Ch. 1Reading More Isn't Such a Bad Thing
Key Plot Points and Events
- The story takes place in the remote Barren Star System within the Styx Galaxy.
- An old woman, Zorya, finds a young boy, Yuan, and takes him in as her grandson.
- Over a decade later, Yuan is now a mischievous 13-year-old who likes to read and is well-liked in the village except for one man, Jos, whom he often teases.
- The village lives in fear of the Kingdom's conscription, which has a high mortality rate.
- Yuan refuses to play with the village children after they engage in a disturbing welcoming ceremony involving feces.
Character Developments
- Yuan: He is a curious, intelligent, and mischievous boy who prefers reading to playing with other children. He has a strong bond with Zorya and is protective of her.
- Zorya: She is a kind-hearted, wise, and somewhat mysterious old woman who takes Yuan in and raises him as her grandson. She has some medical knowledge and is respected in the village.
- Jos: He is a man with hemorrhoids who often gets angry and drunk. He has a conflict with Yuan due to the latter's pranks.
Significant Themes
- The importance of knowledge and reading.
- The fear and consequences of war (Kingdom's conscription).
- The power of family bonds and community support.
Character Interactions
- Yuan and Zorya: They have a close, affectionate relationship. Yuan respects and loves Zorya, while she cares for and guides Yuan.
- Yuan and Jos: They have a tense relationship due to Yuan's pranks, which often target Jos.
- Yuan and the village children: Yuan refuses to play with them after they engage in a disturbing welcoming ceremony, highlighting his difference from the other children.