Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nelly and Zhang Heng are the only divers in the area due to the off-peak season.
• Nelly spots a figure she believes is Han Lu, reigniting her hope of finding her.
• Zhang Heng sees a black shadow, recognizing it as the half-human, half-frog monsters from his trial for the Shadow Set.
• Nelly and Zhang Heng separate underwater due to Nelly's determination to find Han Lu and Zhang Heng's caution about the monsters.

Character Developments

• Nelly becomes increasingly determined and impulsive in her search for Han Lu, even disregarding potential danger.
• Zhang Heng remains calm and vigilant, prioritizing safety but also searching for the women.
• Zhang Heng's immunity to the emotional influence of the red seawater is revealed.

Significant Themes

• Determination vs. Caution: Nelly's determination to find Han Lu leads her to disregard potential danger, while Zhang Heng's caution makes him want to ascend.
• Isolation: Zhang Heng feels helpless in communicating with Nelly underwater, leading to their separation.

Character Interactions

• Nelly and Zhang Heng's communication breaks down due to Nelly's single-minded focus on finding Han Lu and Zhang Heng's caution about the monsters.
• Zhang Heng feels helpless in trying to convey his concerns to Nelly, while Nelly feels angry and frustrated with Zhang Heng's attempts to stop her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng's vision returns, and he discovers the Red Tide's effect on his [Filter Lens].
• Nelly is lured by a half-human, half-frog monster into a crack in the ruins.
• The crack closes, trapping Nelly inside, and she discovers ancient wall carvings depicting mermaids.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng demonstrates adaptability and strategic thinking by following Nelly and the monster.
• Nelly shows resilience and problem-solving skills as she tries to escape the underwater tunnel.

Significant Themes

• The mystery of the underwater ruins and the possibility of an ancient civilization.
• The power of nature and the challenges it poses to humans.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng follows Nelly and the monster, planning to rescue Han Lu.
• Nelly interacts with the wall carvings, finding them fascinating despite her dangerous situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nelly discovers disturbing carvings on the underwater wall, depicting merfolk's sinister activities and their connection to the Red Tide.
• Nelly panics when she realizes she's experiencing the same fate as the Pearl Diver Girls in the carvings.
• A half-human, half-frog monster approaches Nelly, but Zhang Heng intervenes, fighting and eventually killing the creature with Nelly's diving knife.

Character Developments

• Nelly's fear and panic grow as she realizes the danger she's in, but she manages to keep her wits enough to help Zhang Heng.
• Zhang Heng demonstrates his combat skills and quick thinking underwater, despite the challenging environment.

Significant Themes

• The darker side of merfolk and their connection to the Red Tide.
• The importance of staying calm and resourceful in dangerous situations.
• The power of teamwork and helping each other in crisis.

Character Interactions

• Nelly and Zhang Heng's dynamic shifts from tension to cooperation as they face the monster together.
• Zhang Heng's sudden appearance and intervention save Nelly from a dire situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng and Nelly reunite underwater and decide to continue exploring the passage together.
• Nelly leads the way, with Zhang Heng following, using her as bait to attract any remaining monsters.
• They discover an underwater palace at the end of the passage, supported by massive stone pillars and containing two giant thrones.

Character Developments

• Nelly: Overcomes her initial fear and press on, finding courage in Zhang Heng's presence. She also reflects on her previous misunderstandings of Zhang Heng.
• Zhang Heng: Remains calm and composed, using deductive reasoning to anticipate the end of the passage. He uses Nelly as bait to lure monsters, indicating his strategic thinking.

Significant Themes

• Fear and Courage: Nelly faces her fears and finds courage in Zhang Heng's presence, highlighting the theme of overcoming fear.
• Trust and Misunderstanding: Nelly's reflection on her previous misunderstandings of Zhang Heng emphasizes the theme of trust and the consequences of misjudging others.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Nelly: Zhang Heng uses Nelly as bait, but his calm demeanor and presence give Nelly courage. Nelly also reflects on her previous misunderstandings of Zhang Heng, indicating a growing trust between them.
• Nelly and the Underwater Palace: Nelly's awe and trepidation upon entering the underwater palace highlight her initial fear and subsequent fascination with the unknown.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nelly discovers a vast underwater palace with colossal thrones and terrifying half-human, half-frog monsters depicted on a mural.
• She finds an exit, a large hole blocked by stone pillars, leading to a spacious underwater tunnel.
• Zhang Heng emerges from hiding, feeling unease about potential hidden guardians.
• Zhang Heng experiences déjà vu and retrieves fragmented memories of previously ruling over the palace and its inhabitants.
• Nelly, Zhang Heng, and later Han Lu, discover an underwater tunnel leading towards the surface.
• Dark, shadowy figures emerge from honeycomb-like tunnel entrances, blocking the sunlight and signaling danger.

Character Developments

• Nelly demonstrates courage and determination, facing the terrifying mural and discovering the exit.
• Zhang Heng experiences a sense of déjà vu and retrieves memories, hinting at a past connection to the palace.
• Han Lu is found entangled in a fishing net, panicked, and struggling to escape.

Significant Themes

• The theme of facing and overcoming fear is evident in Nelly's exploration of the palace and Zhang Heng's acceptance of his past.
• The theme of the unknown and the unexpected is shown through the emergence of the shadowy figures.

Character Interactions

• Nelly and Zhang Heng work together to navigate the underwater palace, with Nelly leading the way and Zhang Heng providing support and caution.
• Nelly helps Han Lu, showing concern and care, but Han Lu's panicked reaction suggests a misunderstanding or miscommunication between them.
• The shadowy figures' emergence threatens all three characters, potentially forcing them to face a new challenge together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nelly and Zhang Heng encounter a horde of over a hundred half-human, half-frog monsters while trying to rescue Han Lu.
• Zhang Heng uses his supernatural ability, Shadow Wings, to outmaneuver and lure the monsters away from Nelly and Han Lu.
• The trio rapidly ascends towards the surface to escape the monsters, risking decompression sickness but avoiding immediate danger from the creatures.

Character Developments

• Nelly witnesses Zhang Heng's extraordinary abilities and remains in awe of his actions.
• Zhang Heng demonstrates his strategic thinking and resourcefulness in luring the monsters and ensuring the group's survival.

Significant Themes

• Survival: The characters must use their wits and abilities to survive the deadly encounter with the monsters.
• Trust: Nelly begins to trust Zhang Heng more as she sees his commitment to rescuing Han Lu and protecting them.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Nelly work together to rescue Han Lu, with Zhang Heng leading the way and Nelly cutting Han Lu's ropes.
• Zhang Heng protects Nelly and Han Lu by luring the monsters away, showing selflessness and determination.
• Nelly and Han Lu inflate their BCDs to help Zhang Heng swim faster, showing teamwork and understanding of their situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nelly, Han Lu, and Zhang Heng are pursued by monstrous creatures while escaping from an underwater tunnel.
• Zhang Heng uses his Shadow Wings to carry both girls towards the surface but is overwhelmed by the monsters.
• Zhang Heng is dragged back into the sea by the monsters after his Shadow Wings' duration expires.
• Han Lu and Nelly, despite their distress, decide not to return to the water to save Zhang Heng due to their lack of air and the futility of their current state.
• They decide to seek help from the military base on Yonaguni Island, using Nelly's photos of underwater wall carvings as evidence.

Character Developments

• Nelly: Shows quick thinking and practicality, prioritizing survival and seeking help rather than engaging in futile rescue attempts.
• Han Lu: Initially impulsive, she considers returning to the water to save Zhang Heng but ultimately decides against it, displaying a level of maturity and understanding of their situation.
• Zhang Heng: Demonstrates exceptional bravery and selflessness, sacrificing himself to save the two girls, even when faced with certain death.

Significant Themes

• Survival vs. Sacrifice: Characters grapple with the decision to prioritize their own survival or risk it to save others.
• Hope and Despair: Han Lu clings to a faint hope of saving Zhang Heng, while Nelly is more pragmatic and accepts the grim reality.
• The Unknown: The mysterious underwater world and its creatures highlight the theme of the unknown and its potential dangers.

Character Interactions

• Nelly and Han Lu: Their dynamic shifts from initial tension to cooperation and mutual support as they face a shared threat.
• Zhang Heng and Han Lu: Zhang Heng's sacrifices for Han Lu deepen their bond, with Han Lu determined to find a way to save him.
• Nelly and the Captain: The captain shows concern and willingness to help, but Nelly is cautious about involving more people due to the extraordinary nature of their encounter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Lu and Nelly immediately go to the Self-Defense Forces base after their underwater encounter.
• They are initially refused entry by the guards.
• Nelly contacts the boat captain who arranges for a Boatswain's Mate to meet them.
• Nelly recounts their encounter with the monsters and shows him the camera with photos of the carvings.
• The Boatswain's Mate agrees to relay their message to his superiors but takes Nelly's camera.

Character Developments

• Nelly is anxious about the safety of her hometown and its inhabitants.
• Han Lu is suspicious of the Boatswain's Mate's intentions.

Significant Themes

• The threat of the unknown (monsters underwater).
• The struggle to be believed and taken seriously.
• The tension between urgency and bureaucracy.

Character Interactions

• Nelly and Han Lu work together to try and convince the military to act.
• Nelly interacts with the Boatswain's Mate, trying to convince him of their encounter.
• Han Lu expresses her unease about the Boatswain's Mate's actions to Nelly.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nelly and Han Lu wait for the Self-Defense Forces' response to their story and photos.
• The Petty Officer agrees to help search for Zhang Heng but expresses skepticism about their story of an underwater palace and monsters.
• The Self-Defense Forces dispatch 25 personnel and two patrol boats to search the waters near Yonaguni Island.
• Upon reaching the reef where Nelly and Han Lu escaped, they find no underwater tunnel or palace, only a reef flat.
• Nelly and Han Lu insist they escaped from that spot, but the Petty Officer questions their account due to the lack of evidence and the area's popularity among divers.

Character Developments

• Nelly: Struggles with disbelief and confusion as the reality of their escape contradicts the current scene. She becomes uncertain about what she experienced and whether Zhang Heng was real.
• Han Lu: Remains cautious and suspicious, questioning the Petty Officer's intentions and the SD card's whereabouts.
• Petty Officer: Maintains professionalism and patience, trying to help while remaining skeptical of Nelly and Han Lu's story. He prioritizes finding Zhang Heng but grows frustrated with their lack of clear information.

Significant Themes

• Reality vs. Illusion: The chapter explores the difficulty in distinguishing between reality and illusion, as Nelly and Han Lu struggle to reconcile their memories with the current scene.
• Trust and Skepticism: The Petty Officer's skepticism contrasts with Nelly and Han Lu's desperate need for help, highlighting the tension between trust and doubt in their interactions.

Character Interactions

• Nelly and Petty Officer: Their conversation reveals the Petty Officer's desire to help while also expressing his frustration with Nelly's vague account of events.
• Nelly and Han Lu: They share a sense of disbelief and confusion, with Han Lu remaining more guarded and questioning than Nelly.
• Han Lu and Petty Officer: Their interactions are tense, with Han Lu questioning the Petty Officer's intentions and the SD card's absence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Lu and Nelly deceive the Self-Defense Forces to search for Zhang Heng, but Han Lu points to a random spot, wasting the opportunity.
• The Self-Defense Forces agree to monitor the coastline but find no trace of Zhang Heng.
• Han Lu contacts Shen Xixi, revealing the supernatural events and deciding to stay on the island.
• Han Lu receives mysterious knocks on her door, finding a band-aid covering the peephole.

Character Developments

• Han Lu: Shows determination to find Zhang Heng, takes initiative to seek help from Shen Xixi, and demonstrates caution after the mysterious knocks.
• Nelly: Becomes suspicious of Han Lu's actions but doesn't press her for answers.

Significant Themes

• Trust and deception: Han Lu deceives the Self-Defense Forces and is cautious with Nelly, while the island's inhabitants and forces may not be trustworthy.
• Risk and determination: Han Lu embraces risk to find Zhang Heng, showing her resolve and willingness to face danger.

Character Interactions

• Han Lu and Nelly: Han Lu keeps Nelly at arm's length, not revealing her true intentions, while Nelly is concerned but respects Han Lu's decisions.
• Han Lu and Shen Xixi: Han Lu seeks help from Shen Xixi, who advises caution but ultimately agrees to assist Han Lu on the island.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Lu hears strange knocking sounds at her door and finds the peephole taped.
• She spends the night anxious, watching TV, and eventually falls asleep.
• She's awakened by another knock, finds the peephole taped again, and then the door is unlocked from outside.
• Zhang Heng, presumed dead, appears, along with an unconscious man from the Self-Defense Forces.

Character Developments

• Han Lu: Struggles with anxiety and fear due to the mysterious knocking and her belief that Zhang Heng is dead. She remains resilient and resourceful.
• Zhang Heng: Survives the underwater incident and returns, showing up unexpectedly at Han Lu's door. He's calm and strategic, indicating he has a plan.

Significant Themes

• Fear of the unknown and anxiety.
• Trust and betrayal, as Han Lu realizes the Self-Defense Forces are involved.
• Survival and resilience, shown by both Han Lu and Zhang Heng.

Character Interactions

• Han Lu and Zhang Heng: Their reunion is tense and filled with unspoken questions. Zhang Heng's return surprises Han Lu, and they share a moment of relief and disbelief.
• Han Lu and the unknown assailant: Han Lu is frightened and wary of the person knocking on her door, assuming it's someone with ill intent.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng is taken underwater by half-human, half-frog monsters.
• He is brought to an underwater palace, running out of oxygen.
• Zhang Heng passes out and has a peaceful, fetal-like experience.
• He wakes up, able to breathe underwater, and decides to leave the palace using Betty's Shell.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng remains calm under pressure, even facing death.
• He shows decisiveness and resourcefulness in using Betty's Shell to escape.

Significant Themes

• Adaptation: Zhang Heng adapts to underwater conditions, symbolizing his resilience and ability to cope with unexpected situations.
• Homecoming: The fetal-like experience suggests a return to a primal, comfortable state, possibly linked to humanity's aquatic origins.

Character Interactions

• The half-human, half-frog monsters encircle and guard Zhang Heng, showing a mix of caution and fear, but also a hint of joy when he awakens.
• Zhang Heng doesn't interact with the monsters directly, but his actions (using Betty's Shell) cause them to react.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng escapes from the underwater monsters and returns to the surface, discovering it's night and his boat is gone.
• He decides to swim back to Yonaguni Island, using his newfound control over ocean currents to aid him.
• Upon reaching the island, he finds Han Lu's hotel under surveillance by military personnel, suspected to be collaborators with the underwater monsters.
• Zhang Heng infiltrates the hotel, takes out the watchers, and rescues Han Lu.
• They encounter more military personnel downstairs, and Zhang Heng engages in a fight, easily defeating them.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng: Demonstrates improved swimming speed and control over ocean currents. He also shows increased stealth and combat skills, taking out multiple opponents with ease.
• Han Lu: Stays in her hotel room, waiting for Zhang Heng's return. She goes to the Self-Defense Forces for help but unknowingly puts herself in danger.

Significant Themes

• Adaptation and Growth: Zhang Heng's abilities have evolved, allowing him to overcome challenges he previously couldn't.
• Trust and Betrayal: The military personnel on the island are suspected of collaborating with the monsters, highlighting the theme of trust and betrayal.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Han Lu: Zhang Heng rescues Han Lu from her hotel room, showing concern for her safety. Their relationship remains one of mutual support and trust.
• Zhang Heng and the Military Personnel: Zhang Heng engages in combat with the military personnel, demonstrating his superior combat skills and stealth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng and Han Lu escape the hotel, with Zhang Heng incapacitating guards using stealth and close-quarters combat skills.
• They reach the airport, where Zhang Heng plans to take a private jet to leave the island.
• Zhang Heng successfully pilots the plane despite the stormy weather, and the storm subsides once they take off.

Character Developments

• Han Lu realizes that Zhang Heng is full of secrets, and no one truly understands him.
• Zhang Heng demonstrates his piloting skills, revealing another layer to his mysterious background.

Significant Themes

• Zhang Heng's hidden abilities and mysterious past.
• Han Lu's growing understanding and acceptance of Zhang Heng's enigmatic nature.
• The storm as a metaphor for the challenges they face and Zhang Heng's ability to navigate through them.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Han Lu work together to escape the island, with Zhang Heng leading and Han Lu following his instructions.
• They share a moment of levity as they prepare to take off, with Zhang Heng asking Han Lu to keep his piloting skills a secret from his mother.
• Han Lu expresses disbelief at Zhang Heng's abilities, highlighting the growing trust and camaraderie between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng and Han Lu escape Yonaguni Island in a private jet.
• Zhang Heng gives Han Lu a glass of wine with a sleeping pill to help her sleep.
• Han Lu falls asleep, and they enter a "still world" at midnight.
• Han Lu wakes up in her own bed, with no memory of the events on the island or the flight.

Character Developments

• Han Lu: Shows concern for Zhang Heng's safety and tries to find solutions to their problems.
• Zhang Heng: Demonstrates calmness and confidence in their situation, hinting at a plan to deal with pursuers.

Significant Themes

• Time manipulation: The "still world" at midnight suggests a manipulation of time.
• Trust: Zhang Heng's note to Han Lu indicates a level of trust and a desire to explain the truth to her later.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Han Lu: They work together to escape, with Zhang Heng trying to reassure Han Lu and help her sleep.
• Zhang Heng and the Bartender Lady: They have a brief conversation about Zhang Heng's recent trip and the items he obtained.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng receives two items from his previous Instance: the Heart of Keleisi and a reforged sword.
• The Heart of Keleisi reduces the wearer's sounds and lowers the alertness of nearby creatures.
• The reforged sword, obtained through a trade and reforged for 4,000 points, is revealed to be a B-grade item with powerful effects.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng shows excitement and nervousness upon opening the sword's box, indicating his anticipation for the reforged weapon.
• The Bartender Lady, though not present, is mentioned as having helped Zhang Heng appraise the Heart of Keleisi.

Significant Themes

• The power and rarity of B-grade items are emphasized, with the reforged sword being Zhang Heng's third such item.
• The brutal and unique effects of the reforged sword highlight the potential dangers and advantages it brings to Zhang Heng.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng interacts with the Bartender Lady through her appraisal of the Heart of Keleisi, though she is not physically present in this chapter.
• Zhang Heng's internal thoughts and feelings are emphasized, providing insight into his character and motivations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng learns that his knife, 'Hidden Sheath', is a collaborative work and decides to name it.
• He upgrades his knife's scabbard using Tule Tree material.
• Zhang Heng spends the week studying in the library, occasionally meeting Shen Xixi.
• Chen Huadong cheats on his exam using answers Zhang Heng provided on an eraser.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng demonstrates his responsibility and resourcefulness in naming and upgrading his knife.
• Chen Huadong shows his desperation and resourcefulness in cheating on his exam.

Significant Themes

• The power and responsibility that comes with owning powerful weapons (represented by 'Hidden Sheath').
• The consequences of cheating and taking shortcuts (Chen Huadong's exam).

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and the Bartender Lady discuss the naming and upgrading of his knife.
• Zhang Heng helps Chen Huadong cheat on his exam, highlighting their friendship despite Zhang Heng's disapproval of cheating.
• Zhang Heng and Shen Xixi cross paths in the library, showing a casual acquaintanceship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The exams are over, and the students discuss their plans for the holidays.
• Ma Wei decides to stay and continue tutoring due to increased wages.
• Chen Huadong plans to stay to accompany Nanako, who wants to explore the city.
• Zhang Heng plans a solo trip after dealing with some matters.
• Zhang Heng checks the proxy war rankings and finds he's slipped to 49th place.
• He can't find Fan Mei Nan's player ID in the instance list.
• The player forum is abuzz with discussions comparing higher-ranked players.

Character Developments

• Ma Wei shows dedication to his tutoring job, prioritizing it over going home.
• Chen Huadong demonstrates his commitment to Nanako, learning Japanese to potentially move to Japan.
• Zhang Heng maintains a low profile, not seeking attention or recognition in the proxy war.

Significant Themes

• Change: The chapter title and the students' plans for the holidays reflect the theme of change. They are all moving forward with their lives, whether it's Ma Wei's increased responsibilities, Chen Huadong's new relationship, or Zhang Heng's upcoming trip.
• Growth and Adaptation: Zhang Heng's new abilities and his low-key approach to the proxy war show his continuous growth and adaptation to his situation.
• Relationships: The interactions between the dorm mates highlight their evolving relationships, with Chen Huadong's romantic involvement and Wei Jiangyang's teasing.

Character Interactions

• Wei Jiangyang teases Chen Huadong about his relationship with Nanako.
• Chen Huadong shares his plans to learn Japanese and potentially move to Japan.
• Zhang Heng discusses his upcoming solo trip with his dorm mates.
• Zhang Heng checks the proxy war rankings and compares his progress with other players on the forum.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng tests his new underwater abilities: extended breathing, increased mobility, and water manipulation.
• He discovers he can breathe underwater indefinitely and move more agilely, but his water manipulation is limited to controlling currents.
• Zhang Heng feels a sense of danger and unease about his transformations.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng: Becomes more powerful and adaptable underwater, but struggles with his identity and the changes within him.
• Bartender Lady: Shows her negligent and rude behavior at work, but reveals a caring side when discussing her master.

Significant Themes

• Identity and transformation: Zhang Heng grapples with his changing abilities and what it means for his humanity.
• Power dynamics: The Bartender Lady's disrespectful attitude towards her job and colleagues, yet her reverence for her master.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Bartender Lady: Though not physically present together, their scenes highlight their shared sense of unease and their unique perspectives on power and identity.
• Bartender Lady and the Maid Cafe staff: The Bartender Lady's disregard for her job and customers, contrasting with the maid servers' kindness and professionalism.
• Bartender Lady and the Japanese-style beauty: Their tense reunion, with the Bartender Lady's hostility and the Japanese-style beauty's polite deference, hints at their complex history and power dynamics.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mukaiji Nanako, a Japanese woman learning Chinese from Chen Huadong, visits a shop where the Bartender Lady recognizes her as a mythical figure.
• Nanako speaks fluently in Chinese, surprising the Bartender Lady.
• Nanako reveals that she's a messenger for an ancient god named Azathoth, who is about to awaken and is incredibly powerful.
• Nanako expresses concern about Kronos, an ancient god with ambitious plans, potentially interfering with Azathoth's awakening.
• The Bartender Lady warns Nanako to stay away from their mutual friend, who is expected to return soon.

Character Developments

• Mukaiji Nanako: She has become more confident and fluent in Chinese. She's diplomatic and calm, even when provoked, showing she's on a mission and won't be easily baited.
• Bartender Lady: She remains stoic and assertive, showing she's protective of her friend and loyal to Azathoth. She's also aware of Kronos's ambitions and warns Nanako about him.

Significant Themes

• Power and Influence: The theme of power is explored through the ancient gods' influence on popular culture and their increasing power due to their popularity.
• Loyalty and Betrayal: The characters' loyalties are tested, with Nanako and the Bartender Lady both claiming loyalty to Azathoth, while Kronos's loyalty is questioned.

Character Interactions

• Nanako and Bartender Lady: Their interaction is tense yet civil. They exchange warnings and threats, but also engage in light banter, showing they're aware of each other's true forms and powers.
• Implied Interaction (Kronos, Azathoth, and the mutual friend): The conversation hints at complex relationships and potential conflicts between these characters, who are not present in the scene.