Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Archmage Guweiste, a Hall of Fame class mage, easily suppresses the Dark Spirit and Yeck Darian, demonstrating strength close to a Legendary Class individual.
• The Dark Spirit attempts to bewitch and control Eugene Sword Saint and others, but Guweiste intervenes.
• Guweiste seals the Dark Spirit and removes it from Yeck Darian's body.
• The Academy Competition arena is severely damaged, and the event likely cannot continue.

Character Developments

• Archmage Guweiste: Proves her immense power and confidence, displaying her status as the strongest Archmage alive.
• Eugene Sword Saint: Shows resilience against the Dark Spirit's bewitchment but decides not to interfere with Guweiste's sealing process.
• Yeck Darian: Unconscious and restrained after the Dark Spirit's removal.

Significant Themes

• Power Disparity: The extreme gap in magic power between Guweiste and the others is emphasized, highlighting the significance of one's class and level in this world.
• Bewitchment and Control: The Dark Spirit's ability to manipulate and control others is explored, raising questions about free will and resistance against such powers.

Character Interactions

• Guweiste and Eugene Sword Saint: The Archmage shows respect for the Sword Saint's strength but is not concerned about his potential bewitchment.
• Guweiste and Mel: They discuss the strength of Archmages, with Guweiste expressing her confidence in being the strongest alive.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Archmage Guweiste reveals her immense power and growth, surprising Mel.
• They return to the manor outside the Imperial City, and Mel questions Guweiste's rapid growth.
• Guweiste shares that she has a blessing that increases her magic power's purity infinitely over time.
• Mel discusses his steam train project and his intention to research runes, seeking Guweiste's guidance.
• Meanwhile, the Emperor in the Imperial City discusses the recent events with his guardian, suspecting that he might be the true target.

Character Developments

• Mel: Shows curiosity and determination to learn from Guweiste, revealing his ambition to improve himself.
• Archmage Guweiste: Reveals her unique blessing, showing humility in accepting Mel as her half-disciple.
• The Emperor: Shows caution and political acumen, suspecting a plot against him.

Significant Themes

• Power and Growth: The rapid growth of Archmage Guweiste's power and Mel's ambition to improve himself.
• Trust and Suspicion: The Emperor's suspicion of a plot against him and Guweiste's trust in Mel.
• Knowledge and Learning: Mel's desire to learn runes from Guweiste and the Emperor's guardian's knowledge of the political landscape.

Character Interactions

• Mel and Guweiste: Mel questions Guweiste about her power, and she reveals her blessing, agreeing to teach him runes.
• The Emperor and his Guardian: The Emperor discusses the recent events with his guardian, seeking his advice.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Academy Competition venue is moved to the Royal Academy's practice grounds.
• Mel is interested in the Magic Crystal prize, unsure if it will still be awarded.
• Mel seeks help from the Bernardo Merchant Guild but avoids the Truth Society.

Character Developments

• Mel reflects on his confidence and realizes he has become complacent due to his rapid growth.
• Mel acknowledges his magic power shortcomings and focuses on improving his Intelligence.
• Archmage Guweiste offers to help Mel complete his courses quickly and introduces him to advanced magic subjects.

Significant Themes

• Magic Power Factors: The chapter explores the concept of magic power factors as the basic unit of magic power, which humans can't observe.
• Growth and Complacency: Mel's rapid growth leads to complacency, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and improvement.
• Advanced Magic Knowledge: The chapter emphasizes the existence of cutting-edge disciplines in magic, beyond what Mel has learned so far.

Character Interactions

• Mel interacts with Archmage Guweiste, who provides guidance and offers to help him advance his studies.
• Mel considers seeking help from the Bernardo Merchant Guild but decides against involving the Truth Society.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mel learns about magic coins, their value, and usage among high-level mages.
• Archmage Guweiste offers to teach Mel Runic Studies for a month, and then for the next two years.
• Mel mentions his Master Kiriri, who hasn't been in contact for a long time due to her being in the harsh Northern Snowfield.
• Mel and Archmage Guweiste discuss flight magic, with Guweiste sharing her experiences with the Winged people and Sky Islands.
• Mel decides to visit the Northern Snowfield, Forest of Elves, and Winged People Sky Island in the future.
• Mel realizes the importance of his Intelligence stat points when he resets them, leading to a slower thinking process.

Character Developments

• Mel: Shows curiosity and determination to learn, especially about flight magic and Sky Islands. He also demonstrates concern for his Master, Kiriri.
• Archmage Guweiste: Reveals her extensive knowledge and experiences, including her research on flight magic and interactions with the Winged people. She shows a more relaxed and approachable side, offering to teach Mel.

Significant Themes

• The value and usage of magic coins among high-level mages.
• The challenges and dangers of the Northern Snowfield and other harsh environments.
• The pursuit of knowledge and research, even when faced with difficulties or lack of understanding.

Character Interactions

• Mel and Archmage Guweiste engage in a conversation about various topics, including magic coins, flight magic, and Sky Islands. Their interaction is informative and collaborative, with Guweiste sharing her knowledge and Mel asking questions and expressing his thoughts.
• Mel's internal monologue reveals his concerns for Kiriri and his determination to pursue his interests in flight magic and Sky Islands, despite the challenges involved.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mel receives a purple crystal from Archmage Guweiste that can suppress curses.
• Mel decides to use the crystal later, after learning more about curse development.
• Mel plans to take her exams early with Guweiste's help, focusing on three difficult courses in two years.
• Mel decides to increase her level to gain more stat points, particularly for Intelligence.

Character Developments

• Mel shows gratitude and responsibility in handling the crystal.
• Mel demonstrates strategic thinking in managing her curse and studies.
• Guweiste shows care and support for Mel's well-being and academic progress.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strategic planning and resource management (Mel's approach to her curse and studies).
• The value of mentorship and guidance (Guweiste's support for Mel).

Character Interactions

• Mel and Guweiste have a productive and supportive exchange about Mel's studies and future plans.
• Guweiste shows concern for Liberia's adaptation to the outside world.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Guweiste, an Archmage, is researching magic regression, a process where a person's magic power factors mutate.
• She discovers that this phenomenon only occurs in geniuses and has historical ties to humans attempting to reproduce with monsters to improve their family bloodlines.
• Guweiste suspects that Xi Edw, a red-haired girl from House Edw, might be in a similar situation, suggesting demon ancestry.
• Mel, a young man living in the manor, completes his daily swordsmanship practice and takes a bath, reflecting on his physical growth and future aspirations as a thief and assassin.

Character Developments

• Guweiste: She is portrayed as a dedicated and intelligent Archmage, delving into the secrets of magic regression and human-demon ancestry.
• Mel: Mel shows maturity and self-awareness, understanding his physical limitations and the importance of flexibility and reaction speed for a thief. He also expresses ambition to solo kill sub-dragon species monsters in the future.

Significant Themes

• Magic and Genetics: The chapter explores the connection between magic power, genetics, and ancestry, suggesting that magic talent can be inherited from demon bloodlines.
• Ambition and Aspiration: Both Guweiste and Mel display ambition—Guweiste in her research, and Mel in his desire to improve his skills and take on stronger monsters.

Character Interactions

• Guweiste and Mel: Guweiste subtly advises Mel to build a good relationship with Mayeg, hinting at the latter's valuable knowledge.
• Mel and Claire/Liberia: Mel interacts with Claire and Liberia, although briefly, as they are also preparing to take a bath after a hot day.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Meyeg and Mel have dinner together.
• Meyeg shares her experiences of eating in the cursed land, contrasting it with the food she enjoys in the outside world.
• Meyeg explains that the language of the cursed land is similar but not identical to the outside world's language.
• Meyeg gives Mel a book she compiled to help him learn the language of the cursed land.

Character Developments

• Meyeg: Shows her love for good food, reveals her past experiences in the cursed land, and demonstrates her dedication to facilitating communication between the inner and outer worlds.
• Mel: Shows interest in learning the language of the cursed land, indicating his curiosity and willingness to adapt.

Significant Themes

• Communication and Understanding: The struggle to understand and communicate with people from a different world or culture.
• Cultural Exchange: The exchange of knowledge and experiences between Meyeg and Mel, representing the potential exchange between the cursed land and the outside world.
• Adaptation: Both characters show a willingness to adapt to new situations and learn new things.

Character Interactions

• Meyeg and Mel have a cordial conversation over dinner, with Meyeg opening up about her past and Mel showing genuine interest in learning about the cursed land's language and culture.
• Meyeg feels a sense of closeness to Mel, possibly due to their shared experiences of adapting to new worlds.
• Mel is cautious about using Chinese, hinting at a potential connection to the Unification King but also a desire to maintain a low profile.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mel realizes learning new languages is challenging but manageable.
• Meyeg, a genius maiden, visits Mel late at night, suspecting he's not a native of this world due to his knowledge of ancient magic.
• Liberia and Claire witness Meyeg's visit, leading to misunderstandings and jealousy.

Character Developments

• Mel remains secretive about his origins and keeps his distance from potential suitors.
• Liberia and Claire acknowledge their feelings for Mel and decide to share him, strengthening their friendship.
• Meyeg shows curiosity and suspicion towards Mel's background.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and loyalty (Liberia and Claire's bond)
• Trust and suspicion (Mel's guardedness, Meyeg's curiosity)
• Jealousy and competition (potential suitors for Mel)

Character Interactions

• Mel and Meyeg: Tense and guarded, with Meyeg suspecting Mel's origins.
• Liberia and Claire: Strengthen their friendship, acknowledging their shared feelings for Mel.
• Potential suitors (Elena, Felicia, Xi Edw, etc.): Jealousy and competition hinted at, with Claire warning Liberia about them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mel has mastered Level 20 Swordsman skill [Drawing Sword Slash] and two out of four Level 20 mage skills: [Void Ball] and [Fire Shield].
• Mel struggles to master [Attribute Conversion], while Liberia, despite having nine elemental affinities, also finds it challenging.
• Mel plans to research [Void Ball] to create flight magic and decides to grind Minotaurs using [Minotaur Summon] skill.
• Mel and Claire discuss building a test track for the train at the manor.

Character Developments

• Mel continues to master skills and plans for future advancements, showing dedication and strategic thinking.
• Claire shows initiative in finding Mel and discussing the train's progress.

Significant Themes

• Skill mastery and its challenges, especially with [Attribute Conversion].
• Strategic planning and preparation for future advancements (e.g., researching [Void Ball] and planning for Minotaur grinding).
• Collaboration and communication between Mel and Claire.

Character Interactions

• Mel and Claire interact professionally, with Claire seeking Mel's input on the train's assembly site and Mel providing feedback on the track design.
• Mel and the Archmage (mentioned but not present) have a history of Mel seeking the Archmage's guidance for skill mastery.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mel and Claire discuss investing in a train project, with Mel keeping a low profile to avoid Church resistance.
• Mel learns that the Kingdom of Kren, known for its slave trade, won the Academy Competition with a team led by a teacher named Milo, who used innovative tactics to defeat a team including a young Hero.
• Mel expresses interest in meeting Milo and potentially recruiting him for the Bernardo Merchant Guild.

Character Developments

• Mel: Shows interest in Milo, potentially seeing him as a key figure in preventing future events and recruiting him for the guild.
• Claire: Provides information about the Academy Competition and Milo, showing her knowledge of political and academic affairs.

Significant Themes

• Contrasts and Contradictions: The Kingdom of Kren's inclusive attitude towards Demi-humans contrasts with its prosperous slave trade.
• Power and Influence: The Academy Competition highlights the power dynamics between different academies and the influence of key figures like Milo.
• Secrecy and Caution: Mel keeps his true intentions and knowledge hidden, acting cautiously to avoid drawing unwanted attention.

Character Interactions

• Mel and Claire: They discuss business and political matters, with Claire providing information and Mel expressing his thoughts and plans.
• Mel and Milo (implied): Mel expresses a strong interest in meeting Milo, potentially leading to a significant interaction in the future.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Claire considers inviting Milo, a scholar from the Kingdom of Kren, to join the Bernardo Merchant Guild.
• A steam train is assembled and tested, marking a significant technological advancement.
• Plans are made for train stations and railway routes, considering the involvement of various nobles.

Character Developments

• Claire demonstrates decisive action and strategic thinking in arranging the steam train's assembly and testing.
• Mel shows interest in Milo's intelligence and potential contributions to the merchant guild.
• The Dwarf artisans exhibit expertise and dedication in constructing the steam train.

Significant Themes

• Technological progress and its impact on society and commerce.
• The power dynamics between the Church, the imperial family, and nobles.
• The importance of strategic alliances and partnerships, as seen in Claire's consideration of inviting Milo.

Character Interactions

• Claire and Mel discuss the potential benefits of inviting Milo to join their guild.
• Mel interacts with the Dwarf artisans, expressing interest in their work and asking about the train's capabilities.
• The Dwarf artisans voice their concerns about the train's endurance and maintenance, demonstrating their commitment to their work.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mel begins testing the steam engine-powered train, emphasizing simplicity to minimize issues.
• He realizes he must design magic circuits for sound transmission between train compartments.
• Mel considers future improvements like digital-analog signal conversion but fears attracting divine attention.
• Claire introduces Milo, a magical engineering scholar, to Mel.

Character Developments

• Mel: Shows expertise in practical magical engineering, considering future improvements, and fears divine intervention.
• Milo: Initially overwhelmed by the train's speed and size, feels inferior but also fortunate to meet a potential peer in magical engineering.

Significant Themes

• The balance between practical application and theoretical research in magical engineering.
• The fear of divine intervention and the hoarding of knowledge by gods.
• The struggle between personal ambition and familial responsibility (Milo).

Character Interactions

• Mel and Milo's first meeting is interrupted by the passing train, captivating Milo's attention.
• Milo feels a mix of inferiority and fortune upon meeting Mel, who seems to recognize his talent.
• Claire acts as the intermediary, introducing Milo to Mel.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Milo is invited to join the Bernardo Merchant Guild by Mel, who shows him the blueprints of a steam engine.
• Mel offers Milo a high salary and housing for him and his family, which Milo accepts.
• Mel sends escorts to bring Milo's family to Gald safely, expressing concern for Milo's wife's safety.

Character Developments

• Milo shows interest in the steam engine design and accepts Mel's offer, demonstrating his ambition and eagerness to advance in his field.
• Mel displays his business acumen and strategic thinking in inviting Milo and ensuring his family's safety.

Significant Themes

• The power of wealth and influence, as demonstrated by the Bernardo Merchant Guild's ability to attract and secure talent.
• The importance of family, as seen in Mel's concern for Milo's wife and Milo's eagerness to bring his family to Gald.

Character Interactions

• Mel and Milo: Mel successfully recruits Milo, showing Mel's persuasive skills and Milo's ambition and trust in Mel.
• Mel and Claire: Mel tasks Claire with escorting Milo's family, showing his consideration for Milo's safety and well-being.
• Milo and Mel: Milo is impressed by the steam engine design and Mel's offer, demonstrating his eagerness to advance in his field and his trust in Mel.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mel finalizes designs for steam train carriages with local artisans, emphasizing space for future modifications.
• Mel decides to return to the Academy to complete his exams before focusing on estate management.
• The First Princess, Pelo, requests Mel's audience, revealing her intention to support him in exchange for his assistance in her bid for the throne.
• Pelo guarantees the completion of railway construction between the Imperial City and the Royal Academy before November if Mel agrees to support her.

Character Developments

• Mel: Shows maturity and strategic thinking in dealing with the First Princess, prioritizing his goals and avoiding direct confrontation.
• Pelo: Demonstrates a more magnanimous and less malicious attitude than in the original story, focusing on Mel's potential and offering support without immediate threats.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political alliances, with Mel navigating his relationships with the Royal Family and the Bernardo Merchant Guild.
• The impact of Mel's actions on the story's trajectory, with changes in Pelo's character and actions.

Character Interactions

• Mel and Pelo: Their interaction reveals Pelo's newfound respect for Mel's potential and her desire to form an alliance, while Mel remains cautious and calculating.
• Mel and his friends (Kain, Basaka, Lily): They catch up on Mel's recent activities and discuss his plans for the steam train and the Academy's commercial street.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mel considers aligning with the First Princess to facilitate his railway project, as it requires royal support and controlled resources like steel.
• The First Princess offers Mel a deal: she'll support his project if he helps her gather information about Ye Ke Darian, a political prisoner.
• Mel agrees, but warns the Princess to be patient regarding her ambitions for the throne.

Character Developments

• Mel: Shows strategic thinking and political acumen, understanding the need for royal support and the potential consequences of aligning with the Princess.
• First Princess Pelo: Reveals her ambition and ruthlessness, showing willingness to use Mel for her own purposes and understanding the power dynamics of the royal court.

Significant Themes

• Power and politics: The chapter explores the complex power dynamics of the royal court, with Mel navigating the political landscape to advance his goals.
• Ambition vs. patience: The Princess's impatience contrasts with Mel's advice to wait, highlighting the tension between immediate gains and long-term strategies.

Character Interactions

• Mel and the First Princess: Their interaction is tense yet cooperative, with each trying to gain an advantage in their alliance. Mel is cautious, while the Princess is assertive.
• Mel and the Archmage Clili: Though not present, the Archmage's influence is felt, with the Princess valuing Mel's connection to him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The First Princess announces her intention to run for Student Council President.
• Mel learns about the other candidates: Mephisto Hila, Xi Edw, and Claire.
• Claire reveals her intention to use the position for profit and expansion of the Bernardo Merchant Guild.
• Xi Edw expresses her desire to run despite doubts about her suitability.
• Mel declines Xi Edw's invitation to spar, citing his preference for using his dagger only against true enemies.

Character Developments

• The First Princess shows interest in the highest student position at the Academy, not for any particular reason but out of curiosity.
• Claire demonstrates her ambition and strategic thinking by running for the position to benefit her family's merchant guild.
• Xi Edw displays her impulsive and aggressive nature, determined to run despite the challenges and lack of support.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and power dynamics within the Academy.
• The tension between personal desires and the responsibilities of leadership.
• The role of student organizations and their influence on elections.

Character Interactions

• Mel and the First Princess discuss her plans to run for Student Council President.
• Mel meets with Claire, who reveals her intentions and seeks his support.
• Mel visits the Lionheart Society's territory and interacts with Xi Edw, who expresses her desire to run and challenges him to a spar.
• Mel declines Xi Edw's challenge, highlighting his cautious and strategic approach to combat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mel travels to Allenwen Territory after leaving the Academy.
• Upon arrival, Mel observes the local customs, traditions, and geography.
• Mel enters Allenwen, the small town near the Darian family's fortress, and interacts with locals.
• Mel visits a tavern, orders honey wine, and learns about the local cuisine.

Character Developments

• Mel demonstrates adaptability and curiosity, blending in with locals while gathering information.
• The maiden in the tavern shows hospitality and knowledge of local dishes.

Significant Themes

• Exploration and discovery of new places.
• Cultural differences between major cities and rural territories.
• The importance of local customs and cuisine.

Character Interactions

• Mel interacts with guards at the gate, asking about the tavern.
• Mel converses with the tavern maiden, learning about local dishes and the absence of mint.
• Mel engages with other drinkers and gamblers in the tavern.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mel, a skilled chef and thief, arrives in Allenwen and stays at a tavern.
• He notices a local thief attempting to break into his room but doesn't confront him.
• The next morning, Mel discovers that the thief entered his room but found nothing to steal.

Character Developments

• Mel: Shows his keen observation skills, noticing the thief's presence and actions without alerting him. He also demonstrates his ability to sleep deeply, which could be seen as a form of self-defense.
• The Thief: Reveals his professional skills in lockpicking and searching, but also shows caution in not wanting to cause conflict or steal from locals.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Safety: Mel's actions, such as placing a mark on the door, highlight his need for safety and trust in his surroundings.
• Professionalism: Both Mel and the thief display professional skills in their respective fields, with Mel's culinary skills mentioned earlier and the thief's lockpicking skills here.

Character Interactions

• Mel and the Tavern Maiden: They have a brief interaction where Mel asks about his room's security and the maiden assures him no one entered.
• Mel and the Thief: They have an indirect interaction, with Mel aware of the thief's presence but choosing not to confront him, and the thief unaware of Mel's awareness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mel, without drinking alcohol, leaves Allenwen early in the morning to visit a mill in the countryside.
• Mel observes the miller's children at work and offers candy to a curious child.
• The child shares the candy with their sister, who is initially suspicious but then thanks Mel.
• The miller's daughter reveals that they've heard rumors about Lord Darian's son causing trouble.
• Mel learns about a well-informed local named Deli and asks the children to take them to him, but the miller intervenes and refuses.
• Mel leaves, asking the miller to take care of their horse.
• The miller scolds his children for interacting with Mel and decides to send his son to an artisan as an apprentice.
• The miller allows his children to ride the horses in the stable.

Character Developments

• Mel: Shows kindness and patience in interacting with children, demonstrating a desire to gather information discreetly.
• Miller's children: The children show curiosity and honesty, while the daughter displays caution and concern for her brother's well-being.
• Miller: Initially wary of Mel, he scolds his children for interacting with them and expresses a desire to provide a better future for his son.

Significant Themes

• The innocence and honesty of children versus the caution and wariness of adults.
• The struggle between honesty and dishonesty, as seen in the miller's past actions and his desire to protect his children from a similar path.
• The power dynamics between nobles and commoners, with the miller being cautious about involving his family in noble affairs.

Character Interactions

• Mel interacts with the miller's children, using candy as a tool to gain their trust and gather information.
• The miller's children interact with each other, showing sibling affection and concern.
• The miller interacts with his children, displaying both sternness and care, particularly in his desire to provide a better future for his son.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mel returns to the tavern in the morning, seeking information about Deli.
• Deli, a known thief, is spotted observing the tavern and flees when Mel approaches.
• Mel chases Deli through Allenwen, eventually cornering him in the jungle.
• Deli confesses to trying to steal from Mel but denies taking anything.
• Mel questions Deli about the local lord and his son, Yeck Darian.

Character Developments

• Mel demonstrates his determination and skill in pursuit, catching Deli despite the latter's superior speed and local knowledge.
• Deli shows remorse for his actions and cooperates once caught, indicating a level of fear and self-preservation.

Significant Themes

• Pursuit and capture: Mel's relentless chase highlights his determination and the inevitability of Deli's capture.
• Fear and self-preservation: Deli's actions are driven by fear of punishment, leading him to cooperate once caught.

Character Interactions

• Mel and Deli: Mel's pursuit and eventual capture of Deli lead to a tense interaction where Deli confesses his attempted theft and provides information about Yeck Darian.
• Mel and the tavern maiden: The tavern maiden identifies Deli for Mel, setting the chase in motion.