Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Deli, the little thief, reveals the tragic past of Ye Ke Darian's mother under Mel's intimidation.
• Ye Ke Darian's mother was assaulted by the lord, had no legal status, and was later abused as a concubine. She eventually committed suicide.
• Mel learns that the lord's legitimate wife and Ye Ke Darian's mother are buried separately. The former is in the cemetery, while the latter is on a remote mountain.
• Mel plans to exhume the bodies to investigate further.

Character Developments

• Deli: Initially reluctant to help, he becomes cooperative after being offered money by Mel.
• Mel: Shows determination to uncover the truth, using intimidation and bribery to gather information.
• The Corpse Handler: Reluctant to share information at first but eventually reveals the burial locations of the lord's wives.

Significant Themes

• Social Inequality: The lord's abuse of power and the lack of rights for commoners are highlighted.
• Corruption of Power: The lord's actions and the lack of consequences for his misdeeds suggest a corrupt system.
• Motherly Love vs. Suicide: Ye Ke Darian's mother's willingness to endure abuse to protect her son, yet ultimately taking her own life, raises questions about her motivations and the extent of her suffering.

Character Interactions

• Mel and Deli: Mel intimidates and bribes Deli to gain information, while Deli is initially reluctant but becomes cooperative after being offered money.
• Deli and the Corpse Handler: Deli asks about the burial locations, while the Corpse Handler is initially reluctant to share information but eventually does so.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mel and Deli investigate the graves of Yeck Darian's mother and the lord's wife.
• They discover that the lord's wife was poisoned, suggesting foul play.
• Mel examines Yeck Darian's mother's body and finds signs of a possible suicide by hanging.
• Mel resurrects the undead to gather more information.

Character Developments

• Mel demonstrates his necromantic skills and dedication to uncovering the truth.
• Deli shows caution and concern for his own safety, but remains cooperative due to the payment received.

Significant Themes

• The corrupt and abusive nature of the lord and his family.
• The power dynamics between the nobility and the common people.
• The use of necromancy to uncover truths and seek justice.

Character Interactions

• Mel and Deli work together to investigate the graves, with Deli providing local knowledge and assistance.
• Mel interacts with the undead woman's spirit, learning about her tragic past.
• Mel reflects on the information he's gathered, considering Yeck Darian's knowledge of his mother's past.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mel investigates Ye Ke Darian's grave, taking a bone with him.
• Mel lingers in Allenwen for a week, attracting the attention of the local lord's son.
• Mel is invited to the lord's castle to investigate Ye Ke's room.
• Mel discovers that Ye Ke was an illegitimate son who loved reading and had a small, neat room.
• Mel learns that both Ye Ke's mother and the lord's mother died, with rumors suggesting poisoning and suicide.
• Mel is escorted out of the castle but plans to investigate a nearby stone mountain.

Character Developments

• Mel shows calmness under pressure, determination in his investigation, and keen observational skills.
• The local lord's son appears arrogant and confident, while the lord is furious and quick to anger.

Significant Themes

• Investigation and uncovering the truth.
• Social status and inequality (legitimate vs. illegitimate children).
• The impact of past actions on the present.

Character Interactions

• Mel interacts with the local lord's son, who is initially arrogant but becomes humble when facing Mel's calm demeanor.
• Mel interacts with the local lord, who becomes angry upon hearing Mel's questions about his mother's death.
• Mel's investigation leads him to consider the perspective of Ye Ke Darian, the illegitimate son who lived in a cramped room and had a love for reading.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mel discovers a sun smile pattern stone carving in Allenwen Territory, with no other clues.
• He returns to the Royal Academy and reports to Princess Pelo.
• A week later, Princess Pelo summons Mel, informing him about the deaths of the Lord and his son in Allenwen Territory, ruled as dark magic.
• Mel is tasked with preparing for the railway's official operation.

Character Developments

• Mel remains expressionless and unemotional, showing no signs of guilt or involvement in the nobles' deaths.
• Yeck Darian, imprisoned and tortured, reveals his desire to make a name for himself and his mother's wish, thanking Mel before his death.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and class struggle: Mel's lack of reverence for nobles and his cooperation with commoners hint at underlying societal tensions.
• The pursuit of revenge and personal goals: Yeck Darian's actions are driven by his desire to fulfill his mother's wish and seek revenge.

Character Interactions

• Mel and Princess Pelo: Their relationship remains cooperative but tense, with Princess Pelo suspecting Mel of involvement in the nobles' deaths.
• Mel and Yeck Darian: Mel visits Yeck Darian in prison, where the latter expresses gratitude towards Mel before his death.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mel, dedicated to skill cultivation, masters various curse arts, Magic Armor, and learns new skills like [Elemental Conversion] and [Minotaur Summon].
• He prepares for the train's inaugural run, reducing the carriages to two for a smooth demonstration to the Emperor.
• The Emperor is set to attend the opening ceremony, bringing significant risk and opportunity.

Character Developments

• Mel shows impatience and anxiety about the Emperor's visit, revealing his high stakes in the train's success.
• Milo, initially calm, becomes nervous upon learning about the Emperor's attendance.

Significant Themes

• Preparation and Anxiety: Mel's meticulous preparation contrasts with his anxiety about the Emperor's visit, highlighting the importance of this event.
• Opportunity and Risk: The Emperor's attendance brings both potential benefits (support, promotion) and risks (failure, embarrassment).

Character Interactions

• Mel and Milo interact briefly, with Milo showing understanding and concern for Mel's nervousness.
• A Dwarf Artisan approaches Mel, hinting at a possible issue or update regarding the train.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mel's train is ready for the Emperor's inspection.
• The train is equipped with a fire-attribute magic stone for heating, not charcoal.
• Mel's magic engineering teacher and Milo, a poached genius, arrive.
• The old nun, Lily's master, and Eugene, the Sword Saint, board the train.
• The Emperor arrives with a entourage, including nobles and high-ranking officials.
• Everyone boards the train, with the Emperor accompanied by Eugene.

Character Developments

• Mel shows confidence in his design and dedication to improving people's lives.
• Milo reveals he left the Kren Royal Magic Academy due to lack of appreciation for his talent.
• The Emperor is introduced as proud and arrogant, lacking a 'kingly aura'.

Significant Themes

• The importance of caution and thorough preparation in Mel's work.
• The lack of recognition and appreciation for talent, as seen in Milo's experience.
• The Emperor's pride and arrogance, contrasting with Mel's humility.

Character Interactions

• Mel interacts with his magic engineering teacher and Milo, discussing their shared passion.
• Mel greets Lily's master, the old nun, and banters with Eugene.
• The Emperor is escorted onto the train by specialized guides, with Mel observing him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group boards the train with Emperor Gard, the First Princess, and key nobles, including Marquis Edwen and his daughter Xi Edwen, Duke Darian and his daughter Elena, and Claire with her teacher Liberia.
• The train gradually picks up speed, and Marquis Edwen loses sight of Xi Edwen, causing him concern.
• Xi Edwen is found near the front of the carriage, interacting with Elena Darian, whom she dislikes.
• Xi Edwen is reprimanded by her father for potentially causing trouble in front of the Emperor.

Character Developments

• Xi Edwen demonstrates her fiery and spirited personality, clashing with Elena Darian.
• Marquis Edwen shows concern for Xi Edwen's behavior, fearing trouble in front of the Emperor.
• Duke Darian expresses regret that his daughter, Elena, is not more lively like Xi Edwen.

Significant Themes

• Nobility and social hierarchy: The nobles' seating arrangements and interactions reflect their social status and power dynamics.
• Family and expectations: Marquis Edwen's concern for Xi Edwen's behavior highlights the expectations placed on nobles' children, while Duke Darian's regret about Elena's personality shows the pressure to meet family and societal expectations.
• Personal growth and self-discovery: Xi Edwen's lively and spirited nature contrasts with Elena's more reserved demeanor, suggesting different paths to personal growth and self-discovery.

Character Interactions

• Xi Edwen and Elena Darian: Their interaction highlights their contrasting personalities and the tension between them.
• Marquis Edwen and Xi Edwen: Their interaction shows the Marquis's concern and frustration with Xi Edwen's behavior.
• Duke Darian and Elena: Their interaction reveals the Duke's regret about Elena's personality and his desire for her to be more lively.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Emperor, his former teacher (Sister Crabel), and other dignitaries travel by train to Garde Imperial City.
• The Emperor expresses concern about Lily's abilities and the pressure of carrying the Crabel name.
• Two powerful individuals observe the train but decide not to act due to its unknown magical engineering.
• The First Princess, Pelo Garde, makes the first broadcast announcement on the train's system.
• The Emperor is impressed by the train's speed but grows concerned about his daughter Pelo's political maneuvering.

Character Developments

• The Emperor: Shows care for his former teacher's health, reveals his strategic mind, and expresses concern about his daughter's political ambitions.
• Sister Crabel: Acknowledges her declining health, expresses affection for her junior disciple (Lily), and understands the pressure of carrying the Crabel name.
• First Princess Pelo Garde: Demonstrates her ambition and political acumen by making the first broadcast announcement.

Significant Themes

• Pressure and expectations of living up to a famous name (Lily and the Crabel surname).
• The power of strategic thinking and adaptability (the Emperor's reaction to the train's speed and Pelo's actions).
• The impact of new technology on society and politics (the train's potential to transport troops and supplies, and Pelo's use of the broadcast system).

Character Interactions

• The Emperor and Sister Crabel: Share a mentor-mentee relationship, with the Emperor showing care for his former teacher's health and well-being.
• The Emperor and the First Princess Pelo Garde: Their interaction is implied through the Emperor's reaction to Pelo's broadcast announcement, hinting at a complex father-daughter relationship and political tension.
• The two powerful individuals and the train: Their observation and decision not to act highlight the train's unknown and potentially dangerous nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mel is summoned to the Emperor's presence on the train.
• The Emperor questions Mel about his alliance with Princess Pelo instead of Prince Peka.
• An assassination attempt is made on the Emperor using a long-range magical beam as the train arrives at the station.
• Mel deploys multiple magic shields to deflect the beam, saving the Emperor.
• The Emperor tasks two Hall of Fame level experts to capture the assailant.

Character Developments

• Mel demonstrates his quick thinking and magical prowess, saving the Emperor and proving his loyalty.
• The Emperor shows his political acumen and ruthlessness, manipulating Mel and revealing his suspicions about the Dark Spirit's theft.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political maneuvering among the royalty.
• The consequences of underestimating threats and the importance of constant vigilance.
• The tension between Mel's ambition and his political naivety.

Character Interactions

• Mel and the Emperor engage in a tense conversation, with the Emperor testing Mel's loyalty and Mel realizing he's been set up.
• Mel's quick action saves the Emperor, earning him the Emperor's gratitude and respect.
• The Emperor's powerful guards and teachers demonstrate their loyalty and capabilities in protecting the Emperor.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mel saves Emperor Gald from an assassination attempt.
• The Emperor is curious about Mel's lack of awe towards him and asks about it.
• The Emperor discusses the Empire's political situation and his successor's choice with Mel.
• Pursuers return with the enemy's corpses, but the main culprit escapes.

Character Developments

• Mel Carlo Pandram: Shows bravery and intelligence in saving the Emperor. He also demonstrates political awareness and maturity in his conversation with the Emperor.
• Emperor Gald: Reveals his forward-thinking and pragmatic views on ruling the Empire. He shows curiosity and respect towards Mel.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and balance within the Empire.
• The Emperor's concern for the common people's welfare.
• Mel's political awareness and growth.

Character Interactions

• Mel and Emperor Gald: The Emperor is intrigued by Mel's lack of awe and engages in a political discussion with him, showing respect for Mel's intelligence.
• Mel and Sister Clabel: Sister Clabel praises Mel's bravery after he saves the Emperor.
• Mel and Eugene: Eugene feels guilty for not protecting the Emperor but is relieved that the Emperor is safe.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mel, Claire, and Liberia return to the manor.
• Mel finds Meyeg and Guweiste arguing about the correct way to prepare black tea.
• Mel asks about teleportation magic progress; Meyeg and Guweiste admit they can't directly solve it.
• Mel expresses her intention to develop flight magic using Dark Soul Wave.
• Guweiste suggests Mel start learning Magic Array Studies, Ancient Magic, and magic power factor conjecture.
• Mel decides to learn Magic Array Studies basics in the next two months and postpone the other courses.

Character Developments

• Mel shows curiosity and initiative in learning new magic and skills.
• Meyeg and Guweiste display their expertise and dedication to their fields, despite their quirky argument about tea.

Significant Themes

• The importance of foundational knowledge and skills before delving into advanced topics.
• The value of different perspectives (Meyeg and Guweiste's differing views on tea preparation).

Character Interactions

• Mel interacts with Meyeg and Guweiste, seeking their guidance on teleportation and flight magic.
• Meyeg and Guweiste engage in a lighthearted argument, showcasing their personalities and shared passion for their work.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist reviews Level 30 skills for each class, considering their usefulness and limitations.
• He reflects on the terror of large-scale battles, having experienced one in Oak City.
• The protagonist, Mel, goes shopping with Claire and Liberia in the Imperial City, choosing gifts and outfits.

Character Developments

• Mel: Shows a more playful and teasing side while shopping with Claire and Liberia.
• Claire: Struggles to accept a more mature, elegant dress, preferring something more youthful and cute.
• Liberia: Shows a new side by trying on a gorgeous red dress, gaining confidence in her appearance.

Significant Themes

• The passage of time and the approach of the new year.
• The importance of enjoying the process of shopping and gift-giving.
• The differences in personal style and preferences, as seen in Claire and Liberia's choices.

Character Interactions

• Mel, Claire, and Liberia interact playfully while shopping, with Mel teasing Claire about her future growth and Liberia directly asking Mel about his preferences.
• Mel helps Claire choose a dress, showing a more considerate and attentive side.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The new semester begins, and Mel interacts with a half-dwarf teacher from his hometown.
• Mel expresses interest in learning drying magic, but the teacher reveals it requires contracting with two spirits, which Mel hasn't done.
• Mel discusses the possibility of creating a railway line from the Imperial City to Oak City, which could significantly reduce travel time.
• Mel returns home and asks Claire to send the steam engine blueprints to Uncle Freli for further development.
• A meeting is held in the Imperial City's conference room to plan the initial train routes, causing nobles to argue over priority.

Character Developments

• Mel shows curiosity and initiative in learning new magic and improving transportation infrastructure.
• The half-dwarf teacher demonstrates loyalty to his family's business and reveals the requirements for learning drying magic.
• The nobles display their eagerness for personal gain and influence, leading to disagreements during the meeting.

Significant Themes

• The introduction of new technology (steam engine) and its potential impact on society.
• The struggle for power and influence among the nobility.
• The importance of family and personal connections in this world.

Character Interactions

• Mel interacts with his half-dwarf teacher, discussing magic and the potential for railway development.
• Mel communicates with Claire about sending the steam engine blueprints to Uncle Freli.
• The nobles interact during the meeting, arguing over the priority of railway construction through their territories.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The railway line's route is confirmed, prioritizing the war front.
• Nobles negotiate for railway slots based on resources they can provide.
• House Ivan's involvement is challenged, but the young heir secures their slot.
• The route passes through key cities, including Oak City and Lubao, with one line going through the Imperial City.
• The Emperor orders the conscription of artisans and plans to complete the railway quickly.

Character Developments

• The young heir of House Ivan demonstrates maturity and decisiveness in securing his family's railway slot.
• Mel Carlo shows political awareness and understanding of economic stimulation through the railway project.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics among nobles.
• The potential of the railway to stimulate the economy and heal the Empire.
• The Emperor's vision and decisiveness in driving national progress.

Character Interactions

• Nobles challenge House Ivan's involvement in the railway project, leading to a tense negotiation.
• Mel Carlo and the Emperor discuss the railway's potential impact on the economy, with the Emperor rewarding Mel for his insights.
• Mel Carlo shares his thoughts on the railway's route and its possible future expansion with his friend.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mel and Guweiste travel to Vampire Gorge, stopping due to the danger of crossing at night.
• They encounter a caravan that safely crosses the gorge due to an agreement with a vampire.
• Mel and Guweiste follow the caravan, and Mel encounters Lilith II, a vampire.
• Lilith II attacks Mel, but Guweiste restrains her with magic.

Character Developments

• Mel: Shows curiosity and caution when encountering Lilith II, but doesn't immediately engage in combat.
• Guweiste: Demonstrates her power and strategic thinking by restraining Lilith II.
• Lilith II: Reveals her strength and aggressive nature, but also her love for sweets.

Significant Themes

• The unexpected nature of vampires, who seem to protect humans in this instance.
• The power dynamics between humans and supernatural creatures.

Character Interactions

• Mel and Guweiste: Work together to investigate the situation with the vampire, showing trust and coordination.
• Mel and Lilith II: Initially hostile, but their interaction is cut short due to Guweiste's intervention.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Archmage Guweiste encounters Lilith Bernhill, a young vampire, in a canyon.
• Lilith is collecting tolls from humans passing through her territory but guarantees their safety.
• Mel and the Archmage capture Lilith, and she reveals she's Lilith Bernhill the Second, the King of Vampires.
• Mel discovers a crystal from an ancient labyrinth reacts to Lilith, suggesting a connection to the Carlos Empire.
• Lilith agrees to join Mel and the Archmage on an adventure, with the condition that Mel buys her pastries.

Character Developments

• Lilith Bernhill the Second: Revealed to be a mixed-blood vampire, likely a mix of human and vampire. She's young, impulsive, and has a liking for human food, especially pastries. She's also protective of her territory and the humans within it.
• Mel: Shows interest in Lilith's blood for his research on Berserker's Blood. He's patient and understanding with Lilith, labeling her as low-risk and low-intelligence.
• Archmage Guweiste: Demonstrates her wisdom and experience by determining Lilith's mixed-blood status based on her ability to consume human food without discomfort.

Significant Themes

• Identity: Lilith's mixed-blood status challenges the typical vampire identity, and her love for human food further blurs the line between human and vampire.
• Trust and Protection: Lilith's protection of the humans in her territory and her later decision to join Mel and the Archmage on an adventure highlight the theme of trust and protection.
• Ancient History: The connection between Lilith and the ancient Carlos Empire hints at a deeper history and potential secrets.

Character Interactions

• Mel and Lilith: Mel is patient and understanding with Lilith, while Lilith is impulsive and tsundere-like, often responding with defiance and exaggerated reactions.
• Lilith and the Archmage: The Archmage shows respect and understanding towards Lilith, even inviting her to join them on their adventure.
• Lilith and the Humans: Lilith shows a protective stance towards the humans in her territory, suggesting a complex relationship between vampires and humans.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mel, Lilith II, and Archmage Guweiste travel back to Oak City after leaving Vampire Gorge.
• Mel learns that high-tier vampires like Lilith II are immune to poison.
• They visit a pastry shop, where Mel meets the owner who recognizes him.
• Mel takes them to his house, which has been well-maintained by Lavi.
• Mel visits the Adventurer's Guild and reunites with Kate Green and Derrick Krimir.

Character Developments

• Mel: Shows responsibility for his house and friends, reconnects with his past life in Oak City.
• Lilith II: Demonstrates her appetite and playful nature, insists on being addressed with her title.
• Kate Green: Shows concern for Mel, plans her wedding for the following year.
• Derrick Krimir: Accompanies Kate on her adventures, delegates his territory management to a steward.

Significant Themes

• Reunion and Belonging: Mel's return to Oak City and his reconnection with old friends.
• Responsibility: Mel's care for his house and Lavi's reliability in maintaining it.
• Change and Continuity: The city and friends remain familiar yet have changed in Mel's absence.

Character Interactions

• Mel and Lilith II: Lilith II's playful antics contrast with Mel's more reserved behavior.
• Mel and Kate/Derrick: Mel's reunion with his friends is warm and friendly, with plans for Kate's wedding.
• Mel and the Pastry Shop Owner: The owner recognizes Mel and shows familiarity, indicating Mel's past frequent visits.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mel returns to Oak City and visits the Adventurer's Guild.
• He learns that Kled, a former drunkard, has quit drinking and is pursuing Miss Ainoor.
• Mel discovers that Lavi's team has taken on a distant commission, and Master Kiriri is still in the Northern Snowfield.
• Mel visits the Dwarf laundry shop owner to learn 'Drying Magic.'
• He spends the afternoon learning the magic, which requires a natural element and will need to be adapted using 'Elemental Conversion.'

Character Developments

• Kled has changed significantly, quitting drinking to pursue Miss Ainoor and becoming a local pillar.
• Mel is eager to learn new magic and skills, showing his dedication to self-improvement.

Significant Themes

• Change and Growth: Kled's transformation highlights the theme of change and personal growth.
• Pursuit of Knowledge and Skills: Mel's eagerness to learn new magic emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement.

Character Interactions

• Mel interacts with Miss Kate, the Guild Receptionist, and learns about Kled's transformation.
• He visits the Dwarf laundry shop owner, who agrees to teach him 'Drying Magic.'

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mel returns to Oak City and meets Lavi in the courtyard.
• Mel reveals he has been searching for information about Chocolate's disappearance and the Apostles.
• Mel gifts Lavi a custom-made dagger for taking care of his house.
• Mel introduces Archmage Guwister and Princess Lilith the Second to Lavi.

Character Developments

• Lavi shows concern for Mel's safety after learning about the Apostles.
• Mel demonstrates his trust in Lavi by leaving his house in his care.
• Mel shows generosity and thoughtfulness towards Lavi with the gift of the dagger.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and Trust: Mel's gift to Lavi and Lavi's concern for Mel's safety highlight their strong bond.
• The Real and the Mythical: The discussion about the Apostles blurs the line between myth and reality.

Character Interactions

• Mel and Lavi: Their interaction shows their close friendship, with Mel showing appreciation for Lavi's help and Lavi expressing concern for Mel's safety.
• Mel, Guwister, and Lilith: Mel introduces the two powerful figures to Lavi, showing his connection to high-ranking individuals.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lilith II and Mel have a meal with Lavi and the Archmage before Mel's journey. Lilith II's voracious appetite surprises them.
• Mel plans to meet his former adventuring companions and then head east to study magic arrays and resolve his curse.
• Mel and the Archmage embark on their journey, with Lilith II accompanying them. They discuss the upcoming visit to the Forest of Elves.
• After half a month, they reach the outskirts of the Forest of Elves, encountering colossal Spirit Firs and Spirit Pines.

Character Developments

• Lilith II: Reveals her insatiable appetite and naivety about human capabilities.
• Mel: Shows his practicality and lack of enthusiasm for adventuring, focusing more on his studies to resolve his curse.
• Archmage Guweiste: Demonstrates her knowledge about the Elf race and their habitat, the Forest of Elves.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between human and vampire (Lilith II's naivety vs. Mel's practicality).
• The importance of strength and knowledge (Archmage's explanation of the Elf race's strength and the need for humans to understand the Elf race).
• The power of nature (the immense size and resilience of the Spirit Firs and Spirit Pines).

Character Interactions

• Mel and Lilith II: Their dynamic is playful and teasing, with Mel often correcting Lilith II's misunderstandings.
• Mel and the Archmage: They have a mentor-mentee relationship, with the Archmage sharing her knowledge and Mel seeking her guidance.
• Lilith II and the Archmage: They have a friendly rapport, with the Archmage treating Lilith II like a curious child.