Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Iver returns the Phantom Demon Card to Prodino, which might save his life.
• Iver, Mu, and Zhu Tang part ways as Iver prepares for his Promotion and the impending Ritual.
• Mu and Prodino cook a farewell meal for Iver.
• Zhu Tang and Iver spend a night drinking and reminiscing before Zhu Tang leaves with Mu and Prodino.
• Hai Na chooses to stay with Iver instead of leaving with Zhu Tang.

Character Developments

• Iver shows understanding and respect for others' choices, even if they involve sacrifice.
• Zhu Tang demonstrates his carefree and adventurous spirit.
• Hai Na reveals her fondness for alcohol and her determination to pursue justice.

Significant Themes

• Sacrifice and Personal Choice: Characters make personal sacrifices for their beliefs or goals, and Iver respects others' choices, even if they differ from his own.
• Fate and Parting: The characters acknowledge that their paths may not cross again, emphasizing the importance of the present moment.
• Justice: Hai Na's commitment to justice is highlighted, and Iver supports her pursuit of it.

Character Interactions

• Iver and Zhu Tang: They share a night of drinking, laughter, and camaraderie before parting ways.
• Iver and Hai Na: Iver encourages Hai Na to pursue her goals and promises to protect her.
• Mu and Iver: Mu cooks a farewell meal for Iver, showing his respect and affection for him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Iver arrives in Holy Spring City on July 3rd, but Aymar Nur, the local Benefactor, doesn't visit him or acknowledge his presence.
• The city is abuzz with Iver's arrival and the "Indigo King" miracle, causing tension between Benefactors and Free People.
• The Red Hand Party, a hostile force, approaches Holy Spring City, aiming to capture or kill the Benefactors in a decisive "Water War."
• On July 5th, Iver's visions and auditory hallucinations cease, and he gains control over Amber's divine power, including Petrification.
• Hai Na, a Fifth Level Transcendent, hasn't returned from her mission, and Iver sends Lily to find her.

Character Developments

• Iver: Struggles with auditory and visual hallucinations due to his memories and Amber's influence. He gains control over Amber's divine power but is concerned about Hai Na's safety.
• Aymar Nur: Ignores Iver's arrival, possibly due to resistance to the Savior's birth or fear of losing power and sacredness.
• Lily: Shows worry for Iver and concern for Hai Na. She also displays a growing scent of blood, indicative of her evolving nature as a Child of Beast Lord.

Significant Themes

• The tension between Benefactors and Free People, with both groups having reservations about Iver's arrival and the "Indigo King" miracle.
• The impending conflict between the Red Hand Party and the Benefactors, symbolizing the last stand of the old order against the new.
• Iver's struggle with his newfound divine powers and the responsibility of giving birth to a living God.

Character Interactions

• Iver and Lily: Iver expresses concern for Hai Na and entrusts Lily with finding her. Lily shows worry for Iver and asks about his plans if they encounter a Benefactor.
• Iver and Prodino: Iver's presence causes Prodino's residence to Petrify, leading to Prodino being moved to safety by his guard.
• The Benefactors and Free People: Both groups are in conflict, with Benefactors resisting the Savior's birth and Free People fearing disappointment if the miracle turns out to be a void.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lily silently stalks through shadows using her Quantum Leap ability, tracking Hai Na.
• She hears Hai Na's voice and sees her silhouette in conflict with someone.
• Lily enters the space and sees Hai Na facing off against a man, bodies scattered around them.

Character Developments

• Lily reflects on her past actions and feelings, experiencing jealousy towards Selene for being accepted despite her madness.
• Hai Na is shown to be powerful and angry, using her electricity-based abilities against her opponent.

Significant Themes

• Madness and Control: Lily struggles with her bloodlust and desire for violence, contrasting with Selene's open embrace of her madness.
• Acceptance and Recognition: Lily feels jealous of Selene's acceptance by others, questioning her own self-restraint.

Character Interactions

• Lily and Hai Na are not directly interacting in this chapter, but Lily's focus on Hai Na suggests a connection between them.
• The Cake Maker, the antagonist in this scene, is described as an ordinary-looking middle-aged man with a deceptive appearance, contrasting with Hai Na's aggressive stance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Cake Maker reveals that the Promotion Ritual is fake, and he's not afraid of Hai Na's threat.
• Hai Na accuses him of sin for deceiving and manipulating people for ritual materials.
• The Cake Maker mocks Hai Na's naivety and lack of understanding about her master's power.
• Hai Na attacks the Cake Maker, but he transforms into a Dwarf girl and then a Deformed Limb Demon.
• The guards are reanimated and attack Hai Na, but she dodges and fights back.
• Lily appears and ambushes the Cake Maker, gouging out his eye and heart.
• Hai Na uses her Guardian Will and momentum to smash the Cake Maker, causing an earthquake.

Character Developments

• Hai Na shows determination and skill in combat, but also naivety in understanding her master's power.
• The Cake Maker reveals his manipulative nature and lack of remorse for his actions.
• Lily shows her stealth and ambush skills, as well as her ruthlessness in combat.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and deception in ritual practices.
• The consequences of one's actions and the idea of sin.
• The power dynamics between enemies and the naivety of the protagonist.

Character Interactions

• Hai Na and the Cake Maker have a tense confrontation, with Hai Na attacking and the Cake Maker mocking her.
• Lily and the Cake Maker have a brief but intense interaction, with Lily ambushing and defeating him.
• Hai Na and Lily work together to defeat the Cake Maker, with Hai Na providing the final blow.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hai Na, a powerful Warrior, attacks the Right Master of Ceremonies' residence in Holy Spring City, causing significant destruction.
• The attack, intended to be devastating, results in less chaos than expected, with residents quickly recovering and using their Path Powers to stabilize the area.
• Hai Na's strike covers the official residence but fails to spread further, taking only a minute to unfold.

Character Developments

• Hai Na: Hai Na, initially hesitant to use her full strength due to fear of the consequences, finally unleashes her power. She feels a mix of relief, emptiness, and caution afterward. Her naivety is shed as she faces the harsh reality of the Transcendent world, and she struggles with the intellectual demands of her path.

Significant Themes

• Power and Responsibility: Hai Na grapples with the consequences of her strength, highlighting the responsibility that comes with power.
• Revenge and Its Complexities: Hai Na's quest for revenge reveals the complexities and emptiness that can come with achieving a long-sought goal.
• Intellectual Growth and Stagnation: Hai Na's struggle with intellectual problems suggests a theme of stagnation or regression in her mental abilities as she advances on her path.

Character Interactions

• Hai Na and Lily: Lily, Hai Na's companion, encourages her to observe the reaction to her strike and shows concern for Hai Na's well-being.
• Hai Na and the Cake Maker: Hai Na's memories of her confrontation with the Cake Maker reveal her struggle with refuting his arguments and the flawed nature of her own motives for revenge.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hai Na and Lily discuss the power dynamics and history of Holy Spring City.
• Hai Na expresses anxiety about being discovered, fearing trouble for Iver and her friends.
• Lily advises Hai Na about her revenge, suggesting it's a form of self-tempering against her past self.

Character Developments

• Hai Na: Realizes her revenge isn't as satisfying as she thought, and she lacks the resolve of a strong person. She struggles with her identity and role.
• Lily: Demonstrates maturity and wisdom beyond her years, providing insightful advice to Hai Na. She reveals she chose to be Iver's "dog" after understanding her role.

Significant Themes

• Strength and Identity: Hai Na grapples with her understanding of strength and her role in society, while Lily embraces her role as Iver's loyal servant.
• Revenge and Self-Discovery: Hai Na's quest for revenge leads her to introspect about her past and her true desires.
• Power Dynamics: The conversation between Hai Na and Lily highlights the power dynamics and history of Holy Spring City, comparing it to the Theocracy.

Character Interactions

• Hai Na and Lily: Lily provides guidance and advice to Hai Na, helping her understand her feelings and actions better. Their conversation reveals their shared experiences and insights.
• Hai Na and Iver (implied): Hai Na's anxiety about causing trouble for Iver shows her concern for him and her awareness of his power and influence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lily and Hai Na encounter a unit of Slave Knights on their way back, who attempt to arrest them.
• Lily swiftly kills all the Slave Knights using her Shadow Demon power without any resistance or noise.
• Hai Na is confused and worried about the consequences, but Lily remains indifferent.
• Upon returning, they find Iver weak and tired. Lily reports the incident to Iver, who then explains the purpose behind Lily's actions.

Character Developments

• Hai Na: Experiences a mix of nervousness and excitement during the encounter, struggles to understand Lily's actions, and feels a sense of accomplishment after the incident. She also shows concern for Iver's health.
• Lily: Demonstrates her powerful and precise combat skills, remains calm and indifferent throughout the incident, and shows understanding of Iver's plan.
• Iver: Appears weak and tired, but remains lucid and insightful. He explains the political dynamics at play and the purpose behind Lily's actions.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the treatment of 'Slaves' in Parthia.
• The value of human life and property in Parthia.
• The importance of perception and appearance in maintaining political stability.

Character Interactions

• Lily and Hai Na: Lily leads Hai Na, protecting her and teaching her through actions. Hai Na follows Lily's lead but struggles to understand her actions.
• Iver and Hai Na: Iver explains the political context to Hai Na, treating her like a student. Hai Na listens attentively, trying to understand Iver's perspective.
• Iver and Lily: Lily reports the incident to Iver, showing respect for his guidance. Iver trusts Lily's judgment and explains his thoughts to Hai Na.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hai Na learns about the origins of the Knight Profession, tracing it back to a betrayed Knight who became a Slave Knight and opened the Profession to others by requiring them to commit a Great Sin.
• The Knight Profession evolves, with some Knights becoming Rebel Knights and being exiled to Avalon. Among them are Arthur and Lancelot.
• Slave Knights, having lost their original source of power, sell their souls to Benefactors, becoming true Slave Knights serving all Benefactors.
• Iver advises Hai Na to embrace her warrior nature and not worry about what others think, as she fears being disliked.

Character Developments

• Hai Na: Realizes the dark origins of the Knight Profession and understands that she fears being disliked, which affects her decision-making and leadership style.
• Iver: Decides to completely seal his building and "give birth" to Amber, choosing between two Tarot Cards and an emerald gem as vessels.

Significant Themes

• The corrupting influence of power and the consequences of falling into Corruption.
• The fear of being disliked and its impact on one's actions and decisions.
• The importance of embracing one's true nature and strengths.

Character Interactions

• Hai Na and Iver: Iver shares the history of the Knight Profession with Hai Na and tries to help her understand her fears and how to overcome them.
• Hai Na and herself: Hai Na reflects on her fears and how they have shaped her actions and decisions throughout her life.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Iver discovers that the Eden Stone he possesses is an unhatched egg of the Winged Ones, solidified over time.
• The Eden Stone's description appears when Iver's Container Entry changes to "Amber Mother."
• Iver realizes the Eden Stone is the last true Winged One in the world and decides to use it as Amber's vessel.

Character Developments

• Iver shows his analytical and insightful nature, piecing together the history of the Winged Ones and the Eden Stone.
• Amber is about to hatch from the Eden Stone, becoming a "brand new Amber" who has transcended Reincarnation.

Significant Themes

• The extinction of the Winged Ones and the rise of the Beast nature.
• The influence of the Path of the Beast on other races.
• The end of the old era and the beginning of a new one, symbolized by the Tower to the Heavens' collapse.

Character Interactions

• Iver's thoughts and decisions regarding Amber's hatching and the Tarot Cards he plans to use.
• The connection between Iver, Amber, and the other characters (A Huan, Weizhe, the Ring Angel, Constant Self) through the Tarot Cards.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Iver's power activates, causing the Eden Stone to react and reveal memories.
• Iver sees a vision of a winged creature (the Eden Stone in its true form) interacting with Lucifer.
• Iver witnesses a post-apocalyptic world and a conversation between himself and a Pure White Maiden.
• The Maiden sacrifices herself to take control of the Ouroboros Ring and Iver's Pillar God position, causing time to rewind.

Character Developments

• Iver: Discovers the true form of the Eden Stone and witnesses a potential future.
• Lucifer: Reveals his knowledge about the Winged Ones and his relationship with the Serpent (Iver).
• Pure White Maiden: Sacrifices herself to change the course of time.

Significant Themes

• The power of light and hope.
• The consequences of actions and the potential to change the past.
• The relationship between Iver and the Pure White Maiden.

Character Interactions

• Iver and Lucifer: They discuss the nature of the Winged Ones and Iver's potential to raise the Eden Stone.
• Iver and the Pure White Maiden: Their conversation hints at a deep understanding between them, and her sacrifice shows her devotion to Iver.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Iver awakens from an illusion, understanding the true identities of the Pillar Gods "Taboo" and the Amber Angel.
• He realizes that the Amber Angel and the Abyss Angel together are the "Taboo," and speculates about the Hourglass and the Great Abyss.
• Iver learns about the events of the First Loop, including the deaths of various Pillar Gods and the corruption of the Supreme Heaven.
• Amber, using a Ritual of God-slaying, starts the Second Loop with the Ouroboros Ring.
• The Silver Crowned Dragon and the Fallen Angel appear, and the Pillar Gods survive until the end, starting the Third Loop.

Character Developments

• Iver gains crucial insights into the Pillar Gods' identities and the loops' history.
• Amber, the true Pillar God, is revealed to be near her end, having preserved only a small memory for Iver.

Significant Themes

• Identity and reincarnation (Iver, Amber, and the Angels)
• Corruption and resistance against the Void
• The cyclical nature of time and events (loops)

Character Interactions

• Iver interacts with the larva, realizing it's not the future Amber but a new individual, and names it Inanna.
• The chapter explores the relationships and interactions between the Pillar Gods, Angels, and Iver across the loops.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Iver regains memories of his previous life and recognizes the significance of the name 'Inanna' (Ishtar), the Babylonian Goddess of Nature, Love, War, and Fertility.
• Iver realizes that Amber and Ai Shiping's story mirrors the myth of Inanna and Tammuz, suggesting their eventual demise and the need for someone to remember them.
• Iver attempts to seal Inanna as the final Great Sin Beast, but encounters obstacles due to Amber's immense power.
• An Angel Shard from the Amber Angel falls from the sky, aiding Inanna's transformation and birth as the Great Sin: Gluttony Star.

Character Developments

• Iver: Recalls his past life's knowledge, understands the connection between Amber, Ai Shiping, and Inanna, and attempts to seal Inanna.
• Inanna: Transforms from a larva to a humanoid figure composed of light, skipping the Great Sin Beast stage, and is born as the Great Sin: Gluttony Star.

Significant Themes

• Reincarnation and the cycle of life and death.
• The power of memory and recollection.
• The struggle between preservation and change.

Character Interactions

• Iver interacts with Inanna, attempting to seal her as the final Great Sin Beast.
• The Amber Angel, though not physically present, aids Inanna's transformation through its Angel Shard.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Iver obtains Inanna, his strongest Great Sin Beast and Phantom Demon Card, capable of instant, continuous crowd control and significant defense reduction.
• Inanna's power exceeds the Wall of Equilibrium, indicating that Iver has only one chance to win or lose against the Abyss Angel.
• Iver hears arguing outside his house and finds Benefactors Mahidfran and Ismail at his door, with Ismail's retainers Petrified by Iver's Barrier.

Character Developments

• Iver becomes more cautious and aware of the approaching Doomsday, considering the possibility of Inanna's power being unreliable.
• Mahidfran and Ismail are introduced as powerful Benefactors with unique city-states and reputations.

Significant Themes

• Power and its limits, as seen in Inanna's level surpassing the Wall of Equilibrium and the different levels of Pillar Gods.
• The consequences of disregarding warnings and instincts, as seen in Ismail's retainers being Petrified by Iver's Barrier.

Character Interactions

• Iver and Mahidfran: Mahidfran seems upset that Iver ignored her advice, but she doesn't intervene when Iver faces Ismail.
• Iver and Ismail: Ismail is furious and demands Iver come out, while Iver observes the situation calmly.
• Mahidfran and Ismail: Mahidfran argues with Ismail, disapproving of his actions but not actively supporting Iver.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Iver arrives in Parthia and witnesses a heated argument between Mahidfran and Ismail, two powerful Benefactors.
• Iver decides to intervene and pass judgment on them.
• Iver uses his power, causing the world to turn golden and space to crack, indicating the descent of Inanna, the Abyss Angel.
• The Wall of Equilibrium, maintained by the Hourglass, shatters due to Amber's interference.

Character Developments

• Iver: He shows his resolve to confront the Benefactors and reveals his power, causing Mahidfran and Ismail to take him seriously.
• Mahidfran and Ismail: They display their insecurities and desperation to maintain their status, even in the face of Iver's power.

Significant Themes

• The corruption and decay of power, as seen in the Benefactors' behavior.
• The struggle for respect and dignity among those with power.
• The consequences of relying too heavily on external factors (like the Tide of Transcendence) for growth.

Character Interactions

• Iver vs. Mahidfran and Ismail: Iver's calm and confident demeanor contrasts with the Benefactors' insecurity and desperation.
• Mahidfran and Ismail: Their argument highlights their mutual disrespect and desire to maintain their status.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Iver successfully summons a Phantom Demon Card, using a portion of its power to petrify everyone present except Ismayil.
• The power creates a "vintage photo filter" effect, turning everything black, white, and gray, while Iver and Ismayil remain in color.
• The spatial rifts around Iver recover quickly, indicating the power didn't cause irreparable damage to the Wall of Equilibrium.

Character Developments

• Iver: Successfully summons a Phantom Demon Card, learns that Amber is also a snake, and discovers Ismayil's true nature.
• Ismayil: Reveals his true self, shares his past, and expresses his complex feelings about Iver being the Savior.

Significant Themes

• The power of belief and its consequences.
• The struggle between tradition and change.
• The burden of prophecy and expectations.

Character Interactions

• Iver and Ismayil: Iver learns about Ismayil's past and Ismayil shares his true thoughts with Iver.
• Iver and Amber: Iver establishes a connection with Amber and learns about her true form.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Iver reveals he's not a destined Savior, but one who accumulated power through reincarnations.
• Iver challenges Ismayil's belief in prophecies, arguing they're not credible due to personal biases.
• Iver convinces Ismayil that he can change the world, not just as a Savior, but with his power.
• Iver decides to overthrow slavery and asks Ismayil for help.

Character Developments

• Iver: Reveals his origin story, showing his determination and power. He challenges Ismayil's beliefs and offers a new perspective.
• Ismayil: Struggles with Iver's revelations but begins to question his beliefs in prophecies. He experiences a shift in understanding and is willing to help Iver.

Significant Themes

• Prophecy vs. Personal Action: Iver argues against relying on prophecies, encouraging personal effort and action.
• Change and Adaptation: Iver believes in solving problems as they arise, not waiting for a permanent solution.
• Power and Responsibility: Iver uses his power to challenge the status quo, showing his responsibility towards change.

Character Interactions

• Iver and Ismayil: Iver challenges Ismayil's beliefs, leading to a shift in Ismayil's perspective. They form an alliance, with Ismayil offering to help Iver.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mahidfran, after provoking Iver, is petrified by him, realizing the severity of her actions.
• Iver lifts the Petrification, no longer caring about Mahidfran and her followers, who leave apologetically.
• Iver questions Hai Na about her true Path and what she wants to become.
• Iver sends Hai Na to support the Red Hand Party in destroying Holy Spring City, urging her to find her purpose and identity.

Character Developments

• Mahidfran: Realizes the gravity of her actions and the power of Iver's Petrification, leading to her retreat.
• Hai Na: Struggles with her identity and purpose, ultimately accepting Iver's mission to find her path.
• Iver: Shows compassion and understanding towards Hai Na, encouraging her to find her true calling.

Significant Themes

• Identity and Purpose: Hai Na's struggle to find her true identity and purpose in life.
• Power and Responsibility: Iver emphasizes that powerhouses like Hai Na should use their abilities to help others and make a difference.
• Fate vs. Free Will: Iver encourages Hai Na to take control of her life and not be a puppet of Fate.

Character Interactions

• Iver and Mahidfran: Their interaction is brief and one-sided, with Iver showing no interest in Mahidfran after lifting the Petrification.
• Iver and Hai Na: Iver acts as a mentor and guide to Hai Na, helping her understand her true purpose and encouraging her to find her path.
• Mahidfran and Ismail: Their interaction is not detailed, but it's implied that Ismail blames Mahidfran for their situation, leading to a change in his demeanor.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hai Na decides to leave Holy Spring City to find her true self, with Iver's encouragement.
• Iver sends Lily to secretly follow and protect Hai Na.
• A Water Raven Guard arrives at Iver's door with a message from a Forgiver.
• The Water Raven Guard's arrival causes tension, as they represent the absolute will of the Benefactor.
• Grey's Dedication Path surpasses its limit, causing a Material Realm ascension.

Character Developments

• Hai Na gains confidence and takes the initiative to leave Holy Spring City to understand her true self.
• Iver shows concern for Hai Na's safety, sending Lily to protect her without revealing his involvement.
• The Water Raven Guard demonstrates their unquestioning loyalty and humility towards the Benefactor.
• Grey's power grows significantly, causing a Material Realm ascension.

Significant Themes

• Destiny and Self-Discovery: Hai Na's journey reflects her desire to understand her true self and her role in destiny.
• Power and Control: The Water Raven Guard's actions highlight the absolute power and control held by the Benefactors.
• Limits and Ascension: Grey's power surpassing its limit leads to a Material Realm ascension, emphasizing the consequences of pushing one's abilities too far.

Character Interactions

• Hai Na and Iver: Iver encourages Hai Na to leave Holy Spring City, showing his trust in her abilities.
• Iver and the Water Raven Guard: Iver asserts his authority over the Water Raven Guard, demanding respect for Ibn.
• Grey and the Material Realm: Grey's actions cause a reaction from the Material Realm, indicating a significant shift in power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Hourglass announces significant changes, including a new era, universal healing abilities, weakened barrier between realms, and an updated Equilibrium Law.
• Iver learns about Grey's successful persuasion of the Flame Angel, preventing a catastrophic war.

Character Developments

• Iver: Shows relief and impatience to hear about Grey's success. He understands the Flame Angel's advanced but conflicted concept of civilization.
• Grey: Demonstrates reliability and persuasive skills in convincing the Flame Angel to release its power and seek new Path possibilities.

Significant Themes

• The arrival of a new era with the Hourglass's announcements.
• The struggle between ancient and advanced concepts, as seen in the Flame Angel's understanding of civilization.
• The potential consequences of confronting accumulated military technology and destroying ancient civilizations.

Character Interactions

• Iver and the Benefactor's Water Raven Guard: Iver dismisses them after learning about the meeting the next day, eager to contact Grey.
• Grey and the Flame Angel: Grey successfully persuades the Flame Angel to release its power, preventing a war and allowing it to seek new Path possibilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Benefactors gather in Holy Spring City's Fourth Ring, mimicking the Eternal Theocracy's structure.
• Aymar Nur, the last Grand Vizier of Parthia, reveals the true power of the "Chain of Friendship" artifact, surpassing the Most Holy Crown.
• He demonstrates two functions: 'Faith Barrier' and 'Heart of Heresy', which can block material attacks and convert sacrifices into pure Mana, respectively.
• Aymar Nur plans to sacrifice the entire Holy Spring City to generate enough Mana for a ritual magic capable of sinking a continent, replicating the strike that ended the Atlantis Civilization.
• He seeks the Calamity Red's blessing for their cause.

Character Developments

• Aymar Nur: Reveals his true intentions and the power of the "Chain of Friendship". He seeks to become the new Parthian King and break free from the Great Abyss's fate.
• Ismail: Realizes the true purpose of the gathering and the existence of a traitor among them.

Significant Themes

• Power and control: Aymar Nur's desire to become the new Parthian King and control his own destiny.
• Sacrifice: The willingness to sacrifice the entire Holy Spring City for Mana, and the conversion of sacrifices into pure Mana.
• Betrayal: The revelation of a traitor among the Benefactors.

Character Interactions

• Aymar Nur interacts with the gathered Benefactors, revealing his plans and seeking their support.
• Ismail interacts with Mahidfran, sharing their concerns about Iver's power and the gathering's true purpose.
• Aymar Nur hints at the presence of a traitor among the Benefactors, causing tension and mistrust.