Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The author clarifies that the power system is inspired by Neil Gaiman's "American Gods," where humans created gods, not the other way around.
• The author explains that they can't write about certain well-known deities due to self-censorship and safety concerns.
• The author reveals that they won't include local deities due to cultural differences and safety considerations.
• The author discusses their approach to research and realism in their writing, acknowledging that they may overlook details due to time constraints and fluctuating health.
• The author admits they owe updates and will make them up after finishing the current book.

Character Developments

• The author's perspective on their writing process and challenges is revealed, showing their dedication to research and balancing realism with reader enjoyment.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and limitations of the deities in the story's universe.
• The challenges and compromises authors face when writing about sensitive or controversial topics.
• The importance of research and balancing realism with reader enjoyment in storytelling.

Character Interactions

• The author interacts with readers through Q&A, addressing their questions and concerns about the power system and the author's writing process.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng prepares for his trip to Greenland, hiring a local translator named Song Jia.
• In the Proxy War Instance, Zhang Heng is transported to New Shanghai 0297, a federal demonstration city built by the Shengtang Morgan Group.
• The mission objective is to earn as many points as possible by collecting shellac records, with 10 points awarded for each record obtained.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng demonstrates his meticulous planning and adaptability in preparing for his Greenland trip and facing the new Proxy War Instance.
• Song Jia is introduced as a translator with mixed Chinese, Danish, and Inuit ancestry.

Significant Themes

• The game's Proxy War Instances present unique challenges tailored to agents with supernatural powers.
• The difficulty of the Instances is high, especially for solo players like Zhang Heng.
• The game's mission objectives can be deceptive, and players must remain vigilant.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng hires Song Jia as a translator for his Greenland trip, indicating his need for assistance in navigating the language barrier.
• Zhang Heng interacts with the Bartender Lady at the bar, greeting her as he begins his second Proxy War Instance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng finds himself in a futuristic city, New Shanghai 0297, in the year 2077.
• He discovers a wristband, a personal terminal, which he uses to check his emails.
• The first email is a work notification from G7Z Security Company, assigning him a bodyguard mission for Xu Qian for the next two weeks.
• Zhang Heng spends time researching the instance's background, learning about the establishment of the Federation and the creation of New Shanghai 0297.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng adapts to his new environment and uses his resources (the wristband and emails) to understand his situation and the instance's background.
• Zhang Heng's character is shown to be cautious and thorough, as he doesn't rush to meet Xu Qian but instead gathers information first.

Significant Themes

• The theme of adaptation is prominent as Zhang Heng navigates his new surroundings and understands his role in this instance.
• The theme of technology's impact on society is evident, with the wristband serving as a futuristic communication device and the city showcasing advanced technology.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng interacts with the residents of New Shanghai 0297, observing their use of the wristband technology.
• Zhang Heng communicates with his friends and family through emails, learning about his personal life in this instance.
• Zhang Heng hasn't yet interacted with Xu Qian, the target he needs to protect, but plans to meet her soon.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng arrives at the Ascend Apartments, a futuristic building with advanced technology.
• He encounters a woman offering her services in the elevator.
• Upon reaching Room 3094, Zhang Heng finds the living room in disarray, suggesting a potential intrusion.
• He meets Xu Qian, the apartment's resident, who is dressed provocatively and has a cat tail.
• Xu Qian is an online streamer and has an urgent order to fulfill, asking Zhang Heng to wait.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng demonstrates caution and vigilance upon entering the potentially compromised apartment.
• Xu Qian shows no signs of embarrassment or self-awareness about her revealing attire, indicating confidence or lack of concern for societal norms.
• Xu Qian is dedicated to her work as an online streamer, prioritizing an urgent order over her current situation.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between the advanced technology of the future and the mundane issues of daily life (e.g., a messy apartment).
• The impact of technology on society and personal expression (e.g., Xu Qian's cat tail and virtual background wall).

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Xu Qian's initial meeting is brief and business-like, with Xu Qian treating Zhang Heng more like a colleague than a bodyguard.
• Zhang Heng's reaction to Xu Qian's attire is not explicitly stated, but his lack of comment suggests he is either unfazed or too polite to remark on it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng checks his character panel after the Rome Instance, finding his points increased to 217, and his skills and equipment updated.
• He notices his underwater breathing and sea current manipulation abilities from Yonaguni Island are not reflected, while Shadow Wings is mentioned.
• Xu Qian hires Zhang Heng as her bodyguard due to feeling followed and paranoia caused by work stress.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng: Shows concern for Xu Qian's safety and well-being, demonstrating his protective nature.
• Xu Qian: Reveals her struggles in the streaming industry, her pride in her achievements, and her lack of close friends.

Significant Themes

• Paranoia and its causes (stress, work pressure)
• Class divisions and social mobility in New Shanghai 0297
• The importance of friends and support in one's life

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Xu Qian: Zhang Heng learns about Xu Qian's background and current situation, showing empathy and understanding. Xu Qian opens up to Zhang Heng about her feelings and experiences.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qian, a successful streamer, shows Zhang Heng her luxurious lifestyle, filled with expensive items.
• Zhang Heng inquires about Xu Qian's personal life, leading her to reveal details about her family, work, and relationships.
• Xu Qian discusses her strained relationship with her cousin, who is jealous of her success.
• Xu Qian confesses she is in a relationship with a man from the Fourth Layer, whom she met through her livestream.
• Xu Qian expresses her desire for a stable, wealthy life on the Fourth Layer with her boyfriend.

Character Developments

• Xu Qian: She is ambitious, materialistic, and pragmatic, valuing wealth and status. She is willing to use her relationship to secure a better future for herself.
• Zhang Heng: He remains calm and non-judgmental throughout the conversation, showing empathy and understanding towards Xu Qian's life choices.

Significant Themes

• Social Class and Wealth: Xu Qian's desire for a better life on the Fourth Layer highlights the importance of wealth and social class in her world.
• Ambition and Pragmatism: Xu Qian's willingness to use her relationship to secure a better future demonstrates her ambitious and pragmatic nature.
• Jealousy and Resentment: Xu Qian's strained relationship with her cousin illustrates the destructive power of jealousy and resentment.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qian and Zhang Heng: Their conversation is open and honest, with Xu Qian sharing personal details about her life, while Zhang Heng listens attentively and non-judgmentally.
• Xu Qian and Her Cousin: Their strained relationship is a source of tension and regret for Xu Qian, highlighting the potential for jealousy to destroy relationships.
• Xu Qian and Her Boyfriend: Xu Qian's relationship with her boyfriend is a means to an end for her, as she seeks a stable, wealthy life on the Fourth Layer.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng, a G7Z bodyguard, is hired by Xu Qian, a popular streamer, to protect her and investigate who's been tracking her.
• Xu Qian suspects her competitors or private investigators hired by them might be behind the tracking.
• Zhang Heng decides to investigate the list of potential rivals Xu Qian provided.

Character Developments

• Xu Qian: Shows concern about her popularity and competition in the streaming industry. She's cooperative with Zhang Heng but doesn't seem to have high expectations for his investigative skills.
• Zhang Heng: Demonstrates a proactive approach to his job, preferring to take the initiative in investigations rather than passive defense. He's also resourceful, using his wristband to familiarize himself with the city and its technology.

Significant Themes

• Competition and popularity in the streaming industry.
• The use of technology in daily life and its impact on society.
• The blurred line between reality and virtual worlds, as seen in the advertisements and the streamers' lives.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Xu Qian: They have a professional relationship, with Xu Qian being somewhat skeptical of Zhang Heng's investigative abilities. Zhang Heng, on the other hand, is determined to help her while also searching for the shellac record.
• Zhang Heng and the City: Zhang Heng interacts with the city through his wristband and by observing his surroundings. He's learning about the city's technology and culture, which will help him in his investigation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng learns he has 962 credit points, enough for his two-week mission but not for immediate needs.
• He visits an audio equipment store and gets directed to a pawn shop, Old Things House, to find Gomphrena records.
• Three young thieves attempt to steal items from Old Things House, but Zhang Heng intervenes and scares them off.
• The shop owner, Old Man Geng, mistakes Zhang Heng for another thief and points a hunting rifle at him.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng demonstrates his calm and assertive nature, handling the thieves and Old Man Geng without causing harm.
• Old Man Geng is shown to be eccentric, trusting in his own judgment over the police, and has a drinking problem.

Significant Themes

• The value of old things in a futuristic, digital world.
• The contrast between Zhang Heng's calm and assertive demeanor and the impulsive, reckless behavior of the young thieves.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng interacts with the audio equipment store owner, who provides him with useful information.
• Zhang Heng confronts the three young thieves, scaring them off without violence.
• Zhang Heng's initial encounter with Old Man Geng is tense, with the old man mistaking him for a thief.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng visits the Old Things House to inquire about Shellac Records.
• The old man initially refuses to sell due to Zhang Heng's low offer and lack of trust.
• Zhang Heng helps the old man retrieve his stolen belongings, improving their relationship.
• The old man agrees to sell Shellac Records to Zhang Heng in exchange for his accompaniment to meet someone.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng demonstrates his negotiation skills and willingness to engage in long-term business.
• The old man shows his knowledge of old items and their value, as well as his willingness to make deals based on mutual benefit.

Significant Themes

• The value of old and rare items.
• The importance of trust and mutual benefit in business transactions.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and the old man engage in a bargaining session, with Zhang Heng successfully negotiating a deal.
• The old man shows appreciation for Zhang Heng's help, leading to a shift in his attitude towards the potential deal.
• Zhang Heng agrees to accompany the old man, showing understanding and willingness to help.

**Summary of Chapter 935:

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qian goes shopping, with Zhang Heng as her bodyguard.
• A man tries to approach Xu Qian, but Zhang Heng intervenes.
• Zhang Heng notices they're being followed and decides to confront the stalker.
• They set up an ambush, but the stalker escapes, surprising Zhang Heng.

Character Developments

• Xu Qian shows her public figure status and the challenges that come with it.
• Zhang Heng demonstrates his observational and strategic skills, as well as his ability to adapt to unexpected situations.

Significant Themes

• The challenges of being a public figure and the loss of privacy.
• The importance of vigilance and adaptability in unexpected situations.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Xu Qian: Zhang Heng protects Xu Qian from unwanted attention and attempts to capture the stalker. Xu Qian trusts Zhang Heng's judgment and follows his instructions.
• Zhang Heng and the Stalker: Zhang Heng attempts to capture the stalker but fails, showing that the stalker might have better skills or resources than initially thought.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qian realizes her stalker is present and wishes her boyfriend was with her.
• Zhang Heng obtains mall surveillance footage, suspecting the stalker is a hacker.
• Xu Qian ends her livestream without mentioning the stalker.

Character Developments

• Xu Qian: Becomes more at ease with Zhang Heng's presence, starts considering leaving her streaming career.
• Zhang Heng: Demonstrates his professionalism by investigating the stalker, shows understanding of societal trends.

Significant Themes

• Loneliness and isolation in modern society.
• The impact of technology on interpersonal relationships.
• The role of physical appearance in relationships and career success.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qian and Zhang Heng: Share a beer after her livestream, discuss her dancing and his observations about society. They bond over their conversation, with Xu Qian feeling more secure with Zhang Heng around.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng joins Xu Qian's fan chatroom as an administrator.
• Zhang Heng accompanies Xu Qian for a day and handles her fan interactions.
• Zhang Heng leaves for a job with Old Man Geng, warning Xu Qian not to respond to messages claiming to be from him.
• Zhang Heng and Old Man Geng travel to the First Layer using the Central Shuttle.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng demonstrates responsibility and enjoyment in managing Xu Qian's fan chatroom, hinting at his growing interest in her safety and well-being.
• Old Man Geng shows nervousness and unease in the First Layer, revealing his lack of experience in such environments.

Significant Themes

• Social Stratification: The contrast between the Third and First Layers highlights the social and economic disparity within New Shanghai 0297.
• Trust and Caution: Zhang Heng's warning to Xu Qian about potential impersonation and Old Man Geng's nervousness in the First Layer emphasize the importance of caution and trust in their respective situations.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Xu Qian maintain a professional yet friendly relationship, with Zhang Heng showing initiative in his duties and Xu Qian considering paying him extra.
• Zhang Heng and Old Man Geng have a tense yet humorous interaction, with Zhang Heng teasing Old Man Geng about his nervousness and Old Man Geng being speechless in response.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng and Old Man Geng are approached by unsavory individuals planning an ambush.
• A woman in a qipao, with a unique aura and a mechanical prosthetic arm, intervenes and leads them away.
• They meet the local boss, Mr. G, on the first level, who rules over the area despite Shengtang Morgan Group's investment.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng demonstrates his calm and calculated demeanor, assessing risks and negotiating his fee.
• Old Man Geng shows his nervousness and willingness to pay more to ensure Zhang Heng's protection.
• The qipao woman displays her influence and importance, commanding respect from local thugs.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and corruption in society, with Mr. G ruling the first level despite the Shengtang Morgan Group's investment.
• The value of information and honesty in negotiations, as Zhang Heng renegotiates his fee due to Old Man Geng's withholding of crucial information.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Old Man Geng bargain over Zhang Heng's fee, with Zhang Heng reassessing the risk and Old Man Geng reluctantly agreeing to a higher price.
• The qipao woman serves as a guide and intermediary, ensuring Zhang Heng and Old Man Geng's safety and facilitating their meeting with Mr. G.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng, Old Man Geng, and the Qipao Woman arrive at a cinema, where they are separated.
• Zhang Heng is led to a screening room to watch a movie titled "Symbol Exchange and Death," featuring a rambling old man discussing societal structures.
• Old Man Geng meets with Mr. G in VIP Hall 6, discussing a business deal.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng remains calm and composed throughout the encounter, displaying no fear despite the situation's gravity.
• Old Man Geng feels reassured by Zhang Heng's presence, finding comfort in his calm demeanor.
• The Qipao Woman's attitude towards Zhang Heng subtly changes, showing a hint of closeness after they are separated from Old Man Geng.

Significant Themes

• The movie "Symbol Exchange and Death" explores societal structures, organizational methods, and aspects of production, reproduction, and consumption, hinting at the complex power dynamics at play.
• The wristbands given to Zhang Heng and Old Man Geng emphasize the importance of information control and secrecy in the deal they are brokering.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and the Qipao Woman share a moment of closeness while watching the movie, with the Qipao Woman showing a hint of affection towards Zhang Heng.
• Old Man Geng and Zhang Heng part ways temporarily, with Old Man Geng feeling reassured by Zhang Heng's presence.
• Zhang Heng and Old Man Geng are separated for the meeting, highlighting the sensitive nature of the deal they are brokering.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng and Old Man Geng leave the cinema, encountering Mr. G and Miss F.
• Miss F gifts Zhang Heng a Golden Hamster.
• On their way to the station, they're approached by two armed teenagers.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng: Shows calmness and composure in the face of danger.
• Old Man Geng: Reveals his nervousness and lack of experience with violence.
• Mr. G: Demonstrates his power and influence on the First Layer.
• Miss F: Shows kindness and goodwill towards Zhang Heng, despite her initial coldness.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and influence on the First Layer.
• The unexpected nature of gifts and their meanings.
• The contrast between calm, collected individuals and those who are easily flustered.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Old Man Geng: The dynamic between the calm, collected bodyguard and the nervous client.
• Mr. G and Miss F: The relationship between the powerful local ruler and his fiancée, who seems to hold some sway over him.
• Zhang Heng and Miss F: A brief moment of connection, with Miss F showing kindness towards Zhang Heng.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Two skateboarding youths, later revealed to be part of a motorcycle gang, confront Old Man Geng and Zhang Heng.
• Zhang Heng, using a Lego gun, disarms and neutralizes the youths.
• The duo is surrounded by the motorcycle gang, numbering over thirty.
• Zhang Heng uses Old Man Geng as a human shield to protect himself from thermal imaging guns.
• Zhang Heng fights off the gang, taking down multiple members, causing the gang to scatter and find cover.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng demonstrates exceptional combat skills, strategic thinking, and knowledge of weaponry.
• Old Man Geng is initially shocked and angry at being used as a shield but later witnesses Zhang Heng's capabilities.

Significant Themes

• Leveraging Strengths: Zhang Heng uses Old Man Geng's invincibility to his advantage, showcasing his strategic thinking.
• Adaptability: Zhang Heng adapts to the situation, switching tactics to counter the gang's strategy.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Old Man Geng: Zhang Heng uses Old Man Geng as a shield, causing initial tension. However, Old Man Geng comes to respect Zhang Heng's abilities.
• Zhang Heng and the Motorcycle Gang: Zhang Heng demonstrates superior combat skills, taking down multiple gang members, and forcing the gang to retreat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A motorcycle gang attacks Old Man Geng's general store, aiming to capture him and learn about a deal he's brokering.
• Zhang Heng, who was present, defends Old Man Geng and holds off the attackers, but more enemies keep arriving.
• Old Man Geng reveals that the deal involves a Memory Encoder, a device that can write, delete, and rewrite memories, often used in conjunction with clone technology for cheap labor.
• Zhang Heng decides to wait for their allies (the potential buyers of the Memory Encoder) instead of trying to break out.

Character Developments

• Old Man Geng shows fear and reluctance to reveal information but eventually does so to save his life.
• Zhang Heng demonstrates his combat skills, strategic thinking, and calmness under pressure.

Significant Themes

• Technology and Ethics: The Memory Encoder raises questions about the ethics of memory manipulation and clone labor.
• Loyalty and Betrayal: Old Man Geng's actions suggest he's willing to betray his allies for self-preservation.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Old Man Geng interact, with Zhang Heng extracting information from Old Man Geng and making strategic decisions.
• Zhang Heng shows concern for his hamster, asking Old Man Geng to take care of it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng enters God of Slaughter Mode, reminiscent of his past instance in Bakumatsu Kyoto.
• A motorcycle gang attacks Old Man Geng's shop, relying on numbers and diverse melee weapons, some enhanced with mechanical prosthetics.
• Zhang Heng fights off the attackers, initially underestimating their strength but adapting quickly.
• Mr. G's reinforcements arrive, led by Miss F, turning the tide of the battle.
• The attackers retreat, and Miss F apologizes on behalf of Mr. G for the incident.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng showcases his exceptional swordsmanship and adaptability in combat.
• Old Man Geng remains unharmed but is visibly traumatized by the event.
• Miss F demonstrates her speed, skill, and leadership in battle.

Significant Themes

• The power of numbers and diversity in combat.
• The importance of adaptability and underestimating opponents.
• The consequences of underestimating enemies and the need for vigilance.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Old Man Geng: Zhang Heng protects Old Man Geng throughout the battle, while Old Man Geng remains mostly silent and fearful.
• Zhang Heng and Miss F: They work together to fend off the attackers, and Miss F apologizes to Zhang Heng on behalf of Mr. G.
• The motorcycle gang and Mr. G's men: The gang underestimates Mr. G's forces and pays the price.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Old Man Geng returns to the third layer of space for better security and to report to his seller.
• Zhang Heng is paid 15 shellac records and offered free rent for the building blocks by Old Man Geng as gratitude for his protection.
• Zhang Heng expresses interest in collecting shellac records, and Old Man Geng agrees to help him find a contact after he leaves New Shanghai 0297.
• Zhang Heng returns to Xu Qian's place and watches her livestream, where she discusses her experiences and the reality of online personas.

Character Developments

• Old Man Geng shows appreciation for Zhang Heng's help and offers him more shellac records and free rent.
• Xu Qian reflects on her experiences and the true nature of online personas, revealing her disillusionment with the industry.

Significant Themes

• The true nature of online personas and the disconnect between reality and online appearances.
• Gratitude and reciprocity in relationships, as shown by Old Man Geng's actions towards Zhang Heng.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Old Man Geng interact, with Old Man Geng showing appreciation for Zhang Heng's protection and offering him more shellac records and free rent.
• Xu Qian interacts with her fans in her livestream, discussing her experiences and the true nature of online personas.