Chapter Summaries

Summary

Plot and Events

• Mr. Assath is held captive and injected with an unknown substance by a man in sunglasses.
• The man in sunglasses leaves, locking Mr. Assath in the room.
• Mr. Assath attempts to escape but fails. He decides to wait and observe.
• Sister Celine, a nun, takes an injured man to meet Mr. Calvin, a renowned scholar.
• They find Mr. Calvin in a distressing state, performing self-flagellation with a chain and wearing an Ascetic Band.
• Mr. Calvin tends to the injured man's burns and offers Sister Celine two choices: leave and forget or stay and face danger.

Character Developments

• Mr. Assath remains calm and strategic despite being held captive.
• Sister Celine shows courage and determination in helping the injured man.
• Mr. Calvin is revealed to be a strict ascetic who practices self-flagellation and uses ancient traditional methods of cultivation.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of curiosity and the dangers of uncovering secrets.
• The struggle between asceticism and worldly pleasures.
• The importance of making difficult choices and their potential repercussions.

Character Interactions

• Mr. Assath and the man in sunglasses have a tense standoff.
• Sister Celine and Mr. Calvin have a brief but intense encounter.
• Mr. Calvin's past actions and practices are revealed through Sister Celine's perspective.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sister Celine is hesitant to help Calvin, a scholar, due to her status as a Saint Maiden candidate.
• Calvin reveals that Robert, the injured person, is his nephew and needs Sister Celine's residual Holy Ritual power to heal him.
• Calvin stabs Sister Celine, draining her power and causing her to enter a white, endless pool.
• Sister Celine meets Medanzo, a boy who reveals that she's in the Interstice of Consciousness, a transit point between the Tower of Prayers and the Destiny System.
• Meanwhile, Assath, a captive, goes into a frenzy after being injected with "Holy Water," causing concern for Robert, who is locked in with him.

Character Developments

• Sister Celine: Shows compassion and willingness to help, even when uncertain of the situation. She also demonstrates courage and curiosity when faced with the unknown.
• Calvin: Reveals his desperation to save his nephew, Robert, and his knowledge of the Holy Ritual's residual power in Saint Maiden candidates.
• Medanzo: A mysterious boy who seems to have knowledge of the Destiny System and the Tower of Prayers. He appears to be helping Sister Celine.
• Assath: Shows signs of intolerance to the "Holy Water" injection, becoming violent and frenzied.

Significant Themes

• The power of faith and its consequences (Holy Ritual's residual power, Saint Maiden candidates).
• The struggle between curiosity and caution (Sister Celine's desire to know more vs. her hesitation to get involved).
• The desperation of loved ones (Calvin's determination to save Robert).

Character Interactions

• Sister Celine and Calvin: Calvin manipulates Sister Celine into helping him, using her compassion and residual power. Their interaction reveals Calvin's desperation and Sister Celine's initial hesitation and later determination.
• Sister Celine and Medanzo: Medanzo provides information to Sister Celine, guiding her in the Interstice of Consciousness. Their interaction hints at a deeper connection or knowledge Medanzo has about Sister Celine and her world.
• Assath and the guards: Assath's violent reaction to the "Holy Water" injection causes concern for Robert, leading to a discussion between the guards about the situation. Their interaction highlights the uncertainty and potential danger of the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mr. Assath escapes from the hotel room where he was confined, overpowering a guard and taking his weapons.
• He tries to call for help but ends up calling the Rose Mansion, alerting Faci to the mansion's location.
• Faci, along with his men, arrives at the Rose Mansion, intending to search it.

Character Developments

• Mr. Assath: Shows his resourcefulness and combat skills, but also his recklessness in calling the Rose Mansion.
• Faci: Demonstrates his intelligence and determination in tracking down Assath and finding the Rose Mansion.
• Maid Miss (Sister Celine): Shows her resilience and determination in facing her fears and helping Mr. Robert.

Significant Themes

• The theme of perseverance is evident in all three main characters' actions.
• The theme of resourcefulness is shown in Mr. Assath's escape and Faci's tracking.
• The theme of consequences is highlighted by Mr. Assath's impulsive decision to call the Rose Mansion.

Character Interactions

• Mr. Assath and Faci: Their interactions are marked by conflict, with Assath trying to evade Faci, and Faci determined to catch Assath.
• Maid Miss and Mr. Calvin: Their interaction is marked by mutual respect and understanding, with Mr. Calvin entrusting her with a protective item.
• Mr. Assath and Maid Miss: Their interaction is implied to be tense, with Assath's actions potentially putting the Maid Miss in danger.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Faci and his men invade the mansion, capturing Assath and Clili.
• Bertrand intervenes, revealing his supernatural abilities.
• The Saintess (You Ye) appears, causing Faci to flee in fear into an illusory endless bridge.
• Bertrand and Assath tie up the intruders and wait for Faci's mental breakdown.
• Clili discovers her Destiny System has been unlocked, and Assath prays, revealing his self-inflicted wound.

Character Developments

• Bertrand: Shows his supernatural powers, including bulletproofing and creating illusions.
• Assath: Struggles with his luck and the consequences of his actions, revealing his self-inflicted wound.
• Clili: Unlocks her Destiny System, showing growth and resilience.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of one's actions.
• The struggle between good and evil, and the power of belief (You Ye's presence and Bertrand's intervention).
• The supernatural and the unknown (Bertrand's powers and Faci's illusory bridge).

Character Interactions

• Bertrand and Faci: Bertrand's powers intimidate Faci, leading to his mental breakdown.
• Assath and Clili: They work together to tie up the intruders and share their discoveries about their Destiny Systems.
• Assath and You Ye: Assath is intimidated by You Ye's presence and follows her orders.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Clili receives a notebook from Mr. Assath, which was found with her when she was rescued. It might contain clues about her past.
• President Bailang interrogates and punishes his subordinates for information about Faci and Robert.
• Boss Luo awakens and interacts with Bertrand and Faci. He asks Faci about the President's secrets.

Character Developments

• Clili: Shows curiosity and determination to uncover her past using the notebook.
• Mr. Assath: Reveals his past with Clili and his knowledge about the woman who rescued her.
• President Bailang: Demonstrates his ruthlessness and disregard for human life, using torture to extract information.
• Faci: Shows fear and desperation, seeking to avoid the "endless running environment" caused by Boss Luo's Saint Ability.
• Boss Luo: Exhibits calm and collected demeanor, asking open-ended questions to guide the conversation.

Significant Themes

• Memory and Identity: Clili's search for her past and the notebook's potential clues highlight the theme of memory and identity.
• Power and Abuse: President Bailang's use of torture to extract information and his disregard for human life illustrate the theme of power and abuse.
• Fear and Control: Faci's fear of the "endless running environment" and his desperation to avoid it reflect the theme of fear and control.

Character Interactions

• Clili and Mr. Assath: They share a heartfelt conversation about Clili's past and the notebook, showing a caring and trusting relationship.
• President Bailang and his subordinates: The President's interrogation and punishment of his subordinates highlight his dominance and their fear of him.
• Boss Luo and Faci: Their interaction shows Boss Luo's calm and collected demeanor, while Faci is desperate and afraid, seeking to avoid the consequences of Boss Luo's Saint Ability.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Faci reveals that President Bailang controls him and others using a substance called 'Holy Water', which allows them to pray and enhances their abilities.
• Faci suggests that President Bailang is planning to use 'Holy Water' on the resurrected Saint Maiden to make her like them, challenging the authority of the Seven Capitals.
• Bertrand goes to invite the mysterious outsider into the mansion.
• In the City Hall, President Bailang offers juice to the Seven Capitals administrators and Angel Langdu, who drinks it enthusiastically.

Character Developments

• Faci shows remorse for his actions and seeks help to stop President Bailang's plans.
• President Bailang appears manipulative and secretive, potentially planning a grand scheme.
• Angel Langdu displays unusual behavior, showing a strong liking for the juice offered by President Bailang.

Significant Themes

• Power and control: President Bailang's use of 'Holy Water' to control others and his potential manipulation of the Saint Maiden's resurrection.
• Trust and deception: Faci's betrayal of President Bailang, Assath's mistrust of Faci, and the Seven Capitals administrators' wariness of each other.
• The sinful bloodline: The discrimination against descendants of those who blasphemed against the saints, and the potential redemption through 'Holy Water'.

Character Interactions

• Faci and Assath: Faci reveals his past to Assath, who is initially skeptical but later shows concern for the Saint Maiden's ritual.
• President Bailang and Angel Langdu: President Bailang offers juice to Angel Langdu, who drinks it enthusiastically, displaying an unusual behavior for a high-ranking angel.
• The Seven Capitals administrators: They show wariness towards each other and are initially reluctant to drink the juice offered by President Bailang, but eventually comply due to Angel Langdu's encouragement.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mr. Assath learns about President Bailang's plan to control the Seven Capitals' administrators using 'Holy Water'.
• Faci, Bailang's subordinate, reveals that Bailang can manipulate the backend of the 'Destiny System' before committing suicide, along with his subordinates, due to a defensive mechanism.
• Boss Luo and the Maid Miss discuss the 'Destiny System' and plan to analyze the remnant log from Faci.
• Mr. Assath decides to involve Principal Ludik in the situation with the corpses.
• Sister Celine meets Campus Director Ludik at the orphanage, who offers to sponsor her for the Saint Maiden ritual and help the orphanage.

Character Developments

• Mr. Assath becomes more involved and worried about the situation, seeking help from Principal Ludik.
• Sister Celine is determined to protect the orphanage and its children, even confronting Campus Director Ludik with a frying pan initially.
• Campus Director Ludik shows interest in helping Sister Celine and the orphanage, suggesting he has a softer side.

Significant Themes

• Power and control: President Bailang's manipulation of the 'Destiny System' and 'Holy Water' to control the Seven Capitals' administrators.
• Trust and deception: Faci's revelation and subsequent suicide, highlighting the lack of trust among Bailang's subordinates.
• Sacrifice and responsibility: Sister Celine's willingness to protect the orphanage and its children, even when faced with potential danger.

Character Interactions

• Mr. Assath and Boss Luo: Assath becomes more involved in the situation, seeking help from Luo, while Luo remains calm and collected.
• Sister Celine and Campus Director Ludik: Celine initially confronts Ludik with a frying pan, highlighting her determination to protect the orphanage, while Ludik shows interest in helping her and the children.
• Faci and his subordinates: Faci's revelation and subsequent suicide, along with his subordinates, show the lack of trust and the dangerous environment they operate in.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mr. Assath meets with the Campus Director at the Rose Mansion, who handles the bodies of Faci and his men.
• Boss Luo visits Miss Asman's clothing store, asking to photograph the historic shop and showing her a photo of a woman resembling You Ye. He leaves behind a box containing a pair of glass slippers.
• Mr. Assath hesitates outside an old building before being invited in by Robert, Mentor Calvin's nephew, who has severe burns.

Character Developments

• Mr. Assath: Shows hesitation and reluctance when facing Mentor Calvin's nephew and the old building, suggesting a past he's trying to avoid.
• Miss Asman: Becomes intrigued by the glass slippers left by Boss Luo, considering trying them on.
• Robert: Shows no emotion or reaction to Mr. Assath's reluctance, indicating a lack of social cues or empathy.

Significant Themes

• The past's influence on the present: Mr. Assath's hesitation and reluctance suggest a past event that still affects him.
• Appearance vs. reality: Miss Asman's focus on the glass slippers' appearance and her consideration of trying them on, despite knowing they're magical, highlights the theme of judging things based on appearances rather than substance.

Character Interactions

• Mr. Assath and the Campus Director: Their interaction is brief but tense, with the Campus Director taking charge and Mr. Assath showing reluctance.
• Mr. Assath and Robert: Their interaction is minimal, with Robert showing no reaction to Mr. Assath's reluctance, indicating a lack of understanding or empathy.
• Boss Luo and Miss Asman: Their interaction is polite and friendly, with Boss Luo showing interest in the shop's history and Miss Asman becoming intrigued by the glass slippers.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Assath meets with Scholar Calvin to discuss Robert and the mysterious Holy Water.
• Scholar Calvin reveals that Holy Water can increase Divine Favor and Prayers levels, but its use is banned due to threatening the foundation of faith.
• Calvin admits he wants to manufacture Holy Water to prove the Saints wrong.
• Nan Xiaonan loses all her money gambling and is offered a deal by the casino manager, Mr. Agent, to fund her gambling in exchange for her participation in new project research and development.

Character Developments

• Assath: Shows curiosity and concern about Holy Water and its implications. He is loyal to Scholar Calvin but is shocked and disapproves of Calvin's intentions.
• Scholar Calvin: Reveals his true intentions regarding Holy Water and his desire to prove the Saints wrong. He is determined and secretive about his plans.
• Nan Xiaonan: Desperate to win back her money, she considers a dangerous deal with the casino manager. She shows resilience and determination but is naive about the consequences.

Significant Themes

• Faith and Piety: The chapter explores the tension between personal faith and external influences, with Holy Water representing a shortcut that challenges the established order.
• Gambling and Luck: The title and Nan Xiaonan's story emphasize the unpredictable nature of luck and the risks involved in gambling, both literally and metaphorically.
• Power and Control: The casino and its manager represent a power structure that exploits people's desperation and desire for wealth, reflecting the broader societal dynamics at play.

Character Interactions

• Assath and Scholar Calvin: Their conversation reveals their close relationship and Assath's loyalty, but also Assath's shock and disapproval of Calvin's plans.
• Nan Xiaonan and Mr. Agent: Their interaction highlights the casino's exploitative nature and Nan Xiaonan's desperation, as well as her initial naivety about the deal she's making.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nan Xiaonan is imprisoned in a dungeon after being captured by the casino's Agent.
• She meets Yulia, a prisoner who claims to be the real favorite for the Saint Maiden Ritual, but has been locked up for a month or two.
• The dungeon has a door that opens periodically, and women are taken away and never return. Those left behind gradually lose their minds.
• Nan Xiaonan discovers she can atomize her body, allowing her to pass through solid objects.
• The Agent decides to use Nan Xiaonan in the same way as the other prisoners, while Yulia is also taken away.

Character Developments

• Nan Xiaonan: She remains calm and resourceful despite being imprisoned. She discovers and practices her atomization ability and tries to help Yulia.
• Yulia: Initially hopeful that Nan Xiaonan might rescue her, she becomes resigned to her fate when she learns that the Saint Maiden Ritual has begun.

Significant Themes

• Despair and hope: Yulia's hope fades as she learns about the ritual's start, while Nan Xiaonan maintains her hope and resilience.
• Power dynamics: The Agent and his men hold power over the prisoners, controlling their lives and fates.
• Identity and deception: The true identity of the Yulia in the float parade is called into question.

Character Interactions

• Nan Xiaonan and Yulia: Nan Xiaonan tries to comfort and help Yulia, while Yulia initially hopes for rescue but eventually loses hope.
• Nan Xiaonan and the Agent's men: Nan Xiaonan surrenders to the strongmen to avoid further harm, but maintains her composure and tries to subtly communicate with Yulia.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nan Xiaonan is imprisoned in a dungeon with other women, including Yulia, a contestant from the Saint Maiden Ritual.
• The dungeon has a door that opens periodically, and women are taken away, never to return.
• Nan Xiaonan discovers she can mistify her body, allowing her to partially pass through walls.

Character Developments

• Nan Xiaonan: Shows resilience and adaptability in her new environment. She discovers her mistification ability and uses it to investigate the dungeon wall.
• Yulia: Initially hopeful, she becomes despondent upon learning that the Saint Maiden Ritual has begun. She is taken away with Nan Xiaonan.

Significant Themes

• Despair and hope: Yulia's hope fades as she realizes she might not be rescued before the ritual. Nan Xiaonan, however, remains hopeful and determined.
• Power and control: The Agent and his men maintain control over the women in the dungeon, symbolizing their power and influence.

Character Interactions

• Nan Xiaonan and Yulia: Nan Xiaonan tries to comfort Yulia and learns about her experiences. She also shares a secret with Yulia before they are taken away.
• The Agent and his men: They discuss Nan Xiaonan's situation and decide to take her and Yulia for further 'processing.'

Key Plot Points and Events

• A mysterious figure, Robert, is thrown into a sewer by men in black, following President Bailang's orders.
• Liwal, the Campus Director's private secretary, rescues Robert from the sewer.
• Nan Xiaonan, captured by an "Agent," is taken for surgery to implant a tracking device. She escapes using her Saint Ability, which allows her to mistify and manipulate her body.

Character Developments

• Nan Xiaonan: Demonstrates her Saint Ability, showing she's more than just a gambler. She remains calm and resourceful under pressure.
• The Alluring Secretary: Revealed to be a Saint Ability User as well, with enhanced strength. She's cunning and doesn't hesitate to use force.

Significant Themes

• Power and Control: The "Agent" and President Bailang use their power to control and harm others, while Nan Xiaonan uses her abilities to resist.
• Survival and Adaptation: Nan Xiaonan adapts to her new abilities and uses them to escape a dangerous situation.

Character Interactions

• Nan Xiaonan vs. The Alluring Secretary: A tense standoff between two Saint Ability Users, showcasing their unique abilities and strategies.
• Liwal vs. Robert: Liwal risks his life to rescue Robert, showing compassion and respect for life.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yulia, a Saint Maiden candidate, is held captive and subjected to mind control experiments.
• Nan Xiaonan infiltrates the facility, kills the captors, and interrogates the enchanting secretary.
• The secretary reveals that the Agents are controlled by a mastermind, and the study might hold clues.
• Nan Xiaonan attempts to communicate with Yulia's consciousness.

Character Developments

• Yulia: Struggles against her captors, tries to resist the mind control, and is later examined by Nan Xiaonan.
• Nan Xiaonan: Shows her ruthless side, interrogates the secretary, and tries to help Yulia.
• The Secretary: Reveals her past and the existence of the mastermind before being killed by Nan Xiaonan.

Significant Themes

• Mind control and manipulation.
• Survival and desperation.
• The consequences of one's actions and choices.

Character Interactions

• Nan Xiaonan and the Secretary: Nan Xiaonan interrogates the Secretary, who reveals crucial information before being killed.
• Nan Xiaonan and Yulia: Nan Xiaonan examines Yulia, trying to communicate with her consciousness.
• Nan Xiaonan and the Male Assistant: Nan Xiaonan is picked up by the male assistant to attend the competition venue.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A fire breaks out in the casino, allowing the captive girls to escape.
• Miss Nan contacts the hidden mastermind behind the Agent, who orders a self-destruct sequence, destroying the casino.
• Clili receives a mysterious note, and Principal Ludik uses his blood to stabilize a severely injured person.
• Boss Luo arrives at the Saint Maiden Ritual Venue and meets the judges, including Isabelle and Mr. Nosta. Mr. Nosta abruptly leaves for the restroom.

Character Developments

• The captive girls gain the courage to escape their prison.
• Miss Nan demonstrates her mist-transformation ability and unlocks new uses for it.
• Principal Ludik reveals he has the power to heal, using his blood to stabilize the injured person.
• Mr. Nosta, the head of the Versailles School, displays unusual behavior by abruptly leaving the lounge.

Significant Themes

• Freedom and escape from captivity (both literal and metaphorical).
• The hidden power dynamics and manipulations behind the scenes.
• The use of blood and its significance in different contexts (healing, destruction, and possibly a clue to Mr. Nosta's true nature).

Character Interactions

• The captive girls interact with each other, sharing a collective desire for freedom.
• Miss Nan communicates with the hidden mastermind, attempting to deceive them.
• Principal Ludik interacts with the doctors, demonstrating his power and manipulating the situation.
• Boss Luo meets the judges, including Isabelle and Mr. Nosta, and observes their interactions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Isabelle, Ludik's cousin and heir of the Mother of Saints family, approaches Boss Luo, flirting with him.
• Ludik arrives and hints at Boss Luo to help Durand's niece in the Saint Maiden Ritual.
• Scholar Calvin, a respected ascetic, arrives to "bear witness" to the ritual.
• Dashu, the youngster from the village, enters the venue with an admission ticket.
• Sister Celine arrives on her bicycle, feeling out of place.
• The young maid from the mansion prays for Assath's safety.
• Asman, the girl with glass slippers, is mistaken for a candidate and led to makeup.

Character Developments

• Isabelle shows her interest in Boss Luo, revealing her true identity and hinting at her desires.
• Ludik displays his manipulative nature, trying to influence Boss Luo.
• Scholar Calvin maintains his ascetic and revered demeanor.
• Dashu, Sister Celine, and the young maid show their determination and nervousness respectively.
• Asman's appearance raises questions about her identity and the power of the glass slippers.

Significant Themes

• Power and manipulation, shown through Isabelle and Ludik's interactions with Boss Luo.
• The contrast between the grandeur of the event and the personal struggles of the characters.
• The theme of identity, with Asman's unexpected appearance and the young maid's prayers for Assath.

Character Interactions

• Isabelle and Boss Luo engage in a flirtatious exchange, with Isabelle trying to seduce him and Boss Luo remaining nonchalant.
• Ludik and Boss Luo have a conversation about the Saint Maiden Ritual, with Ludik hinting at corruption.
• Isabelle and Ludik show their familiarity and shared schemes, with Isabelle warning Boss Luo about Ludik.
• Dashu, Sister Celine, and the young maid show their individual preparations and concerns for the event.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Saint Maiden Ritual Assembly is about to begin, filling the City of Freedom with anticipation.
• Mr. Bertrand, a fragment of Holy Angel Bertrand, searches for Jiahou, who had escaped from Domremy Village.
• Bertrand encounters a bizarre, frog-like creature with spatial traversal abilities and a strange language. He captures it but is later overwhelmed by more of these creatures and pulled into a vortex.

Character Developments

• Mr. Bertrand demonstrates his power and combat skills, showing he's a formidable force even as a fragment of his true self.
• The frog-like creatures display teamwork and strategic thinking, using their spatial abilities to surround and overpower Bertrand.

Significant Themes

• The emergence of Supernatural powers in the Holy Light Kingdom, which should not exist according to the rules set by the Supremes.
• The potential existence of another Destiny creator or Supreme who has not revealed themselves.

Character Interactions

• Bertrand interacts with the frog-like creatures, using trash talk and showing his confidence in his abilities.
• Bertrand's clone, Saint Angel Bertrand, discusses the plan for the Saint's Fall with another angel, revealing their faith in their Saintess' craziness.
• Bertrand encounters a nervous girl named Daphne, who claims to be there for the Saint Maiden Ritual. He initially suspects her but decides to let her through.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bertrand awakens in a desolate temple, held by a shadowy palm, surrounded by frog-like creatures.
• A mysterious woman in black mist appears, revealing she's behind the events and seeks revenge on the City of Freedom.
• Bertrand is encased in dark gray ice.
• In the City of Freedom, Daphne infiltrates the event, and Luo discovers her.
• Bertrand, disguised as a security guard, meets Luo in a stairwell with other Saint-Angels.
• Bertrand attempts to strike Luo with a stun baton but hesitates, claiming he was swatting mosquitoes.
• Luo reveals he's a judge, and Bertrand leads him away.

Character Developments

• Bertrand: Struggles against his captor, reveals his past with the mysterious woman, and displays hesitation when attempting to harm Luo.
• Daphne: Nervously infiltrates the event, hoping not to be discovered.
• Luo: Discovers Daphne, encounters Bertrand, and maintains his cover as a judge.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and retribution.
• Manipulation and control.
• Disguise and deception.
• Hesitation and indecision.

Character Interactions

• Bertrand and the mysterious woman: Enemies with a shared past, she seeks revenge, and he tries to understand her motives.
• Daphne and Luo: Briefly interact, with Daphne mistakenly recognizing Luo.
• Bertrand and Luo: Initially hostile, Bertrand hesitates to harm Luo, and they interact under the guise of security and judge.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Saint-Angel Bertrand, a judge, meets the black-haired youth (Luo) and shares a cigarette with him, revealing his immigrant background and his belief in the [City of Freedom]'s resilience.
• [Daphne], in disguise, enters the women's restroom and witnesses a mysterious person changing a blood-stained bandage.
• Mr. Assath wakes up in Mentor Calvin's basement, escapes, and finds a book by Master Jasmine, which surprises him.
• The rehearsal for the Saint Maiden Ritual begins. The first candidate, a girl suspended from the ceiling by red ribbons, descends onto the stage.

Character Developments

• Saint-Angel Bertrand shows his human side by accepting a cigarette from Luo, revealing his past and his faith in the [City of Freedom].
• [Daphne] demonstrates caution and curiosity as they investigate the mysterious person in the restroom.
• Mr. Assath displays resourcefulness and determination in escaping from the basement and discovering the book by Master Jasmine.
• The first Saint Maiden candidate showcases her unique and daring performance style.

Significant Themes

• The struggle and resilience of the [City of Freedom] and its people.
• The discovery of hidden truths and secrets.
• The courage and individuality of the Saint Maiden candidates.

Character Interactions

• Luo and Saint-Angel Bertrand share a cigarette and engage in a conversation about the [City of Freedom].
• [Daphne] interacts with the mysterious person in the restroom, though they are unaware of each other's presence.
• Mr. Assath interacts with Mentor Calvin's house, discovering the book by Master Jasmine.
• The judges, including Luo and Isabelle, interact as they await the start of the rehearsal.
• The first Saint Maiden candidate interacts with the stage and the audience, presenting her unique performance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Saint Maiden Ritual backstage is bustling with candidates, including new first-years and experienced students.
• A murder occurs on stage during the ritual, with a Saint Maiden candidate, Hua Ying, found dead with a dagger in her chest.
• The venue is sealed, and no one is allowed to leave until the investigation is complete.
• Angel Langdu, a high-ranking official, arrives and attempts to access the victim's Destiny Journal to determine the cause of death.

Character Developments

• Sister Celine returns after a long absence, determined to participate in the ritual.
• Daphne is also present, disguised as a boy, and witnesses the murder.
• City Lord Durrand's niece, Hua Ying, is the victim, causing him great distress.
• Angel Langdu demonstrates his power and influence by attempting to access the victim's Destiny Journal.

Significant Themes

• The intense competition among Saint Maiden candidates.
• The power dynamics and influence of high-ranking officials, such as Angel Langdu.
• The consequences of murder and the subsequent investigation.

Character Interactions

• Sister Celine reunites with her instructor, Gita, who expresses her happiness at Celine's return.
• Daphne encounters Clili, who seems worried about something.
• City Lord Durrand's male assistant struggles to maintain control of the situation, trying to please both the judges and the Seven Capitals Administrators.
• Angel Langdu asserts his authority, attempting to take charge of the investigation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Pope asks Angel Langdu if he knows the culprit, but Langdu reveals he can't open the deceased's Destiny, suggesting it was destroyed or she was a Fallen One.
• Angel Grabe appears and stops Langdu from opening City Lord Durant's Destiny Journal, revealing she knows what happened.
• Angel Grabbe and Langdu decide to split tasks: Langdu will oversee the ritual, while Grabbe investigates the murder.

Character Developments

• Angel Langdu seems impatient and irritable, unlike a typical angel.
• Angel Grabbe shows authority and reason, stopping Langdu's impulsive actions.
• City Lord Durant is shaken after his Destiny Journal is nearly opened.

Significant Themes

• The importance of privacy and personal space, as seen in the Administrators' hesitation about having their Destiny Journals opened.
• The pressure and stress of the Saint's Fall event, affecting characters like Angel Langdu.

Character Interactions

• Angel Grabbe and Langdu have a tense interaction, with Grabbe chastising Langdu for his impulsive behavior.
• City Lord Durant and Angel Langdu have a confrontational exchange when Langdu threatens to open Durant's Destiny Journal.
• President Bailang distributes juice to the attendees, with Boss Luo and Miss Isabelle declining and drawing attention.