Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter explores the concept of when a woman is most beautiful, suggesting it's when she's cooking for her family.
• Raiden Ryoma, Mei's father, encounters a woman who resembles his late wife while she cooks for him.
• Raiden Ryoma receives a mysterious call about business in Africa.

Character Developments

• Raiden Ryoma: He starts to recall fond memories of his late wife while watching the woman cook, suggesting he's opening up to new connections after his wife's passing.
• Mei: She's determined to fool her father into believing she's his late wife, showing her resourcefulness and dedication.

Significant Themes

• The importance of family and home.
• The passage of time and moving on from loss.
• The power of cooking to evoke memories and emotions.

Character Interactions

• Raiden Ryoma and the woman (Mei): Their interaction is tense and uncertain, with Raiden Ryoma struggling to accept the resemblance and the meal she prepares.
• Raiden Ryoma and Siegfried: They encounter each other unexpectedly, showing that despite their circles' size, they still run into familiar faces.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Siegfried arrives at the lab, stating he's there to see someone, likely Dr. Mei.
• Raiden Ryoma and Siegfried have a tense interaction, hinting at a possible rivalry or misunderstanding.
• Siegfried discovers Mei's homemade Kuchikamizake, a special alcoholic beverage.

Character Developments

• Siegfried shows curiosity and determination in investigating Dr. Mei's identity and connection to his wife, Cecilia.
• Raiden Ryoma feels threatened by Siegfried's presence and intentions, leading to his protective and hostile behavior.

Significant Themes

• The theme of identity and discovery, as Siegfried tries to uncover Mei's true identity.
• The theme of rivalry and possession, as Raiden Ryoma feels threatened by Siegfried's presence.

Character Interactions

• Siegfried and Raiden Ryoma's tense interaction hints at a possible rivalry or misunderstanding between them.
• Siegfried's interaction with Mei is cordial yet curious, as he tries to probe her identity while she remains guarded.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Raiden Ryoma and Siegfried engage in a tense standoff over a bottle of wine, symbolizing their competition for MEI's affection.
• MEI, frustrated by their behavior, kicks them out of her lab.
• Himeko arrives at the lab, looking for Siegfried, and witnesses the confrontation.
• Himeko announces a Valkyrie duel demonstration for the students, revealing the need to prepare for potential threats from rogue Valkyries or other organizations.

Character Developments

• Raiden Ryoma: Realizes his feelings for MEI and decides to pursue her, leading to a rivalry with Siegfried.
• Siegfried: Recognizes MEI as his ancestor's wife's reincarnation, fueling his determination to win her affection.
• MEI: Struggles with the unwanted attention from Raiden Ryoma and Siegfried, leading to her outburst and kicking them out of her lab.
• Himeko: Shows concern for her students' safety and the need to prepare for potential threats, demonstrating her responsibility as a teacher.

Significant Themes

• Possessiveness and jealousy in love, leading to competition and conflict between men.
• The importance of preparation and vigilance against potential threats, even from within one's own ranks or similar organizations.
• The complex nature of relationships and affections, with MEI struggling to navigate the unwanted attention from Raiden Ryoma and Siegfried.

Character Interactions

• Raiden Ryoma and Siegfried: Engage in a tense standoff, reflecting their competitive nature and desire to win MEI's affection.
• MEI and Raiden Ryoma/Siegfried: MEI struggles with their unwanted attention, leading to her outburst and kicking them out of her lab.
• Himeko and MEI/Bronya/Fu Hua: Himeko shows concern for her students' safety and well-being, while MEI and her friends demonstrate their eagerness to learn and grow as Valkyries.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Raiden Ryoma boards the Hyperion, seeking asylum.
• Mei discovers her wine bottles are missing.
• Gray Serpent receives a bottle of kuchikamizake from Raven, which might reveal the Doctor's (Mei) past life memories.

Character Developments

• Mei: Shows curiosity and concern about Raiden Ryoma's stay on the Hyperion.
• Gray Serpent: Struggles with anxiety and agitation due to the potential rescue of the Honored Master.
• Raven and Jackal: Collaborate to devise a plan using kuchikamizake to verify Mei's identity and find the Honored Master.

Significant Themes

• Identity and reincarnation: The discussion around Mei's identity and the possibility of soul fragments and chimeras raises questions about identity and reincarnation.
• Hope and despair: Gray Serpent's emotional state highlights the theme of hope and despair, as he is close to finding the Honored Master but also fears failure.
• Trust and deception: The interactions between Mei, Ai-chan, and Raiden Ryoma, as well as between Gray Serpent and Raven/Jackal, explore themes of trust and deception.

Character Interactions

• Mei and Ai-chan: Mei seeks information from Ai-chan about Raiden Ryoma's presence on the Hyperion.
• Gray Serpent, Raven, and Jackal: They discuss the potential of using kuchikamizake to reveal Mei's past life memories and find the Honored Master.
• Mei and Raiden Ryoma: Their interaction is implied through Mei's concern about Raiden Ryoma's permanent stay on the Hyperion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group toasts to their "master," with mixed bottles of unknown origin.
• Mei and others observe a man (later revealed as Raiden Ryoma) wearing Valkyrie armor, which Mei criticizes for its impracticality in combat.
• Raiden Ryoma and Siegfried engage in a combat training session using live rounds.

Character Developments

• Mei shows concern for her father's safety and pride in his skills.
• Bronya demonstrates her understanding of combat strategies.
• Raiden Ryoma displays exceptional swordsmanship and agility.

Significant Themes

• The practicality and aesthetics of Valkyrie armor.
• The importance of ranged attacks in combat.
• The complexity of family relationships, as hinted by Siegfried's mention of his family.

Character Interactions

• Mei and Bronya discuss the combatants' strategies and the Valkyrie armor.
• Raiden Ryoma and Siegfried engage in a tense conversation before their fight, revealing their determination to protect their respective interests.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Siegfried uses an unscientific giant cannon and Nebula Impact against Raiden Ryoma.
• Raiden Ryoma counters with a Time-Space Rift technique, closing the distance and engaging in close-quarters combat.
• Himeko notices the intense rivalry between Siegfried and Raiden Ryoma, speculating about a recent conflict or love triangle.

Character Developments

• Kiana is inspired by her father's strength and resolves to become as powerful.
• Mei is impressed by her father's swordsmanship but remains concerned about his defeat.
• Himeko becomes suspicious about the relationship between Siegfried, Raiden Ryoma, and Dr. Mei, planning to visit her for more information.

Significant Themes

• The evolution of combat techniques, from traditional swordsmanship to modern firearms and special abilities.
• The intense rivalry and potential conflict between Siegfried and Raiden Ryoma.
• Himeko's curiosity and determination to uncover the truth behind the recent events.

Character Interactions

• Kiana admires her father's strength and expresses her desire to become as powerful.
• Mei is impressed by her father's swordsmanship but remains worried about his defeat.
• Himeko speculates about the relationship between Siegfried, Raiden Ryoma, and Dr. Mei, planning to visit her for more information.
• Bronya and Fu Hua explain the Time-Space Rift technique to Kiana and Himeko.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The World Serpent team (Gray Serpent, Jackal, and Raven) experiences a memory-sharing incident, causing them to see glimpses of their Honored Master's past.
• They learn that their Honored Master has feelings for MEI, which they initially find surprising.
• Gray Serpent decides to 'invite' MEI to their side to research her, and they plan to use her to handle Raiden Ryoma.

Character Developments

• The World Serpent team starts to see their Honored Master in a new light, questioning his relationship with MEI.
• Raven shows concern for MEI's well-being, hinting at a change in her attitude towards MEI.
• Himeko starts to notice the tension between the two fathers of her students and suspects it might be due to a woman, possibly MEI.

Significant Themes

• The theme of love and relationships is explored, with the World Serpent team discovering their Honored Master's feelings for MEI and Himeko suspecting a love triangle.
• The theme of manipulation and control is present, with the World Serpent team planning to use MEI for their purposes.

Character Interactions

• The World Serpent team interacts, sharing their confusion and concern about their Honored Master's feelings for MEI.
• Himeko interacts with MEI's empty laboratory, showing her determination to uncover the truth about the situation between the two fathers of her students.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Himeko searches for Dr. Mei in her lab but finds it empty.
• Theresa informs Himeko about a redhead navy officer's arrival and asks Himeko to meet him.
• The redhead navy officer, upon reaching the Valkyries' floor, is repeatedly kicked by Himeko but eventually gains her attention by mentioning international implications.
• Himeko gathers the Valkyries, and the redhead reveals a supply box containing weapons, equipment, materials, and Valkyrie orders, including 'Valkyrie Shards' and new armors developed by other Schicksal research institutes.

Character Developments

• Himeko: Shows disdain for the redhead navy officer but ultimately listens to him due to his confidence and the potential impact on both countries.
• Redhead Navy Officer: Demonstrates tenacity and willfulness, trying to change his image and gain the Valkyries' support.

Significant Themes

• International relations and cooperation between Area 11 and the Rabbit.
• The global procurement of supplies, including weapons and materials, by the military.
• The distribution of new Valkyrie armors and orders, highlighting the importance of these supplies for the Valkyries.

Character Interactions

• Himeko and the Redhead Navy Officer: Their initial hostile interaction evolves into a tense but cooperative dynamic as Himeko listens to his proposal.
• Himeko and the Valkyries: Himeko gathers the Valkyries to hear the redhead's announcement, showing her authority and responsibility towards her team.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kiana, Mei, and Bronya receive supply boxes from the military, containing two items each, with uncertain contents.
• Gray Serpent receives a supply box from Raven, containing Dr. MEI, whom he had intended to invite, but not in this manner.
• The Redhead, a cosplay enthusiast, opens nine supply boxes, finding nothing valuable, and becomes determined to retrieve the tenth box.

Character Developments

• Kiana: Shows excitement and disappointment in receiving supplies.
• Mei: Displayed calmness and pragmatism in receiving supplies.
• Bronya: Maintains her serious and analytical demeanor.
• Gray Serpent: Initially angry at Raven's actions, later shows concern for Dr. MEI's well-being.
• Redhead: Initially disheartened by the supply box contents, but becomes determined to retrieve the tenth box.

Significant Themes

• Uncertainty and Luck: The supply distribution system is uncertain, relying on luck, as seen in the Redhead's experience.
• Power Dynamics: Gray Serpent's treatment of Dr. MEI reflects the power dynamics between them.
• Determination: The Redhead's resolve to retrieve the tenth box showcases his determination.

Character Interactions

• Kiana, Mei, and Bronya interact, expressing their thoughts and expectations about the supply boxes.
• Gray Serpent and Raven have a tense interaction, with Gray Serpent upset about Raven's actions.
• The Redhead's interaction with his companions shows his initial disappointment and later determination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Hyperion team receives supplies, including materials for weapon forging and prize money.
• Dr. Mei is absent, having applied for an outing, which seems suspicious to Raiden Ryoma.
• World Serpent's inactivity ends with the arrival of a crucial person, revealed to be Dr. Mei.
• Dr. Mei wakes up in World Serpent's laboratory with no memory of her current life but retains memories of her past life as King Arthur.

Character Developments

• Dr. Mei: Loses her memory of her current life but retains memories of her past life, causing potential confusion and instability in her personality.
• Raiden Ryoma: Becomes suspicious of Dr. Mei's absence and the timing of the supply box's arrival.
• Jackal: Realizes the potential complications of Dr. Mei's memory loss and the awakening of her past life memories.

Significant Themes

• Memory and Identity: Dr. Mei's loss of memory raises questions about the relationship between memory and personal identity.
• Past and Present: The awakening of Dr. Mei's past life memories brings her past into conflict with her present.
• Trust and Suspicion: Raiden Ryoma's suspicion of Dr. Mei's absence highlights the theme of trust and suspicion within the team.

Character Interactions

• Dr. Mei and Jackal: Their interaction reveals Dr. Mei's indifference to her memory loss and her focus on her research, worrying Jackal.
• Raiden Ryoma and the Team: Raiden Ryoma's suspicion of Dr. Mei's absence is not shared by the rest of the team, causing a potential rift in their dynamics.
• Dr. Mei and the Honored Master (Kevin): Dr. Mei's mention of Kevin suggests a strong connection between them, which could drive her actions despite her memory loss.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jackal reveals that Kevin (Honored Lord) is trapped in the Sea of Quantum due to a conflict with SU 1500 years ago.
• MEI shows little interest in Kevin's situation and focuses on studying World Serpent's research materials instead.
• Himeko and Theresa discuss the missing supply crate, feeling that there might be more to the situation than meets the eye.
• Cocolia, leader of the radical faction in Anti-Entropy, plans to strike at an opponent using questionable intelligence.

Character Developments

• Jackal: Realizes the mistake in assuming MEI's willingness to help and feels fear for the first time.
• MEI: Shows little interest in Kevin's situation, focusing on studying World Serpent's research instead, suggesting she has her own priorities.
• Cocolia: Demonstrates her ruthless and pragmatic nature, willing to use questionable intelligence to further her goals.

Significant Themes

• Shortcuts and expectations vs. reality: Characters' expectations (e.g., MEI's role, Cocolia's intelligence) don't align with reality, leading to unexpected consequences.
• Power struggles: Internal conflicts within organizations (World Serpent, Anti-Entropy) drive characters' actions and decisions.

Character Interactions

• MEI and Jackal: MEI's indifference to Kevin's situation frustrates Jackal, highlighting their differing priorities.
• Himeko and Theresa: Their conversation reveals their shared concern about the missing supply crate and the possibility of larger issues at hand.
• Cocolia and her opponents: Cocolia's planned strike against her opponents demonstrates her willingness to use any means to gain power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• MEI, impersonating Dr. Mei, arrives at the base and demands research materials from Jackal.
• MEI struggles to understand the provided materials, realizing she can't remember much about her past or the present.
• MEI's System suggests she study the Sword of Promised Victory in England to increase her chances of survival.

Character Developments

• MEI: Struggles with amnesia and tries to adapt to her new situation, displaying resourcefulness and quick thinking.
• Jackal: Shows reluctance to share her research but eventually complies with MEI's demands.
• System: Reveals it has a hidden agenda and guides MEI towards studying the Sword of Promised Victory.

Significant Themes

• Identity and memory loss: MEI's struggle with amnesia and trying to understand her past.
• Deception and manipulation: MEI's successful impersonation of Dr. Mei and her attempts to outsmart Jackal.
• Hidden agendas: The System's mysterious intentions and guidance towards MEI.

Character Interactions

• MEI and Jackal: MEI manipulates Jackal into giving her research materials, displaying her acting skills.
• MEI and System: MEI seeks the System's help in understanding her situation and finding a way out, while the System guides MEI towards studying the Sword of Promised Victory.
• MEI and SU: MEI realizes that understanding SU could help her understand both her own memories and King Arthur's, making him an important figure to interact with.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jackal is troubled by MEI's refusal to save the Lord and the presence of unknown entities.
• MEI finds Jackal and asks for help in locating SU, claiming that SU is the key to saving the Lord.
• Jackal is initially fearful of MEI but becomes disrespectful and dismissive when MEI belittles her research.

Character Developments

• Jackal: Struggles with indecision and fear but gains confidence when discussing her research.
• MEI: Maintains a facade of expertise and power, trying to manipulate Jackal into helping her find SU.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for power and control, with MEI attempting to manipulate Jackal and Jackal asserting her own importance.
• The changing nature of research and progress, with Jackal believing that her era's research is superior to MEI's past achievements.

Character Interactions

• Jackal and MEI: Initially, Jackal is fearful of MEI, but as MEI dismisses Jackal's research, Jackal becomes disrespectful and assertive. MEI tries to maintain her facade of power and expertise to manipulate Jackal.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mei uses psychological manipulation to convince Jackal to help find SU, using vague but confident statements to exploit Jackal's self-deception and fear.
• Mei leaves Jackal to discuss the matter with Gray Serpent and Raven.
• On the Hyperion, the Valkyries discover that their supply crates were stolen, and the ship's security system is criticized.
• The Redhead liaison officer arrives and notices Dr. Mei's absence, suspecting a connection between her disappearance and the stolen supply crate.

Character Developments

• Mei demonstrates her psychological prowess, manipulating Jackal to her will.
• The Redhead liaison officer shows concern for Dr. Mei's safety and well-being, hinting at a growing respect for her.
• Jackal is shown to be indecisive and easily influenced, falling prey to Mei's manipulation.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and deception: Mei uses her knowledge of human psychology to deceive Jackal, while the Redhead suspects deception in Dr. Mei's disappearance.
• Trust and suspicion: The Redhead's suspicion of Dr. Mei's involvement in the supply crate theft highlights the theme of trust and suspicion among the characters.

Character Interactions

• Mei and Jackal: Mei manipulates Jackal into helping her find SU, exploiting Jackal's fears and insecurities.
• The Redhead and the Valkyries: The Redhead interacts with Himeko, Theresa, and the other Valkyries, discussing the stolen supply crate and Dr. Mei's disappearance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dr. Mei's disappearance is discussed, with two main possibilities: she stole the supply box or was kidnapped and taken out in it.
• Theresa decides to investigate Dr. Mei's disappearance.
• Redhead and Himeko discuss the situation, with Redhead believing Dr. Mei was kidnapped due to her high value.
• A ship-wide search is conducted, leading to the discovery that a person named Raven, with a codename, is likely responsible for Dr. Mei's kidnapping.

Character Developments

• Theresa shows concern for Dr. Mei's safety and initiates an investigation.
• Redhead demonstrates his analytical skills and dedication to finding Dr. Mei.
• Himeko shows curiosity about Dr. Mei's identity and value.

Significant Themes

• The importance of thorough investigation and accountability in maintaining security.
• The value of comradeship and not abandoning teammates.

Character Interactions

• Theresa and Redhead discuss the situation, with Theresa deciding to investigate.
• Redhead and Himeko have a detailed conversation about Dr. Mei's disappearance, with Redhead providing logical insights and Himeko showing curiosity about Dr. Mei's identity.
• The investigation leads to the discovery of Raven's involvement, suggesting a potential enemy within the ship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The surveillance footage from the Doctor's abduction is damaged, but it's confirmed that Raven was involved.
• Mei embarks on her first official mission as a Valkyrie to find her mother, Raven.
• Gray Serpent, Raven, and Jackal discuss strategies to convince Mei to help bring back their leader, the Lord.

Character Developments

• Mei is determined to find her mother and bring her back.
• Raven is impatient and emotional, causing tension in the group's discussions.
• Jackal is more level-headed and strategic, trying to navigate the delicate situation with Mei.
• Gray Serpent is cautious and worried about discussing Mei's situation with the Lord.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between personal feelings and duty (Mei's determination vs. Raven's impatience).
• The complexity of negotiations and dealing with stubborn individuals (Jackal's approach to Mei).
• The importance of trust and intuition in uncertain situations (Gray Serpent's trust in Mei not playing dirty).

Character Interactions

• Mei is stubborn and unwilling to help the group unless they help her find her mother.
• Raven and Jackal have a tense argument about how to handle Mei.
• Gray Serpent tries to mediate the argument between Raven and Jackal and decides on a course of action involving the Lord and SU.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mei, now a doctor, is researching her own System and its relationship with her body.
• She creates a brain connection device to aid in her research.
• Jackal, the lab's director, tries to persuade Mei to leave and continue her research on Raven's island, but Mei refuses.

Character Developments

• Mei: Showcases her intelligence, curiosity, and determination in researching the System, prioritizing it over other tasks like finding SU.
• Jackal: Demonstrates concern for Mei's safety and the lab's integrity, trying to convince Mei to leave.

Significant Themes

• Curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge.
• The importance of safety and risk management, as seen in Jackal's concern for Mei's well-being.

Character Interactions

• Mei and Jackal: Their interaction highlights Mei's single-minded focus on her research and Jackal's concern for Mei's safety and the lab's preservation.
• Mei and the System: Mei's curiosity about the System and her determination to understand it better is a central theme in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gray Serpent informs Kevin (the Lord) about Mei's unwillingness to help him escape the Sea of Quantum.
• Kevin is surprised and asks for Mei's name, which Gray Serpent reveals as Mei.
• Gray Serpent also shares Mei's suggestion to find SU to help Kevin.

Character Developments

• Kevin: Shows interest in Mei and seems excited upon hearing her name.
• Gray Serpent: Struggles to convey the news to Kevin and feels the weight of responsibility.
• Jackal: Expresses frustration with Mei's practical skills and hopes Mei can be released.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between Kevin, Mei, and SU.
• The importance of Mei to Kevin.
• The challenges of communication and understanding between characters.

Character Interactions

• Kevin and Gray Serpent: Kevin's reactions to the news about Mei are conveyed through Gray Serpent.
• Gray Serpent and Jackal: They discuss the situation and Jackal's previous suggestion.
• Jackal and Raven: They share their thoughts on the situation and the potential release of Mei.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gray Serpent, Raven, and Jackal discuss how to handle Mei's involvement to avoid the Lord's wrath.
• They decide to use Mei's motherly instincts and her interest in research to gain her favor.
• Gray Serpent suggests using Mei as bait to lure SU out by spreading information about her.
• Raven and Jackal visit Jackal's demolished laboratory, where Mei is supposedly being kept.
• The chapter ends with Theresa discussing Mei's recent activities in England with her allies.

Character Developments

• Gray Serpent shows initiative and reliability in suggesting a plan to lure SU.
• Raven shows concern for Mei's well-being and is wary of Jackal's true intentions.
• Jackal is desperate to restart her research and is willing to use Mei to do so, but also tries to hide the true state of her laboratory from Raven.

Significant Themes

• The importance of Mei's opinion and influence on the World Serpent's actions.
• The manipulation of Mei's interests and past lives to gain her favor.
• The desperation of characters to achieve their goals, even if it means putting others at risk.

Character Interactions

• Gray Serpent, Raven, and Jackal work together to decide how to handle Mei's involvement.
• Raven and Jackal have a tense interaction, with Raven suspicious of Jackal's true intentions and Jackal trying to hide the state of her laboratory.
• Theresa discusses Mei's activities with her allies, showing that Mei's actions are being monitored and analyzed by various factions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The team receives vague intelligence about a Doctor MEI, potentially linked to Researcher Mei.
• They decide to investigate the source of the intel in Sky City, China, rather than rushing to England.
• Mei, the target they're trying to rescue, is shown in a new instance, unaware of her situation but not afraid.

Character Developments

• Redhead (Liang Heng) takes charge, demonstrating strategic thinking and leadership.
• Himeko shows initiative in investigating Mei and shares her findings.
• Siegfried reveals his interest in Mei and his desire to perform well in the rescue mission.
• Mei, in a new instance, displays confidence and assertiveness, hinting at her resilience.

Significant Themes

• The importance of accurate intelligence and careful planning in rescue operations.
• The complexity of identity and names, reflected in the multiple possible meanings of 'MEI'.
• Mei's resilience and adaptability, shown in her lack of fear despite waking up in a new instance.

Character Interactions

• Redhead, Himeko, and Siegfried work together to interpret the intel and plan the next steps.
• Mei interacts with another girl in her new instance, displaying her strong opinions and quick wit.
• The team dynamics shift as Redhead takes a more active role, with Himeko and Siegfried supporting him.