Chapter Summaries

Iver explained Master Yanis’s Path Trait recommendations to Isabel and advised her to prioritize Cunning Spell. Their conversation turned awkward when Isabel misunderstood his request during a Blessing Art demonstration, and Lily walked in as Isabel tried to explain herself.

• Isabel described Master Yanis’s detailed Trait-selection formulas, and Iver explained why Cunning Spell would complement her Nimble Voice and illusions.
• Iver and Isabel returned to the bed, where Isabel insisted that he get under the blanket.
• Iver offered to demonstrate Blessing Art and asked Isabel to say something appropriate before receiving it.
• Isabel called Iver “Daddy,” realized her mistake, and tried to flee before spotting Lily behind her.
• Lily apologized for the trouble, and Isabel rushed to hug her while insisting that Lily had misunderstood.

After Lily returned from her Promotion Ritual, she told Iver and Isabel about meeting Dark Cloud, prompting Iver to suspect that the werewolf was a witch’s follower. The conversation left Lily worried about how Path Power might change her, while Iver and Isabel ended the night teasing each other.

• Isabel worried Lily had overheard her talking about testing Iver’s Blessing Art, then asked Lily to describe her Promotion Ritual.
• Lily said Miss Ligeia had led their group, that she had gained Third-Level Shadow Affinity, and that she had seen Dark Cloud without revealing her identity.
• Iver explained that Dark Cloud might be a witch’s guardian or follower, and concluded that he likely had not been fleeing pursuers when he came to Avalon.
• Lily said Miss Ligeia had stopped Dark Cloud from completing his advancement but had become acquainted with him.
• Iver got out of bed and teased Isabel about his clothes, and Isabel ran off with his pajamas, promising to return them next week.

The Eternal Pope awakened on the Theocracy’s Holy Seat and discussed Iver’s unusual abilities and the interest he had drawn from powerful beings. She arranged for Grey to teach him divine arts, then fell back into a deep sleep as the Sin Thorns drained her blood.

• The Eternal Pope synchronized with the Theocracy through the thorns embedded in her body and asked Matilda how she viewed Iver.
• Matilda said Iver seemed impressive by human standards, and the Pope explained that the Candle Holder, the Great Sage, Constant Self, and Amber had also taken an interest in him.
• The Pope suspected Iver was connected to the Butterfly Angel because he had used a divine technique to overcome a destined death and controlled a powerful fire butterfly.
• Matilda offered to teach Iver Advanced Divine Arts, but the Pope told her to have Grey teach him, believing he could resolve the problem within Grey.
• The Pope instructed Matilda to brief Grey and Topaz on the dream and ensure Grey properly played the role of Pure White.
• The Eternal Pope fell asleep on the Holy Seat, where the Sin Thorns steadily drained her blood.

Sherlock and Iver publicly exposed Minister Drost’s crimes and smuggling operation while Sherlock’s return from the dead drew a crowd at the Royal Law University. After Iver advanced again, Ms. Maya promised him the Morning Crow Grimoire, while the King sailed toward Avalon with a major shipment.

• Sherlock met Iver at the Royal Law University and told reporters how he had faked his death and helped expose Drost as a spy.
• Sherlock accused Drost of arranging his assassination and described the former minister’s extensive alchemical smuggling operation.
• Iver named Lily Drost as a witness to Drost’s attempted murders and revealed that Drost had acquired estates and a viscount territory in Stannum.
• Ms. Maya ended the interview crowd and told Iver to visit her after her class exam so she could lend him the Morning Crow Grimoire.
• The King sailed toward Avalon with a large shipment of goods for an important client.

Iver completed the Prayer Studies final exam with confidence and received a Seven Petal Flower, while Meiya advised him to keep studying Elven Language and brought him to her dormitory. The chapter ended with Iver finding Meiya’s home cluttered with drinks and junk food.

• Iver finished the Prayer Studies exam quickly and waited outside for Meiya, certain he would earn full marks.
• Meiya told Iver she had graded his paper and showed him the Seven Petal Flowers already recorded for his first-year subjects.
• Meiya urged Iver to study Elven Language because he would need it to read important books, including one she planned to lend him.
• Meiya took Iver to her dormitory on Ronin Street after the exam.
• Iver was surprised by the drinks and junk food scattered around Meiya’s home, and Meiya cried out that she had forgotten to clean.

Iver and Lily visited Meiya, where they met her adopted daughter Vivian and learned the girl would travel to Mubay County with her. Meiya agreed to accompany them to the area, and she gave Iver the flying Morning Crow Grimoire with instructions for reading it.

• Meiya tidied her room while explaining that she lived apart from her parents, and her daughter Vivian arrived home from school.
• Vivian chided Meiya about her eating and drinking, greeted Iver and Lily formally, and explained that she was eight years old despite Meiya having found her seven years earlier.
• Meiya said Vivian had chosen her own name after Meiya found her by a lake while pursuing the Morning Crow Grimoire.
• Vivian asked Meiya to accompany her school trip to Mubay County, and Meiya agreed to protect her during the journey.
• Iver explained that he and Lily planned to investigate his grandfather's death in Eagle Cape Village, near Vivian's destination of Bagpipe Town, and Meiya welcomed the chance to travel together.
• Meiya showed Iver the Morning Crow Grimoire, which could turn into a crow and fly, and warned him to read it only during the day without taking it out of its cage.

Iver read the Morning Crow Grimoire at the Silver and Tin Palace while its heat left Lily asleep beside him. As he reached two-thirds of the book, he hallucinated a blazing three-legged crow and burst into golden-red flames.

• Iver brought the Morning Crow Grimoire to the Silver and Tin Palace and began reading it.
• Lily noticed smoke and intense heat rising from Iver, then fell asleep beside him.
• Iver read the Grimoire’s account of the three suns and the Morning Crow’s transformation into the Third Sun.
• Iver connected the crow’s drought-causing domain to the power of a Greater Phantom Demon and wondered whether it might descend without the Ouroboros Ring Ritual.
• After Iver read two-thirds of the book, a vision of a fiery three-legged crow flew toward him, and golden-red flames erupted across his body.

After a mysterious Grimoire burned Iver and restored his body, he learned that it contained the dangerous Dawnfire technique. He decided to have the Flame Butterfly read it instead, reasoning that it could endure the pain and revive.

• Iver survived the flames from the Grimoire, which healed and rejuvenated his body, while Lily extinguished the burning papers.
• Ligeia explained that the book was the Morning Crow Grimoire and that its Dawnfire technique consumed vitality to unleash powerful flames before restoring the user near death.
• Iver considered ways to reduce Dawnfire's cost, but Ligeia warned him that fire resistance would require a suitable Golden Entry.
• Iver realized that the Flame Butterfly could withstand pain and be reborn, then falsely told Ligeia that it liked reading so he could make it try the Grimoire.

Iver salvaged objects burned by Angel's Fire and explained to the Shadow Demon why fear and pain strengthened the Shepherding Method. After realizing his first feeding had been more potent than later ones, he considered how to intensify the ritual, then Isabel invited him to investigate something at the harbor.

• Iver had Lily collect the objects burned by Angel's Fire so he could use their ashes and wood as supernatural materials.
• The Shadow Demon asked why Iver used the painful Shepherding Method, and Iver explained that fear and genuine sacrifice gave it power.
• The Shadow Demon recalled that Iver's first feeding had been especially potent, while the Paradox Flame Butterfly asked for another; Iver said he could not feed them for at least half a month.
• Iver realized the Shepherding Method had weakened as he became calmer and considered acting more recklessly to strengthen it.
• Isabel arrived and invited Iver to see something interesting happening at the harbor.

Iver realized Edward had been missing for a week and learned that he had gone to Iris on the Queen’s orders to handle a diplomatic incident. Iver decided to visit the Bureau of Supervision, where the Red Lady was arresting a smuggler connected to Drost.

• Iver asked about the smuggled cargo and wondered why Edward had not appeared since his resurrection.
• Yanis revealed that Edward had gone to Iris to address an assassination attempt and protect Avalon’s interests.
• Yanis said the Red Lady had gone to the port to arrest a smuggler who had dealt with Drost.
• Iver recognized the Red Lady’s name and decided to go to the Bureau of Supervision with Isabel.

Iver prepared to leave the Silver and Tin Palace with Isabel, while reflecting on Sherlock’s doubts about the Path of Wisdom and hoping their trip would resolve his inner conflict. As Iver began walking without his wheelchair, he also questioned whether he had been as complete and confident as he believed.

• Lily braided Iver’s hair, and Isabel encouraged him to keep the longer style, so he agreed.
• Iver considered Sherlock’s hesitation between the Path of Wisdom and the Path of Authority and hoped the trip would help him persevere.
• Iver changed into his formal Minister of Everything attire and left with Isabel without using his wheelchair.
• Iver questioned whether he lacked confidence, while Lily watched him with relief.

Augustus Kanter was arrested after unknowingly joining a smuggling ship tied to the late Minister Drost. At the Inspectorate, he discovered that Princess Isabel and Iver Moriarty were waiting for him—and that Iver was the familiar Fox, who knew him as the “King.”

• Augustus watched armed inspectors riding griffins overwhelm the ship’s smugglers and bind him with a Law Spell.
• The woman leading the inspectors told Augustus that “Deer Antler” was former Minister Drost, who had been executed for numerous crimes, and that Drost’s ship was used for smuggling.
• Augustus was taken to the Inspectorate, where he learned Princess Isabel and Iver Moriarty had requested to see him.
• Augustus mistook Iver for the princess and begged for his life before Iver introduced the real Princess Isabel.
• Iver revealed that he was Fox and greeted Augustus as the “King,” leaving Augustus terrified that his alias had exposed him.

Iver interrogated Augustus Kanter, a Second Level Botanist who had unknowingly helped Antler’s smuggling operation. Augustus explained his legitimate-business intentions and pleaded to avoid prison, leaving his fate uncertain as he had no evidence to prove his claims.

• Iver asked Mr. King for his name, Path, profession, and reason for coming, and learned he was Augustus Kanter, a Second Level Botanist of the Equilibrium Path.
• Augustus recalled joining the ship’s crew in a Promotion Ritual before watching his new acquaintances attack Avalon’s Royal Secret Agents.
• Augustus explained that Antler had ordered Plant Essential Oil from him and that he had brought the shipment and money to pay customs duties.
• Augustus realized Antler had likely been cultivating him as a supplier for smuggled alchemical goods and feared the criminal penalties he faced.
• Augustus pleaded with Minister Moriarty to let him help expose a former minister rather than send him to prison, but he had no evidence beyond his own account.

Iver persuaded Augustus that returning to Stibnite would put him and his family in danger, then offered Princess Isabel’s help to rescue them. He left Augustus relieved but uneasy, while positioning Avalon to recruit botanists from Stibnite.

• Isabel asked Iver to help Augustus without harming Avalon's interests, and Iver assured her he would handle it.
• Iver explained that botanists were valuable to Avalon and that Stibnite’s alchemists were pushing them aside amid political conflict.
• Iver told Augustus that Stibnite likely had control of his family and might target him for selling goods to Avalon and meeting Isabel.
• Augustus realized he could not safely return to Stibnite and begged Isabel and Iver to rescue his family.
• Iver said Isabel would send inspectors to Stibnite and people to protect Augustus, insisting that the help was free.

Augustus settled into a guarded villa in Avalon’s White Queen District, while Iver finished his exams and met Hai Na after she received her diploma. Iver told Hai Na that she would likely receive a White Feather Griffin, leaving her delighted.

• Iver placed Augustus under house arrest in a villa and arranged for servants, inspectors, and equipment to keep him occupied making Plant Essential Oil.
• Iver earned five perfect scores, then held back in his final two language exams so other students could compete for top honors.
• Hai Na celebrated her diploma and explained to Iver that she was naturally good at studying, though she struggled to apply her knowledge in practice.
• Iver explained that Griffin partners shared a deep bond and said Hai Na would likely receive a White Feather Griffin.
• Hai Na reacted with delight to Iver’s news.

Hai Na learned that she would receive a pure-blooded White Feather Griffin and might get it before returning home, while she discussed her career and future leave with Iver and Lily. After Hai Na left for her village, Iver planned to speak with Sherlock about a rare career change on the Path of Wisdom.

• Hai Na described life in her village and said she wanted to stay in Avalon, handle major cases, and become famous.
• Iver and Lily teased Hai Na about her future promotion to Arbitrator and the demanding training and limited vacation that would follow.
• Iver explained that Hai Na would receive a young griffin to raise, then offered to arrange for it to arrive before the paperwork was complete.
• Hai Na said she had a ticket home that night, and Iver told her to go ahead while he and Sherlock would travel later by griffin.
• Iver asked Lily to bring him some things the next day and decided to discuss Sherlock's career change on the Path of Wisdom.

After his advancement, Sherlock suffered from an overactive mind and a painful Spiritual Body Imbalance. Iver eased his symptoms with magic and a curse, leaving Sherlock temporarily calmer but still reliant on the treatment.

• Sherlock returned home exhausted and explained that his advancement had made his brain think uncontrollably, causing headaches and sleeplessness.
• Iver diagnosed Sherlock with Spiritual Body Imbalance, explaining that his soul had grown stronger than his body and would eventually adapt.
• Iver used magic to soothe Sherlock’s headache, but the relief faded when he removed his hand.
• Iver made a doll from Sherlock’s hair and other ritual materials, then cast the Mist of Ignorance Curse, which Sherlock called the Moron Curse.
• The curse dulled Sherlock’s thoughts and eased his headache, and Sherlock reluctantly thanked Iver.

Iver explained how his curse could manage Sherlock’s Spiritual Body Imbalance and confronted Sherlock about his doubts over the Path of Wisdom. He proposed a new class, the Mitra Worshiper, and began telling Sherlock how Meg became Ligeia.

• Iver told Sherlock that the Mist of Ignorance curse would suppress his Spiritual Body Imbalance, though it would weaken his spells and last through the New Moon Night.
• Iver explained the risks and advantages of Sherlock’s dual-spellcaster path and how the curse could let him cast composite spells without Super Intelligence.
• Iver revealed that Sherlock’s hesitation about the Path of Wisdom came from feeling outmatched by Isabel and Iver and lacking an inheritance in Avalon.
• Sherlock asked Iver whether he should follow the path of his dreams or the path he was better suited to take.
• Iver proposed a new class called the Mitra Worshiper and began recounting how Meg had become Ligeia.

Iver explained the Mitra Worshiper class change ritual to Sherlock, revealing that Mitraism was a fabricated faith woven from the stories and powers of fallen gods. Sherlock agreed to prepare for the initiation, which Iver planned to perform at sunrise.

• Sherlock criticized Iver for giving Ms. Meg an unverified ritual, then admitted he wished Iver had tested it on him first.
• Iver reassured Sherlock that he had called him over to try the ritual himself and discussed establishing the Path of Wisdom in Avalon.
• Iver explained that Mitra was not a real god and that Mitraism blended elements of several fallen Celestial Lords and Paths.
• Iver described the Mitra Worshiper’s requirements and abilities, including powers related to contracts, punishment, the sun, and light.
• Iver sent Lily to sleep and told Sherlock to study basic astronomy and astrology before their initiation ritual at sunrise.

As Lily prepared for a trip with Iver, she reflected on her fear of being abandoned and her growing attachment to him. A snow-white rabbit appeared in Iver’s birdcage where his Grimoire had been, and Lily chased it into a snowy illusion.

• Lily packed for the trip, excited to leave Glass Island with Iver and reassured that he valued her.
• Lily’s desires for Iver intensified until her Path of Adaptation calmed her and she sensed something strange in the room.
• Lily found a snow-white rabbit in the birdcage and discovered that Iver’s Grimoire had disappeared.
• Lily saw an illusion of the rabbit escaping into a snowy night and chased after it in a sudden fury.