Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points & Events

• The Gald Imperial City is bustling with academies gathering for the Academy Competition.
• Mel refuses to participate in the competition, focusing on researching spirit magic instead.
• Mel learns about a mysterious magic crystal that can suppress curses, potentially a prize in the competition.

Character Developments

• Mel Carlo: He is determined to research spirit magic despite the Academy Competition. He shows disinterest in the competition but becomes intrigued by the potential prize that could suppress his curse.

Significant Themes

• The importance of personal goals vs. societal expectations (Mel's focus on research vs. participating in the competition).
• The allure of power and the desire to prove oneself (Yeck Darian's obsession with challenging Mel).

Character Interactions

• Mel Carlo & Yeck Darian: Yeck challenges Mel to the Academy Competition, revealing the potential prize that could suppress curses. Mel initially declines but shows interest when he learns about the prize.
• Mel Carlo & Little White/Claire: Mel allows them to go out and have fun while he focuses on his research. He warns them to be careful and stick together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mel rents a horse for three days to travel to the body disposal ground.
• He encounters Rock Ronan, a noble young master, who invites Mel to participate in the Academy Competition together. Mel declines.
• Mel arrives at the valley, sets up a resurrection array, and successfully resurrects a ghoul. He observes the corpse's movements and decides to look for more challenging subjects like skeletons.

Character Developments

• Mel demonstrates his determination to research dark magic, even in unpleasant conditions.
• Rock Ronan shows his persistence in trying to befriend Mel, despite Mel's clear disinterest.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of dark magic.
• The connection between the soul and the body in dark magic resurrection.
• The necessity of focus and determination in magical research.

Character Interactions

• Mel and Rock Ronan's interaction highlights their contrasting personalities and goals.
• Mel's interaction with the resurrected ghoul shows his analytical and observational skills.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mel learns new Necromancer skills up to Level 25: [Enslave Ghoul], [Dark Claw], [Spider Silk Formation], and [Dark Ritual].
• He successfully upgrades these skills, with [Spider Silk Formation] reaching a Master level, causing a 100% slow effect.
• Mel decides to use blue potions and the [Extract] skill to quickly grind skill proficiency.
• He discovers that the souls he has enslaved no longer attack him, indicating that his curse arts are effective in controlling them.
• Mel prepares to return to the Imperial City, where he learns that students from other academies are discussing his absence from the competition.

Character Developments

• Mel continues to improve his Necromancer skills, demonstrating his dedication to learning and mastery.
• He shows awareness of the strategic value of his curse arts, understanding their limitations and potential.
• Mel's determination to act when given the chance suggests his growing confidence and initiative.

Significant Themes

• Mastery and Growth: Mel's continuous learning and improvement of his Necromancer skills reflect his dedication to mastery.
• Control and Manipulation: The theme of controlling and manipulating others, both through curse arts and strategic planning, is prominent.
• Information and Power: The value of information and strategic knowledge is highlighted, as Mel seeks to understand the Academy Competition's true prizes.

Character Interactions

• Mel interacts with his enslaved souls, observing their behavior and the effects of his curse arts.
• He indirectly interacts with students from other academies who are discussing his absence from the competition, though they are unaware of his presence.
• Mel's thoughts reveal his awareness of the Bernardo Merchant Guild's influence and resources, suggesting a potential interaction with them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Southern Church's Inquisition arrives in Bernardo, seeking the Exar Prince hiding in the Garde Royal Academy.
• Claire assists the Inquisition, providing information about the Prince's possible location.
• The Inquisition members notice Liberia's unusual eye color and discuss her among themselves.
• Mel learns about the Inquisition's arrival and decides to follow them to the Royal Academy.

Character Developments

• Claire demonstrates her loyalty to the Southern Church and her willingness to assist them.
• Mel shows concern for Liberia's safety and decides to protect her secret.
• The Exar Prince is revealed to be hiding by Sun Lake, panicked about the Inquisition's arrival.

Significant Themes

• The power struggle between the Southern Church and the remnants of the Exar Royalty.
• The theme of secrets and the danger of exposure, as seen through Liberia's situation.
• The influence of the Church's power and its reach, even into the Garde Empire.

Character Interactions

• Claire interacts with the Inquisition members, providing information and discussing the Prince's whereabouts.
• Mel interacts with Claire, learning about the Inquisition and deciding to protect Liberia.
• The Exar Prince interacts with his subordinate, expressing his fear and discussing their plan of action.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mel waits outside the Royal Academy to track Church personnel.
• He follows 10 Church members, including one above Level 40, using stealth skills.
• They use blood magic to track a member of the Exar Royalty hiding in Sun Lake.
• Mel observes the Church personnel approaching a lake island, where the Fourth Prince is hiding.

Character Developments

• Mel demonstrates his stealth and tracking skills.
• The Fourth Prince shows determination to survive and escape.

Significant Themes

• Stealth and Tracking: Mel's stealth skills allow him to follow the Church personnel undetected.
• Pursuit and Escape: The Church pursues the Fourth Prince, who tries to evade them.
• Blood Magic: The Church uses forbidden blood magic to track their target.

Character Interactions

• Mel follows the Church personnel, observing their actions.
• The Fourth Prince and his guard discuss their situation and plan to escape.
• The Church personnel prepare to confront the Fourth Prince's guard.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Inquisition ambushes the Fourth Prince on the lakeside, aiming to capture him.
• The Prince's attendant fights off the Inquisition but is eventually overwhelmed and killed.
• The Prince attempts to escape by boat but is pursued and forced into the lake.
• Mel, hidden on the shore, uses his magic to sink the Inquisition's boats, killing some and forcing the survivors to swim to shore.
• Mel kills the remaining Inquisition members with his pistol as they reach the shore.
• The Fourth Prince is left alive but unconscious.

Character Developments

• The Fourth Prince demonstrates his determination and resourcefulness in attempting to escape.
• Mel shows his strategic thinking, quick decision-making, and ruthlessness in eliminating the Inquisition members.
• The Inquisition's methods are revealed to be more malicious than initially thought, using poisoned weapons.

Significant Themes

• The complex motivations of individuals within the Church, with power and politics intertwining with religion.
• The ruthlessness and pragmatism of both the Church and Mel in pursuing their goals.

Character Interactions

• The Fourth Prince and his attendant show loyalty to each other, with the attendant sacrificing himself to give the Prince a chance to escape.
• Mel shows no mercy towards the Inquisition members, viewing them as threats that must be eliminated.
• The Inquisition members underestimate the Fourth Prince, leading to their downfall.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dean Griffin returns to the Royal Academy and discovers bodies on Sun Lake, including a student from the Gard Royalty and his guards, along with outsiders.
• The cause of death is determined to be head strikes and drowning. The outsiders are identified as members of the Southern Church.
• The Emperor is enraged by the death of the Fourth Prince of Exar and dispatches Royal Knights to investigate. The Royal Academy is temporarily sealed off.

Character Developments

• Dean Griffin: He takes charge of the situation, investigates the incident, and faces potential repercussions for the problem occurring under his watch.
• The Emperor: He shows anger and determination to use this incident to pressure the Exar Kingdom and protect the nation's interests.

Significant Themes

• Power and Dignity: The Emperor's fury is driven by the disregard for the Gard Empire's authority and his personal dignity.
• Investigation and Truth-finding: The search for the truth behind the incident becomes a central focus.

Character Interactions

• Dean Griffin and the Royal Knights: Griffin cooperates with the Royal Knights in their investigation, showing professionalism and responsibility.
• The Emperor and his officials: The Emperor orders an investigation and considers using the incident to pressure the Exar Kingdom, demonstrating his political acumen and willingness to use force to protect the empire's interests.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dean Griffin is demoted to a regular teacher due to previous incidents.
• Mel, Claire, and Liberia spend the night together due to a misunderstanding, leading to an awkward morning.
• Mel wonders if the Church will continue investigating after both the prince and the Truth Society members are dead.
• Kain excels in his first day of combat training at the Imperial Knights' barracks.
• Lily visits Sister Clabel at the Church's convent and expresses her desire to study magical engineering to keep up with her friends.

Character Developments

• Mel shows concern for Claire's well-being and is thoughtful about the Academy Competition rewards.
• Claire demonstrates responsibility by handling the merchant guild's matters and checking on Mel.
• Liberia shows affection towards Mel by sleeping beside him.
• Kain proves his strength and confidence in the Academy Competition.
• Lily expresses her determination to study magical engineering to bridge the gap with her friends.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The influence of the Gard Royalty and the Church's use of the Inquisition as a tool to handle unwanted matters.
• Ambition: Mel's desire to win the Academy Competition, Kain's eagerness to face strong opponents, and Lily's determination to study magical engineering.
• Relationships: The awkward situation between Mel, Claire, and Liberia, and the close bond between Lily and Sister Clabel.

Character Interactions

• Mel, Claire, and Liberia's interaction leads to an awkward morning due to their unintentional sleepover.
• Kain and his master discuss the Academy Competition and the strength of other competitors.
• Lily and Sister Clabel discuss Lily's future plans and her desire to study magical engineering.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mel sleeps peacefully beside Liberia and Claire, suggesting their magic power factors might have a calming effect.
• Mel asks Claire to investigate the prizes for the Academy Competition, particularly a Crystal that can suppress curses.
• They attend the Academy Competition individual matches, with Mel watching to improve his fighting style.
• Mel encounters Rock Ronan, who is participating but quickly loses.
• A green-haired guy challenges Mel to participate, but Mel declines.
• A powerful sword qi erupts from an unknown participant, drawing Mel's attention.

Character Developments

• Mel shows interest in improving his fighting style by observing others.
• Rock Ronan's confidence in his abilities is misplaced, as he loses quickly.
• The green-haired guy displays confidence and aggression, challenging Mel.
• A new, powerful participant with a silver mane and a hunter's appearance emerges.

Significant Themes

• The importance of observation and learning from others to improve fighting skills.
• The disparity between confidence and actual ability, as seen in Rock Ronan.
• The potential for unexpected, powerful individuals to emerge.

Character Interactions

• Mel, Liberia, and Claire attend the competition together, showing camaraderie.
• Mel encounters Rock Ronan, but there's no interaction beyond a greeting.
• The green-haired guy challenges Mel, but Mel declines, showing no interest in engaging.
• Mel watches the powerful silver-haired participant with interest, but there's no interaction yet.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mel and Claire watch a competition at the Royal Academy, where a powerful young man stands out.
• Mel reflects on his past in Oak City and considers contacting old acquaintances.
• The competition continues, with a wolf-like young man and Green Jade remaining on stage.

Character Developments

• Mel: Recalls his past in Oak City, considers reconnecting with old friends, and shows interest in the powerful young man.
• Claire: Shows keen judgment of strength, as she accurately assesses the powerful young man's abilities.
• The Wolf-like Young Man: Proves his strength by knocking opponents off the stage, advancing to the next selection.

Significant Themes

• Genius and Talent: The powerful young man's abilities spark discussions about genius and talent.
• Past and Present: Mel reflects on his past in Oak City, contrasting it with his current life in the Imperial City.
• Competition and Selection: The Academy team competition serves as a microcosm for the cutthroat nature of the world.

Character Interactions

• Mel and Claire: Watch the competition together, with Claire providing insights on the powerful young man's strength.
• Mel and Liberia: Mel decides to watch the competition longer, despite Liberia's lack of interest.
• Mel and the Young Man from Oak City: Mel overhears the young man discussing Oak City legends, including Mel's alias, the Fourth Calamity.
• The Wolf-like Young Man and Green Jade: They remain on stage as the competition nears its end, setting up a potential confrontation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mel watches the final match of the individual competition, which features Green Hair and a mysterious youth (Wolf Sword Style successor).
• Mel learns about a Fire Attribute Magic Mineral prize, which could power his train, but it's not the best prize.
• Eugene Sword Saint appears, revealing he knows the Wolf Sword Style successor.

Character Developments

• Mel becomes interested in the Wolf Sword Style successor's strength and the Fire Attribute Magic Mineral.
• Eugene Sword Saint reflects on his past and the Wolf Sword Style's history.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of strength and power (Mel's interest in the Magic Mineral and the Wolf Sword Style successor).
• The passage of time and change (Eugene Sword Saint's reflection on his past).

Character Interactions

• Mel interacts with Eugene Sword Saint, learning about the Wolf Sword Style and its successor.
• Mel watches Green Hair's final match against the Wolf Sword Style successor.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mel discovers that the 'Wolf Sword Style' in this world is not from the game, indicating native magic and swordsmanship.
• Mel learns about the danger of exposing his knowledge of the game and decides to maintain a low profile.
• In the individual competition finals, Yeck Darian, a green-haired player, faces the successor of the Wolf Sword Style.
• Yeck Darian's performance deteriorates initially, then improves drastically, raising suspicions of dark magic usage.
• Mel notices curse patterns on Yeck Darian's face, confirming his use of dark magic.
• Yeck Darian wins the competition, securing the Magic Crystal prize that could alleviate Mel's curse.

Character Developments

• Mel becomes more cautious and low-key due to the potential danger of his knowledge.
• Yeck Darian's true strength and desperation are revealed, hinting at a dark past or deal.
• The Old Sword Saint (Eugene) shows concern for Mel's well-being and tries to help him obtain the Magic Crystal.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of revealing one's true power or knowledge (Mel's situation).
• The desperation and cost of pursuing power (Yeck Darian's use of dark magic).
• The tension between maintaining a low profile and achieving one's goals (Mel's struggle).

Character Interactions

• Mel and Eugene discuss Mel's curse and the individual competition, with Eugene offering help.
• Mel observes Yeck Darian's match, growing suspicious of his use of dark magic.
• The audience reacts to Yeck Darian's performance, causing him to lash out and reveal his true power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Ke Darian, the final winner of the individual competition, is possessed by a Dark Spirit.
• The Old Sword Saint draws his sword, sensing the danger.
• Mel realizes the similarity to the Dark Spirit incident from the otome game.
• The Old Sword Saint warns Mel about the Dark Spirit's threat and Mendel's impending arrival.
• Mel uses his skills to evade the possessed Ye Ke Darian, including [Stealth], [Flash], and [Beast Trap].
• Mel speculates about how Ye Ke Darian came into contact with the Dark Spirit.
• Mel's curse worsens, and he struggles with the situation's complexity.

Character Developments

• Ye Ke Darian: Possessed by the Dark Spirit, displaying enhanced strength and aggression.
• Mel: Uses his skills to evade the possessed Ye Ke Darian, showing adaptability and resourcefulness.
• The Old Sword Saint: Recognizes the threat of the Dark Spirit and prepares to combat it.

Significant Themes

• The unpredictable nature of the Dark Spirit and its threat.
• Mel's struggle with the complexity of the situation and his curse.
• The importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in facing unexpected threats.

Character Interactions

• Mel and The Old Sword Saint: The Old Sword Saint warns Mel about the Dark Spirit's threat, showing concern for his safety.
• Mel and Ye Ke Darian: Mel uses his skills to evade the possessed Ye Ke Darian, highlighting their enmity and Mel's desire to survive.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mel finds himself in the arena with others, facing a powerful clash of Sword Qi and dark magic.
• A dark spirit, possessing a green-skinned individual, is causing havoc, killing anyone it touches.
• Mel and the Old Sword Saint (Eugene) collaborate to escape the arena, with Eugene creating a path using his Sword Qi.
• Mel escapes, but is immediately apprehended by the Church and Imperial Knights due to potential Dark Spirit influence.

Character Developments

• Mel demonstrates quick thinking and resourcefulness under pressure, using his magic to create openings for Eugene's attacks.
• Eugene shows unwavering commitment to protecting Mel, even when facing an unknown, powerful enemy.

Significant Themes

• The power of collaboration and trust between characters is crucial for survival.
• The threat of dark magic and spirits, and the need for light magic to counter it.

Character Interactions

• Mel and Eugene work together to escape the arena, showing mutual respect and trust.
• Mel is apprehended by the Church and Imperial Knights, highlighting their suspicion and fear of the dark spirit's influence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A Dark Spirit, having taken over Ye Ke Darian's body, threatens the Imperial City.
• Church personnel struggle to contain the Dark Spirit, with the Old Sword Saint providing support.
• The church seeks the help of the Bishop, Fisia, and Alice, a Light Magic prodigy from the Royal Academy.

Character Developments

• Mel, realizing the severity of the situation, decides to flee the city to avoid danger.
• Little White resolves to study Light Magic more diligently to help Mel and others in need.

Significant Themes

• The power of Light Magic and its rarity.
• The struggle against overwhelming darkness and danger.
• The importance of preparation and continuous learning.

Character Interactions

• Mel interacts with the church personnel, seeking permission to leave the city.
• Mel meets Claire and Liberia, explaining the situation and seeking Little White's help with Light Magic.
• Little White reassures Mel of her determination to study Light Magic.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Claire aims to evacuate Bernardo Merchant Guild members from the Imperial City.
• Elf King Froddal appears, offering to use pure Light attribute magic to dispel the mist, but requires all of Liberia's magic power.
• The Light magic temporarily dispels the mist, giving Eugene Sword Saint an opportunity to attack, but the Dark Spirit quickly recovers.
• Mel, Liberia, and Claire escape the city using Elf King Audley, but encounter a magic barrier at the gate.
• After leaving the city, Principal Mendel, Alice, and Fisia arrive to help, using Light Magic to suppress the Dark Spirit.

Character Developments

• Claire demonstrates her responsibility and strategic thinking in ensuring the safety of her guild members.
• Liberia shows bravery and selflessness by offering all her magic power to Elf King Froddal.
• Mel displays quick thinking and resourcefulness in handling the situation and ensuring their escape.
• Alice and Fisia exhibit unity and determination in using their Light Magic to help suppress the Dark Spirit.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork and Unity: Characters work together to achieve a common goal, whether it's evacuating the city or suppressing the Dark Spirit.
• Bravery and Selflessness: Characters like Liberia and Alice show courage in the face of danger and are willing to put themselves at risk to help others.
• Responsibility: Claire feels responsible for the safety of her guild members and takes action to ensure their evacuation.

Character Interactions

• Claire and Mel: The two work together, with Claire making strategic decisions and Mel handling the practical aspects of their escape.
• Liberia and Elf King Froddal: Liberia trusts Froddal enough to give him all her magic power, while Froddal sincerely accepts her power and uses it to help.
• Alice and Fisia: The two work together to cast Light Magic, showing unity and determination in the face of danger.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An unsettling atmosphere and intense magic power are sensed at the Academy Competition grounds in the Imperial City.
• The Bishop from the Southern Church and his team from the Kingdom of Exar are participating in the competition. They discuss the mission to assassinate the Prince of Exar, which has been completed.
• The Bishop and his students discuss the differences in quality of life between the Gard Empire and the Kingdom of Exar, highlighting the severe exploitation of commoners by nobles in the Gard Empire.

Character Developments

• The Bishop from the Southern Church shows foresight and concern for the future of the Church, fearing it might become corrupt like the nobility.
• The students show obedience and confusion regarding the Bishop's worries about the Church's future.

Significant Themes

• Power and Corruption: The Bishop worries about the Church's future, fearing it might become corrupt like the nobility.
• Exploitation of Commoners: The conversation between the Bishop and his students highlights the severe exploitation of commoners by nobles in the Gard Empire.
• Stability and Collapse of Governments: The Bishop discusses the potential sudden collapse of the Gard Empire due to its lack of reform and the commoners' unbearable suffering.

Character Interactions

• The Bishop interacts with his students, showing concern for their well-being and guiding their understanding of the Church's mission and the world's political landscape.
• The students interact with the Bishop, showing obedience and seeking his guidance and reassurance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Gard Empire's situation is dire, similar to Exar's past turmoil.
• A Dark Spirit, a dangerous magical creature, has escaped and is threatening the Gard Imperial City.
• The Emperor of Gard seeks help from a Southern Bishop, known for his proficiency in Light Magic, to subdue the Dark Spirit.

Character Developments

• The Bishop from the Southern Church shows reluctance to involve himself in Gard's affairs initially but agrees to help after understanding the severity of the situation.
• The Archbishop of the Northern Church and the Emperor's representative display urgency and desperation in their requests for help.

Significant Themes

• Power Struggles: The tension between the Church and the Empire, as well as the struggle for influence among different churches and sects.
• Desperation and Necessity: Characters acting out of desperation to prevent further destruction and chaos.
• Knowledge and Control: The dissemination of knowledge and the control of information, particularly religious teachings.

Character Interactions

• The Bishop from the South and the Archbishop of the North interact, with the Archbishop seeking the Bishop's help to contain the Dark Spirit.
• The Emperor's representative and the Bishop discuss the nature of the Dark Spirit and the urgency of the situation.
• The Bishop interacts with Exar students, who recognize his proficiency in Light Magic.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Southern Sect Leader arrives at the beast-fighting arena and sees the Dark Spirit's mist.
• Alice and Fisia, two powerful magic users, attempt to dispel the mist but struggle due to their lower levels.
• The Southern Sect Leader uses a powerful Light Magic spell to dispel the mist, allowing the Sword Saint and Principal Mendel to attack the Dark Spirit-possessed Ye Ke Darian.
• The Dark Spirit reveals unexpected power, sending the Sword Saint and Principal Mendel flying, and attempts to escape.

Character Developments

• The Southern Sect Leader demonstrates his powerful Light Magic skills.
• Alice and Fisia show their determination and teamwork in facing the Dark Spirit.
• The Sword Saint and Principal Mendel exhibit their strength but are overwhelmed by the Dark Spirit's power.

Significant Themes

• The struggle against overwhelming power (the Dark Spirit vs. the heroes).
• Teamwork and unity in facing adversity (Alice, Fisia, the Southern Sect Leader, Sword Saint, and Principal Mendel).
• The importance of high-level magic users in critical situations.

Character Interactions

• Alice and Fisia support each other and work together to dispel the mist.
• The Southern Sect Leader, Sword Saint, and Principal Mendel coordinate their attacks against the Dark Spirit.
• The Dark Spirit manipulates Ye Ke Darian, showcasing its intelligence and cunning.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Old Sword Saint and Principal Mendel struggle against Ye Ke Darian, now possessed by a Dark Spirit.
• Ye Ke Darian's power surges, and he phases into a spirit form, making him harder to defeat.
• Guweiste, an Archmage from Exar, arrives and blocks Ye Ke Darian's attack, saving the Sword Saint.
• Guweiste reveals she's there to study the Dark Spirit and offers to suppress it for further research.

Character Developments

• The Old Sword Saint shows signs of aging and fatigue during the battle.
• Ye Ke Darian's consciousness is trapped within his own body, struggling against the Dark Spirit's control.
• Guweiste demonstrates her immense power and calm demeanor, showing no signs of strain despite facing a powerful dark entity.

Significant Themes

• Aging and Mortality: The Sword Saint's struggle highlights the theme of aging and the inevitable decline of physical abilities.
• Power and Control: The Dark Spirit's manipulation of Ye Ke Darian explores the theme of power and control, both over oneself and others.
• Research and Ethics: Guweiste's desire to study the Dark Spirit raises questions about the ethics of research and the potential consequences of pursuing knowledge.

Character Interactions

• The Sword Saint and Mendel work together to fight Ye Ke Darian, showing a level of trust and camaraderie.
• Guweiste's arrival changes the dynamic, as she takes charge and asserts her authority, relieving the others of the burden of fighting the Dark Spirit.
• Guweiste's calm demeanor contrasts with the others' struggle, highlighting her power and confidence.