Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Empress Dowager Garnet's plot to prove Jerome's illegitimacy fails due to a weakened Bone Fusion Potion.
• Zhou Ming ascends to the throne after eliminating two major obstacles: Jerome and Empress Dowager Garnet.
• Zhou Ming visits Duke Lucis to win over the Lucis Family, the most powerful family in the Empire.
• Duke Lucis reveals he sees through Zhou Ming's intentions and demands sincerity to gain his support.

Character Developments

• Zhou Ming: Proves his political acumen by manipulating events to secure the throne. He understands the need to win over powerful families to maintain his power.
• Empress Dowager Garnet: Her desperation and guilty actions expose her true intentions, leading to her downfall.
• Duke Lucis: Reveals himself to be shrewd and calculating, seeing through Zhou Ming's intentions and demanding sincerity.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and manipulation: Zhou Ming's rise to power is marked by his ability to manipulate events and people to his advantage.
• The importance of alliances: Zhou Ming understands the necessity of winning over powerful families to maintain his grip on power.
• The dangers of underestimating opponents: Both Empress Dowager Garnet and Zhou Ming underestimate their opponents, leading to their downfall and success respectively.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Ming vs. Empress Dowager Garnet: Zhou Ming outmaneuvers the Empress Dowager, leading to her downfall.
• Zhou Ming vs. Duke Lucis: Zhou Ming attempts to win over the Lucis Family, but Duke Lucis sees through his intentions and demands sincerity.
• Zhou Ming's visit to the Lucis Family: Zhou Ming's visit is a calculated move to secure the support of the most powerful family in the Empire.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Ming, the new emperor, inherits a financially strained empire with a stagnant society and widening class gap.
• He identifies three major problems: financial strain, land annexation and class stratification, and extravagance among the nobility.
• Zhou Ming decides to focus on solving the financial strain issue, but faces opposition from nobles and the Pro-King Faction during court sessions.
• He implements a policy of non-action, reducing celebratory events, Imperial Palace staff, and military personnel to cut expenses.

Character Developments

• Zhou Ming demonstrates strategic thinking and political acumen by adopting a policy of non-action to address the empire's financial strain.
• The nobles and the Pro-King Faction show their resistance to changes that might affect their interests.
• Old King Fred Lucis considers reducing his army but faces insurmountable difficulties.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for power and resources between the nobles and the Pro-King Faction.
• The consequences of extravagance and inequality in society.
• The challenges of governing a vast empire with diverse interests.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Ming interacts with nobles and the Pro-King Faction during court sessions, demonstrating his ability to navigate political challenges.
• Zhou Ming's decisions affect the lives of common people, highlighting the power dynamics between the emperor and the populace.
• Zhou Ming's actions influence Old King Fred Lucis, who considers but ultimately fails to implement similar changes in his own army.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Ming, now the Emperor, faces financial constraints despite having enough money for immediate expenses.
• He decides to engage in commercial activities to generate more income, setting up a commercial area near the Imperial Palace.
• The commercial area becomes a significant source of wealth, generating 5 million Gold Tower Shields in its first year.
• Zhou Ming uses only 2 million Gold Tower Shields for personal use after distributing the rest to the court officials and the national treasury.

Character Developments

• Zhou Ming shows ambition and resourcefulness in seeking financial freedom and power.
• He demonstrates strategic thinking in setting up the commercial area and managing it.
• Zhou Ming's priorities shift towards cultivation, indicating his focus on personal growth and power.

Significant Themes

• Power and Wealth: Zhou Ming's pursuit of wealth is tied to his desire for power and influence.
• Cultivation and Personal Growth: Zhou Ming's primary use of his income is for cultivation, highlighting his focus on personal development.
• Responsibility and Sacrifice: Zhou Ming's decision to use only a portion of his income for personal use shows his understanding of his responsibilities as an Emperor.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Ming interacts with merchants, granting them a share in the commercial area in exchange for their cooperation and a share of the profits.
• He also interacts with court officials, distributing a portion of the income to increase their salaries and maintain their loyalty.
• Zhou Ming's interactions with the old Prime Minister Benedict highlight his determination to keep his cultivation progress a secret and his refusal to be swayed by the old official's advice.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Ming becomes a Mana Web Walker, a prestigious profession in the cultivation world.
• Mana Web Walkers have significant advantages over Free Professionals, including faster spell casting and a "Magic Power Warehouse" for storing excess energy.
• Zhou Ming connects to the "Azure Power" Mana Web, which is medium-sized and has an overall integrity of 33%, considered relatively good among remaining Mana Webs.
• Zhou Ming's cultivation data shows he's a Level 1 Mana Web Walker with 72 Magic Power Units, capable of redeeming two Level 1 spells.

Character Developments

• Zhou Ming (Noctis) demonstrates ambition, planning to connect to multiple Mana Webs and eventually create his own.
• He shows self-awareness of his current limitations, acknowledging he needs to work hard to improve.

Significant Themes

• The advantages and prestige of Mana Web Walkers over Free Professionals.
• The importance of energy compatibility and proximity in connecting to Mana Webs.
• Ambition and self-awareness in cultivation and personal growth.

Character Interactions

• The chapter focuses on Zhou Ming's internal thoughts and actions, with no external character interactions mentioned.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Azure Hand Guild, the most powerful and influential organization in the Azure Moon plane, controls the "Azure Power" Mana Web.
• Zhou Ming, a Self Connector (someone who connects to the Mana Web without external help), attracts the attention of Karosinasri, the Guild Master.
• Karosinasri attempts to recruit Zhou Ming, but he refuses. Karosinasri then sends a team to find and recruit Zhou Ming.

Character Developments

• Karosinasri: Showcases his interest in talented individuals and his determination to recruit Zhou Ming.
• Zhou Ming: Demonstrates his independence and reluctance to join the Azure Hand Guild.
• Shut, Iliyas, Atlanm: The team sent to find Zhou Ming. Shut is serious and responsible, Iliyas is intelligent and caring, and Atlanm is lively and complaints a lot.

Significant Themes

• Power and Control: The Azure Hand Guild's monopoly on power and its influence over the Azure Moon plane.
• Talent and Recruitment: The guild's focus on recruiting talented individuals like Zhou Ming.
• Freedom vs. Obligation: Zhou Ming's desire for independence versus the guild's expectation for him to join.

Character Interactions

• Karosinasri and Zhou Ming: Karosinasri attempts to recruit Zhou Ming, but Zhou Ming refuses, leading to Karosinasri sending a team to find him.
• Shut, Iliyas, and Atlanm: The team dynamics are shown, with Shut being the responsible leader, Iliyas being caring, and Atlanm being lively and complaining.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Ming, the Emperor, plays Dou Dizhu (a card game) with his companions.
• The "Emperor Hoe" incident occurs: a rumor spreads that Zhou Ming uses a specific hoe, leading to a surge in sales and farmers being arrested for "slandering the Holy One."
• Zhou Ming intervenes, clears the farmers' names, and announces nationwide sales of "Emperor Brand Hoes" with interest-free loans.
• A massive flood disaster erupts in Andorhal County, requiring urgent relief.

Character Developments

• Zhou Ming demonstrates wisdom and care for his people, showing empathy and understanding.
• Hai Rou displays knowledge of civilian affairs.
• Reggie shows his straightforward and kind nature.

Significant Themes

• The impact of rumors and their consequences.
• The Emperor's responsibility towards his people and their well-being.
• The power of empathy and understanding in leadership.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Ming interacts with his companions (Hai Rou, Marcia, and Reggie) in a casual and friendly manner.
• Zhou Ming shows concern for the farmers' well-being and addresses their needs.
• The Emperor's officials react to the flood disaster in Andorhal County.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A massive flood disaster occurs in Andorhal County, causing millions of casualties and dire circumstances.
• Zhou Ming convenes a court assembly to discuss relief efforts.
• Ministers debate the feasibility and wisdom of providing relief, with Prime Minister Benedict arguing against it due to limited resources and potential security risks.
• Zhou Ming becomes enraged by the ministers' callous attitudes and decides to fund the relief efforts himself.

Character Developments

• Zhou Ming: Shows empathy and responsibility towards the disaster victims, prioritizing their needs over political or financial concerns.
• Prime Minister Benedict: Demonstrates practicality and caution, advising against relief efforts due to limited resources and potential risks.
• Jilute: A mid-level official from Andorhal County who advocates for relief efforts, showing concern for his hometown and its people.
• Haguosi: The Chief Cabinet Minister who initially mocks Jilute but later becomes defensive when asked about his hometown's potential disaster.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility and empathy towards the common people.
• The role of the court in providing disaster relief and maintaining order.
• The tension between practicality and compassion in governance.
• The potential for corruption and mismanagement in relief efforts.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Ming and the ministers: Zhou Ming clashes with the ministers, particularly Benedict and Haguosi, over the decision to provide relief.
• Zhou Ming and Jilute: Zhou Ming supports Jilute's advocacy for relief efforts, showing understanding and appreciation for his concern.
• Benedict and Jilute: Benedict reprimands Jilute for his outspokenness during the assembly, highlighting their differing views on relief efforts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Ming establishes an emergency disaster relief team, with himself as the leader and Jilute as the deputy.
• 50,000 soldiers are deployed for disaster relief, initially resistant but motivated by Zhou Ming's speech and promise of rewards.
• Zhou Ming formulates a five-step disaster relief plan and invents three "Divine Artifacts" (large-capacity carriages, high-power loudspeakers, controllable flying hot air balloons) and creates a rapid response force.
• Merchants provide supplies at cost, and the disaster relief operation begins.
• After 10 days, 800,000 disaster victims are successfully rescued, exceeding expectations.

Character Developments

• Zhou Ming demonstrates strong leadership, strategic planning, and determination to help the disaster victims.
• The soldiers initially resistant to disaster relief become motivated by Zhou Ming's speech and the promise of rewards.
• Merchants, moved by Zhou Ming's efforts, provide supplies at cost.
• The ministers are skeptical of the rescue numbers but willing to investigate.

Significant Themes

• Effective leadership and planning can overcome challenges.
• Incentives can motivate people to act beyond their initial reluctance.
• Cooperation and unity can achieve remarkable results.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Ming inspires and motivates the soldiers with his speech.
• Zhou Ming persuades merchants to provide supplies at cost.
• The ministers challenge Zhou Ming's reported rescue numbers, leading to a decision to investigate.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Empire's officials count the disaster victims, totaling 800,000.
• Emperor Zhou Ming reveals the preventable nature of many disaster deaths.
• Zhou Ming takes on Andorhal County's reconstruction, completing three massive projects in a year: the Andorhal Reservoir, a two-way carriage track, and the Imperial Capital Central Airport & Light Gas Airship plant.

Character Developments

• Emperor Zhou Ming demonstrates his wisdom, foresight, and ability to manage large-scale projects.
• Officials show initial disbelief and later awe at Zhou Ming's achievements.

Significant Themes

• Preparation and Determination: Natural disasters can be mitigated with proper preparation and action.
• Long-term Vision: Zhou Ming's projects aim to create long-term benefits, not just immediate aid.
• Resource Management: Zhou Ming uses resources efficiently and profitably, recouping costs quickly.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Ming interacts with officials, impressing them with his knowledge and plans.
• Officials question Zhou Ming about his methods, expressing disbelief and awe at his achievements.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Ming cheated by stealing power from the Mana Web to quickly build the Andorhal Reservoir.
• He transformed into an Assisted Connector, creating 100 Mana Web Walkers loyal to him, enabling rapid construction.
• Zhou Ming plans to continue stealing power for the Empire's development, ignoring the consequences and the need to repay the stolen power.

Character Developments

• Zhou Ming: Ambitious, risk-taking, and determined to achieve "One Step to Heaven" development for the Orunian Empire, despite the risks involved.
• Mana Web Walkers: Loyal to Zhou Ming due to his manipulation, they are unwittingly involved in his plans.

Significant Themes

• Ambition vs. Caution: Zhou Ming's bold plans versus the potential consequences and risks.
• Power and Resources: The vast power of the Mana Web and the decreasing Azure Power in the material plane.
• Manipulation and Control: Zhou Ming's control over the Mana Web Walkers and his manipulation of the Mana Web.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Ming and the Mana Web Walkers: Zhou Ming controls and guides the Mana Web Walkers, who are loyal to him due to his manipulation of their Soul Strings.
• Zhou Ming and the Mana Web: Zhou Ming interacts with the Mana Web by stealing power from it and planning to manipulate it further for his goals.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Ming, now 15, is pressured by ministers and nobles to assume personal rule earlier than his planned 18th birthday.
• Despite his reluctance, Zhou Ming is persuaded by the ministers' arguments and the overwhelming consensus.
• Zhou Ming agrees to assume personal rule early, marking a significant shift in his role as Emperor.

Character Developments

• Zhou Ming: Initially reluctant to take on more responsibilities, he eventually accepts the consensus and agrees to assume personal rule early.
• Ministers and Nobles: They collectively urge Zhou Ming to assume personal rule, demonstrating their faith in his abilities and eagerness to see him take charge.

Significant Themes

• Power and Responsibility: Zhou Ming grapples with the weight of his position and the responsibilities that come with it.
• Consensus and Unity: The ministers and nobles show unity in their support for Zhou Ming, highlighting the importance of consensus in governance.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Ming interacts with the ministers and nobles, initially resisting their pressure but eventually yielding to their collective will.
• Lucis Duke, representing the Noble Faction, surprisingly supports Zhou Ming's early assumption of personal rule, demonstrating a shift in the nobles' stance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Ming's proposal for "Early Accession to Power" gains unexpected support from the Noble Faction.
• The Noble Faction supports Zhou Ming's plan due to the potential benefits, especially the "Empire's Rise" plan focusing on rapid industrial and agricultural growth, improved living standards, and foreign trade.
• Zhou Ming establishes the "Empire Development Unlimited Company" to involve various stakeholders in the development plan and increases the number of Mana Web Walkers for infrastructure construction.
• Lucis Duke urges Zhou Ming to marry Aier Sha as Empress, but Zhou Ming hesitates due to his young age and concerns about early sexual activity's health impacts.

Character Developments

• Zhou Ming demonstrates strategic thinking and understanding of political dynamics, gaining support from the Noble Faction with his development plan.
• Lucis Duke shows persistence in arranging Zhou Ming's marriage to Aier Sha, likely to strengthen the alliance between the Imperial family and the Lucis Family.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and conflict between imperial power and noble lords, driven by the pursuit of benefit and resources.
• The potential for economic growth and improved living standards through industrial and agricultural development.
• The importance of strategic alliances and marriages in maintaining political stability.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Ming and the Noble Faction: Zhou Ming gains their support through his development plan, while they seek to benefit from the proposed changes.
• Zhou Ming and Lucis Duke: The Duke urges Zhou Ming to marry Aier Sha, while Zhou Ming hesitates, showing a difference in priorities between the two.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Old Duke pressures Zhou Ming to marry Aier Sha, but Zhou Ming refuses, leading to a tense standoff.
• The Shut team, tasked with finding the "Self Connector," arrives in the Orunian Empire. After three years of fruitless searching, they decide to take a break in the capital.
• Shut and his team become fascinated with the innovations and inventions of the empire's young emperor, Noctis, leading them to adopt a more leisurely lifestyle.
• On August 5th, a Mana Web friend informs Shut that they've found 100 Self Connectors.

Character Developments

• Zhou Ming: Stands his ground against the Old Duke, refusing to marry immediately.
• Shut and his team: Initially determined to find the Self Connector, they become disheartened and distracted by the empire's innovations, leading to a more carefree lifestyle.

Significant Themes

• Persistence vs. Complacency: Shut's team starts with determination but becomes complacent, leading to a delay in their mission.
• The Power of Knowledge and Innovation: The young emperor's inventions significantly impact the team's lives and the empire's development.

Character Interactions

• The Old Duke and Zhou Ming: The Old Duke tries to pressure Zhou Ming into marriage, but Zhou Ming remains unmoved.
• Shut and his team: They interact with the locals, learn about the emperor's innovations, and eventually receive a crucial lead on their mission.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Conan Cecil, a Mana Web Walker, works at a construction site, making stone bricks using a System-provided spell, earning points for each brick made.
• The construction project, the Imperial Central Levitation Port, requires various tasks like making cement, steel refining, and high-tech jobs, each earning different points.
• Points can be exchanged for various goods in the System Mall, such as improved spells, tool assistance skills, and life assistance learning skills.
• Zhou Ming, the system designer, questions the system about its nature, but the system evades the question.
• Shut and his team observe Conan Cecil and others, finding their behavior strange and decide to report it. They are spotted by a tall, strong sorcerer who, upon seeing their Azure Hand badges, is alerted by the system to apprehend them, offering 1 million points per capture.

Character Developments

• Conan Cecil and his colleagues show dedication and perseverance in their tasks, driven by the desire to earn points and exchange for better skills and equipment.
• Zhou Ming becomes curious about the system's true nature and seeks answers.
• Shut and his team display caution and quick thinking when they realize they've been discovered.

Significant Themes

• The system's influence on the characters' daily lives and motivations.
• The curiosity and desire for knowledge, as seen in Zhou Ming's questions about the system.
• The theme of reward and recognition, with the sorcerer motivated by the 1 million point reward for capturing Shut and his team.

Character Interactions

• Conan Cecil and his colleagues work together, driven by the same goal of earning points.
• Zhou Ming interacts with the system, seeking answers about its nature.
• Shut and his team react to the sudden threat posed by the sorcerer, demonstrating teamwork and quick decision-making.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shut and his companions (Iliyas, Atlanm, Pickel) are pursued by over a hundred Mana Web Walkers.
• They attempt to flee, using Azure Leap to increase their speed, but are eventually cornered and captured.
• Shut tries to fight back, using powerful spells like Azure Burst Stream, but they are ineffective due to the opponents' strategic use of defensive spells and tactics.
• Zhou Ming, inside the Imperial Palace, learns about the incident and discusses the situation with the System.

Character Developments

• Shut: Initially confident in his strength, he becomes desperate and humiliated as his powerful spells are repeatedly blocked.
• Zhou Ming: Realizes the severity of the situation and seeks the System's advice on how to handle it.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between high-level and low-level Mana Web Walkers.
• The importance of strategic thinking and tactics in combat, even for lower-level characters.
• The consequences of underestimating opponents and the need for adaptability in battle.

Character Interactions

• Shut and his companions: They work together initially, trying to outrun their pursuers, but are eventually captured.
• Zhou Ming and the System: Zhou Ming seeks the System's advice on how to handle the situation, highlighting his reliance on the System's guidance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Ming, now revealed as Emperor Noctis, meets with the captured Azure Hand Guild members (Shut, Atlanm, Pickel, and Iliyas).
• He informs them that trespassing on the Levitation Port construction site is a severe crime, punishable by at least 10 years in prison.
• Shut deduces Zhou Ming's true identity as a Self Connector with grand ambitions, impressing the Emperor.
• Zhou Ming decides not to kill them and offers them a chance to choose, revealing Iliyas's pregnancy and restricting their movement and access to the Mana Web.

Character Developments

• Zhou Ming/Emperor Noctis: Shows his strategic thinking and willingness to take risks, valuing intelligence and resourcefulness in others.
• Shut: Demonstrates exceptional deductive reasoning skills and courage in the face of danger.
• Iliyas: Shows concern for her husband's safety and is revealed to be pregnant.

Significant Themes

• Intelligence and resourcefulness: Shut's ability to deduce Zhou Ming's true identity and plans highlights the value of intelligence and clever thinking.
• Power dynamics: The interaction between Zhou Ming and the Azure Hand Guild members showcases the power imbalance and the consequences of defying the Empire's laws.
• Ambition: Zhou Ming's grand plans and Shut's deductions about them emphasize the theme of ambition and its potential consequences.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Ming and Shut: Their interaction showcases mutual respect and admiration, with Zhou Ming valuing Shut's intelligence and Shut being unafraid to speak his mind.
• Shut and Iliyas: Their interaction reveals Iliyas's concern for her husband's safety and Shut's determination to face the consequences of his actions.
• Zhou Ming and the Azure Hand Guild members: The interaction between Zhou Ming and the guild members highlights the power dynamics and the consequences of defying the Empire's laws.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shut and his group are imprisoned in an annex of the Imperial Palace, guarded by Mana Web Walkers.
• Shut learns about Iliyas' unexpected pregnancy, causing him to reevaluate his plans.
• Shut's plan to manipulate Emperor Noctis fails, and he's left powerless and at the Emperor's mercy.
• Three days later, Emperor Noctis visits Shut, offering him and his group a choice between submission or death.

Character Developments

• Shut: Realizes his miscalculation and the gravity of his situation, becomes desperate and uncertain.
• Iliyas: Shows resilience and acceptance of their dire situation.
• Atlanm and Pickel: Express fear and despair about their predicament.
• Emperor Noctis: Demonstrates maturity, foresight, and determination, showing he's aware of the Azure Hand's power and his own plans.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation vs. Honesty: Shut's attempt to manipulate Noctis backfires, highlighting the theme of honesty and authenticity.
• Power Dynamics: The Azure Hand's power is emphasized, contrasting with the vulnerability of Shut and his group, and Noctis' assertion of power.
• Choice and Consequences: The characters are faced with difficult choices and their consequences, emphasizing the theme of agency and responsibility.

Character Interactions

• Shut and Iliyas: Their relationship is strained due to Shut's miscalculation and Iliyas' unexpected pregnancy.
• Shut and Emperor Noctis: Their interaction reveals Noctis' awareness of Shut's intentions and his unwillingness to be manipulated.
• Shut and his group: They struggle to come to terms with their situation and the choice they face.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Ming meets with Shut, Atlanm, Pickel, and Iliyas after three days of their deliberation.
• They decide to submit to Zhou Ming to save their lives and later try to persuade him against opposing the Azure Hand Guild.
• Zhou Ming understands their true intentions but allows their submission, planning to increase their loyalty later.
• After a month of recuperation, Zhou Ming reconnects them to the Mana Web, resetting their levels to 1.
• Zhou Ming assigns them tasks: Shut, Atlanm, and Pickel are to work on the "Central Levitation Port" project, making bricks, while Iliyas is given a separate, unknown task.

Character Developments

• Shut, Atlanm, Pickel, and Iliyas decide to temporarily submit to Zhou Ming to save their lives and maintain hope of persuading him.
• Zhou Ming understands their true intentions but allows their submission, planning to control them through tasks and threats.
• Atlanm expresses displeasure at being assigned to make bricks, but the others remain silent.

Significant Themes

• Submission and betrayal: The characters grapple with the consequences of submitting to Zhou Ming and the potential betrayal of their guild.
• Control and manipulation: Zhou Ming uses tasks and threats to control the characters and prevent them from acting against his interests.
• Loyalty and trust: Shut and Iliyas express their loyalty to Pickel, promising to rescue him if he submits to Zhou Ming.

Character Interactions

• Shut, Atlanm, Pickel, and Iliyas discuss their options and decide to submit to Zhou Ming together.
• Zhou Ming interacts with the four, understanding their true intentions but allowing their submission.
• Atlanm expresses displeasure at his assigned task, while Shut and Pickel remain silent.
• Iliyas is given a separate task, and her reaction is not revealed.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Ming assigns Iliyas the mission "Deceive the Heavens to Cross the Sea" to probe the Azure Hand Guild's true intentions regarding Self Connectors.
• Zhou Ming prepares a decoy, Conan Cecil, to pose as a Self Connector and infiltrate the Azure Hand Guild.
• Iliyas reports finding a Self Connector to Guild Master Karosinasri, but he only expresses interest in the Self Connector, not the losses of Shut's team.
• Iliyas expresses anger and dissatisfaction with Karosinasri's lack of concern for her team, but he remains focused on the Self Connector.
• Iliyas claims to be pregnant and insists on giving birth before returning to the guild headquarters with the Self Connector.
• Karosinasri agrees to Iliyas's terms and requests to communicate with the Self Connector.

Character Developments

• Zhou Ming: Shows strategic thinking and care for his subordinates' well-being, willing to gamble on Conan's potential but also providing an exit option.
• Iliyas: Demonstrates loyalty to Zhou Ming and anger at Karosinasri's disregard for her team, using her pregnancy as a delaying tactic.
• Karosinasri: Reveals a single-minded focus on the Self Connector, showing little concern for the losses of Iliyas's team, suggesting a ruthless and ambitious nature.
• Conan Cecil: Accepts the dangerous mission, displaying bravery and dedication to Zhou Ming's cultivation.

Significant Themes

• Deception and manipulation: Zhou Ming uses a decoy to probe the Azure Hand Guild's true intentions, while Iliyas uses her pregnancy as a delaying tactic.
• Ambition vs. loyalty: Karosinasri's single-minded pursuit of the Self Connector contrasts with Iliyas's loyalty to her team and Zhou Ming.
• Sacrifice for potential: Zhou Ming is willing to risk Conan Cecil to gain valuable information, highlighting the theme of sacrifice for greater goals.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Ming and Iliyas: They work together to deceive the Azure Hand Guild, with Zhou Ming providing guidance and Iliyas executing the plan.
• Iliyas and Karosinasri: Their interaction reveals Karosinasri's lack of concern for Iliyas's team and his single-minded focus on the Self Connector.
• Iliyas, Shut, and Atlanm: They express confusion and anger at Karosinasri's disregard for their sacrifices, highlighting their loyalty to each other and their team.

Key Plot Points and Events

• President Karosinasri successfully establishes contact with Conan Cecil in the Mana Web.
• Conan and Karosinasri engage in conversations, with Karosinasri trying to gain Conan's trust.
• Shut, Atlanm, and Pickel join the "Imperial Acceleration Engineering Team" to work on the "Imperial Center Levitation Port" project.
• The three initially struggle with their work, but eventually find benefits in making bricks: spell casting acceleration and multitasking practice.
• After a month, Atlanm invents the "Batch Brick Making Technique," significantly increasing his efficiency and earning him a 10 million point reward from the System.

Character Developments

• Conan Cecil: Becomes more cautious and strategic in his interactions with Karosinasri.
• Shut, Atlanm, and Pickel: Initially resistant to their work, they eventually find motivation and improve their efficiency, with Atlanm becoming the most efficient.

Significant Themes

• The importance of perseverance and finding value in menial tasks.
• The benefits of practice and repetition in skill development.
• The rewards of innovation and creativity (Atlanm's invention).

Character Interactions

• Conan Cecil and President Karosinasri: Engage in cautious conversations, with Karosinasri trying to gain Conan's trust.
• Shut, Atlanm, and Pickel: Initially resistant to their work, they eventually find motivation and compete to improve their efficiency, with Atlanm emerging as the most efficient.