Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Knight Grand Selection is held annually to screen qualified knights for official status and to join Knight Orders.
• The Royal Knights Academy is established to provide high-quality training for new knights.
• The Dark Side of the Holy City, a vast underground area, is revealed to contain bases for several Knight Orders and the Night Watcher organization.
• The Dark Side also houses a secret training institution for knights with specific characteristics, who are not publicly recruited.
• This year's Knight Grand Selection will include students trained on the Dark Side, intensifying competition.

Character Developments

• Mia achieves Seed Breaking, removing her mask and gaining purple pupils and insect-like features. She becomes more infatuated with Han Dong.
• Mr. Black and White reveal their knowledge of the Dark Side to Han Dong and Mia.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for human freedom and survival against Higher Lifeforms.
• The importance of elite knights and the 'elite selection' mechanism in the Holy City.
• The existence of secret facilities and organizations within the Holy City.
• The competition and potential consequences of failing to join a Knight Order.

Character Interactions

• Han Dong and Mia: Han Dong invites Mia to accompany him to the Knight Grand Selection registration. Mia expresses her desire to share her Seed Breaking secret with him.
• Han Dong, Mia, and Mr. Black and White: The trio discusses the reopening of the Hades Staircase and the revelation of the Dark Side. Mr. Black and White explain the Dark Side's purpose and the implications for this year's Knight Grand Selection.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Dong learns about the existence of the Dark Side, an underground area in the Holy City, independent of its laws and controlled by the Dark Side, not the Supreme Council.
• The Dark Side has an 'educational institution' similar to the Royal Knights Academy, cultivating special talents for secret operations.
• Han Dong and Mia decide to explore the Dark Side together, disguising their identities.

Character Developments

• Han Dong shows curiosity and courage in exploring the Dark Side.
• Mia displays eagerness and excitement about the prospect of finding powerful items for the upcoming Knight Grand Election.

Significant Themes

• The theme of secrets and hidden truths beneath the surface is emphasized, with the revelation of the Dark Side.
• The theme of preparation and opportunity is highlighted as Han Dong and Mia explore the Dark Side before the Knight Grand Election.

Character Interactions

• Han Dong and Mia's friendship and trust are reinforced as they decide to explore the Dark Side together.
• Han Dong's respect for Mr. Black and White's guidance is shown, as he follows his advice regarding the Knight Orders.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Dong arrives at the Dark Side's largest trading market, which is unsupervised and unrestricted.
• He encounters vendors selling living things from outside the city, such as humanoid maidens and wild monsters.
• Han Dong learns about an upcoming auction with an entry requirement of 5000 copper coins per person, where at least one complete Epic Grade equipment will be sold.

Character Developments

• Han Dong's thoughts on investing his research funds to increase his body's weight capacity for limbs.
• Mia buys a bag of cursed objects to refine into cursed essence for her own absorption.

Significant Themes

• The chaos and lack of regulation in the Dark Side's market, contrasting with the Holy City's supervision.
• The value and scarcity of items from outside the city, such as living things and equipment.

Character Interactions

• Han Dong and Mia explore the market together, with Mia buying cursed objects and Han Dong searching for limbs.
• Han Dong interacts with vendors, such as the woman selling humanoid maidens and the butcher selling wild monsters.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Dong and Mia attend an underground auction sponsored by the Hell Knight Order and the Terminus Knight Order.
• The auction features unique items, materials, and equipment, culminating in an Epic grade equipment, the 'Evil Fruit' wristband.
• Han Dong is invited by the auctioneer, Commander Saguranchi, to visit the Terminus Knight Order's domain after the auction.

Character Developments

• Han Dong feels guilty for not visiting Commander Malone of the Terminus Knight Order after half a year.
• Mia shows her dedication to mastering blade techniques, having received training from the Witch and the Crusaders.

Significant Themes

• The auction represents an opportunity for Knights to acquire powerful equipment and items, enhancing their strength and survivability.
• The underground area's resources are shared with surface Knights, fostering cooperation between the Knight Orders.

Character Interactions

• Han Dong and Mia interact with a Knight at the entrance, who verifies their entry qualifications and delivers a message from Commander Alex.
• Han Dong and Mia observe the auction together, with Mia providing insights about the attendees and items.
• Han Dong and Mia are invited by Commander Saguranchi to visit the Terminus Knight Order's domain after the auction.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Dong and Mia are invited by Sergeant Saguranchi to meet the Death God, Alex, at the Terminus Knight Order's headquarters.
• They traverse the marketplace and streets, reaching the Terminus Knight Order's territory, where they're greeted by cold, watchful knights.
• Lunze, a Necromancer, guides them to the Death God's office, which is filled with deathly mist and biological models of creatures associated with death.
• The Death God, Alex, is revealed to be handsome and not wearing his usual hood. He asks Han Dong why he wanted to meet him.

Character Developments

• Han Dong: Shows curiosity and respect towards the Death God. He's hesitant to join the Terminus Knight Order due to its strict rules and high-risk missions.
• Mia: Reveals she's heard rumors about the Death God's strict rules and members becoming puppets. She's interested in joining the same Knight Order as Han Dong but is cautious about the Terminus Knight Order.
• Death God Alex: Reveals a more human side, showing curiosity and a desire for interaction. He's aware of Han Dong's half-year delay but doesn't press the issue.

Significant Themes

• Death and its various manifestations, both literal and metaphorical.
• The power dynamics and strict rules within the Knight Orders.
• The consequences of keeping secrets and the potential for rumors to spread.

Character Interactions

• Han Dong and Mia: They interact as friends, with Mia showing concern for Han Dong's safety and well-being. They discuss their interest in joining the same Knight Order.
• Han Dong and the Death God: Their interaction is formal and respectful, with the Death God showing curiosity about Han Dong's intentions.
• Lunze and Han Dong: Lunze shows respect towards Han Dong, acknowledging his unique deathly aura and suggesting he consider joining the Terminus Knight Order.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Dong meets with Commander Death, expecting an awkward encounter, but Death God is friendly and offers help.
• Han Dong reveals he's looking for special 'limbs' from powerful life forms within Destiny Space.
• Commander Death offers to help obtain such a limb if Han Dong joins his Knight Order and ranks within the top three.
• Han Dong later meets with Commander Malone, who also wants him to join the Hell Knight Order, offering an Epic material and unique training for Mia.
• Both commanders hint at their Knight Orders' unique aspects and warn Han Dong about the competition at the upcoming Knight Selection.

Character Developments

• Han Dong shows strategic thinking and negotiation skills in his conversations with both commanders.
• Commander Death demonstrates his interest in Han Dong's unique Death Domain and offers preferential treatment.
• Commander Malone reveals his competitive nature and hints at the Hell Knight Order's training methods.

Significant Themes

• The importance of choosing the right Knight Order for personal growth and future prospects.
• The value of unique abilities and the competition among Knight Orders to recruit talented individuals.
• The influence of Knight Orders on their members' way of doing things and personal freedom.

Character Interactions

• Han Dong interacts with both Commander Death and Malone, negotiating and considering their offers.
• Commander Death and Malone subtly compete for Han Dong's allegiance, revealing their Knight Orders' unique aspects.
• Mia accompanies Han Dong to meet Commander Malone, but her role is not explicitly stated in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Dong's first trip to the underground city was unsuccessful in selling 'limbs' or anti-pressure potions.
• He was unable to enter Destiny Space due to regulations for new Knights.
• The annual Knight Selection begins with general registration, including a basic test to determine group placement in the Knight Convention.

Character Developments

• Han Dong is a dual-cultivating Knight with exceptional close-combat abilities, potentially making him a triple-cultivating Knight.
• Mia is confident in her Blade Technique and aims to showcase her close-combat capabilities during the basic tests.

Significant Themes

• The importance of the Knight Selection for new Knights.
• The differences between students who broke their seeds in the Dark Side and those who did not.

Character Interactions

• Han Dong and Mia register together for the Knight Selection.
• Han Dong encounters other Seed Breakers during his perception test, who are unable to find the 'Ghost' mentioned in the test instructions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Dong takes the perception test, easily passing both phases (finding chameleons and a hidden Ghost) with an 'S' rating.
• Mia takes the combat test, lasting 13 seconds against the powerful Instructor before surrendering.

Character Developments

• Han Dong demonstrates his exceptional perception abilities, using his Lesser Demon Eye to sense and interact with spatial energy.
• Mia shows her adaptability and resilience in combat, using her spider transformations and evasive maneuvers to outlast many other graduates.

Significant Themes

• The importance of perception and spatial awareness for Knights, as demonstrated by Han Dong's ease in the perception test and the Instructor's hidden space ambush.
• The vast difference in power between the Instructor and the graduates, highlighting the challenges faced by new Knights.

Character Interactions

• Han Dong and Mia discuss the combat test, with Han Dong offering advice and Mia showing off her confidence.
• The Instructor's brutal display of power against Mia serves as a stark reminder of the power gap between him and the graduates.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mia completes her combat test, receiving an A rating but feeling she could have done better.
• An underground student, Sean, cuts in line and participates in the test, displaying exceptional strength.
• Sean's test involves facing a powerful instructor. He lasts 27 seconds and is severely injured but recovers quickly.
• Han Dong laughs uncontrollably after witnessing Sean's performance, drawing attention and potentially exposing his identity.

Character Developments

• Mia is dissatisfied with her test performance and decides to go into seclusion for improvement.
• Han Dong shows his 'Mad Laughter' attribute, which he had previously displayed during a tense incident.
• Sean, the underground student, demonstrates immense physical strength and resilience, hinting at possible modifications to his body.

Significant Themes

• The strength and potential of underground students are highlighted, challenging the norms of the Knight Order.
• The Knight Selection process is shown to be rigorous and competitive, with the potential for fresh talent to emerge.

Character Interactions

• Han Dong and Mia interact as they leave Knight Headquarters together, with Mia inviting Han Dong to spar with her.
• Han Dong watches Sean's test, leading to his outburst of laughter, which draws the attention of others present.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Grand Knight Selection is about to begin.
• Mia, one of the main characters, becomes withdrawn and unmotivated, refusing to participate.
• Han Dong finds Mia in the Dead Water Swamp and offers her a deal to motivate her: if she secures a top-ten spot, he'll give her a day of free time.
• Mia and Han Dong join their friends at the Knight Academy, including Wenli, Abel, and Demps, who discuss their plans for the Knight Orders.
• Demps warns about the 'Underground Students' who will participate in the conference, emphasizing their proficiency in 'methods for dealing with people' and the potential difficulty of the competition.

Character Developments

• Mia's confidence wavers, and she becomes disinterested in the Knight Grand Selection, but Han Dong's offer reignites her motivation.
• Han Dong shows understanding and compromise towards Mia's situation, indicating his growth in emotional intelligence.
• Demps demonstrates his analytical skills and concern for his peers by warning them about the Underground Students.

Significant Themes

• Motivation and Persistence: Mia's struggle to maintain her motivation and Han Dong's efforts to help her persist.
• Competition and Rivalry: The upcoming Knight Grand Selection highlights the competitive nature of the characters and their desire to prove themselves.
• Information and Intelligence: Demps shares crucial information about the Underground Students, emphasizing the importance of knowledge and preparation.

Character Interactions

• Han Dong and Mia's interaction shows their growing bond and mutual support.
• The reunion of Han Dong, Mia, Wenli, Abel, and Demps highlights their camaraderie and shared experiences as students at the Knight Academy.
• Demps' warning to his friends demonstrates his responsibility and care for their well-being in the upcoming competition.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter introduces the characteristics of the Underground Students and mentions graduates who remain unknown, like Cas Martini.
• Han Dong learns that Cas has joined the Lionheart Knight Order for specialized training.
• The opening ceremony for the Knight Selection preliminaries begins, with representatives from each of the Thirteen Knight Orders arriving.
• Each representative is introduced with their order's characteristics, duties, and the commander's unique features.

Character Developments

• Han Dong shows interest in Cas's progress and acknowledges his talent.
• Cas is revealed to have joined the Lionheart Knight Order, indicating his growth and potential.

Significant Themes

• The diversity of the Thirteen Knight Orders, each with unique roles and characteristics.
• The importance of recognizing and utilizing different types of talent, as seen in the Misfortune Knight Order's acceptance of 'unusual' individuals.

Character Interactions

• The representatives from the Thirteen Knight Orders interact with the graduating students, observing and marking those who align with their orders' characteristics.
• Han Dong learns about Cas's progress from Demps, showing their friendly relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Representatives from twelve knight orders arrive for the knight team selection.
• Each order is introduced with its unique role, abilities, and history.
• The thirteenth and final representative, Hugo Harrison of the Whisper Knight Order, arrives late and apologetic.

Character Developments

• No significant character developments occur in this chapter, as it focuses on introducing the knight orders.

Significant Themes

• Diversity and Specialization: Each knight order has a unique role and abilities, highlighting the importance of diversity and specialization in their society.
• Power and Prestige: The knight orders' status and influence are evident in their representatives' auras and the respect they command.

Character Interactions

• Representatives from different knight orders greet each other politely, indicating a level of familiarity and camaraderie among them.
• Han Dong, the protagonist, meets some of these representatives for the first time, while others are familiar from previous encounters.
• Hugo Harrison's late arrival and apology suggest a strained relationship with the other orders due to his order's recent struggles.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Commander Hugo, a mysterious and down-to-earth figure, attends the preliminary selection.
• Han Dong tries to use his Demon Eye on Commander Hugo but fails, attracting the commander's attention.
• The grouping list is announced, assigning Han Dong to Commander Hugo's assessment group within the Whisper Knight Order.
• Commander Hugo explains his group's preliminary selection will involve reading documents copied from Abyssal Demon lairs.

Character Developments

• Commander Hugo is revealed to be a top-secret figure, exempt from regular duties to focus on researching Abyssal Demons.
• Han Dong shows curiosity and respect towards Commander Hugo, offering him a ride.

Significant Themes

• The importance of behind-the-scenes workers in maintaining the stability of the Holy City.
• The Whisper Knight Order's unique role in archaeology, architecture, and arrayology.

Character Interactions

• Han Dong interacts with Demps, who provides information about the Whisper Knight Order and Commander Hugo.
• Han Dong offers Commander Hugo a ride, showing respect and kindness towards the commander.
• Commander Hugo shows a friendly and approachable demeanor, contrasting with the typical image of a commander.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Whisper Knight Order's headquarters is unique, located on the Second Floor of the Holy City, and its members focus on handling texts and cultural relics rather than combat.
• Han Dong meets Commander Hugo, who offers him a position in the Whisper Knight Order if he performs well in the preliminary selection.
• The preliminary selection involves appraising artifacts or scrolls, with the time taken to complete the appraisal determining the score.
• Han Dong chooses to let others select first and completes his appraisal last, catching Commander Hugo's attention.

Character Developments

• Han Dong demonstrates his analytical skills and intuition by deducing that the assessment is a dream realm.
• Commander Hugo is revealed to be the creator of the dream assessment and acknowledges Han Dong's abilities.

Significant Themes

• The importance of observation and analysis in discerning reality from illusion.
• The unique nature of the Whisper Knight Order and its focus on archaeology and ancient artifacts.

Character Interactions

• Han Dong and Commander Hugo interact briefly, with the commander showing interest in Han Dong's abilities.
• Han Dong's decision to let others select first shows his willingness to cooperate and consider others' progress.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The preliminary assessments for 210 graduates are completed by representatives from the thirteen Knight Orders.
• Commander Hugo gives a perfect score to a student, surprising Alonso the Observer.
• Commander Hugo is revealed to have infiltrated a staff member's body to attend the assessment.
• Han Dong meets Mr. Black and White to discuss Commander Hugo, receiving secret information about him.
• The Knight Selection - Official Competition is announced to commence in mid-September at the Arena of Hercules.

Character Developments

• Han Dong shows curiosity and caution about Commander Hugo, considering his potential protection.
• Commander Hugo is portrayed as highly cautious, mysterious, and important to the Holy City's defense.
• Alonso the Observer shows admiration for Commander Hugo and concern about the Great Expedition's safety.

Significant Themes

• Mystery and Secrecy: Commander Hugo's true nature and background are shrouded in secrecy, highlighting the theme of mystery and the importance of hidden information.
• Power Dynamics: The revelation of Commander Hugo's status as the Chief Engineer of Holy City - Nointena emphasizes the power dynamics within the city and the importance of its defense.
• Ambition and Opportunity: Han Dong's consideration of joining Commander Hugo's Knight Order showcases the theme of ambition and the pursuit of opportunities for personal growth and protection.

Character Interactions

• Han Dong interacts with Mr. Black and White, seeking information about Commander Hugo and receiving top-secret details.
• Alonso the Observer discusses the Knight Selection with Commander Hugo, expressing his concerns about the Great Expedition.
• Commander Hugo infiltrates a staff member's body, highlighting his mysterious and cautious nature, though the interaction with the staff member is not directly shown.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The highest-level arena, Arena of Hercules, is introduced, built from Whisper Knight Order blueprints, used for high-ranking Knight trials and assessments.
• Han Dong's team of five enters through the "Bull Gate," facing a threefold gravity field upon entry.
• The inner arena is sealed, and they wait in a lounge for the opening notification. They are required to hand over Destiny and Chaos Gear for inspection, with restrictions on carried equipment.
• Han Dong's Epic-grade magic staff, the "Crow Caller," causes a stir among the arena staff.

Character Developments

• Han Dong struggles initially with the gravity field but adapts quickly.
• Abel's physical strength and toughness have significantly improved due to absorbing Mixed Beasts and Abyssal Demons.
• Wenli's appearance and physique remain unchanged, showing her unique nature.
• Mia and Wenli are impressed by Han Dong's staff, causing Mia to feel self-pity.
• The arena staff member recognizes the special identities of the five students and becomes excited.

Significant Themes

• The arena's challenges and the intensity of the competition.
• The significance and power of Epic-grade equipment.
• The recognition and expectations placed on the five students.

Character Interactions

• Abel helps Han Dong up when he struggles with the gravity field, showing camaraderie.
• The arena staff member interacts with the team, inspecting their equipment and revealing his excitement about their identities.
• Mia and Wenli react to Han Dong's staff, causing Mia to reflect on her own equipment and abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The inner arena, previously accessible only to high-ranking knights, opens for the Knight Selection, featuring interchangeable arenas and functional formations to create various environments.
• The thirteen commanders of the Holy City, including the Death God, attend the selection, each with their distinct seats in the spectator stands.

Character Developments

• Luke Curan (Black Sword): Leader of the Black Rose Knights and Night Watchers, he is focused on the outcome of this selection, with many of his elite juniors participating.
• Rhode Moglenni (Great Plague Lord): Commander of the Plague Knights, he is accompanied by a crow and keeps an eye on Han Dong.
• Olivia Christian (Priest): High Priestess of the Temple and Commander of the Holy Knight Order, she senses Han Dong's presence due to her unique vision and holiness.
• Kaimon Rayne (Behemoth): Commander of the Behemoth Knight Order, he is confident in his grandson Abel's chances of winning the selection.
• Great Demon: Leader of the Misfortune Knight Order, his past is shrouded in mystery. He notices Dempus Martin due to his unique magical element.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and hierarchy within the Holy City, as represented by the commanders and their seats.
• The anticipation and tension felt by the graduating students as they enter the inner arena.
• The unique abilities and focuses of each commander, highlighting the diversity of the Holy City's knight orders.

Character Interactions

• The commanders observe the graduating students as they enter the inner arena, each with their own interests and focuses.
• The Great Demon acknowledges Dempus Martin's unique magical element, showing his keen observation and understanding of the students' abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Grand Commanders of the Witch God, Scarlet, Hell, Lionheart, Windwalk, and Steam Knight Orders are introduced, each with unique characteristics and roles.
• The assembly is attended by living legends, including the ancient Archmage Jeros Midaom, who defies human limits with his vitality and death energy.
• The Grand Commanders observe the entering students, with special attention given to Han Dong.

Character Developments

• Jeros Midaom: Despite his extreme age and frail appearance, he possesses vitality and death energy far beyond human limits, hinting at hidden powers.
• Alex Edward Di Francis (Death God): Observes Han Dong with interest, suggesting he knows about Han Dong's past or abilities.
• Shaya Cromwell (The Duchess): Her presence ensures high survival rates for knight orders and is beloved by many knights.
• Marlon Heinz H. Kazakovich (Hell Monarch): He is more interested in Han Dong than the Hell Kid, his deputy commander is eager to secure honor for their order.
• Roland Lionheart (Grand Knight): Known for his strength and morale-boosting aura, he is satisfied with the entering students.
• Jack Mason (Owl): He can read skill information from students but encounters difficulties with Dempsey and Han Dong, hinting at their unique qualities.
• Gary G. Terrovix (Patron): Present via a gear construct, he is the wealthiest and most influential person in the Holy City.

Significant Themes

• The assembly showcases the diversity and power of the Holy City's knight orders, each with unique strengths and roles.
• The Grand Commanders' observations of Han Dong suggest he is a key figure of interest, possibly due to his past or abilities.
• The theme of hidden power and potential is emphasized, with characters like Jeros Midaom, Han Dong, and Dempsey defying expectations based on appearances or initial impressions.

Character Interactions

• Marlon attempts to engage Alex in conversation but is ignored, highlighting Alex's aloof nature.
• Jack's inability to read Dempsey and Han Dong's information suggests a unique connection or power that sets them apart.
• The assembly serves as a gathering of powerful figures, allowing for observations and interactions between the Grand Commanders.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Knight Selection begins with the introduction of the 12 knight commanders and the 13th commander, Hugo, who is struggling to keep up.
• The competition is held in a transformed arena simulating an 'eternal night' environment outside the city, filled with invaders like Abyssal Demons, Corrupted Ones, and Wild Monsters.
• The rules for the first round, 'Hunt,' are announced: participants must demonstrate outdoor adaptability by hunting invaders, with points awarded for each kill. The top 50 advance to the semifinals.
• Han Dong and his team decide to hunt independently, while Han Dong encounters two underground students targeting him.

Character Developments

• Hugo, the 13th commander, is shown to be struggling and focused on his work, even during the Knight Selection.
• Han Dong demonstrates his ability to use Crow Person abilities without alerting the commanders.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for survival and adaptation in a post-apocalyptic world.
• The importance of outdoor experience and combat skills for knights.
• The consequences of infighting and threats to others' safety during the competition.

Character Interactions

• Han Dong interacts with two underground students who are targeting him, provoking him to compete. However, Han Dong decides to leave instead.
• Han Dong's team decides to hunt independently, showing their confidence in their abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Dong realizes he's being targeted by Commander Kuran's students.
• Over 300 Abyssal Demons are released into the arena, seeking revenge for their 'Great One's' exposure.
• Ten Abyssal Demons, former Holy City officials, target Han Dong specifically.
• Han Dong encounters the Vaughn siblings, who are also targeting him, unaware of the impending Abyssal Demon attack.

Character Developments

• Han Dong demonstrates his powers and knowledge, overhearing the Vaughn siblings' conversation.
• The Vaughn siblings show their coordination and strength, but underestimate the Abyssal Demon threat.

Significant Themes

• The random and unpredictable nature of the outer-city environment.
• The consequences of the 'Great Betrayer Incident' on the Abyssal Demons.
• The theme of revenge and the lengths some will go to achieve it.

Character Interactions

• Han Dong and the Vaughn siblings meet, with Han Dong warning them about the impending danger.
• The Vaughn siblings underestimate the Abyssal Demon threat, leading to a perilous situation.