Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• An Anomalous Corpse, a being between the living and the dead, is tracked falling from G57 Airport.
• Surveillance cameras malfunction near the Anomalous Corpse, hindering tracking efforts.
• Sun Hang, the protagonist, survives a fall from the airport using his abilities and lands in an alley behind a mall.
• Sun Hang discovers he can temporarily block pain perception and disguise himself using his "wish fulfillment" ability.
• A homeless-like Anomalous Corpse emerges from a trash can in the alley.

Character Developments

• Sun Hang demonstrates his ability to heal rapidly and adapt to new situations, showing growth in understanding and control of his powers.
• The Anomalous Corpse's appearance hints at a potential new threat or challenge for Sun Hang.

Significant Themes

• Adaptation and growth: Sun Hang learns to control his powers better and discovers new applications for them.
• The unknown: The Anomalous Corpse's appearance introduces an element of mystery and potential danger.

Character Interactions

• Sun Hang interacts with the Anomalous Corpse, showing curiosity and caution.
• The Team Leader and other voices are mentioned, but their interactions are not detailed in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sun Hang encounters an anomalous corpse that initially appears weak but suddenly becomes aggressive.
• Sun Hang battles the anomalous corpse, discovering its high defense and inability to be devoured or killed.
• Two more anomalous corpses emerge from the mall, revealing a puppeteer controlling them.
• Sun Hang decides to find and neutralize the "Puppet Master" instead of fleeing or continuing the fight.

Character Developments

• Sun Hang demonstrates his combat skills, strategic thinking, and adaptability in facing unexpected situations.
• The "Puppet Master" is introduced as a cunning and strategic opponent, using her anomalous corpses to outmaneuver Sun Hang.

Significant Themes

• The theme of adaptation and strategic thinking is emphasized as Sun Hang changes his approach to tackle the new threat.
• The theme of hidden enemies and the importance of anticipating and countering such threats is highlighted.

Character Interactions

• Sun Hang interacts with the anomalous corpses, testing their strength and defenses.
• Sun Hang observes the crowd, trying to identify the "Puppet Master" among the onlookers.
• The "Puppet Master" indirectly interacts with Sun Hang through her anomalous corpses, manipulating them to attack him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sun Hang is tasked with finding a Puppet Master hidden in a crowd.
• He decides to read the memories of the onlookers to locate her.
• Sun Hang discovers that reading so many memories at once is exhausting, even with the aid of a Sarira.
• He finds the Puppet Master, a young girl with a sick mother in a glass enclosure.

Character Developments

• Sun Hang demonstrates his ability to read memories and extends it to a large group for the first time.
• The Puppet Master's backstory is revealed, showing her connection to her sick mother and the medical staff.

Significant Themes

• The dark side of human emotions and the secrets people keep.
• The struggle between Sun Hang's abilities and his mental capacity.
• The moral dilemma of using ordinary people as shields.

Character Interactions

• Sun Hang interacts with the memories of the onlookers, revealing their secrets and dark sides.
• Sun Hang finds the Puppet Master among the crowd, leading to a potential confrontation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sun Hang, a Hunter, enters a mall filled with Anomalous Corpses and takes a young girl named Puppet Master hostage.
• Anomaly Cleanup Department operatives arrive, surrounding Sun Hang, but he refuses to release the hostage.
• Sun Hang threatens to harm Puppet Master if the operatives don't comply with his demands: smash their weapons and let him leave with the girl.
• The situation escalates, with Sun Hang threatening to break Puppet Master's fingers every ten seconds if the operatives don't comply.

Character Developments

• Sun Hang: Demonstrates his ruthlessness and lack of morals, using Puppet Master as a hostage to get what he wants.
• Puppet Master: Revealed to be a frail young girl with no combat ability, despite her power to control Anomalous Corpses.
• Anomaly Cleanup Department Operatives: Initially determined to apprehend Sun Hang, they struggle with his demands and threats.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and manipulation: Sun Hang uses his power and the threat of harm to control the situation and the people around him.
• Moral ambiguity: Sun Hang's actions challenge the moral standards of the Anomaly Cleanup Department and the readers, raising questions about what is acceptable in extraordinary circumstances.

Character Interactions

• Sun Hang and Puppet Master: Sun Hang treats Puppet Master as a bargaining tool, while she remains silent and unresponsive.
• Sun Hang and Anomaly Cleanup Department Operatives: Sun Hang verbally spars with the operatives, threatening them and refusing to negotiate.
• Off-screen characters (Old Director, Yang Qi, etc.): Their conversations hint at their concerns and opinions about Sun Hang's actions and his assessment as a Hunter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sun Hang, a Hunter, takes a girl known as the "Puppet Master" hostage during a trial set by the Research Institute.
• Sun Hang walks through the city with the Puppet Master, surrounded by elite agents and soldiers who do not interfere.
• Sun Hang tries to communicate with the Puppet Master, who initially seems unable or unwilling to speak.
• Sun Hang asks the Puppet Master to guide him and find a place to stay for the next seven days.

Character Developments

• Sun Hang: Shows a mix of confidence, nonchalance, and resourcefulness. He's aware of the seriousness of his situation but remains calm and adaptable.
• Puppet Master: Initially appears emotionless and unresponsive, but later reveals she can speak. She shows a hint of resistance when Sun Hang tries to access her memories. She seems to have no personal privacy, as her records are in the Tianshu Tower archives.

Significant Themes

• The trial's rules and consequences, which force Sun Hang to take drastic measures.
• The power dynamics between Sun Hang and the Puppet Master, as well as between Sun Hang and the Research Institute.
• The lack of privacy and individuality implied by the Puppet Master's records being in the Tianshu Tower archives.

Character Interactions

• Sun Hang and the Puppet Master: Sun Hang tries to engage the Puppet Master in conversation, while she remains mostly unresponsive. Their dynamic shifts when she reveals she can speak.
• Sun Hang and the Team Leader: The Team Leader is frustrated and worried about the situation, while Sun Hang remains calm and confident.
• Sun Hang and the elite agents/soldiers: They clear the way for Sun Hang, showing they are under orders not to interfere.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sun Hang and the Puppet Master are on the run from Tianshu Tower.
• Tianshu Tower tracks them through the Puppet Master's bank card usage.
• Sun Hang decides not to disguise the Puppet Master to avoid turning her into an Infected.

Character Developments

• Sun Hang shows concern for the Puppet Master's well-being, not wanting her to become an Infected.
• The Puppet Master reveals she can control some Anomalous Corpses based on feeling, suggesting she might be an Ability User.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for survival and resources in a post-Anomaly world.
• The ethical dilemma of using others for personal gain (Sun Hang using the Puppet Master as a hostage).
• The exploration of Ability Users and their potential existence.

Character Interactions

• Sun Hang and the Puppet Master have a conversation about her ability to control Anomalous Corpses.
• Sun Hang shows consideration for the Puppet Master's safety and comfort, allowing her to rest while he plans their next move.
• Sun Hang contemplates how to acquire money and resources for their survival.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sun Hang finds himself in Chunming City with no money and only a few belongings.
• He encounters a girl (the Puppet Master) who faints due to low blood sugar.
• Sun Hang takes her to a convenience store, buys her cola to raise her blood sugar, and learns she hasn't eaten.
• Sun Hang plans to find food or negotiate with Tianshu Tower for provisions.
• An Anomaly Hunter approaches, detected by the Puppet Master.

Character Developments

• Sun Hang: Shows concern for the Puppet Master's health, demonstrating a caring side despite his initial hostility.
• The Puppet Master: Reveals she can see through the Anomalous Corpse's eyes, hinting at her unique abilities.

Significant Themes

• Survival: Sun Hang's struggle to find food and resources in an unfamiliar city.
• Trust: Sun Hang's initial mistrust of the Puppet Master begins to shift as he helps her.
• Anomaly Hunters: The approaching Hunter serves as a reminder of the dangers and power dynamics in this world.

Character Interactions

• Sun Hang and the Puppet Master: Their dynamic shifts from hostility to a tentative alliance as Sun Hang helps her.
• Sun Hang and the convenience store cashier: The cashier shows kindness by waiving the cola's cost after Sun Hang promises to return with money.
• The Puppet Master and the approaching Hunter: The Puppet Master senses the Hunter's approach, hinting at potential conflict or alliance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tianshu Tower hires a private Anomaly disposal company, led by a Ranked Hunter named "Overlord," to disrupt Sun Hang's Rank Advancement Trial.
• "Overlord" arrives in Yi Xiu District, aiming to confront Sun Hang.
• Sun Hang, aware of "Overlord's" presence, decides to face him outside the convenience store.

Character Developments

• Sun Hang shows concern for the safety of the convenience store clerk and the public, demonstrating his growing maturity and responsibility.
• "Overlord" is introduced as a powerful and accomplished Ranked Hunter, with a reputation for swift and efficient Anomaly subjugation.

Significant Themes

• The public's perception of Hunters as heroes vs. the reality of their dangerous and often fatal profession.
• The contrast between the safety and distance from Anomalies in cities like Chunming City vs. the frequent and deadly encounters in border cities like Tianfu City.

Character Interactions

• Sun Hang and the Puppet Master discuss "Overlord's" capabilities and history, with the Puppet Master revealing that he has never seen "Overlord" fight Anomalies directly.
• Sun Hang and "Overlord" face off, with "Overlord" questioning Sun Hang about taking the Puppet Master hostage.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sun Hang and the Overlord engage in a verbal altercation before their fight.
• The Overlord attacks Sun Hang with solidified air, causing significant destruction.
• Sun Hang uses his ability to create a shield that absorbs and dissipates the Overlord's attack.
• Sun Hang deduces the Overlord's ability limitations and attack strategy.
• Sun Hang uses his ability to entangle the Overlord's feet, causing him to fall and creating a vacuum behind him.

Character Developments

• The Overlord shows arrogance and underestimates Sun Hang's abilities.
• Sun Hang demonstrates his analytical skills, deducing the Overlord's ability limitations and strategy.
• Sun Hang shows concern for the safety of bystanders, indicating a level of responsibility.

Significant Themes

• The power of observation and deduction.
• The danger of underestimating opponents.
• The consequences of reckless use of power.

Character Interactions

• Sun Hang and the Overlord engage in trash talk before their fight.
• Sun Hang shows a level of respect for the Overlord's fans, despite his dislike for the Overlord's methods.
• The Overlord underestimates Sun Hang, leading to a shift in his attitude from arrogance to caution.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sun Hang, the white-clad Hunter, continues to fight the Overlord, eventually throwing him into a pit.
• The Overlord's condition becomes unstable and his infection progression increases rapidly after the fight.
• The Control Room detects the Overlord's infection progression breaking the danger threshold and dispatches Hunters and response teams to the scene.
• The Overlord emerges from the pit with a significantly enhanced aura and distorted appearance, attacking Sun Hang.

Character Developments

• Sun Hang demonstrates exceptional combat skills and remains calm under pressure.
• The Overlord loses control and becomes more violent and unstable, prioritizing killing Sun Hang over anything else.

Significant Themes

• The danger of Anomalies and their mutations.
• The importance of control and restraint in the face of power.
• The consequences of pushing one's limits.

Character Interactions

• The bystanders discuss and react to the unfolding events, with some admiring Sun Hang's actions.
• The Control Room team members monitor the situation and respond to the Overlord's deterioration.
• Sun Hang and the Overlord engage in a tense standoff, with the Overlord attacking Sun Hang.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Overlord's meme mutates, causing him to become an Anomalous Corpse.
• A Third-Rank Hunter, 'Candle Dragon', arrives to assist.
• The Overlord's mutated state is irreversible, and Tianshu Tower plans to make him an Anomaly Equipment for the Puppet Master.

Character Developments

• Sun Hang: Shows concern for potential blame but maintains his nonchalant attitude.
• The Overlord: Transforms into an Anomalous Corpse due to meme mutation, displaying fear and predatory instincts.
• Puppet Master: Reveals her ability to sense emotions and reads the concept of 'Predator' from the Overlord.
• Candle Dragon: Demonstrates his ability to control water, showing expertise in handling the mutated Overlord.

Significant Themes

• Meme mutation: A rapid and irreversible change in an Anomaly Hunter's infection process, leading to complete Anomalization.
• Responsibility and blame: Sun Hang feels burdened by the Overlord's mutation but is reassured by Candle Dragon that he bears no responsibility.
• Control and containment: Tianshu Tower's primary concern is minimizing losses and controlling the mutated Overlord.

Character Interactions

• Sun Hang and Candle Dragon: They discuss the Overlord's mutation, and Candle Dragon reassures Sun Hang about his lack of responsibility.
• Puppet Master and Sun Hang: They communicate about the Overlord's transformation and the possibility of him becoming her Anomaly Equipment.
• Candle Dragon and the Overlord: Candle Dragon uses his water-controlling ability to restrain the mutated Overlord, showcasing his skill and expertise.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Overlord is defeated and frozen by the Candle Dragon's icy abilities.
• Tianshu Tower suspends the first stage of the Rank Advancement Trial for three days due to the incident.
• Sun Hang and the Candle Dragon are offered temporary lodging and supplies, but Sun Hang refuses and demands cash instead.
• The Candle Dragon offers to treat Sun Hang and the Puppet Master to a drink at a nearby tavern.

Character Developments

• Sun Hang demonstrates his resourcefulness and assertiveness in dealing with the researcher and securing funds for their stay.
• The Puppet Master shows she can make independent decisions, choosing to accompany Sun Hang to the tavern.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between Hunters and the government are shown when Sun Hang demands and receives cash from the researcher.
• The theme of trust is explored as Sun Hang decides to keep the Puppet Master with him rather than handing her over to Tianshu Tower.

Character Interactions

• Sun Hang and the Candle Dragon display camaraderie, with the Candle Dragon assisting Sun Hang and offering to treat them.
• Sun Hang and the Puppet Master show a growing understanding and mutual respect, with Sun Hang considering her feelings and the Puppet Master making her own decisions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sun Hang and the Candle Dragon visit the "Useless" tavern, where the Candle Dragon is not recognized.
• The Candle Dragon explains his unique attire and its purpose to Sun Hang.
• The Candle Dragon reveals that his lineage has been carrying the Candle Dragon meme for over seventy years, with the meme passing to a descendant when the current carrier grows old.
• The Candle Dragon mentions that Tianshu Tower has attempted to "transplant" the meme but failed.

Character Developments

• Sun Hang shows curiosity and initiative in gathering information about the Candle Dragon.
• The Candle Dragon displays calmness and openness in discussing his lineage and the meme's peculiarities.

Significant Themes

• Inheritance and lineage: The Candle Dragon meme's unique transmission pattern raises questions about inheritance and lineage, both within the context of the Candle Dragon family and the broader Anomaly community.
• Responsibility: The Candle Dragon's calm acceptance of his lineage's "inherited mission" to procreate and pass down the meme highlights the theme of responsibility.

Character Interactions

• Sun Hang and the Candle Dragon engage in a candid conversation, with Sun Hang asking direct questions and the Candle Dragon providing straightforward answers.
• The patrons of the "Useless" tavern show familiarity with the Candle Dragon's out-of-season attire, indicating regular interactions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sun Hang, Candle Dragon, and Zhong Ling discuss novels, history, and Anomalies over drinks.
• Candle Dragon reveals that the Candle Dragon name has been passed down through generations.
• Candle Dragon shares a legend about the Candle Dragon creature and its oil.
• Sun Hang speculates that Candle Dragon's ultimate move involves igniting water streams.
• Candle Dragon hints at a ancient war between humans and Anomalies, with humans emerging victorious.

Character Developments

• Sun Hang shows curiosity and insightfulness in his conversation with Candle Dragon.
• Candle Dragon displays knowledge of history, legends, and his own lineage.
• Zhong Ling is revealed to be more sensitive to cold, indicating a possible weakness or fear.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between humans and Anomalies throughout history.
• The potential connection between ancient Infected and humanity's expansion.
• The passing down of knowledge, names, and legacies.

Character Interactions

• Sun Hang and Candle Dragon engage in a thoughtful discussion about history and legends.
• Zhong Ling's discomfort with Candle Dragon's cold flame highlights her vulnerability.
• The trio's dynamic is cordial and collaborative, with each member contributing to the conversation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Candle Dragon and Sun Hang discuss the nature of gods and anomalies.
• Yin Xiang, now a full-fledged investigator, works tirelessly at the Anomaly Investigation Bureau, sorting through old archives.
• Yin Xiang sees something flash past the window at the end of his shift.

Character Developments

• Sun Hang: Reveals his atheist beliefs and his view that 'god' is just a codename.
• Yin Xiang: Struggles with the immense workload, considering becoming an Infected to cope with the demands of his job.

Significant Themes

• The nature of gods and anomalies, and the distinction between the two.
• The struggle of ordinary people (like Yin Xiang) against extraordinary circumstances and workloads.

Character Interactions

• Candle Dragon and Sun Hang: Engage in a philosophical discussion about the nature of gods and anomalies.
• Yin Xiang and his Team Leader: The Team Leader pushes the team to work harder, while Yin Xiang struggles with the workload and regrets not becoming an Infected.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yin Xiang, an Investigator, claims to have seen a white, glowing shadow fly past the window of the Anomaly Investigation Bureau.
• The Team Leader orders a search and requests surveillance footage, but nothing is found.
• A security guard reports seeing the same shadow on the roof of Building C.
• A Hunter mentions that some Anomalies can't be seen by the naked eye but appear on camera, or vice versa.

Character Developments

• Yin Xiang: Initially dismissed as hallucinating, Yin Xiang's credibility is restored when others also see the shadow.
• Team Leader: Shows decisiveness and concern for his team's safety, taking Yin Xiang's report seriously despite initial skepticism.
• Security Guard: Plays a crucial role in confirming Yin Xiang's sighting, adding credibility to his report.

Significant Themes

• Perception vs. Reality: The shadow can't be seen by everyone and isn't captured on camera, raising questions about what's real and what's perceived.
• Trust and Credibility: Yin Xiang's initial report is met with disbelief, but his credibility is restored when others see the shadow.

Character Interactions

• Yin Xiang and Team Leader: Their interaction shows the Team Leader's initial skepticism and later support for Yin Xiang.
• Investigators and Hunters: They collaborate and share information, with Hunters providing expertise on Anomalies.
• Security Guards: They work together to inspect the building and confirm Yin Xiang's sighting.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Two security guards at the Investigation Bureau are found dead, their brain matter consumed.
• The Anomaly is suspected to have attacked for intelligence gathering, not just feeding.
• The Puppet Master is recalled to Research Institute No. 1 for further Anomaly Equipment transformation.
• The second stage of the trial is announced, changing from PVP to PVE, with assistance from Tianshu Tower and the Federation government.

Character Developments

• Wang Xiyi (Night Fiend): Demonstrates professionalism and analytical skills in investigating the Anomaly's attack.
• Sun Hang: Shows negotiation skills and assertiveness in dealing with the researcher from Tianshu Tower.

Significant Themes

• Intelligence gathering and information control: The Anomaly's attack suggests it can obtain information from its victims' memories.
• Protection of high-ranking officials: The Investigation Bureau considers protecting key personnel due to the Anomaly's new threat.
• Trial changes: The shift from PVP to PVE in the trial reflects the evolving nature of the challenges faced by the participants.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xiyi and Team Leader Yan: They communicate and strategize about the Anomaly's attack and potential future threats.
• Sun Hang and the researcher: Sun Hang negotiates with the researcher, using the hostage situation to extract information about the second stage of the trial.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The second trial phase is announced to be held on a deserted island, three hundred kilometers east of Chunming City.
• The island is not marked on any map and is highly classified within Tianshu Tower.
• Sun Hang struggles to reach his designated hotel due to Chunming City's complex transportation system and license plate restrictions.
• The next morning, an uninvited guest, a fellow Hunter, appears in Sun Hang's room, announcing that the second trial phase starts in four hours.

Character Developments

• Sun Hang: Shows determination and adaptability in facing the unknown trial location and the uninvited guest.
• The Uninvited Guest (Fellow Hunter): Reveals arrogance and disregard for politeness, implying strong self-confidence in their abilities.

Significant Themes

• The unknown and unpredictable nature of the trials.
• The complex and stratified society of Chunming City, reflected in its transportation system and license plate restrictions.
• The importance of strength and power dynamics among Hunters.

Character Interactions

• Sun Hang and the Taxi Driver: The driver explains the city's license plate restrictions, foreshadowing Sun Hang's travel difficulties.
• Sun Hang and the Uninvited Guest: The guest's arrogant demeanor contrasts with Sun Hang's initial annoyance, setting a tense tone for their potential alliance in the trial.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A phantom, later revealed to be an Anglo-Saxon Hunter, visits Sun Hang's room to probe his strength and discourage him from continuing the trial.
• Sun Hang uses his ability to deduce the phantom's true form and location, revealing that he was in an adjacent, unoccupied room.
• The phantom, embarrassed, retreats and transforms back into his human form, then leaves hurriedly.

Character Developments

• Sun Hang demonstrates his ability to analyze and deduce information, showing he's not just a brute force fighter.
• The phantom Hunter is revealed to be an Anglo-Saxon, which Sun Hang views negatively due to historical reasons.

Significant Themes

• The importance of vigilance and understanding one's limits in the dangerous world of Anomaly Hunters.
• The negative perception of Anglo-Saxons due to their historical actions.

Character Interactions

• Sun Hang and the phantom Hunter engage in a verbal sparring match, with Sun Hang gaining the upper hand.
• Sun Hang's ability allows him to gain the initiative in their interaction, causing the phantom to retreat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sun Hang learns about the limitations of the Hunter who can turn into an illusionary form, noting that his ethereal state isn't immune to all physical attacks.
• Sun Hang attends a buffet breakfast at the hotel, noticing many Hunters openly displaying their mutations and realizing the hotel indeed caters to Hunters.
• All Hunters receive a message from Tianshu Tower, summoning them to Airport K08 for the second stage of the trial at 10 AM.
• Sun Hang learns from a talkative Hunter that the second stage of the trial will take place on a deserted island east of Chunming City, previously used by Tianshu Tower for 'Artificial Hunter' research.

Character Developments

• Sun Hang demonstrates curiosity and caution about the Hunter with illusionary abilities.
• Sun Hang shows indifference towards discussing the Eternal Night's effects on Shuzhou, focusing on the upcoming trial instead.
• The talkative Hunter reveals his eagerness to share information and his knowledge about the second stage's location.

Significant Themes

• The limitations and vulnerabilities of Hunter abilities.
• The secrecy and unknown aspects of Tianshu Tower's research.
• The anticipation and preparation for the upcoming trial.

Character Interactions

• Sun Hang interacts with a Hunter from the Siberian Autonomous Region, who is talkative and eager to share information.
• Sun Hang shows polite interest in the talkative Hunter's information about the second stage's location.