Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Persian Old Trainer reveals that Habitus' potential has been fully developed and he can't become the ace of the Victor Arena.
• Zhang Heng questions the Old Trainer about Habitus' limits and the Old Trainer hints at a secret agreement with Habitus.
• The Old Trainer offers Zhang Heng a chance to join their ancient assassin organization as a core member, with benefits including freedom, Valo's freedom, and financial aid, but not a senatorial position.
• Zhang Heng agrees to the Old Trainer's proposal, expressing interest in learning the organization's assassin techniques.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng: Shows strategic thinking, understanding of power dynamics, and willingness to learn new combat skills.
• Persian Old Trainer: Reveals his organization's principles, offers Zhang Heng a chance to join, and hints at a test for core membership.

Significant Themes

• Power and influence: The Old Trainer's organization has significant power and influence, but it's not absolute.
• Trust and deception: Both Zhang Heng and the Old Trainer are cautious and guarded in their interactions, hinting at a lack of trust.
• Freedom: Zhang Heng values his and Valo's freedom, which is a driving factor in his decisions.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and the Persian Old Trainer: They engage in a cautious, strategic conversation, with Zhang Heng asking insightful questions and the Old Trainer making tempting offers.
• Zhang Heng and Habitus (off-page): Their relationship is mentioned but not explored in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng and Valo visit the baths at the Gladiator School, experiencing steam baths, hot water pools, and massages.
• Zhang Heng learns about the free services at the Gladiator School's baths compared to public baths.
• Zhang Heng investigates the Gladiator School, gathering information about trainers, especially Dadatis, the old Persian trainer.
• Zhang Heng visits the infirmary to inquire about herbs for treating common ailments, finding a receptive doctor willing to help.

Character Developments

• Valo shows dedication to improving his combat skills, training voluntarily even after passing his assessment.
• Zhang Heng demonstrates resourcefulness and foresight by learning herbalism and seeking medical supplies in this era.

Significant Themes

• The harsh realities of life in a gladiator school, with limited medical care and the constant threat of injury and death.
• The importance of self-improvement and adaptability in survival, as shown by both Zhang Heng and Valo.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Valo bond over their shared experiences at the baths and their determination to improve.
• Zhang Heng interacts with various gladiators, gathering information and showing interest in their well-being.
• Zhang Heng meets the infirmary doctor, who is initially skeptical but eventually agrees to help him find herbs.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng returns to find his roommates drunk and asleep.
• An old Persian trainer, Dadatis, wakes Zhang Heng up in the middle of the night and takes him to a training ground.
• Dadatis attempts to assassinate Zhang Heng silently three times, but Zhang Heng defends himself each time.
• Dadatis stops the fight, admitting Zhang Heng's skill, and shares insights about assassins' tactics.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng: Demonstrates exceptional reflexes, combat awareness, and skill with a blade, even against a skilled assassin.
• Dadatis: Reveals his past as an assassin, shows humility in admitting Zhang Heng's skill, and shares knowledge about assassination tactics.

Significant Themes

• The transient nature of life and power, as seen in the old trainer's decline and the high mortality rate of gladiators.
• The importance of vigilance and adaptability in combat, as shown by Zhang Heng's ability to defend against unexpected attacks.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Dadatis engage in a silent, tense exchange, with Dadatis testing Zhang Heng's skills and Zhang Heng defending himself.
• Zhang Heng shows respect for Dadatis' age and skill, not pressing his advantage when Dadatis asks to stop the fight.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The old trainer discusses the history and nature of assassins with Zhang Heng.
• He explains the origin of the Assassin Brotherhood, which was established to pool resources, form an intelligence network, and provide mutual assistance among assassins.
• The trainer reveals the Blade of Balance's belief in maintaining the balance of all things, especially benefiting the common people and slaves.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng demonstrates curiosity and critical thinking, questioning the old trainer's explanations.
• The old trainer shows wisdom, patience, and a deep understanding of the assassin profession and the world's dynamics.

Significant Themes

• Balance: The central theme of the chapter, emphasizing the importance of maintaining equilibrium in all aspects of life, from societal structures to market dynamics.
• Power dynamics: The old trainer discusses the distribution of power among different classes and the role of assassins in maintaining balance.
• The assassin's role: The chapter explores the profession's history, motivations, and the reasons behind forming an organization.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and the old trainer engage in a conversation that reveals the old trainer's knowledge and Zhang Heng's inquisitive nature.
• The old trainer treats Zhang Heng with respect, acknowledging his questions and providing detailed explanations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng meets Dadatis, an old trainer from the Blade of Balance, an ancient assassin organization.
• Dadatis explains the structure and history of the Blade of Balance, which consists of core members (originally seven, including the convener and six strongest assassins) and outer members (various people with ties to assassins).
• The Blade of Balance operates based on oracles received from Keleisi, a god, with varying frequencies.
• Dadatis reveals that Zhang Heng's test to join the organization is related to a new oracle.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng shows analytical skills and understanding of the Blade of Balance's operations.
• Dadatis sees Zhang Heng as a promising assassin prospect and potential heir, despite Zhang Heng's lack of respect for Keleisi.

Significant Themes

• Balance: The Blade of Balance's philosophy revolves around maintaining balance, both within the organization and in the world.
• Oracle and divine will: The organization's actions are guided by oracles from Keleisi, reflecting the theme of divine will and human interpretation.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Dadatis: Zhang Heng shows curiosity and understanding, while Dadatis sees potential in Zhang Heng and is eager to recruit him.
• Zhang Heng's past interactions with Habitus are referenced, showing his interest in Habitus's footwork and combat skills.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng's first training session with Dadatis lasts until dawn.
• Dadatis teaches Zhang Heng stealth techniques and provides an overview of other assassin skills.
• Dadatis reveals the Blade of Balance's secret library and believes Zhang Heng could learn all its techniques.
• Dadatis informs Zhang Heng about an upcoming gladiator performance at the Flavian Amphitheatre in two months.
• Zhang Heng agrees to participate in the performance to help Dadatis with his tasks.
• A week later, Zhang Heng masters stealthy movement and sneaks into the kitchen undetected.
• The first set of gladiator match arrangements is released, with Bach participating and Zhang Heng selected as fodder.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng: Shows exceptional learning abilities and dedication to mastering new skills. He agrees to participate in the Flavian Amphitheatre performance to help Dadatis.
• Dadatis: Demonstrates his knowledge and experience by teaching Zhang Heng various assassin skills. He reveals the Blade of Balance's secret library and has a long-term vision for Zhang Heng's potential.

Significant Themes

• Learning and growth: Zhang Heng's rapid progress in stealth techniques highlights his exceptional learning abilities.
• Trust and reciprocity: Dadatis and Zhang Heng establish a mutually beneficial relationship, with Dadatis providing training and Zhang Heng agreeing to help with tasks.
• Power dynamics: Gabi's struggle against Macrus' profit-driven decisions shows the power imbalance within the gladiator school.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Dadatis: They establish a teacher-student relationship, with Dadatis providing valuable knowledge and Zhang Heng showing dedication to learning.
• Gabi and Macrus: Their differing views on Bach's debut showcase the tension between the gladiator school's coach and owner, with Gabi prioritizing Bach's development and Macrus focusing on profit.
• Zhang Heng and the other gladiators: Zhang Heng keeps his training with Dadatis a secret, maintaining his low profile among his peers.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bach, the strongest rookie, is matched against Rufus, the Black Scythe, in his debut.
• Zhang Heng and Valo are grouped together in a Twelve-Man Melee, facing Nasica, the Bonebreaker.

Character Developments

• Bach shows no fear against Rufus, demonstrating his confidence and pride.
• Zhang Heng remains composed upon hearing his match, indicating his calm and collected nature.
• Valo feels nervous about facing Nasica but gains confidence from Zhang Heng's composure.

Significant Themes

• Inexperience vs. Experience: Bach and Zhang Heng, both rookies, face seasoned opponents in Rufus and Nasica, respectively.
• Luck and Fortune: Valo questions his luck after being grouped with a formidable opponent.

Character Interactions

• Bach and Rufus: Bach shows no fear, while Rufus is composed but pleased with the match.
• Zhang Heng and Valo: Valo gains confidence from Zhang Heng's composure, showing their growing bond.
• Nasica and Zhang Heng/Valo: Nasica makes a threatening gesture towards Valo and Zhang Heng, signaling a challenging match.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter begins with the dawn in Rome, showing the daily routines of slaves and commoners.
• A slave girl pours urine from her master's jug into a larger vat, highlighting the urine tax levied by the emperor for laundry businesses.
• A youth paints promotional graffiti for the upcoming gladiator performances at the Victor Arena, advertising Bach and Rufus's duel.
• Gladiators prepare for the event, with Zhang Heng and Valo training together, and Nasica displaying his formidable strength.
• On the eve of the performances, gladiators offer prayers to various deities, with Valo praying to Nemesis and Zhang Heng choosing not to pray.

Character Developments

• The slave girl is introduced, showing her daily life and interaction with the youth painter.
• The youth painter is revealed to be playful and mischievous, as seen when he smears the slave girl's face.
• Valo expresses his nervousness about facing Nasica and seeks reassurance from Zhang Heng.
• Zhang Heng displays his confidence and lack of superstition by not praying to any deity.

Significant Themes

• The harsh realities of life for slaves and commoners in ancient Rome.
• The importance of gladiator performances as a form of entertainment and spectacle in Roman society.
• The role of deities and prayers in the lives of gladiators, highlighting the cultural and religious aspects of the time.

Character Interactions

• The slave girl and the youth painter interact briefly, with the youth playfully smearing the slave girl's face.
• Valo and Zhang Heng train together and discuss their upcoming fight, with Valo expressing his nervousness and Zhang Heng offering reassurance.
• Gladiators from different groups provoke each other as a tradition of the Gladiator School.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Victor Arena's popularity has declined since Sisnatas's retirement, but it remains stable with other popular gladiators like Habitus, Nasica, and Rufus.
• Macrus, the manager, is concerned about an upcoming royal gladiator performance that could reshape the Gladiator Schools and is pressuring Gabi to find Sisnatas's successor.
• The chapter describes an arena performance featuring an orchestra, antelope hunt, and a Beast Fighter's combat with a lion, culminating in the gladiators' entrance.

Character Developments

• Macrus: Struggles with the arena's declining viewership and the upcoming royal performance, showing his strategic and anxious side.
• The Beast Fighter: Proves his skill and popularity, becoming the audience's favorite, despite his scarred face.

Significant Themes

• Popularity and legacy (Sisnatas's retirement impact, the Beast Fighter's fame despite his appearance)
• Competition and survival (Macrus's anxiety about the royal performance, the gladiators' upcoming battles)
• Entertainment and spectacle (the various performances in the arena)

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Valo discuss the upcoming Bach vs. Rufus match, with Zhang Heng expressing confidence in Bach based on Gabi's arrangements.
• Macrus interacts with nobles, expressing his displeasure at the declining viewership and his worries about the upcoming performance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bach and Rufus engage in a fierce gladiatorial duel.
• The fight is intense and brutal, with both gladiators sustaining injuries.
• Rufus gains the upper hand, injuring Bach's left arm and causing him to drop his shield.
• Rufus throws his net at Bach, but Bach dodges and kills Rufus with a surprise attack.
• Bach reveals that he targeted Rufus for personal reasons, as Rufus had participated in a war against Bach's people five years ago.

Character Developments

• Bach: Initially appears rough and inexperienced, but reveals strategic thinking and a desire for revenge.
• Rufus: Underestimates Bach initially, but fights valiantly until his untimely death.
• Macrus: Displeased with Bach's initial performance, but relieved when Bach wins.
• Gabi: Realizes Bach's strategy and gives him a warning look after the match.

Significant Themes

• Revenge: Bach's primary motivation for targeting Rufus.
• Strategy and Deception: Bach uses his initial poor performance to lull Rufus into a false sense of security.
• Brutality and Violence: The gladiatorial duel is intense and brutal, with both gladiators sustaining serious injuries.
• Death as a Common Occurrence: The audience reacts to Rufus's death with little remorse, highlighting the desensitization to violence and death in the arena.

Character Interactions

• Bach and Rufus: Their interaction is primarily hostile, with Bach ultimately killing Rufus.
• Macrus and Gabi: Macrus is displeased with Bach's initial performance, but Gabi understands Bach's strategy and warns him after the match.
• Bach and the Audience: The audience initially supports Rufus, but their allegiance shifts to Bach after his comeback victory.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bach's duel with Rufus gains significant attention, increasing the arena's attendance rate.
• The Twelve-Man Melee begins, with Zhang Heng and Valo participating.
• The gladiators gather in the underground preparation room, displaying varied behaviors and attitudes.
• Nasica, a formidable and experienced gladiator, mocks Valo, causing tension between them and Zhang Heng.

Character Developments

• Bach's reputation grows after his duel with Rufus.
• Valo struggles with the pressure and fear of his first arena performance, vomiting due to nerves.
• Nasica, confident in his abilities, shows arrogance and aggression towards the newcomers.
• Zhang Heng remains calm and composed, standing up to Nasica's provocation.

Significant Themes

• The harsh and unforgiving nature of gladiatorial combat.
• The pressure and fear experienced by new gladiators.
• The arrogance and confidence of experienced gladiators.
• The importance of mental fortitude in the arena.

Character Interactions

• Bach's duel with Rufus sparks interest in his character, hinting at potential growth.
• Valo's nervousness and fear contrast with Nasica's confidence and aggression.
• Zhang Heng stands up for Valo and engages in a tense exchange with Nasica, foreshadowing potential conflict between them.
• The other gladiators show disdain towards Valo's nervousness and seem to target him and Zhang Heng as easy opponents.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng and Valo participate in the Twelve-Man Melee.
• Four groups rush towards them, but only one engages in the first round.
• Zhang Heng surprises everyone by quickly defeating their opponents in the first round.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng reveals his hidden strength, demonstrating exceptional skill and speed.
• Valo is caught off guard by Zhang Heng's sudden attack but follows suit.
• Gabi and Marcus, influential figures in the gladiator school, take notice of Zhang Heng.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strategy and adaptability in combat.
• The element of surprise and hidden abilities.
• The dynamics of power and recognition within the gladiator school.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Valo work together, with Zhang Heng taking the lead.
• Zhang Heng and Gabi make eye contact, hinting at Gabi's newfound interest in Zhang Heng.
• Marcus and Gabi discuss Zhang Heng's potential and his possible inclusion in an upcoming performance roster.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng and Valo win their first match against Julius and Asclepius surprisingly quickly.
• Nasica and his partner win their match against a cunning duo who intended to exhaust them for a later rematch.
• Zhang Heng and Valo are declared winners of two rounds, leaving them and Nasica's team as the only ones in the winners' bracket.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng remains calm and composed after their swift victory.
• Valo feels a sense of unreality after their easy win.
• Nasica demonstrates his vengeful nature and violent fighting style, but also shows surprise and confusion at Zhang Heng and Valo's quick victories.

Significant Themes

• The brutality and unpredictability of the gladiatorial games.
• The importance of strategy and adaptability in combat.
• The impact of audience favor on gladiators' fates.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Valo's teamwork is efficient and unexpected, winning them two matches quickly.
• Nasica and his partner work well together, complementing each other's strengths.
• Nasica and Zhang Heng's teams are set to face each other in the winners' bracket, hinting at potential tension or rivalry.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng swiftly wins his first two matches, causing a stir among spectators who inquire about his origins.
• Nasica, the favorite, also wins his matches, setting up a highly anticipated clash between his and Zhang Heng's groups.
• Zhang Heng challenges Nasica, stating it will be over soon. He then uses a powerful, relentless sword technique to overwhelm Nasica, stopping his final strike just before Nasica's face.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng reveals his true strength, gaining fans and impressing Marcus, the owner of the Gladiator School.
• Nasica, despite his confidence and experience, is thoroughly outmatched by Zhang Heng, raising questions about his strength.
• Marcus shows his pragmatic nature, valuing assets that bring him profit over personal feelings.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strength and skill in gladiatorial combat and success.
• The power of underestimation and the danger of underrating opponents.
• The commercialization and packaging of gladiators for profit.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Nasica's intense, one-sided duel highlights the vast difference in their skills.
• Marcus and Gabi's differing views on Sisnatas and Zhang Heng showcase Marcus's prioritization of profit over personal feelings.
• Spectators, including noble ladies, show interest in Zhang Heng, contrasting their usual demeanor with their enthusiastic support.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng charges towards Nasica, who is swiftly defeated, revealing Zhang Heng's true strength.
• Nasica's partner attempts to eliminate Valo but is outmatched after learning of Nasica's defeat and Zhang Heng's presence.
• Valo gains confidence and defeats Nasica's partner with Zhang Heng's guidance.
• The Twelve-Man Melee concludes with Zhang Heng's team as the winners.
• Macrus, the gladiator school owner, recognizes Zhang Heng's potential and plans to meet him after the performance.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng: Proves his overwhelming strength, defeating Nasica effortlessly and inspiring Valo to victory.
• Nasica's Partner: Underestimates Zhang Heng, leading to his defeat and realization of Zhang Heng's true power.
• Valo: Gains confidence and wins his first one-on-one match with Zhang Heng's guidance.
• Macrus: Recognizes Zhang Heng's potential and plans to meet him to discuss his future in the gladiator school.

Significant Themes

• The power of underestimation and overconfidence in battle.
• The importance of understanding one's opponent and their true strength.
• The dynamics of a gladiator school and the value of talented gladiators.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Nasica: Zhang Heng's overwhelming victory demonstrates his superiority and shatters Nasica's confidence.
• Zhang Heng and Valo: Zhang Heng's guidance helps Valo gain confidence and secure his first one-on-one victory.
• Macrus and Gabi: Macrus discusses Zhang Heng's potential with Gabi and plans to meet him after the performance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng is taken to Macrus's residence, a luxurious domus.
• Macrus greets Zhang Heng warmly, treating him unlike a typical slave.
• Macrus's daughter, Doma, expresses displeasure at Zhang Heng's presence.
• Macrus offers Zhang Heng the opportunity to become the new ace of the Victor Arena, promising fame and privileges.
• Zhang Heng requests to go out for fresh air and expresses his unwillingness to go on dates.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng: Maintains his calm and collected demeanor, showing no signs of being swayed by Macrus's offers or threats.
• Macrus: Demonstrates a surprising level of respect and friendliness towards Zhang Heng, valuing his talent and potential.
• Doma: Displays a clear dislike for Zhang Heng, likely due to his status as a slave and Macrus's favorable treatment of him.

Significant Themes

• Respect for Talent: Macrus's treatment of Zhang Heng highlights the Roman value of respecting and rewarding talent, regardless of social status.
• Status and Power: The stark contrast between the living conditions of commoners and the wealthy (as seen in the domus) underscores the power dynamics and social hierarchy in ancient Rome.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Macrus: Their interaction is marked by mutual respect and understanding, with Macrus treating Zhang Heng as an equal, and Zhang Heng reciprocating with honesty and directness.
• Zhang Heng and Doma: Their interaction is minimal but tense, with Doma's clear disdain for Zhang Heng hinting at potential future conflict.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gladiators, despite their fame, remain slaves and are often used for secret rendezvous with wealthy patrons for additional income.
• Sergiolus and Abia's love story is a famous example of a gladiator and a senator's wife eloping.
• Zhang Heng refuses Macrus' offer to arrange secret meetings with patrons, surprising Macrus.
• Macrus reveals the upcoming grand gladiatorial performance at the Flavian Amphitheatre, where Zhang Heng will participate.
• An old Persian trainer meets with an assassin, discussing Zhang Heng's potential and the organization's plans.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng demonstrates independence and principle by refusing Macrus' offer, showing he won't be easily swayed by wealth or power.
• The old Persian trainer shows patience and understanding, believing in Zhang Heng's potential despite the organization's concerns about his faith.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between gladiators, patrons, and gladiator schools.
• The consequences of underestimating Zhang Heng's resolve and potential.
• The tension between the organization's plans and Zhang Heng's personal beliefs.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Macrus discuss the upcoming performance and Zhang Heng's refusal of patrons.
• The old Persian trainer and the assassin discuss Zhang Heng's potential, the organization's plans, and the potential consequences of Zhang Heng's lack of faith.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng arrives in ancient Rome and explores the city, noting its architectural advancements and social issues like overcrowding and wealth disparity.
• He crosses Pons Probi bridge and reaches the Red Nose Blacksmith Shop, where his game items are stored.
• Zhang Heng retrieves his items and learns that the blacksmith also provides storage services, which he uses.
• Zhang Heng discovers he's being followed by armed individuals, realizing they're not sent by Macrus.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng demonstrates adaptability and resourcefulness in a new environment, showing trust in the Game Organizing Committee's security measures.
• The blacksmith, though initially stoic, shows a hint of curiosity about Zhang Heng's trust in him.

Significant Themes

• Adaptation to new environments and cultures.
• Trust and judgment of character.
• Security and protection of personal belongings.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng interacts with locals, observing their daily life and education.
• He meets the blacksmith, Vulcan, and retrieves his items, engaging in a brief conversation.
• Zhang Heng encounters his followers, realizing their intentions are not aligned with Macrus.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng is followed by five men after leaving the Victor Arena.
• He leads them to a quiet alleyway behind Perfume Shop Street.
• Zhang Heng disappears, then reappears and defeats the five men easily.
• He interrogates them and learns they were hired by the Unap Arena to incapacitate him for two months.
• Zhang Heng offers them a business opportunity instead of punishing them.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng demonstrates his combat skills and strategic thinking, easily defeating five opponents.
• The five thugs show initial reluctance to fight and later fear, but also display some loyalty to each other.

Significant Themes

• The ruthless nature of the gladiatorial world and the political intrigue surrounding it.
• Zhang Heng's fairness and strategic thinking, offering the thugs a business opportunity instead of punishment.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng interacts with the five thugs, first as an opponent, then as an interrogator, and finally as a potential employer.
• The thugs interact with each other, showing loyalty and concern for their well-being.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng hires a group of thugs to investigate the mastermind behind Valo's troubles, offering them ten denarii now and the rest upon completion.
• Zhang Heng moves to a larger room in the Gladiator School with a personal slave, but prefers to live alone.
• Dadatis visits Zhang Heng late at night and reveals that he provided information to another arena to target Zhang Heng, to help him practice stealth.
• Dadatis assigns Zhang Heng a stealth training exercise, requiring him to stay within the vicinity of his tail without being discovered.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng demonstrates his resourcefulness and strategic thinking by hiring the thugs to investigate Valo's situation.
• Zhang Heng shows consideration for the slave girl's well-being by not sending her away despite his preference for living alone.
• Dadatis reveals his concern for Zhang Heng's over-reliance on combat skills and his desire to help him improve as an assassin.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strategic thinking and resourcefulness in problem-solving.
• The challenges of blending in and remaining undetected, especially for a foreigner like Zhang Heng.
• The potential dangers and internal conflicts within the Blade of Balance organization.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng interacts with the thugs, hiring them to investigate Valo's situation and demonstrating his ability to make deals and delegate tasks.
• Zhang Heng interacts with the slave girl, showing consideration for her well-being despite his preference for living alone.
• Dadatis interacts with Zhang Heng, providing him with a stealth training exercise and revealing his concerns about Zhang Heng's over-reliance on combat skills.