Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Alice teases Roy King about his flexibility and his knowledge of Beyonders.
• Alice shares a story about her suggestion to The Fool, which Roy King finds surprising and amusing.
• Alice discusses the concept of 'Bonds' as a form of Anchor for spiritual stability during advancement rituals.
• Alice reveals her age and how she became a god, surprising Roy King.
• Roy King discusses his age and his Apothecary student, Darkwill.
• Alice compares Roy King's voluntary belief in her to her own voluntary tutoring in school.

Character Developments

• Alice displays her playful and mischievous side, enjoying teasing Roy King.
• Alice shows a deeper understanding of the concept of 'Bonds' and its role in advancement rituals.
• Roy King demonstrates his patience and tolerance in dealing with Alice's teasing.
• Roy King reveals his age and the limitations of his youth-maintaining potions.

Significant Themes

• The concept of 'Bonds' as a form of spiritual Anchor.
• The voluntary nature of belief and following a path.
• The differences between the experiences of an Angel and an ordinary person.

Character Interactions

• Alice teases Roy King, enjoying his reactions.
• Alice and Roy King discuss their ages and experiences, leading to mutual understanding and respect.
• Alice compares Roy King's situation to her own experiences, showing empathy and understanding.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Alice receives Roy King, a devout believer who wants to write a holy scripture for her.
• Alice gives herself the honorific name "Creator of Happiness and Miracles, Ruler of Misfortune and Calamity, Future Unknown, Soothsayer."
• Alice discusses her origins and the concept of "disappearing history" with Roy King, weaving a tale about her birth before the Original Creator.
• Alice tasks Roy King with writing a holy scripture for her, promising to make him Pope if he succeeds.

Character Developments

• Alice: She becomes more open about her past and origins, spinning a tale to fit her needs. She also shows more interest in the concept of a holy scripture and the role of a Pope.
• Roy King: He demonstrates his ability to tell lies with his eyes open, which impresses Alice and earns him the task of writing her holy scripture.

Significant Themes

• The truth and lies about Alice's origins and the creation of the world.
• The power dynamics among gods and the importance of influence and followers.
• The role of a holy scripture and a Pope in a god's following.

Character Interactions

• Alice and Roy King: Their interaction is marked by Alice's playful and enigmatic nature, while Roy King shows deference and a willingness to please. Their conversation leads to Roy King being tasked with writing a holy scripture for Alice.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Roy King begins his mission to write the holy scriptures, but he decides to outsource the task to Darkwill.
• Alice helps Hazel obtain the abortion potion and gives her medical instructions.
• Alice discovers Sherman, an Instigator with a complex background, and learns about Trissy's involvement.
• Klein tells Alice about Trissy's plan to avenge Prince Edessak through Sherman.
• Klein asks Alice to keep an eye on Trissy and Sherman, and possibly protect or warn Sherman if necessary.
• Alice suggests giving both Hazel and Sherman a Tarot Club card.

Character Developments

• Roy King shows reluctance in his mission and decides to outsource it.
• Alice demonstrates her care for Hazel's situation and her curiosity about Sherman's background.
• Klein reveals his knowledge of Trissy's plan and his intention to keep an eye on the situation.
• Alice shows concern for Sherman's innocence and suggests giving her a Tarot Club card.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of outsourcing responsibilities (Roy King).
• The impact of past experiences on present actions (Sherman, Trissy).
• The blurred line between free will and manipulation (Trissy, Alice, Klein).
• The role of the Tarot Club in connecting individuals and providing resources (Alice's suggestion).

Character Interactions

• Alice and Roy King: Alice urges Roy King to begin his mission, but he declines her help.
• Alice and Hazel: Alice assists Hazel in obtaining the abortion potion and gives her medical instructions.
• Alice and Sherman: Alice follows Sherman and learns about her background and connection to Trissy.
• Klein and Alice: Klein tells Alice about Trissy's plan and asks her to keep an eye on the situation. Alice suggests giving Hazel and Sherman Tarot Club cards.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Klein reveals that the formation of the Tarot Club was not intentional, but a result of coincidences.
• Alice suggests that Klein should give out Minor Arcana cards to new members, to which Klein agrees.
• Alice asks Klein why he excluded Leonard from the coincidences, leading to a discussion about Leonard's background and potential future actions.
• Alice shares a story about tricking Roy King into helping her write a holy scripture, and her plans for him after his death.
• Klein expresses his disapproval of Alice's casual attitude towards human life, leading to a discussion about their differing views on the Apocalypse.
• Alice hints at the importance of Castle of Origin in the context of the Apocalypse, but Klein decides not to press the matter further.
• Alice and Klein discuss Roy King's fence-sitting and the nature of their friendship, leading to Alice's question about whether Klein would sell her out.

Character Developments

• Klein: Shows his willingness to compromise with Alice, expresses his disapproval of her casual attitude towards human life, and reveals his loyalty to their friendship.
• Alice: Shows her manipulative nature in tricking Roy King, expresses her desire to flee the Apocalypse, and reveals her concern about Klein's potential betrayal.

Significant Themes

• The nature of friendship and loyalty, and the potential for betrayal.
• The differing views on the Apocalypse and the importance of Castle of Origin.
• The influence of high-level existences on the personality traits of Beyonders.

Character Interactions

• Alice and Klein engage in a candid conversation about their past actions and future plans, leading to a deeper understanding of each other's motivations and values.
• Alice and Klein discuss the nature of their friendship and the potential for betrayal, leading to a moment of tension and reflection.
• Alice and Klein's conversation reveals their differing views on the Apocalypse and the importance of Castle of Origin, highlighting the complexity of their relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Klein reveals that Bernadette plans to use Alice's blood for her Sequence 3 advancement ritual, which is 'Master of Prophecy'.
• Alice reveals that a World War is the prelude to the future Adam envisions.
• Klein expresses his intention to stop the war, and Alice encourages him to do as he pleases while offering minimal support.
• Klein shares his suspicion that Emperor Roselle is trapped in a mausoleum in the Abyss or on a primitive island, possibly stuck in the resurrection process due to an item he brought back from the Moon.

Character Developments

• Alice continues to display her nonchalant and sarcastic personality, but shows concern for Klein's safety and willingness to intervene if necessary.
• Klein shows determination to act against the impending war and curiosity about the details of Adam's plan.

Significant Themes

• The inevitability of war and the consequences of intervention.
• The power of prophecy and its limitations.
• The potential dangers of resurrection and the aftereffects of contacting otherworldly entities.

Character Interactions

• Alice and Klein continue to exchange information and opinions, with Alice providing guidance and Klein seeking her advice.
• Alice expresses her willingness to support Klein's actions while also warning him about the potential dangers.
• Alice communicates with the Goddess of Death, seeking information about Adam's plan but receiving no response.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Alice attempts to use the Simple Altar to communicate with someone but fails, leading to her frustration.
• The Tarot Club convenes, and Cattleya the Hermit informs Alice that the Queen (Bernadette) wants to meet her.
• Alice infiltrates Ernest Boyar's dream and demands the other half of the Rose's Oath ring, causing Earl Mistral to flee in terror.
• Alice questions Mistral about the possibility of transforming humans into Sanguine and leaves after obtaining her desired information.

Character Developments

• Alice: She becomes more curious about Bernadette's intentions and decides to meet her. She also exhibits her power and influence by terrifying Earl Mistral.
• Earl Mistral: He is revealed to be more afraid of Angels than he lets on, fleeing in terror upon encountering Alice. He also provides information about the First Embrace ritual.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between different factions, with Angels (like Alice) holding significant influence over demigods (like Mistral).
• The curiosity and desire for knowledge, as seen in Alice's pursuit of information about transforming humans into Sanguine.

Character Interactions

• Alice and Cattleya the Hermit: They discuss Bernadette's desire to meet Alice, with Cattleya struggling to understand Alice's casual attitude towards the meeting.
• Alice and Earl Mistral: Alice terrifies Mistral by appearing in his vision and demands the other half of the Rose's Oath ring. She also questions him about the First Embrace ritual.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Casimir leaves after Duke Olmer's coffin appears.
• Mistral recounts his encounter with the Saint and discusses the Ancestor's possible connection to the Saint.
• Ernest Boyar volunteers at Harvest Church, and Alice meets Father Utravsky.
• Alice requests the 'Rose's Oath' ring from Emlyn.
• Above the Gray Fog, the group divides the spoils from the Sanguine Viscount's operation.
• Xio takes the cash, Audrey chooses the 'Alcohol Nemesis' collar pin, Emlyn takes the 'Moon Ribbon,' and Leonard takes the 'Moon Paper Figurine.'
• Alice offers to help Emlyn with the Moon Ribbon's side effect in exchange for him helping Hazel drink the abortion potion.
• Mr. Fool (Klein) reveals that the class leap Emlyn could achieve is related to Fate.

Character Developments

• Emlyn shows eagerness in discussing Sanguine history and seeks guidance from Mr. Hanged Man.
• Alice displays her knowledge of Beyonders and their abilities, revealing that 'Dream Weaver' is the 'Creator' in the 'Omniscient and Omnipotent Creator.'
• Audrey shows interest in the 'Alcohol Nemesis' collar pin to resist mental influences.
• Leonard shows fear and regret when learning about the Moon Ribbon's side effect.
• Alice shows concern for Hazel's well-being and wants her to drink the abortion potion.

Significant Themes

• The importance of knowledge and understanding in the world of Beyonders.
• The consequences and side effects of powerful items and abilities.
• The interconnectedness of the characters and their shared history.

Character Interactions

• Mistral and Duke Olmer discuss the Saint and the Ancestor's possible connection.
• Alice and Emlyn discuss the 'Rose's Oath' ring and the Moon Ribbon's side effect.
• Audrey and Leonard discuss the division of spoils and the Moon Ribbon's potential danger.
• Alice and Emlyn discuss Hazel's situation and the Moon Ribbon's side effect.
• Mr. Fool (Klein) reveals the class leap Emlyn could achieve, connecting the events above the Gray Fog to the main plot.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Alice hints at Leonard becoming her lover to avoid answering Emlyn's question about crossing classes.
• Alice reveals that she wants to give Rose's Oath to the Captain and the others, but the right occasion is missing.
• Alice meets Bernadette, who seeks her guidance on preventing a war prophecy.
• Alice tells Bernadette about her father's past and his possible role in preventing an early Apocalypse.

Character Developments

• Alice: Shows a playful and teasing side, hinting at her true nature as an Angel.
• Bernadette: Struggles with her father's legacy and seeks closure, eventually breaking down and crying.
• Leonard: Shows jealousy towards Alger, hinting at his feelings for Alice.

Significant Themes

• The burden of knowledge and truth.
• The struggle between personal desires and greater responsibilities.
• The complex nature of heroism and its consequences.

Character Interactions

• Alice and Emlyn: Alice teases Emlyn about his nobility and reluctance to become her lover.
• Alice and Leonard: Alice hints at Leonard's feelings for her, causing him jealousy.
• Alice and Bernadette: Alice comforts Bernadette about her father's past, leading to an emotional breakdown.
• Alice and Klein (Mr. Fool): Alice discusses giving Rose's Oath to the Captain and the others with Klein.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Alice reveals to Bernadette that her father, Emperor Roselle, might still be alive as a True God, but she can't guarantee she can bring Bernadette to see him yet.
• Alice hints that Klein (Mr. Fool) might be willing to help save Emperor Roselle if it's beneficial for him.
• Bernadette agrees to help Alice find the "Reaper" and Sharpe in exchange for Alice's help in saving her father.
• Alice shares with Klein her confusion about the complex ethical relationships in Greek Mythology, comparing it to their own situation.

Character Developments

• Bernadette: She becomes more determined to save her father and is willing to make deals to achieve this.
• Alice: She continues to enjoy teasing Klein and playing mind games, but also shows sincerity in helping Bernadette.
• Klein: He remains patient and understanding with Alice's antics, and is willing to help Bernadette if it aligns with his interests.

Significant Themes

• The complexity of ethical relationships, both in mythological contexts and in their own situation.
• The power dynamics and potential benefits of alliances and deals.
• The uncertainty of the future and the possibility of not having one.

Character Interactions

• Alice and Bernadette: They establish a tentative alliance, with Alice offering guidance and Bernadette agreeing to help find the "Reaper" and Sharpe.
• Alice and Klein: They have a playful and candid conversation about their complex ethical relationships and the uncertainty of the future.
• Bernadette and Alice: They subtly improve their relationship, with Bernadette calling Alice "Aunt" and Alice addressing her as "niece."

Key Plot Points and Events

• Alice asks Klein about Frank's research, and Klein reveals his plan to start a circus.
• Klein wants to try creating charms using Worms of Spirit, and Alice agrees to help him restart the scene if he fails.
• Alice discovers that bicycles are responsible for the fermented scent in the air.
• Klein's circus holds its first successful performance.
• Hazel drinks the potion in Harvest Church, leading to Will Auceptin's miscarriage and deterioration.
• Will Auceptin realizes he's been used by Amon and Alice, and agrees to go with Amon to the Land Abandoned by God to survive.

Character Developments

• Alice shows concern for Klein's well-being after he becomes a Demigod.
• Klein is determined to start the circus despite the risks.
• Hazel finally takes the potion to end her pregnancy, feeling relief and melancholy.
• Will Auceptin, realizing his situation, agrees to go with Amon to survive.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and deception (Amon using Will Auceptin and Alice using Amon).
• The consequences of one's actions (Will Auceptin's miscarriage due to his past actions).
• The struggle for survival (Will Auceptin agreeing to go with Amon to survive).

Character Interactions

• Alice and Klein discuss the circus and Klein's plan to create charms.
• Alice and Klein work together to solve the church problem for the circus.
• Alice helps Hazel drink the potion in Harvest Church.
• Will Auceptin interacts with Amon, realizing he's been used and agreeing to go with him to survive.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Alice and Emlyn feel relieved after Hazel leaves the Harvest Church.
• Alice prays to the Mother Goddess of Depravity in an irreverent manner.
• Alice returns home to find Amon waiting for her.
• Amon reveals that Alice's attempt to give Hazel an abortion potion was an internal conflict within her "Fate."
• Amon steals one of the Rose's Oath rings from Alice.
• Alice asks Klein for help but receives no useful suggestions.
• Alice sends Amon a letter with the remaining ring, claiming it's a wedding gift for him and The Fool.
• Amon receives the letter and ring, and decides to find The Fool.

Character Developments

• Alice: Shows irreverence towards the Mother Goddess of Depravity, and later displays a cunning and mischievous side when she sends the letter to Amon.
• Amon: Reveals more about his past and his habit of taking things along with him, including the Rose's Oath ring.
• Emlyn: Discovers that his potion severely wounded a Sequence 1 Great Angel, which shocks him and the other Tarot Club members.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between gods, angels, and humans.
• The consequences of one's actions and the interconnectedness of fate.
• The theme of irreverence and disrespect towards authority, as shown through Alice's prayer.

Character Interactions

• Alice and Emlyn: Alice feels relieved that Emlyn is no longer worried about Hazel, and they both feel a sense of closure.
• Alice and Amon: Alice and Amon have a playful and tense interaction, with Alice trying to get information out of Amon and Amon teasing her.
• Alice and Klein: Alice asks Klein for help but receives no useful suggestions, leading her to send the letter to Amon.
• Amon and The Fool: Amon decides to find The Fool after receiving Alice's letter and the remaining Rose's Oath ring.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Alice reveals how Will Auceptin was "heavily wounded" using an abortion potion, leading to speculation about mass-producing Worms of Spirit.
• The Tarot Club members discuss the implications and possibilities of this method.
• Alice shares a story about a sea hunter who choked to death due to her misfortune, and how she left him with eight times the misfortune, later reduced to six charms given to Klein.
• Klein obtains a new marionette, the "Reaper," from Bernadette.
• Alice and Klein discuss creating a charm using Alice's "restarted" corpse, but Alice expresses some reservations.

Character Developments

• Alice continues to display her unique perspective and lack of filter, shocking the Tarot Club members with her honesty.
• Klein shows concern for Alice's well-being and expresses his disapproval of her inhuman ideas.
• Alice reveals a hint of vulnerability when discussing the use of her own corpse for a charm.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between angels and humans, and the respect shown to True Gods.
• The exploration of the possibilities and limitations of the Worm of Spirit and its potential mass production.
• The ethical implications of using corpses and misfortune for charm creation.

Character Interactions

• Alice interacts with the Tarot Club members, sharing stories and discussing the implications of her actions.
• Klein and Alice discuss the creation of a new charm, leading to a brief moment of vulnerability from Alice.
• The Tarot Club members react to Alice's revelations, showing a mix of shock, admiration, and disbelief.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Klein and Alice decide to name the charm "Yesterday's Recurrence" and send it to Mr. Azik.
• Alice witnesses Sherman taking the "Witch" potion and being incited by Trissy to seduce Viscount Stratford.
• Klein shares the history between Trissy and Viscount Stratford with Alice.
• Alice and Klein discuss the potential outcome of Sherman's actions, fearing she might fall in love with Viscount Stratford.
• Miss "Justice" Audrey meets with Hervin Lambeth again, confirming the "Psychology Alchemists" are a puppet organization of the "Twilight Hermit Order".
• Alice encounters Xio, who is surveilling Viscount Stratford's manor, and learns about Xio's family history and her mission from MI9.

Character Developments

• Alice: Shows concern for Sherman's potential fate and demonstrates her investigative skills and intuition.
• Klein: Provides Alice with information about Trissy and Viscount Stratford, showing his knowledge of past events.
• Sherman: Takes the "Witch" potion and is incited by Trissy to seduce Viscount Stratford, potentially putting herself in danger.
• Xio: Reveals her family history and her mission from MI9, showing her determination to uncover the truth about her father's death.

Significant Themes

• Coincidence: The story explores the concept of coincidence, with Sherman and Xio's friend sharing the same name and similar beliefs about their gender.
• Fate: The characters discuss the role of fate in their lives, with Alice praising and cursing fate in the same breath.
• Deception and Truth: The story explores the theme of deception and the search for truth, with characters like Trissy and Sherman deceiving others, and Xio seeking the truth about her father's death.

Character Interactions

• Alice and Klein: They discuss the potential outcomes of Sherman's actions and share information about Trissy and Viscount Stratford.
• Alice and Xio: Alice encounters Xio while surveilling Viscount Stratford's manor and learns about Xio's family history and mission from MI9.
• Sherman and Viscount Stratford: Sherman is incited by Trissy to seduce Viscount Stratford, potentially putting herself in a dangerous situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xio learns that Alice is investigating Viscount Stratford's loyalties, aligning their goals temporarily.
• Xio decides to see Sherman despite Alice's warning that Sherman may not want to see her.
• Alice vents her anger on Xio by leaving her soaked in the rain.
• Alice reveals to Klein that he has an extra Demigod-level marionette.

Character Developments

• Xio: Stands her ground in her decision to see Sherman, showing determination and resolve.
• Alice: Reveals a childish side, gets upset when Xio insists on seeing Sherman, and later vents her anger on Xio.
• Klein: Is unaware of the extra Demigod-level marionette he possesses.

Significant Themes

• Friendship: Xio's desire to see Sherman highlights the importance of friendship, despite the potential risks and Alice's warnings.
• Anger and Venting: Alice's anger at Xio's decision leads her to vent her frustration, leaving Xio soaked in the rain.
• Secrets and Revelations: Alice reveals to Klein that he has an extra Demigod-level marionette, hinting at the secrets he may not be aware of.

Character Interactions

• Xio and Alice: Their interaction reveals Alice's protective nature towards Sherman and her displeasure with Xio's decision to see Sherman.
• Alice and Klein: Alice shares a revelation with Klein about his marionette, showing her willingness to help him despite their past disagreements.

Plot points and events

• Klein hosts a weekend hunt at Dwayne Dantès’s manor. Among the guests is Qonas Kilgor, an MI9 deputy director and major general whom Klein recognizes as a demigod—and a target in his investigation of the Great Smog and human trafficking. Klein intends to capture him, but Qonas escapes his room by floating away. Klein sends a disguised marionette after him.
• Alice updates Klein on the parallel pursuit of Shermane. Xio and Fors had followed Viscount Stratford, who is searching for Shermane after Trissy abducted her. Stratford has apparently joined forces with another demoness to hunt Trissy.
• Klein identifies the demoness as Katarina, a Sequence 3 “White Witch” and Tracy’s mother. He explains the complicated, disturbing family history surrounding Tracy’s transformations and parentage. Alice condemns the demonesses’ apparent cruelty, while also insisting on respecting people’s chosen gender.
• At a warehouse, Alice approaches Xio and Fors and invites them inside, where Stratford is confronting Shermane. He declares that he will purify her and produces an ancient, spiked cross. When he activates it with his blood, it becomes a Radiant Cross: its light dispels Trissy’s threads, while Xio and Fors protect themselves with a silver river.
• The cross’s power has no effect on Alice. Recognizing her overwhelming status, Stratford stops attacking. Alice demands the cross, but the scene ends before he responds or the confrontation is resolved.

Character developments and interactions

• Klein is alert to the danger—and opportunity—posed by Qonas, while juggling several connected investigations. His exchange with Alice shows both trust and playful irritation, especially when she points out that Qonas has escaped.
• Alice acts confidently as an ally to Xio and Fors and makes light of dangerous situations. She is fascinated by the Radiant Cross and treats Stratford’s hostility as the start of a “boss fight.” Her comments about gender show a surprisingly considerate side.
• Xio and Fors take a calculated risk entering the warehouse because they trust Alice’s protection. Their teamwork is emphasized when they clasp hands and raise a silver river against the cross’s light.
• Stratford shifts from threatening Shermane to alarm and caution when his weapon fails to harm Alice and he senses her power.

Significant themes

• Power and vulnerability: The cross can neutralize Trissy’s supernatural traces, but it is insignificant against Alice.
• Interconnected conspiracies: Klein’s pursuit of Qonas and the warehouse conflict are parts of broader, overlapping investigations involving nobles, secret organizations, and demonesses.
• Identity and humanity: The discussion of demonesses’ transformations and Alice’s use of gendered pronouns raises questions about identity, respect, and the harm people inflict on others.
• Humor amid danger: Alice’s playful, game-like remarks contrast with the lethal stakes of the hunt and the warehouse encounter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Alice reveals she is a divine child of the Goddess of the Night, shocking Viscount Stratford.
• Alice offers Sherman a choice: kill Viscount Stratford and regain an ordinary life, or be killed by Alice.
• Sherman stabs Viscount Stratford to death in a fit of rage and hatred, despite his pleas.

Character Developments

• Alice: Reveals her divine status, displays ruthlessness and cunning in manipulating Sherman.
• Sherman: Struggles with her love for Viscount Stratford and her desire for an ordinary life, ultimately killing him in a burst of anger and resentment.
• Viscount Stratford: Initially shocked by Alice's revelation, later tries to manipulate Sherman into sparing him, but fails.

Significant Themes

• Power and Control: Alice's manipulation of Sherman and Viscount Stratford highlights the theme of power and control.
• Love and Betrayal: Sherman's love for Viscount Stratford is betrayed by his actions, leading to her ultimate act of violence against him.
• Identity and Choice: Sherman grapples with her identity as a Witch and her desire for an ordinary life, making a choice that seals her fate.

Character Interactions

• Alice and Viscount Stratford: Alice manipulates and interrogates Viscount Stratford, revealing his secrets and using him to test Sherman.
• Sherman and Viscount Stratford: Their relationship is marked by love, betrayal, and ultimately, violence. Sherman's love for him is twisted into hatred and leads to his death.
• Sherman, Xio, and Fors: The three women watch Sherman's struggle and eventual act of violence, with Xio encouraging Sherman to kill Viscount Stratford, and Fors remaining silent.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The author returns to the fandom after Volume 5, re-reading 'Circle of Fate' and experiencing emotional turmoil.
• The ending of 'Circle of Fate' (Adam's death and the truce) causes the author distress.
• The author discusses the influence of 'Circle of Retribution' on their own story, including Alice's struggle against the Fate Weaver.
• The author expresses difficulty in handling the God War and the Fate Weaver's arc.

Character Developments

• The author's emotional attachment to characters (Lumian, Adam, Amon) is evident.
• The author's mindset shifts from volatile to stable over time, but the ending of 'Circle of Fate' causes a resurgence of emotions.

Significant Themes

• Emotional investment in characters and their fates.
• The influence of one story on another (in this case, 'Circle of Retribution' on the author's own work).
• The struggle to maintain a stable mindset while consuming and creating content.

Character Interactions

• The author interacts with their readers through this postscript, sharing their emotions and thoughts.
• The author mentions 'Friend' from a reader group, indicating a sense of community among fans.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Alice discovers a trembling dagger on the ground, symbolizing Sherman's psychological turmoil.
• Alice decides to help Sherman become an ordinary person using a verdigris cross from the Sun Pathway.
• Alice uses her unique ability as an Uniqueness In A Sense to push Sherman's fate forward, making her an ordinary person.
• Viscount Stratford's secret about the King's involvement with the Psychology Alchemists and the Witch Sect is revealed.
• Sherman decides to leave Backlund and start a new life with Xio's help.

Character Developments

• Alice demonstrates her power and willingness to help Sherman, showing growth in her role as a mentor figure.
• Sherman accepts her new life as an ordinary person and expresses gratitude towards Alice.
• Xio and Fors show concern for Sherman's well-being and help her plan her future.

Significant Themes

• The theme of fate and destiny is explored through Alice's ability to push Sherman's fate forward.
• The consequences of Sherman's past actions and her desire for a normal life are highlighted.
• The secretive nature of the King's involvement with the Psychology Alchemists and the Witch Sect is revealed.

Character Interactions

• Alice interacts with Sherman, helping her become an ordinary person and providing guidance.
• Sherman interacts with Xio and Fors, expressing her gratitude and planning her future with their help.
• Alice communicates with Klein, providing him with important information and asking for his assistance.

Key plot points and events

• Klein meets Arianna, the Evernight Church’s Servant of Concealment and an angel. She tells him to wait for Brigadier General Qonas Kilgor to reappear and capture him at Meager Manor. Arianna will create a hidden world so their fight cannot damage reality.
• Klein changes, consults Arrodes, and asks the red moon to bring Qonas bad luck before the battle.
• The next morning, Qonas is missing. Alice recognizes the rug in his room as a marionette made from human skin, but Klein warns her not to draw attention to it. Klein instructs the staff to investigate and tells the guests the general may simply have left on urgent business.
• The guests continue with their hunt. Their teasing about Klein and Alice leads him to reveal that she is only sixteen and an official Evernight saint, prompting them to realize she must have extraordinary—or high-sequence—parentage.
• Alice eats a lavish meal and worries that the coming war may make food scarce. She wonders whether Justice might shelter her.

Character developments and interactions

• Klein remains composed and diplomatic in public, while privately feeling overwhelmed by Arianna’s presence and anxious about the impending ambush. He also struggles to correct the guests’ mistaken romantic interpretation of his connection to Alice.
• Arianna is calm, direct, and restrained. She offers powerful support but expects Klein to carry out the capture himself.
• Alice shows sharp perception by identifying the grisly rug, then sensibly keeps quiet after Klein’s warning. Her thoughts about food reveal her practical anxieties and reliance on Klein’s generosity.
• Klein and Alice maintain a familiar, teasing rapport, though Alice dislikes his overly affectionate address. Klein presents her to the guests as the daughter of an old acquaintance; the resulting rumors embarrass him.
• Framis Cage offers a plausible explanation for Qonas’s absence, suggesting he suspects the general had a private reason for visiting.

Significant themes

• Hidden power and concealment: Arianna’s hidden world and Qonas’s disappearance contrast with the ordinary holiday setting.
• Duty and sacrifice: Klein prepares to act against Qonas and anticipates giving up comfort and food for others during wartime.
• Rumor and appearances: The guests misread Klein and Alice’s relationship, while Klein carefully manages the public explanation of events.
• War and scarcity: Alice’s concern about future food supplies foreshadows how the coming conflict may disrupt everyday life.

Key events

• During a barbecue at Meager Manor, Alice leaves a children’s game to join Klein and Arianna, who reports that the underground ruin linked to Qonas Kilgor appeared empty. She learned this through the Goddess’s authority over Concealment.
• Klein and Alice suspect the ruin may be an illusion created by the upper ranks of the Psychology Alchemists. Arianna agrees to investigate; if the ruin is real, influential members of the Churches of Storms or Steam may be involved.
• Alice reveals a prophecy that a new god will be born. The group connects this to the Blood Emperor Alista Tudor’s ruin and suspects King George III is attempting to become a Black Emperor. Arianna notes that a reigning king cannot advance to demigod status, explaining why the Three Churches may be kept in the dark.
• Alice volunteers to investigate George III’s Sequence, clarifying that she intends to use divination rather than fight him. She also reports that Katarina appeared with Viscount Stratford and that Royal Advisor Hvin Rambis is a Psychology Alchemist demigod; Arianna confirms Hvin has disappeared.
• Before vanishing, Arianna advises Klein to seek the Goddess’s blessing after the matter is resolved. Alice asks Arianna to apologize to the Goddess for Alice pretending to be Her child and calling Her “Mother.” Arianna tells her to apologize directly.
• Alice tells Klein that the Verdigris Cross in Sefirah Castle is a relic of the Ancient Sun God, but postpones explaining further until after Klein’s hunting activity. At the feast’s end, Klein secretly divines the Cross’s origin.
• Klein’s vision shows a man emerging from a strange structure, taking a silver Cross, and declaring, “Let There Be Light!” A second image reveals golden blood falling onto the Cross and a figure of pure light addressing Klein as “Lord of Mysteries.” The vision violently disrupts Klein, though Sefirah Castle restores him.

Character developments and interactions

• Alice is playful and socially at ease, but also takes the political danger seriously. Her confidence shows in her willingness to investigate George III through divination. Her irreverent habit of impersonating divine figures continues, alarming Klein.
• Klein remains cautious about Alice’s safety, but is also curious enough to risk divining the Cross himself. He regrets not asking Alice to do it instead.
• Arianna is composed and authoritative. She shares information, coordinates investigations, and acts as a link to the Goddess, though she refuses to mediate Alice’s apology.
• Klein and Alice work together to interpret the ruin and the prophecy, while Klein’s concern for Alice contrasts with her casual, daring attitude.

Significant themes

• Secrecy and deception: The empty ruin may be an illusion, and powerful factions may be concealing George III’s plans.
• Power and political ambition: The prospect of a king attempting apotheosis threatens the balance among the Churches and the gods.
• Fate and uncertainty: Alice’s prophecy points toward a new god, but its meaning—and its relationship to Adam’s apparent actions—remains unclear.
• Risk and curiosity: Klein’s divination demonstrates how pursuing forbidden knowledge can bring immediate danger, even within the relative safety of Sefirah Castle.