without excessive politeness.
• The Mustached Man and Charn have a tense interaction, with the Mustached Man expressing dissatisfaction and Charn calmly presenting the investigation's findings.
• Reed, Charn, and the Mustached Man have a collaborative discussion, sharing information and agreeing on the illogical nature of the Anomaly Cult's actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The team discusses their successful operation and the enemy's retreat, suggesting they're protecting something valuable.
• He Ao, a former street kid now working with the team, provides a crucial clue: the Wellens Future Tower collapse incident nine years ago and the Lorraine Street Welfare Orphanage fire six years later.
• He Ao reveals that he and Silvi, a girl whose parents died in the Future Tower collapse, were both sent to the orphanage and escaped before the fire.

Character Developments

• He Ao demonstrates his intelligence, resourcefulness, and emotional resilience, challenging the Mustached Man's prejudices against street kids.
• Reed shows trust in He Ao's abilities and insights.
• The Mustached Man, initially dismissive of He Ao, begins to recognize his value.
• Charn remains observant and analytical, acknowledging the complexity of the situation.

Significant Themes

• Prejudice and Perception: The Mustached Man's initial prejudice against He Ao based on his appearance is challenged by He Ao's actions and insights.
• Resilience and Survival: He Ao's ability to survive on the streets and his determination to uncover the truth about the orphanage fire highlight the theme of resilience in the face of adversity.
• The Complexity of Truth: The connection between the Future Tower collapse and the orphanage fire is not immediately clear, suggesting a deeper, more complex truth.

Character Interactions

• He Ao and the Mustached Man: Their interaction highlights the Mustached Man's prejudice and He Ao's ability to challenge it, ultimately earning the Mustached Man's reluctant respect.
• He Ao and Reed: Reed's trust in He Ao is evident in his willingness to include him in their discussions and investigations.
• The Team: The team works together, each taking on a part of the investigation based on He Ao's clue, showing unity and cooperation in their mission.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Ao, a Bounty Hunter, visits the Bounty Hunter Organization to retrieve an item he reserved.
• He arrives at 10:05 AM, having left the office shortly before 9 AM, but the money from the Anomaly Association has not yet arrived.
• The Bounty Hunter Organization is a lavish, luxurious building with stunning receptionists and high-end facilities for Bounty Hunters.
• He Ao is escorted to a VIP lounge on the third floor by a blonde receptionist, who hints at the organization's entertainment services for high-ranking Bounty Hunters.
• The item He Ao reserved, a Rank C item called Vestarra's Spear, is delivered by a transport robot, escorted by the organization's security chief.

Character Developments

• He Ao: He demonstrates patience and self-control in the face of the blonde receptionist's flirtatious behavior, maintaining his focus on the mission.
• The blonde receptionist: She is professional and enthusiastic in her role, using her charm to engage He Ao and promote the organization's services.

Significant Themes

• The Bounty Hunter Organization's focus on luxury and entertainment to cater to high-net-worth Bounty Hunters.
• The organization's professionalism and efficiency in handling valuable items.

Character Interactions

• He Ao and the blonde receptionist: Their interaction is polite and professional, with the receptionist flirting subtly while He Ao remains focused on his mission.
• He Ao and the security chief: Their interaction is brief but cordial, with the chief ensuring the safe delivery of the item.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Ao purchases a sealed box from a Bounty Hunter organization.
• Inside the box, he finds a brilliant, two-meter-long spear named 'Vestarra's Spear'.
• The spear has a minor side effect: anyone who uses it will be affected by its 'contamination' for life.
• He Ao touches and lifts the spear, experiencing its power and abilities.
• He concludes that the spear likely originated from an anomaly.

Character Developments

• He Ao demonstrates his ability to withstand the spear's contamination, showing resilience and composure.
• The Scarface Man, an employee of the Bounty Hunter organization, is professional and informative, yet maintains a mysterious demeanor.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of transcendent items, and the consequences of using them.
• The allure and risk of anomalies, and the potential for contamination.

Character Interactions

• He Ao and the Scarface Man engage in a transaction, with the Scarface Man providing information about the spear and its side effects.
• He Ao tests the spear's power, while the Scarface Man observes and warns about potential damages to the room's furniture.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Ao purchases Vestarra's Spear from the Bounty Hunter organization, paying 920,000 Federal Coins.
• He Ao receives a free box and a 1,000 Federal Coin gift card as gifts from the Bounty Hunter organization.
• He Ao meets Reed and his team at the intersection of Lorinser Street to investigate the orphanage's connection to Future Tower's collapse.

Character Developments

• He Ao demonstrates his resourcefulness and negotiation skills by getting a free box and gift card from the Bounty Hunter organization.
• Reed shows initiative and efficiency by leading the investigation team to the orphanage.

Significant Themes

• The power of wealth and influence, as seen in the Bounty Hunter organization's transactions and gifts.
• The importance of investigation and gathering information, as shown by Reed's team's efforts to connect the orphanage to Future Tower.

Character Interactions

• He Ao interacts with the Scarface Man from the Bounty Hunter organization, negotiating for freebies.
• He Ao meets Reed and his team at the intersection, showing camaraderie and shared purpose in their investigation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Ao and Reed, along with Charn and the Mustached Man, investigate the orphanage where Loren once lived.
• They discover that all victims of the Future Tower collapse and their families were murdered, and their children were gathered in the orphanage before it was set on fire.
• They arrive at Lorinser Street, where the orphanage should have been, but find that the building has vanished, with only a convenience store (171) and a bakery (173) remaining.

Character Developments

• He Ao shows maturity and responsibility, handling the investigation seriously and demonstrating his sharp memory.
• Reed reveals he doesn't fully trust his superiors in Wellens, hinting at internal politics or corruption within the Anomaly Association.
• Charn shows curiosity and friendliness towards He Ao, while the Mustached Man remains stoic and reserved.

Significant Themes

• Investigation and Truth-Seeking: The characters are determined to uncover the truth behind the orphanage fire and the Future Tower collapse.
• Corruption and Power Dynamics: Implicit references to corruption and power struggles within the government and the Anomaly Association.
• Memory and Loss: The disappearance of the orphanage building serves as a physical manifestation of the loss and trauma experienced by Loren and the other orphans.

Character Interactions

• He Ao and Reed work together, with Reed providing guidance and support to He Ao.
• Charn and He Ao engage in casual conversation, showing mutual respect and interest.
• The Mustached Man remains distant, offering minimal interaction with the others.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Ao visits the bakery next to the former orphanage, where the owner reveals that the orphanage burned down six years ago, leaving no ruins.
• He Ao and the others realize that the area around the former orphanage is affected by a cognitive anomaly, causing them to perceive the burned-down orphanage as having left no ruins.
• They conclude that this anomaly is a 'Cognitive Veil', which affects those who haven't realized the anomaly's existence yet.
• Reed explains that the anomaly is at Level 1.

Character Developments

• He Ao demonstrates his keen observation and understanding of the anomaly.
• Reed shows his experience and knowledge about anomalies, having encountered a similar 'Cognitive Veil' in the past.
• Charn and the Mustached Man show their adaptability and quick understanding of the situation once explained.

Significant Themes

• The power of cognition and perception in shaping reality.
• The concept of 'Cognitive Veil', where an anomaly can affect one's perception and memory.
• The idea that anomalies can be categorized and understood, as seen with Reed's knowledge of Level 1 anomalies.

Character Interactions

• He Ao interacts with the bakery owner, revealing his past connection to the orphanage and showing his determination to find answers.
• He Ao, Reed, Charn, and the Mustached Man discuss and share their realizations about the cognitive anomaly, demonstrating their teamwork and mutual respect for each other's insights.
• Reed provides guidance and knowledge about anomalies, showing his leadership and expertise within the group.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Reed, He Ao, and their team discuss the Level 1 Anomaly that occurred in Trandel 115 years ago, which was likely covered up by the government.
• Reed decides to investigate the anomaly further and enlists He Ao's help. They take a helicopter to Lorinser Street, where the anomaly's epicenter is suspected to be.
• From the air, they observe that the orphanage at the center of the anomaly has completely vanished, replaced by nearby buildings that have shifted and merged.

Character Developments

• Reed shows determination and urgency in investigating the anomaly, suggesting he believes it poses a significant threat.
• He Ao demonstrates his knowledge of the area and the orphanage's layout, proving his value to the team.

Significant Themes

• Secrecy and Cover-ups: The government's concealment of the Level 1 Anomaly and its true nature highlights the theme of secrecy and the consequences of hiding information.
• Investigation and Discovery: The team's efforts to uncover the truth about the anomaly emphasize the importance of thorough investigation and the pursuit of knowledge.

Character Interactions

• Reed and He Ao work together, with Reed leading the investigation and He Ao providing crucial local knowledge and support.
• Reed delegates tasks to other team members, showing his ability to manage and coordinate the team's efforts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An anomaly has erased an entire building, raising the possibility of it being a Level 1 anomaly.
• He Ao and Reed discuss the anomaly's potential threat level and the need for exploration.
• He Ao shares his past escape from the orphanage, revealing details about the orphanage's security measures.
• He Ao returns to his apartment, where Silvi surprises him with a hug.
• He Ao brings sandwiches for Silvi and asks her if she would help someone in need, even if it meant leaving the room.

Character Developments

• He Ao: Shows curiosity and initiative in investigating the anomaly, shares personal history, and demonstrates care for Silvi's well-being and independence.
• Reed: Displays professionalism and concern for public safety, seeks He Ao's input on the anomaly.
• Silvi: Exhibits excitement upon seeing He Ao, shows gratitude for the sandwiches, and displays loyalty and willingness to help He Ao.

Significant Themes

• Anomalies: The unpredictable and dangerous nature of anomalies is emphasized, highlighting the need for exploration and understanding.
• Trust and Loyalty: He Ao's trust in Silvi is shown through his question about helping others, while Silvi's loyalty is evident in her excitement to see He Ao and her eagerness to help.
• Past Experiences: He Ao's memories of the orphanage and his escape highlight the impact of his past on his present actions and thoughts.

Character Interactions

• He Ao and Reed: Collaborate in discussing the anomaly, with Reed seeking He Ao's input and expertise.
• He Ao and Silvi: Show a caring and affectionate relationship, with He Ao bringing food for Silvi and asking about her willingness to help others. Silvi, in turn, expresses joy at seeing He Ao and gratitude for the sandwiches.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Ao seeks Silvi's help to find the origin of the puppet doll.
• They travel to the Sanlian Building, where He Ao found the puppet.
• Silvi senses children's reflections on the walls, guiding He Ao through the corridor.

Character Developments

• Silvi demonstrates her ability to sense 'active' entities in the space.
• He Ao shows patience and understanding towards Silvi's unique abilities.

Significant Themes

• The search for truth and origins (He Ao's quest for the puppet's source).
• The use of unique abilities to navigate complex situations (Silvi's sensing of the children's reflections).

Character Interactions

• He Ao and Silvi form a temporary alliance, with He Ao promising Silvi a meal of fried chicken in exchange for her help.
• They communicate and cooperate to find the children, showing mutual respect and understanding of each other's abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Ao and Silvi encounter a shadow of a child missing its left arm in an anomaly.
• The child's shadow provides a clue to enter the orphanage by causing a water flow to disappear, leading He Ao and Silvi to an elevator exit.
• He Ao contacts Reed, who reveals that many people have disappeared in the area, and they're searching for any survivors who might have returned from the anomaly.

Character Developments

• Silvi shows fear when encountering the shadow but gains confidence in sensing the anomaly's exit.
• He Ao demonstrates patience and understanding in dealing with the shadow and Silvi.

Significant Themes

• Communication and understanding with the unknown (shadows, anomalies).
• The power of observation and intuition (Silvi sensing the exit).

Character Interactions

• He Ao and Silvi: He Ao protects and guides Silvi, while Silvi provides unique insights and assistance.
• He Ao and Reed: They maintain a professional relationship, with He Ao providing a clue and Reed sharing case details.
• Reed, Charn, and the Mustached Man: They discuss the case's lack of progress and the Anomaly Cult's involvement.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Ao, Reed, Charn, and the Mustached Man gather to discuss the missing persons case related to the orphanage.
• They discover that most disappearances occurred on summer nights with heavy rain.
• They plan to induce a localized rainstorm using an Anomaly and artificial snowfall to mimic the conditions for entry into the Anomaly.

Character Developments

• He Ao demonstrates his ability to quickly process and analyze information, providing valuable insights into the Anomaly's rules.
• Silvi, now a Ceramic Puppet Girl, shows signs of increased excitement and independence, tidying up the conference table while the others discuss.

Significant Themes

• The power of observation and deduction in solving mysteries.
• The importance of understanding and adhering to the rules of Anomalies.
• The use of technology and resources to manipulate environmental conditions.

Character Interactions

• He Ao and Reed collaborate to deduce the Anomaly's entry conditions.
• Charn and the Mustached Man contribute their knowledge and resources to the investigation.
• He Ao acknowledges Silvi's helpful actions with a thumbs-up, showing appreciation for her efforts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A mysterious figure in a dim office hints at an impending raid.
• He Ao and Reed meet at Lorinser Street, where He Ao predicts snowfall, which promptly begins.
• Riley, in a helicopter, retrieves the 'Seal of the Blazing Sun', an artifact that can create intense heat in a large area, from a heat-resistant oven.
• He Ao, Reed, Charn, and the Mustached Man prepare for an exploration of an Anomaly, with Reed revealing that the Association has approved the use of the Seal.

Character Developments

• He Ao demonstrates his ability to sense and predict weather changes.
• Reed shows leadership and strategic thinking, prioritizing immediate exploration despite risks.
• Riley displays professionalism and calmness in handling the powerful artifact.
• The Mustached Man shows concern for the safety of explorers.

Significant Themes

• Risk and Reward: Characters are willing to take risks (like exploring the Anomaly) for potential rewards (gathering crucial information).
• Power and Responsibility: The Seal of the Blazing Sun's power is immense, but it also comes with responsibility and danger, both to the user and others.

Character Interactions

• He Ao and Reed exchange information and show mutual respect.
• Charn and Reed discuss the risks of exploration and the Association's rules.
• He Ao and Silvi have a brief interaction, showing their bond.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Loren (He Ao) and Silvi (the puppet) visit the site of the orphanage where Loren grew up.
• Loren decides to explore the anomaly alone, while Reed, Charn, and the Mustached Man wait outside.
• Loren uses Vestarra's Spear to reinforce the entry rule, triggering the anomaly.

Character Developments

• Silvi shows fear and vulnerability, revealing cracks in her ceramic skin.
• Loren demonstrates determination and courage in facing his past.
• Reed shows understanding and cooperation, acknowledging Loren's experience and skills.

Significant Themes

• Confronting the past: Loren returns to the orphanage, facing his memories and the anomaly connected to it.
• Teamwork and trust: The group discusses and decides on a strategy, showing mutual respect and understanding.

Character Interactions

• Loren and Silvi: Loren comforts Silvi, showing care and protectiveness.
• Loren and Reed: They discuss and agree on a plan, showing mutual respect and trust.
• Loren, Reed, Charn, and the Mustached Man: They work together, acknowledging each other's strengths and roles.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Ao triggers entry into an orphanage during a rainstorm.
• He Ao discovers a drawing of a child seeing their parents at the orphanage entrance.
• He Ao enters the orphanage and finds it as Loren remembered it six years ago.
• He Ao's physical appearance and strength revert to his state six years ago.
• He Ao encounters an ash figure acting as a security guard.
• Reed finds the alleyway leading to the orphanage and enters.

Character Developments

• He Ao (Loren): He Ao's physical appearance and strength revert to his state six years ago, making him weaker and smaller. He encounters a security guard and is pulled away by an unknown person.
• Reed: Reed enters the alleyway leading to the orphanage during the heavy rain.

Significant Themes

• Memory and the past: The orphanage remains as Loren remembered it six years ago, suggesting the power of memory and the influence of the past.
• Transformation and change: He Ao's physical appearance and strength change, reflecting the theme of transformation and adaptation.
• Isolation and connection: The heavy rain and mist create an isolated environment, while the drawing of a child seeing their parents at the orphanage entrance suggests a longing for connection.

Character Interactions

• He Ao and the security guard: The security guard questions He Ao, but He Ao is pulled away by an unknown person before they can interact further.
• He Ao and the unknown person: An unknown person pulls He Ao into the orphanage, suggesting a potential ally or guide for He Ao.
• Reed and the environment: Reed enters the alleyway leading to the orphanage, interacting with the environment as he searches for He Ao.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Loren (He Ao) returns to his past on September 17th, the day he left.
• He encounters Finn, a popular child at the orphanage, who helps him.
• They witness a child being killed by a featureless, faceless girl in a white dress, who seems to resemble Silvi.
• The girl, possibly a ghost, doesn't enter the orphanage but moves outside.

Character Developments

• Loren/He Ao: Realizes he's returned to his past and is more cautious and observant.
• Finn: Shows kindness and bravery, helping Loren and hiding with him during the incident.

Significant Themes

• Return to the Past: Loren's return to his past raises questions about his purpose and what he can change.
• Death and the Supernatural: The encounter with the girl in the white dress introduces the theme of death and the supernatural.

Character Interactions

• Loren and Finn: Despite not considering Finn a friend initially, Loren accepts his help. They hide together and Finn expresses admiration for Loren's actions.
• Loren and the Girl in White: Loren observes the girl from a distance, witnessing her killing a child. The girl seems to notice Loren but doesn't approach him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Ao (Loren) and Finn discuss the mysterious 'Ghost' who turned a child into ashes.
• He Ao decides to infiltrate the Dean's Office, located on the third floor, via the window.
• They encounter Cato, a bully, hanging on the wall as punishment for disobeying rules.
• He Ao and Finn reach the back door of the main building to plan their ascent to the Dean's Office.

Character Developments

• He Ao (Loren) displays courage and determination in his decision to infiltrate the Dean's Office.
• Finn shows loyalty and excitement in supporting He Ao's plan.
• Cato, the bully, is shown to be punished for his actions and attempts to manipulate He Ao and Finn.

Significant Themes

• Curiosity and Investigation: He Ao's curiosity about the Dean's Office drives the plot forward.
• Consequences of Actions: Cato's punishment serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobeying rules.
• Loyalty and Friendship: Finn's support for He Ao's plan highlights their growing friendship.

Character Interactions

• He Ao and Finn work together, with He Ao leading the way and Finn supporting him.
• He Ao and Cato have a tense interaction, with Cato trying to manipulate He Ao.
• He Ao and Finn have a brief moment of understanding, with Finn showing empathy for He Ao's past experiences.