Chapter Summaries

Zeus and Samael destroyed Marduk’s kingdom at the cost of their lives, using the cursed Cross Spear to bring Marduk down. The story left one reborn serpent sleeping in Midgard and Quetzalcoatl preparing to travel to Crystal Valley, anticipating another meeting with the boy who had captured her.

• Samael and Zeus used their combined authorities to attack Marduk, and Zeus vanished through a spatial rift after giving Tiamat a farewell and advice for Athena.
• Samael sacrificed himself to empower the Cross Spear, which Tiamat hurled through Marduk’s defenses and into his chest.
• The Cross Spear returned one-third of the Fate Tablet and cursed Marduk’s divinity, causing Samael and Marduk to explode together and collapse the divine kingdom.
• Tiamat drifted toward the ruined Greek World Bubble as a cracked golden divine core flew into the void and a newborn serpent fell into the deep sea near Midgard.
• Quetzalcoatl recorded the new era in the Mayan World and ordered Miss Leopard Person to accompany her to Crystal Valley.
• Quetzalcoatl anticipated meeting again the boy who had captured her and wondered how far the Fifth Era would continue.

Epilogue: "A New Dawn"

Key Plot Points and Events

• The war between the North and the South has ended, and the North has emerged victorious.
• The North's leader, President Snow, has been executed, and the Capitol has been liberated.
• Katniss Everdeen, the Mockingjay, has survived the war and is now a symbol of hope and rebellion.

Character Developments

• Katniss: Struggles with PTSD and survivor's guilt, but finds solace in her loved ones and the knowledge that her actions have brought about change.
• Peeta: Recovering from his brainwashing and the trauma of the war, he and Katniss rebuild their relationship.
• President Coin: Dies in a power struggle, revealing her to be more like President Snow than initially thought.

Significant Themes

• The cycle of violence and its consequences.
• The power of symbolism and propaganda.
• The struggle for peace and justice after war.

Character Interactions

• Katniss and Peeta: Their relationship is strained due to Peeta's brainwashing, but they work to rebuild their bond.
• Katniss and President Coin: Their alliance is tense, as Katniss suspects Coin's true intentions.
• Katniss and her family/friends: They support each other through the aftermath of the war, highlighting the importance of love and community.

Caesar failed to persuade the Greek city-states to send troops to aid Rome, while he, Leonidas, and Alexander feared the movements of Persia, the Huns, Carthage, and Egypt might signal a coming war of gods. Meanwhile, Jormungandr’s fleet sailed through the Chaos Sea, and Brunhilde volunteered to accompany him on a walk.

• An old fisherman in Athens worried that storms, taxes, pirates, and Persian raiders were making it hard to provide for his family.
• Caesar demanded Greek troops and warriors for Rome, but the council rejected his request and argued that Rome should help Greece against Carthage and Egypt.
• Leonidas and Alexander teased Caesar after the council dismissed him, then discussed the simultaneous military movements of several foreign powers and the possibility of a war of gods.
• Alexander invited Caesar and Leonidas to eat, while Leonidas worried that Greece and Rome could not withstand a full-scale invasion without help.
• Jormungandr woke aboard a Viking fleet sailing through the Chaos Sea and asked Brunhilde to walk with him.
• Brunhilde eagerly claimed the duty of protecting Jormungandr, after he mentioned which Valkyries were scheduled for duty.

Samael traveled with Brunhilde aboard the Viking fleet, reflecting on how he had become Jormungandr and allied with Odin to prevent Ragnarok. When a huge impact shook the ship, he and Brunhilde went to investigate.

• Samael inspected the Viking fleet and reminded Brunhilde to call him Jormungandr while they were in Greece.
• Samael recalled surviving the battle at the Temple of End and fusing with the newborn Jormungandr in the Norse World.
• Samael reflected on his alliance with Odin and his role as the Frost Giant faction's representative in an effort to prevent the Twilight of the Gods.
• A violent impact shook the Viking warship, and Samael led Brunhilde toward the hold to investigate.

Fenrir's seasickness caused her unstable magic to nearly wreck the ship, and Samael calmed her down. After she transformed into a girl, Samael tried to persuade her to call him father, but she remained suspicious and they settled on using each other's names.

• Several druids were thrown from the cabin, and Samael entered while Sigurd sealed off the area.
• Samael discovered that Fenrir's magic had gone wild because she was seasick and asked Brunhilde to bring citrus, mint, and tea.
• Fenrir transformed into a girl and resisted Samael's attempts to make her put on clothes.
• Fenrir demanded that Samael call her big sister, but he argued that he deserved to be called her father because he had raised her.
• Fenrir questioned Samael's reasoning, and he proposed that they keep calling each other by name; she agreed.

Samael took Fenrir on a journey after easing her seasickness and reminded her to choose a new name so she could travel inconspicuously. Fenrir proudly called herself Lady Horo, leaving Samael stunned.

• Samael used tangerines, mint leaves, and hot water to ease Fenrir's seasickness, then promised to let her drink and roam once they reached land if she behaved.
• Samael reflected on how he had taken custody of Fenrir and Hela, helped the gods and Frost Giants seal Surtr, and formed a lasting alliance with Odin to prevent the Twilight of the Gods.
• Samael noted that Hela had to remain in Helheim to control her condition and watch Loki, while he kept evidence of Loki's crimes to restrain him.
• Samael reminded Fenrir to choose a new name for their journey so they could avoid disputes while suppressing their power.
• Fenrir announced that her new name was the Great and Wise Wolf, Lady Horo, and Samael sprayed out his mint water in shock.

Samael and Horo argued over the Divine Sheep they had stolen from Thor, and Horo realized Samael had framed her for the crime. Samael escaped her attack and reflected on how his minor misdeeds helped keep the Aesir wary but not alarmed, before Brunhilde approached with three Valkyries.

• Samael asked Horo whether she had recently snuck out of Asgard to sleep in Midgard's wheat fields, and she described enjoying life there.
• Samael blamed Horo for stealing and eating Thor's Divine Sheep, while Horo accused him of eating more and selling her out.
• Horo pieced together that Samael had arranged the theft and framed her, then scratched at him as he fled the bedroom.
• Samael justified his deception by saying he had stayed behind to negotiate Horo's release and bring her outside.
• Samael reflected that his minor misdeeds helped keep the Aesir from suspecting the siblings of a coup, and Brunhilde arrived with three Valkyries.

Samael learned that the Golden Palace had sent a message requiring his personal response, so he set out with Brunhilde and the Valkyries. As they traveled, he reflected on his role in creating the Valkyrie Legion and his special authority over its members.

• Brunhilde and the other Valkyries reacted angrily to Samael's scratched face, but he healed it and asked why they had come.
• Hildr explained that the magic array had received a message from the Golden Palace, while Thrud stopped her from revealing why the sisters had come in person.
• Thrud led the group toward the Golden Palace, dragging Hildr along as Ortlinde followed after realizing the conversation had ended.
• Samael recalled how he and Odin had created the Valkyrie prototypes using fragments of Seferu's Star Core to prepare against the threat of Seferu and Willpa.
• Samael reflected that the Valkyries trusted him as their true creator and that Brunhilde, and possibly the other prototypes, might be plotting to pounce on him.

Samael warned Loki to behave while he was away from Asgard, then learned from Skadi that she had been impersonating Scathach during the voyage. Realizing Skadi was in the Shadow Realm, he understood that someone else had been on his bed.

• Samael received Loki's call and exposed the God of Trickery's misdeeds using a stack of parchments.
• Samael threatened to expose Loki's secrets and send him to Niflheim unless he behaved while Samael was away.
• Loki meekly agreed, then ended the communication and raged in his temple.
• Samael answered a call from the Shadow Realm and initially mistook Skadi for Scathach.
• Skadi revealed that she had impersonated Scathach and was gathering the Shadow Realm's undead and Jotunheim's forces to help Samael.
• Samael realized that Skadi's presence in the Shadow Realm meant someone else was on his bed.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter focuses on the results of the welfare vote and bonus bounty in the city of Liriem.
• The welfare vote passes, ensuring the city's continued prosperity and safety.
• The bonus bounty is won by a group of adventurers, led by Cale Henemsyve North, who receive a substantial reward for their service.

Character Developments

• Cale Henemsyve North: Cale's leadership and strategic thinking are highlighted as he successfully leads his team to win the bonus bounty.
• The City Council: They demonstrate their commitment to the city's well-being by passing the welfare vote, showing their responsibility and care for Liriem's citizens.

Significant Themes

• Leadership: Cale's ability to lead his team and make strategic decisions is emphasized.
• Responsibility: The City Council's responsibility towards the city and its citizens is highlighted through their decision to pass the welfare vote.

Character Interactions

• Cale Henemsyve North and his team: Their teamwork and camaraderie are shown as they work together to win the bonus bounty.
• The City Council and the citizens: The council's interaction with the citizens is implied through their decision to pass the welfare vote, showing their concern for the citizens' well-being.

Samael recalled how Skadi had chosen him as her husband and learned that she had sent Scathach to protect him on his journey. Skadi admitted that her disguise had been exposed, and Samael froze when she asked where Scathach was.

• Samael remembered how Skadi had chosen him from among the gods by spotting the tail beneath his cloak.
• Samael reflected that Skadi had chosen him to defy the gods, then later supported him as he rose to power in Jotunheim.
• Samael asked why Scathach had taken Skadi’s place on the fleet, and Skadi explained that Scathach’s combat arts would work better in a land where magecraft was weakened.
• Skadi said she had changed outfits because she wanted to experience another role and had wagered with Scathach over who would be exposed first.
• Skadi admitted that suspicious ghosts had recognized her and asked Samael where Scathach was, leaving him frozen in the flagship’s control room.

Samael returned to the flagship and found Scathach awake, who calmly explained that she did not blame him for what happened between them. Scathach continued her role-play but threatened to tell Skadi everything, then offered to keep quiet if Samael defeated her in a spar.

• Samael slipped into the flagship and found Scathach awake in bed.
• Scathach said she had no reason to blame Samael, since she had chosen to let the encounter happen.
• Scathach dressed and said she wanted to continue experiencing another person's life, but would tell Skadi the truth if asked.
• Samael pleaded with Scathach to help him avoid Skadi's anger.
• Scathach summoned her Scarlet Demon Spears and challenged Samael to spar, promising to help him if he won.
• Samael summoned the Cross Spear and followed Scathach to fight.

Scathach and Samael fought a brutal spear duel in their spatial realm, with Scathach maintaining the upper hand until Samael used her pursuit to land a surprise punch. Samael prepared to leave the realm as Scathach flew backward.

• Scathach pressed Samael with her superior spear technique, wounding him repeatedly while he struggled to regain control.
• Samael surrendered, but Scathach continued attacking and insisted that sparring had to push him to his limits.
• Samael fled toward the Space Node as Scathach pursued him and hurled her spear past him.
• Samael suddenly turned and struck Scathach in the abdomen, sending her flying through the chaos.
• Samael warned Scathach that chasing him would not be easy and prepared to tear open the spatial realm.

Samael and Scathach fought to a draw, then shared Honey Wine and reminisced about their thousand-year friendship. Their reunion was interrupted when a huge Black Shadow rose from the chaos, and Samael rushed to the deck while Scathach followed.

• Scathach copied Samael’s unarmed techniques, and the two fought fiercely until both were battered and agreed to call it a draw.
• Scathach agreed not to tell Skadi about Samael’s secret, and he celebrated by sharing Honey Wine with her.
• Samael recalled how he had traveled to the Land of Shadows to teach Scathach primordial Runic Glyphs and how she had welcomed him with Honey Wine.
• A vibration shook the flagship as a huge Black Shadow rose from the chaos, and Samael tore open the spatial barrier and rushed toward the deck.
• Scathach realized Samael had been hiding his strength, glared at him, and followed with the Scarlet Demon Spear.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter begins with the protagonist, Wang Min, waking up to news of a sudden nucleic acid test requirement for all residents in his city due to a new COVID-19 outbreak.
• Wang Min joins the long queue at the testing site, experiencing the collective anxiety and resilience of the community.
• He reflects on the city's past lockdowns and the changes in people's attitudes towards such situations.
• The chapter ends with Wang Min finally reaching the testing booth, ready to provide his sample.

Character Developments

• Wang Min: We see Wang Min's calm and patient demeanor in the face of adversity. He reflects on the city's resilience and his personal growth during past lockdowns, showing a sense of maturity and acceptance.
• The Community: The queue represents a cross-section of society, with people from various backgrounds and ages. Their collective behavior and interactions highlight their shared humanity and unity in the face of crisis.

Significant Themes

• Resilience: The chapter explores the city's and its residents' ability to adapt and endure in the face of repeated lockdowns and testing requirements.
• Community and Unity: Despite the anxiety and inconvenience, the queue brings people together, fostering a sense of shared purpose and solidarity.
• Acceptance and Maturity: Wang Min's reflections suggest a theme of personal growth and acceptance of one's circumstances, even in challenging times.

Character Interactions

• Wang Min and the Queue: Wang Min's interactions with the queue and the people in it are mostly internal, as he observes and reflects on their behavior.
• Wang Min and the Testing Staff: Though not present in this chapter, the testing staff is implied to be a source of support and reassurance for the queuing residents.

Sigurd and the fleet defeated a giant squid, but the Valkyries realized more Kraken were attacking and struggled against the swarm. When a Deity-class squid threatened the flagship, a black cross-shaped blaze killed it and Brunhilde crashed into someone behind her.

• Sigurd used Gram to kill the first giant squid after the fleet and druids fought back.
• Hildr speculated that the Kraken had grown skinny from hunger, and Thrud punched her.
• Ortlinde warned that Krakens lived in groups, and more giant squids attacked the fleet.
• Brunhilde led the Valkyries in defending the ships as the squids regenerated their severed tentacles.
• A nearly two-hundred-meter Deity-class squid attacked the flagship, but a black cross-shaped blaze blasted it apart and sent Brunhilde flying into a broad chest.

Samael treated Brunhilde’s poisoned wounds after the fleet’s battle with a Deity-class Kraken, while the other Valkyries mistook the sounds in his room for her being eaten. As the fleet celebrated, Samael spotted the Sacred Flame of Olympus burning in the distance.

• Thrud made Hildr and Ortlinde stand watch as punishment for the fleet’s lax vigilance, while they worried that Brunhilde was being punished inside Samael’s room.
• Samael removed poisoned tentacle spines from Brunhilde’s shoulder and told her to rest, reassuring her that she had done her best against the Kraken and its kin.
• Hildr, Thrud, and Ortlinde fell through the doorway after eavesdropping, and Brunhilde chased them away for their suspicions.
• Scathach teased Samael and offered to spar with him, but he refused before they resumed drinking together.
• Samael scanned the Chaos Sea with his Cross Star Pupils and saw the Sacred Flame of Olympus flare in the distance.

Queen Boudica and her daughters were trapped on Lone Mountain with a Roman force as they fled a demonic attack, forcing the enemies to cooperate. Their fragile alliance faced a new threat when the wolf riders arrived, and Boudica recognized Attila among them.

• Boudica's eldest daughter demanded that they attack the Romans, but Boudica explained that they needed to cooperate to survive and that the girl in the laurel carriage must not die by their hands.
• Boudica's younger daughter reported that the Romans had sent medicine and priests, while warning that the defenders lacked supplies and had already suffered heavy losses.
• Boudica reassured her daughters that the Roman Seventh Legion might come to their aid, though she privately worried about its delay and the child in the carriage.
• Seven-colored radiance split the dust as giant wolves and their cavalry riders approached Lone Mountain.
• Boudica saw the silver-haired swordswoman and her enormous white wolf, then realized that Attila, King of the Huns, had arrived.

Attila’s wolf riders ambushed the Roman and Celtic forces, leaving Boudica and the few survivors close to defeat. Just as the Huns prepared a devastating attack, a crimson-black dragon crashed into their ranks.

• A Roman centurion recognized Attila as the leader of the Huns and formed a shield wall against the attacking dire wolves and wolf riders.
• A blonde girl prayed to Mars, demanded a weapon, and was sent back into the carriage as the battle worsened.
• Hunnic cavalry and archers overwhelmed the Celts and Romans, and the centurion learned that the Seventh Legion would not come.
• Boudica arrived to help the few remaining defenders, but the wolf riders cornered them beneath the shamans’ gathering Aether Tide.
• A blazing dragon plunged from the sky into the wolf riders and emerged from the dust, roaring.

The dragon and the Hunnic Wolf Riders fought fiercely on Lone Mountain while the Celtic survivors and the girl in the carriage faced an attack from the rear. Attila prepared to join the battle, but a Valkyrie intervened; after the dragon caught her, Attila ordered the Hunnic forces to retreat.

• The white wolf rallied the blue-gray giant wolves as the dragon fought off their arrows and killed dozens with blasts of flame.
• The white elk and masked ritualists invoked Eternal Heaven, empowering the Hunnic Wolf Riders to charge the dragon and crack several of its scales.
• Hunnic riders attacked the carriage from behind, killing the Roman Soldiers and shattering the military priests’ defensive magic until three chants raised a protective barrier and burned nearly a hundred riders.
• Attila drew her seven-colored greatsword, but a pale-green-haired Valkyrie descended with an azure-flamed spear and struck at her.
• The dragon transformed into a man and caught the wounded Valkyrie as Attila mounted the Azure Wolf and led the remaining Hunnic Wolf Riders away.