Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yi Chen meets Granny Tang, who offers to teach him about death and his condition.
• Granny Tang shares her theories about their existence after death, attributing it to strong obsessions.
• Yi Chen learns about the 'Black Liquid' and its potential uses.
• Yi Chen receives his first mission to investigate a school with a high suicide rate.

Character Developments

• Yi Chen: Shows curiosity and acceptance of his condition. He's determined to understand and control his abilities.
• Granny Tang: Reveals her long life and theories about their existence. She's willing to help Yi Chen.

Significant Themes

• Obsession and its role in their existence.
• The 'Black Liquid' and its potential uses.
• The chaotic nature of the world and the existence of 'Weirdness.'

Character Interactions

• Yi Chen and Granny Tang: They have a productive conversation, with Granny Tang offering guidance and Yi Chen asking insightful questions.
• Yi Chen and the 'monsters' in the psychiatric hospital: Yi Chen remains unfazed by their attempts to harass him, focusing on his thoughts instead.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yi Chen enrolls in Star Moon Art Creation School, assigned to a two-person dormitory without a roommate.
• He feels constantly watched, but no action is taken against him.
• On the fifth day, after a film appreciation class, Yi Chen is lured to the art studio on the third floor by hypnotic arrow paintings.
• He is attacked and hanged by a teacher, but manages to turn the tables and hang her instead.
• After killing the teacher, Yi Chen's phone call to the organization triggers a scene shift to a European-style hotel lobby.
• Yi Chen sees a headless and armless knight, and a young man resembling him hanging from the ceiling.
• Upon calling out the young man's name, "William," Yi Chen's consciousness transfers to the hanging youth.

Character Developments

• Yi Chen demonstrates his artistic skills, impressing teachers and students.
• Yi Chen's past experiences in the orphanage and as a "temp worker" help him stay alert and resourceful.
• Yi Chen's calm and calculated demeanor is tested and proven when he turns the tables on his attacker.
• The teacher who attacks Yi Chen is revealed to be a [Weirdness], and her true form is that of a young man named William.

Significant Themes

• The power of art and its influence on the mind.
• The dangers of curiosity and obsession.
• The duality of appearance and reality.

Character Interactions

• Yi Chen interacts with various teachers and students at the art school, though he keeps his distance.
• Yi Chen's encounter with the teacher who attacks him highlights the danger of underestimating one's enemies.
• Yi Chen's transfer of consciousness to William suggests a connection between the two characters.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Associate Director Aivart awaits Yi Chen's death at the Sunshine Grand Hotel.
• A mysterious figure rushes in, mistaken for Zion reinforcements, and is killed by Aivart.
• Yi Chen, hanging, has an abnormally pale face with makeup, puzzling Aivart.
• Yi Chen doesn't exhale his last breath as expected. Aivart attempts to retrieve him.
• Black Liquid starts dripping from Yi Chen's forehead, forming a pool.
• Yi Chen's body falls apart in the Black Liquid, which dissolves his remains.
• Yi Chen reforms using the Black Liquid, wearing 'Dead Person Makeup'.
• Yi Chen injects himself with 'Twilight Silver Liquid', activating a Moon Mark and turning his hair silver.
• He retrieves his Hand Axe and Firearm, now glowing with Silver Light.

Character Developments

• Yi Chen: Survives his execution, reforms using Black Liquid, and gains a Moon Mark after injecting 'Twilight Silver Liquid'.
• Associate Director Aivart: Discovers the potency of the Black Liquid, loses his surgical lines to it, and witnesses Yi Chen's transformation.

Significant Themes

• Death and Rebirth: Yi Chen's transformation using the Black Liquid symbolizes his rebirth and new understanding of death.
• Power and Control: Aivart's surgical lines represent his control and power, which are challenged and ultimately lost to the Black Liquid.

Character Interactions

• Yi Chen and Aivart: Aivart underestimates Yi Chen, leading to his loss of control and surgical lines. Yi Chen's transformation surprises and alarms Aivart.
• Yi Chen and Moonscar: The injection of 'Twilight Silver Liquid' connects Yi Chen to Moonscar, who feels his presence and calls out his name.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Little Grape, transformed into "Eyeball Collector.Gemhal," learns about Yi Chen's dire situation at the Sunshine Hotel from a captured image.
• Little Grape decides to rescue Yi Chen, using an 'eyeball army' formed from corpses' eyes to approach the hotel.
• Upon reaching the hotel, Little Grape finds Yi Chen (disguised as Lorien) fighting the Vice Principal, a Dead who has surpassed human limits.
• Yi Chen borrows Little Grape's eyes to better perceive the Vice Principal's movements.

Character Developments

• Little Grape demonstrates strategic thinking and adaptability in forming and leading the eyeball army.
• Yi Chen, disguised as Lorien, shows improved combat skills and strategic thinking, managing to hold his own against the Vice Principal.

Significant Themes

• Adaptability and Resourcefulness: Both Little Grape and Yi Chen demonstrate these traits in responding to unexpected situations.
• Allies and Enemies: The dynamic between Little Grape, Yi Chen, and the Vice Principal shifts, with Little Grape initially planning to avoid Yi Chen but ultimately deciding to help him.

Character Interactions

• Little Grape and Yi Chen: Despite initial hesitation, Little Grape decides to assist Yi Chen, showing a level of trust and camaraderie.
• Yi Chen and the Vice Principal: Their intense combat highlights Yi Chen's improved skills and the Vice Principal's formidable power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yi Chen and Little Grape combine their powers, creating a single orb from collected eyeballs, enhancing Little Grape's vision.
• Yi Chen reveals his 'Dead Person Makeup' state, which allows him to overpower opponents on the death plane, but it's temporary.
• They decide to fight the Vice Dean instead of fleeing, as he can control death images and influence others.
• Yi Chen and Little Grape coordinate in battle, with Yi Chen using Lorien's technique 'Moon Step' and Little Grape summoning stone coffins.
• The Vice Dean, despite their combined efforts, dodges all their attacks with ease.
• Yi Chen's body begins to disintegrate, indicating his 'Dead Person Makeup' state is ending.
• In a surprise move, Yi Chen and Little Grape trap the Vice Dean in a stone coffin, then escape.

Character Developments

• Little Grape's powers grow significantly after absorbing the essence of the Stone Mausoleum, becoming the true master of the mausoleum.
• Yi Chen reveals he can enter a 'Dead Person Makeup' state, which enhances his fighting abilities but is temporary.
• The Vice Dean's confidence in his senses grows, expecting Yi Chen's state to end soon.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork and coordination in battle.
• The temporary nature of power boosts and their consequences.
• The Vice Dean's overconfidence in his senses.

Character Interactions

• Yi Chen and Little Grape work together, with Yi Chen providing strategy and Little Grape using his newfound powers to summon stone coffins.
• The Vice Dean underestimates Yi Chen and Little Grape, leading to a surprise attack.
• Yi Chen and Little Grape successfully execute a plan to escape, leaving the Vice Dean behind.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Vice Dean Ayvat, resurrected as a dead person, is ordered to capture or kill Yi Chen (William), who can absorb the Death Plague.
• Yi Chen lures Ayvat into a trap using a hallucination technique, "Mirror Flower Water Moon," which exploits Ayvat's psychological obsession with him.
• Yi Chen absorbs the potent "Breath of Death Plague" from Ayvat's body, enhancing his Death Traits and total Black Liquid reserves.
• Lotsen and Old Mr. Hervoye arrive at the Sunshine Hotel, witnessing Yi Chen's victory and expressing their admiration.

Character Developments

• Yi Chen demonstrates strategic thinking and psychological manipulation, proving his ability to outsmart opponents even when outmatched.
• Vice Dean Ayvat's obsession with Yi Chen is exploited, leading to his downfall.
• Lotsen and Old Mr. Hervoye show interest in Yi Chen's abilities, hinting at potential future support or recognition.

Significant Themes

• Psychological manipulation and vulnerability
• Strategic thinking and adaptability
• The interconnected nature of death and the Death Plague

Character Interactions

• Yi Chen and Little Grape: Yi Chen shares his plan with Little Grape, who assists him and expresses admiration for his daring strategy.
• Yi Chen and Vice Dean Ayvat: Their psychological battle culminates in Ayvat's defeat and Yi Chen's absorption of the Death Plague.
• Yi Chen and Lotsen/Old Mr. Hervoye: The duo arrives to find Yi Chen victorious, acknowledging his impressive feat and hinting at future recognition.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yi Chen, despite his decayed body, maintains his focus and senses danger when Lotsen and Mr. Hervoye (Lotsen in disguise) arrive.
• Little Grape uses its abilities to escape, but Lotsen easily counterattacks, severely injuring both Yi Chen and Little Grape.
• Lotsen reveals his fusion with the Blood Baron and his plan to occupy Yi Chen's body.
• A yellow robe, controlled by an unknown entity, merges with Yi Chen's Gentleman's Attire and offers him a deal to escape.
• Lotsen attempts to forcefully occupy Yi Chen's body, but a mysterious figure in a floral suit, wielding a red sword, appears and rescues Yi Chen.

Character Developments

• Yi Chen: Despite his dire situation, Yi Chen maintains his composure and wit. He shows no despair, even mocking Lotsen, and manages to communicate with the yellow robe entity.
• Lotsen: Lotsen's ambition and ruthlessness are further revealed as he plans to occupy Yi Chen's body. He also shows suspicion and caution when dealing with the yellow robe entity.
• The Baron: The Blood Baron's consciousness is present in Lotsen, aiding him in his plans and providing strategic advice.
• The Yellow Robe Entity: This entity, controlling the yellow robe, seeks to use Yi Chen as a 'skin slave' to gain control of the [Abyssal Skin Field]. It communicates with Yi Chen through yellow text.

Significant Themes

• Betrayal: Lotsen's betrayal of Yi Chen and the Organization is a central theme, highlighting the dangers of trust in a world filled with deception.
• Possession and Control: The desire to possess and control others, as seen in Lotsen's and the Baron's plans, is another significant theme.
• Survival and Adaptation: Yi Chen's struggle to survive and adapt to his dire situation is a key theme, as he communicates with the yellow robe entity and ultimately finds an unexpected rescuer.

Character Interactions

• Yi Chen and Lotsen: Their interaction reveals Lotsen's true colors and Yi Chen's resilience and wit in the face of betrayal.
• Yi Chen and the Yellow Robe Entity: Their interaction, facilitated by the yellow text, shows Yi Chen's ability to adapt and seek help in desperate situations.
• The mysterious rescuer and Yi Chen: Their brief interaction reveals the rescuer's familiarity with Yi Chen and his willingness to protect him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jin arrives to rescue Yi Chen, who is injured but conscious.
• Lotsen, a Transcendent occupying a Physical Body, attacks them using a combination of Gentleman and Diseased powers.
• Lotsen attempts to capture Yi Chen but is repelled by Jin.
• Lotsen uses a Blood Secret Art to escape, splitting into clones, but Jin pursues and eliminates most of them.
• Lotsen escapes through the hotel's ventilation ducts but is intercepted by an unknown youth with powerful mental abilities, who crushes Lotsen's Physical Body.

Character Developments

• Jin: Demonstrates her strength as a Psyche Gentleman, easily overpowering Lotsen with her swordsmanship and mental abilities.
• Yi Chen: Though injured, he maintains consciousness and provides strategic advice to Jin.
• Lotsen: Reveals his desperation and greed, prioritizing capturing Yi Chen over retreating when cornered. His power is significantly weaker than Jin's.
• The Baron (Lotsen's consciousness): Shows concern for their survival, attempting to convince Lotsen to retreat when outmatched.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The chapter highlights the power imbalance between Jin and Lotsen, with Jin's strength far surpassing Lotsen's.
• Greed vs. Self-Preservation: Lotsen's desire for Yi Chen's Physical Body leads him to take unnecessary risks, ultimately resulting in his defeat.
• Mental Abilities: The youth's powerful mental abilities are introduced, further expanding the range of powers in the story.

Character Interactions

• Jin and Yi Chen: They work together to defend against Lotsen's attack, with Yi Chen providing strategic advice and Jin handling the combat.
• Lotsen and The Baron: Their consciousness argues over whether to retreat or fight, reflecting their differing priorities.
• Jin and the Unknown Youth: Though not directly interacting, the youth's intervention in Jin's battle with Lotsen hints at a potential alliance or shared goal between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Regan and Miss Fei defeat Lotsen, ending the hotel incident.
• Yi Chen, Regan, and Jin escape Lewenholm in an electric carriage.
• The Death Plague Knights' Reaper, Rotvis, harvests the city, turning all living beings into the Dead.
• Yi Chen switches to "Dead Person Makeup" to inhale the black fog, saving Regan and Jin.

Character Developments

• Regan shows concern for Yi Chen's safety and urgency to escape Lewenholm.
• Miss Fei remains cheerful and friendly despite the grim situation.
• Yi Chen demonstrates his willingness to sacrifice for his companions.

Significant Themes

• Death and Resurrection: The black fog turns all living beings into the Dead, emphasizing the theme of death and transformation.
• Sacrifice: Yi Chen's action to save his companions highlights the theme of sacrifice.

Character Interactions

• Regan and Yi Chen's friendship is evident as Regan prioritizes Yi Chen's safety.
• Miss Fei's loyalty to Regan is shown as she treats his friends as her own.
• Yi Chen's selflessness is seen in his willingness to save his companions, even at the risk of his own life.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yi Chen, Jin, and Regan return from Lewenholm, having faced and overcome significant challenges.
• Yi Chen killed Vice Principal Aivart using his Death Trait, which counters the dead.
• Jin and Regan share their experiences in the Old World, revealing they've obtained powerful Relics and encountered influential figures.
• Upon returning to Zion, they are intercepted by an epidemic control team and led into a secret passage for quarantine procedures.

Character Developments

• Yi Chen: Survives a near-death experience, reflects on his limitations, and shows concern for his friends' experiences.
• Jin: Shows growth and self-control, suppressing her madness. She reveals she met a powerful master in the Old World and obtained a Dual-Attribute Relic, the 'Swollen Lotus Heart.'
• Regan: Becomes more terrifying after his breakthrough, receives a Relic from a mysterious group, but is silenced about his experience due to a mental disease.
• Lorien: Revealed to be a powerful [Patient Zero], comparable to the trio's strength, and has been residing within Yi Chen.

Significant Themes

• Growth and self-improvement: Each character returns stronger and more experienced.
• Power dynamics: The trio encounters powerful entities in the Old World, highlighting the shifting balance of power.
• Secrecy and hidden agendas: The mysterious group that gave Regan his Relic and the epidemic control team's actions suggest hidden forces at play.

Character Interactions

• Yi Chen, Jin, and Regan share their experiences, expressing camaraderie and mutual respect for each other's growth.
• Jin's curiosity about Lorien suggests potential future interactions or conflicts.
• The trio's dynamic shows a balance of power and mutual understanding, with each member contributing unique insights and strengths.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yi Chen, Jin, and Regan are sent to the Center for Illness Control due to their escape from Lewenholm during the Death Plague outbreak.
• They undergo examinations, with Yi Chen being the last to be tested by Doctor Vesali, who detects Yi Chen's awakened Death system but no signs of the Death Plague.
• Yi Chen reports his findings on the Death Plague to Doctor Vesali, who commends him and agrees not to report Yi Chen's killing of Ayvat or his contact with the Yellow Robe.
• Doctor Vesali examines Yi Chen and his teammates, finding no signs of the Death Plague in any of them. He predicts Yi Chen's upcoming breakthrough and asks him to bring the 'Twilight Silver Liquid' when he does.

Character Developments

• Yi Chen: His Death system has awakened after his battle with Vice Dean Ayvat. He is close to breaking through his limits and is expected to do so within two months.
• Jin and Regan: Their physical and spiritual powers have surpassed their respective tiers, impressing Doctor Vesali.
• Doctor Vesali: He is the Vice Dean of the Major-Hospital-of-Hippocrates and specializes in the Death system. He is assigned to manage the Death Plague outbreak and is knowledgeable about the Gray Zone's threat to Zion.

Significant Themes

• The threat of the Death Plague and the Gray Zone to Zion.
• The awakening of Yi Chen's Death system and his impending breakthrough.
• The power of Yi Chen's teammates, Jin, and Regan.

Character Interactions

• Yi Chen, Jin, and Regan work together to escape Lewenholm and face the examinations at the Center for Illness Control.
• Yi Chen reports his findings on the Death Plague to Doctor Vesali, who commends him and agrees to keep certain information secret.
• Doctor Vesali examines Yi Chen and his teammates, finding no signs of the Death Plague in any of them. He predicts Yi Chen's upcoming breakthrough and asks him to bring the 'Twilight Silver Liquid' when he does.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yi Chen conceals his exceptional actions to avoid attracting Divine Skin Manor's or the First Gentleman's attention.
• Jin and Regan return to Zion, with Jin having tasks to attend to and Regan receiving a notification from the Power Station for examination.
• Yi Chen is picked up by Supervisor Aige and debriefed at Gentleman Hall about the Death Plague incident.
• Yi Chen learns that the organization is prioritizing elite training and that resources are dwindling.
• Yi Chen returns Barry's body to the Bessarius family and declines their invitation to stay.
• Yi Chen returns to his dormitory, feeling the side effects of his prolonged exposure to Death essence.
• He uses the Sun Secret Medicine to restore balance to his body and discovers that his Gentleman's attire can communicate with him.

Character Developments

• Yi Chen demonstrates maturity and strategic thinking by concealing his exceptional actions to avoid unwanted attention.
• Yi Chen shows respect and consideration for Barry's family by returning his body and fulfilling his last wish.
• Yi Chen's body shows signs of imbalance due to prolonged exposure to Death essence, highlighting the consequences of his actions.

Significant Themes

• The theme of time and urgency is emphasized, with the organization prioritizing elite training due to dwindling resources and the Skin production decrease.
• The consequences of prolonged exposure to Death essence are explored, adding a layer of danger to Yi Chen's actions.

Character Interactions

• Yi Chen interacts with Supervisor Aige, providing details about the Death Plague incident and learning about the organization's priorities.
• Yi Chen interacts with the Bessarius family, returning Barry's body and declining their invitation to stay.
• Yi Chen's Gentleman's attire shows signs of consciousness and communicates with him, suggesting a deeper connection between the two.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yi Chen establishes mental contact with his clothing, Yellow Skin, which is a superior skin with unique abilities.
• Yellow Skin reveals it caused a riot in the skin fields and escaped to Yi Chen's side.
• Yi Chen and Yellow Skin sign a contract for cooperation, with Yellow Skin offering assistance and Yi Chen agreeing to help control the skin fields.
• Yi Chen is summoned to Divine Skin Manor again and meets resistance from the clergy, who want to meet with William Berens (Yi Chen's alias) alone.

Character Developments

• Yi Chen shows curiosity and caution in dealing with Yellow Skin, ultimately agreeing to the contract.
• Yellow Skin reveals its history and powers, demonstrating cunning and manipulative tendencies.
• Professor Chamberson shows concern for Yi Chen's safety and prepares for potential danger.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between humans and skins, with Yellow Skin being superior and manipulative.
• The importance of contracts and agreements in the Old World, with the Yellow Skin Contract being a soul-branded pact.
• The potential danger and mystery surrounding the First Gentleman and Divine Skin Manor.

Character Interactions

• Yi Chen and Yellow Skin establish a cooperative relationship through the contract.
• Yi Chen and Professor Chamberson maintain a mentor-mentee relationship, with Chamberson providing guidance and protection.
• The clergy of Divine Skin Manor show hostility towards Yi Chen, indicating potential conflict with the First Gentleman.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Professor Chamberson meets Principal Deslin on a train, who reassures him about Yi Chen's safety and future.
• Yi Chen meets the ailing First Gentleman, who offers him a position as a candidate for the next First Gentleman and provides him with a skin to aid his development.
• Yi Chen decides to accept the candidacy and meets with Professor Chamberson, who expresses his concerns but supports Yi Chen's decision.
• Yi Chen is summoned by Principal Deslin for a private meeting.

Character Developments

• Yi Chen: Shows maturity and decisiveness in accepting the candidacy, demonstrating his ambition and understanding of the stakes involved. He also keeps the existence of the yellow skins a secret.
• Professor Chamberson: Shows concern for Yi Chen's safety and future, preparing documents to help him flee if he chooses. He supports Yi Chen's decision but is aware of the risks.
• Principal Deslin: Reveals herself as one of Zion's Prophets and shows interest in Yi Chen's future, suggesting she has plans for him.
• First Gentleman: Reveals his deteriorating health and the urgency of finding a successor. He shows appreciation for Yi Chen's skills and potential.

Significant Themes

• Ambition vs. Safety: Yi Chen's ambition to become the First Gentleman puts him in a dangerous position, but he believes he can handle it.
• Power and Influence: The power dynamics between the Organization, the First Gentleman, Principal Deslin, and Professor Chamberson are explored.
• Secrets and Trust: Yi Chen keeps the existence of the yellow skins a secret, even from those close to him, highlighting the theme of trust and secrets in high-stakes situations.

Character Interactions

• Yi Chen and Professor Chamberson: Their interaction shows a deep bond and mutual respect, with Chamberson acting as a mentor and father figure to Yi Chen.
• Yi Chen and the First Gentleman: Their conversation reveals the First Gentleman's appreciation for Yi Chen's skills and his urgency in finding a successor.
• Yi Chen and Principal Deslin: Their upcoming meeting hints at a potential alliance or guidance from Deslin, who seems to have an interest in Yi Chen's future.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yi Chen visits the Principal's Office at midnight, finding it filled with astrological phenomena and Principal Deslin in a state of reduced gravity.
• Deslin reveals she knows Yi Chen concealed details about the Lewenholm incident and wants to witness his battle against Vice Dean Ayvat.
• Yi Chen relives the battle through a star-point projection, impressing Deslin.
• Deslin shares her reasons for keeping the Academy isolated and discusses the Skin Field's potential threats and benefits.

Character Developments

• Yi Chen: Demonstrates his talent in Death and his ambition to negotiate with the Skin Field.
• Principal Deslin: Reveals her age, connection to starlight, and her dissatisfaction with the Skin's surveillance.

Significant Themes

• The Skin Field's dual nature: a source of survival and potential threat.
• The importance of initiative and negotiation with the Skin Field.
• The isolation of the Academy and its purpose.

Character Interactions

• Yi Chen and Principal Deslin: They discuss the Skin Field, and Deslin guides Yi Chen through a Fantasy Celestial Body to help him develop his Psyche.
• Yi Chen's past self and Vice Dean Ayvat: Yi Chen relives his battle against Ayvat, showcasing his skills and determination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yi Chen spends two months in a 'Fantasy Celestial Body' created by Principal Deslin, gazing at the stars, leading to a significant increase in his Psyche.
• After returning, Yi Chen unlocks the 'Star Magic' system and gains a new appearance reflecting his stellar experience.
• Yi Chen reveals he has a 'Triple-Attribute Relic' from the Old World, which requires decryption for Psyche, and he plans to do this in Principal Deslin's office.

Character Developments

• Yi Chen demonstrates exceptional mental resilience and dedication to his pursuits, spending two months in a meditative state to increase his Psyche.
• Principal Deslin shows concern for Yi Chen's well-being, feeding him during his prolonged meditation, and later provides a space for him to decrypt his Relic.

Significant Themes

• The power of dedication and perseverance (Yi Chen's prolonged meditation).
• The importance of mentorship and guidance (Principal Deslin's support and advice).
• The pursuit of knowledge and understanding (Yi Chen's quest to decrypt his Relic).

Character Interactions

• Yi Chen and Principal Deslin's relationship evolves, with Deslin showing increasing interest and support for Yi Chen's pursuits, while Yi Chen demonstrates respect and deference to her.
• Yi Chen shares his secret about the 'Triple-Attribute Relic' with Principal Deslin, further strengthening their bond.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yi Chen successfully opens the door to Star Magic, shortening his distance to the stars.
• He begins to study the Box of the Mad, revealing a brain-like structure inside.
• Principal Deslin, after her daily activities, returns to the school and senses something amiss in the Astrology Room.
• She finds the faculty gathered outside the Fetal Heart Chapel due to cerebral fluid overflowing from the top floor.
• Deslin discovers Yi Chen in the Astrology Room, with the Box of the Mad now resembling a metallic brain, emitting the scent of cerebral fluid.

Character Developments

• Yi Chen: Shows determination to continue working hard despite fatigue. Successfully unlocks Star Magic and begins studying the Box of the Mad.
• Principal Deslin: Reveals her daily activities and thoughts about Yi Chen. Returns to the school and discovers the issue with the Astrology Room.

Significant Themes

• Determination and perseverance (Yi Chen's resolve to keep working hard despite fatigue)
• Talent and kinship (Deslin's recognition of Yi Chen's potential and her desire for connection)
• The mysterious nature of the Box of the Mad and the Mad Ones' knowledge

Character Interactions

• Yi Chen and Principal Deslin: Though they don't interact directly in this chapter, Deslin's thoughts about Yi Chen and her return to the school to check on him imply a growing interest and concern for his well-being and progress.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yi Chen successfully deciphers the Rubik's Cube, which evolves into a Mad One's brain structure.
• The Principal advises Yi Chen to use this relic for his breakthrough but suggests waiting a few days.
• Yi Chen accidentally uses Star Magic to move a bucket, grasping 'Spatial Fluid'.
• Yi Chen practices and masters the technique of grasping Spatial Fluid, using it to catch his hand axe.
• Yi Chen decides to attempt his breakthrough at the Major-Hospital-of-Hippocrates after a week of rest.

Character Developments

• Yi Chen: Shows exceptional talent in using Star Magic, mastering the technique of grasping Spatial Fluid in a short time. He feels pressured by Jin Almeida and Regan Ludwig's achievements and decides to attempt his breakthrough.
• Principal Deslin: Shows surprise and restlessness at Yi Chen's rapid progress. She decides to go out for drinks and meat after her meditation plans are disrupted.

Significant Themes

• Talent and Progression: Yi Chen's rapid mastery of Star Magic highlights his exceptional talent, while the advancements of Jin Almeida and Regan Ludwig emphasize the competitive environment in Zion.
• Preparation and Timing: The Principal advises Yi Chen to wait before attempting his breakthrough, emphasizing the importance of preparation and timing in achieving one's goals.

Character Interactions

• Yi Chen and Principal Deslin: They have a brief interaction where the Principal advises Yi Chen on his breakthrough and watches him practice using Star Magic. She is surprised by his progress but ultimately decides to go out instead of supervising him further.
• Yi Chen and the Woman on the Train: Yi Chen feels a sense of familiarity with a woman on the campus train but doesn't approach her, focusing on his own matters instead.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yi Chen visits the Major Hospital of Hippocrates, gaining easy access due to his special business card.
• He enters the Pathogen Center, a sealed building storing information on diseases and housing Diseased for research.
• Yi Chen meets with Vice President Andre Vesali in his unique office filled with pathological specimens.
• Yi Chen reveals he plans to become a doctor to gain knowledge about skin and negotiate with the skin market.
• Vesali takes Yi Chen to his workshop, where he prepares a pool of death essence for Yi Chen's breakthrough.
• Yi Chen merges with the Mad Brain, entering a state of madness and seeing the Old World through a Diseased perspective.

Character Developments

• Yi Chen: Shows determination to become a doctor for personal gain, merges with the Mad Brain, and experiences the Old World through Diseased eyes.
• Andre Vesali: Offers help to Yi Chen, provides access to his workshop and death essence, and expresses concern about Yi Chen's motivations.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of knowledge and power.
• The consequences of human ambition and curiosity.
• The divide between the living and the Diseased.

Character Interactions

• Yi Chen and Andre Vesali: Yi Chen seeks Vesali's help, and Vesali provides resources and guidance, expressing concern about Yi Chen's motivations.
• Yi Chen and the Diseased: Yi Chen experiences the Old World through the eyes of the Diseased, observing their lives without interacting with them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yi Chen transforms into a virus, a Mad Shell, and explores his new form.
• He observes the environment, filled with miscellaneous bacteria and Diseased individuals.
• Yi Chen infects a human with herpes, navigating through his nasal cavity and brain.
• He eliminates the herpes viruses in the brain, establishes control, and begins knowledge absorption.

Character Developments

• Yi Chen adapts to his new viral form, discovering its unique capabilities and structures.
• He exhibits strategic thinking and adaptability in infecting the human host.

Significant Themes

• Adaptation and transformation: Yi Chen's transition from human to virus and his adaptation to his new form.
• Knowledge and learning: Yi Chen's purpose as a Mad Shell is to absorb knowledge, and he begins this process in the infected host.
• Power dynamics: Yi Chen's control over the host's body and his dominance over other pathogens within it.

Character Interactions

• Yi Chen interacts with various bacteria and Diseased individuals in the Old World.
• He engages with the herpes viruses in the infected human host, eliminating them and establishing control.
• Yi Chen's relationship with the host is one of dominance, as he absorbs knowledge and "educates" the host and other pathogens within it.