Chapter Summaries

Gao De returned to Lagos City and went to Sea Echo Orphanage to find Elsa, learning that the Tide Speakers Sect’s collapse had left its 132 children hungry and struggling to survive. After donating money, he followed Physician Danika into the orphanage as Aisha’s expected guest.

• Gao De teleported back to his room at the Palm Tree Inn and fed Tuanzi a piece of Frostmane Lizard meat.
• Gao De hired a carriage to Sea Echo Orphanage and heard the driver explain how the Tide Speakers Sect’s Spirit Marrow investments and subsequent collapse had left it impoverished.
• Gao De found Physician Danika and the children soliciting donations outside the orphanage, and learned that the 132 children had been eating only half-full meals for months.
• Gao De donated a Plantagenet Coin to help feed the children and told Physician Danika he had come to find Miss Elsa.
• Physician Danika recognized Gao De as Miss Elsa’s guest and invited him to follow her.

Gao De visited Aisha and Anna at the Orphanage, explained his origins, and asked Aisha to help him sell Icejade Wutong Leaves while concealing his identity. The chapter ended with him using Disguise Art to transform into a wealthy middle-aged merchant.

• Physician Danika brought Gao De to Aisha and Anna at the Orphanage, where Anna greeted him happily and Aisha showed relief at his arrival.
• Aisha asked about Gao De’s background, and he revealed that he had been a beggar in the Sien Duchy before becoming a Sea Sentinel Mage with support from a major power.
• Aisha explained that Physician Danika had fled an arranged marriage with help from Aisha’s mother and had sheltered Aisha after the Sieden Duchy fell.
• Gao De promised he might help the Orphanage after acquiring Harland Shipyard, then asked Aisha to help him sell five boxes of Icejade Wutong Leaves discreetly.
• Aisha agreed to pose as Gao De’s servant, and Gao De transformed himself into a potbellied middle-aged merchant with Disguise Art.

Gao De arranged to acquire Harland Shipyard through Physician Danika and planned to relocate Sea Echo Orphanage’s children and monks to the Northern Territory under a legal overseas apprenticeship scheme. After the purchase and registration of the Tide Speakers Children's Relief Association, Gao De began preparing ships, workers, and supplies for the move.

• Gao De asked Physician Danika about the orphanage’s finances and staff, then offered to bring its 132 children and 13 monks to the Northern Territory to teach there.
• Gao De explained a plan for Physician Danika to buy Harland Shipyard and register a relief association to send the children overseas as apprentices, and Danika agreed.
• Physician Danika signed the shipyard purchase contract with Harland, acquiring ninety percent of its shares with Gao De’s funds.
• Gao De instructed Harland to restart shipyard operations and invest in building ships, then helped Danika draft and submit the Tide Speakers Children's Relief Association’s registration.
• After the association’s registration was approved three days later, Gao De recruited sailors and craftsmen for overseas voyages and bought construction supplies for Phoenix.

Gao De tracked down the people behind the Foul Water Newt larvae in Makoko District and captured all seven. He left one man badly injured and demanding to confess, while the other six remained unconscious.

• Gao De waited near the shacks in Makoko District until a resident came outside, then had Tuanzi knock him into the water and bound him with Tidal Net+.
• Tuanzi ambushed two more men and then the remaining residents, allowing Gao De to capture all seven without resistance.
• Gao De brought the captives into the shack and found a barrel full of filthy water and Foul Water Newt larvae.
• Gao De woke one captive by stomping on his chest and demanded to know who had ordered the water-beast scheme.
• When the man tried to deny involvement, Gao De burned away the flesh below his knee with Acid Splash until he agreed to confess.

Gao De interrogated seven Embroidered Nail Gang members and learned they had released Foul Water Newt hatchlings in Makoko on a contract handled by Aldrich Shaw, likely as part of a scheme to drive out the district’s poor. He decided to target Aldrich for the merit, but planned to strengthen himself first before confronting the Second Circle Mage.

• Gao De questioned the gang members, checked their accounts for contradictions, and collected their blood-red fingerprints on written testimony.
• The seven men revealed that Aldrich Shaw had assigned them to release Foul Water Newt hatchlings in Makoko, while the contract’s true purpose and sponsors remained unknown.
• Gao De inferred that Lagos City’s nobles might be trying to force Makoko’s residents out, but recorded the idea only as a conjecture.
• Gao De identified Aldrich as his target and judged that capturing him could earn substantial merit, though fighting a Second Circle Mage would be dangerous.
• Gao De decided to prepare by advancing to the mid-stage of the First Circle and acquiring a First Circle Rune Construct before confronting Aldrich.

Gao De learned that Aldrich would deliver the next batch of Foul Water Newt eggs in ten days, giving him time to prepare for a confrontation. Meanwhile, Aldrich grew angry over receiving Spirit Marrow instead of Spirit Fuel, and Gao De advanced to mid-stage First Circle in Lagos City.

• Gao De learned that Aldrich personally delivered Foul Water Newt eggs every half month and that the next handover was ten days away.
• Aldrich received three drops of Spirit Marrow instead of the promised Spirit Fuel and suspected his suppliers had cut him off because he had advanced to Second Circle.
• Gao De bought Glimmer Moss Solution in Lagos City and rented a Third-Level Training Chamber to cultivate.
• Gao De condensed his fortieth drop of Liquid Mana and advanced to mid-stage First Circle.
• Gao De's Mental Strength rose to 199, the limit for a First Circle Mage.

Gao De recruited a crew for the Tide Speakers Children's Relief Association, obtained the Healing Spell formula from Physician Danika, and brewed its elixir. After discovering that Comfortable Slumber+ accelerated Mental Strength recovery, he watched a blacksmith repeatedly refine Shimmering Copper for his planned Rune Construct.

• Aisha and Physician Danika reported that they had drafted apprentice contracts and recruited most of a crew, including an experienced former Tide Speakers believer as captain.
• Gao De asked Physician Danika for the Healing Spell formula, and she gave him her family’s old booklet without accepting payment.
• Gao De bought the Healing Spell elixir ingredients, brewed the elixir, and chose to learn Healing Spell before resuming Rapid Excavation.
• Gao De discovered that Comfortable Slumber+ significantly increased Mental Strength recovery during sleep.
• Gao De watched a blacksmith forge Shimmering Copper repeatedly to meet the material standards required for his Rune Construct.

Gao De supervised a blacksmith as he forged the first of four Rune Construct components, then struggled to master Healing Spell. After Yggdrasil advanced, its feedback broke Gao De’s Mental Strength limit in his sleep, allowing him to learn Healing Spell and leaving him with four points of First Circle Origin Joy.

• Gao De oversaw the blacksmith forging a Shimmering Copper shoulder-guard component and paid him five Plantagenet Coins, arranging to return the next day for the remaining pieces.
• Gao De failed to complete the Healing Spell model after connecting thirty-seven of its forty-seven Starseeds and reflected on why he had chosen to face Aldrich despite the risks.
• Gao De used Comfortable Slumber+ to recover and dreamed of growing as a tree beneath the sun.
• Gao De awoke with Mental Strength at 200 and learned that Yggdrasil’s advancement had raised his Mental Strength limit and lifespan.
• Gao De successfully constructed the Healing Spell model, activated Wind Spirit Moon Shadow, and gained Healing Spell+ at the cost of one First Circle Origin Joy.

Gao De inscribed and tested Winter's Approach, his first-tier Rune Construct, and confirmed that its four components worked together and granted their designed effects. Having become a first-tier Rune Artificer and completed his preparations, he was ready to catch a thief and claim the merit.

• Gao De used Divine Guidance and his Mandora Demon Eye to inscribe runes onto the four Shimmering Copper components while Anna watched.
• Gao De tested each component and confirmed its effects, including spell damage enhancement, agility, and durability.
• Gao De joined the four components and verified that Winter's Approach activated, increasing mana recovery and reducing mana consumption while adding cold damage to offensive spells.
• Gao De reflected on Jose's teachings and recognized that he had become a first-tier Rune Artificer.
• Gao De finished preparing for his next move and planned to catch the thief and claim the merit.

Aldrich met Hack in Makoko District to exchange Foul Water Newt eggs, but Gao De used Disguise Art to lure him onto a boat and launched an ambush. Aldrich survived Gao De’s first strike with a Second Circle Shield Spell, and Gao De prepared Hunter’s Mark+ as their fight continued in the filthy water.

• Aldrich waited on Makoko District’s shore for Hack and the secret exchange of Foul Water Newt eggs.
• Gao De, disguised as Hack, rowed Aldrich toward the shack district and told him a Sea Sentinel Mage had attacked the men raising Foul Water Newts.
• A water beast overturned the boat, and Aldrich fell into the sewage before casting a Shield Spell against Gao De’s icy sword strike.
• Gao De revealed that he was a Sea Sentinel Mage and accused Aldrich of ordering the raising of water beasts that harmed civilians.
• Aldrich attacked with Ray of Frost, but Gao De dodged underwater using Ocean’s Touch+ and Adaptive.
• Gao De surfaced near Aldrich and activated Hunter’s Mark+ on him.

Gao De used a series of spells and Tuanzi’s attack to break Aldrich’s defenses, then defeated him with Primal Savagery after making him believe Gao De was incapacitated by fear. Aldrich sank into the sea, leaving his fate unclear.

• Gao De marked Aldrich, blinded him with Color Spray, and struck him with Magic Missile Burst+, revealing himself as a First Circle Mage.
• Aldrich reinforced his defenses and used Ray of Frost to launch himself onto the small boat, but Gao De ignited its grease coating and forced him back into the water.
• Tuanzi attacked Aldrich underwater, shattering his Shield Spell and creating an opening for Gao De to hit him with Ice Seal Blade+.
• Aldrich survived the spell through Absorb Elements and his Water Elemental body, then used Cause Fear to make Gao De appear frozen by terror.
• Aldrich charged at Gao De with a dagger, but Gao De used Primal Savagery to pierce his unprotected chest, and Aldrich collapsed into the sea.

After defeating Aldrich in a brutal battle, Gao De brought him back alive and recovered at the Orphanage. Once Aldrich awoke, Gao De questioned him about the attack on Makoko District, and Aldrich offered to reveal his hidden treasure in exchange for a promise.

• Gao De treated his abdominal wound, used Borrowed Vitality to keep the badly injured Aldrich alive, and had Tuanzi carry him ashore.
• Danika worried when Gao De returned late in the storm, then helped bandage his wound at the Orphanage.
• After sleeping through the night, Gao De learned Aldrich had awakened and went to question him in a makeshift holding room.
• Gao De asked who had hired Aldrich to release aquatic beasts in Makoko District, but Aldrich first asked how Gao De resisted Cause Fear.
• Aldrich asked whether confessing would let him live, and Gao De said the decision belonged to his superiors.
• Aldrich offered to reveal the location of his unregistered private treasure if Gao De promised him one thing.

Gao De rejected Aldrich’s attempt to bribe him, recorded his confession about the aquatic beast scheme, and watched the Columbus depart on its maiden voyage to open a sea route between Lagos and Valar Bay. As Gao De prepared to return and claim his merit, he spotted the Ovoga Duchy mage searching for Aisha and the Heart of Sieden.

• Gao De refused Aldrich’s offer to secretly keep seized wealth and questioned him about releasing aquatic beasts in Makoko District.
• Aldrich confessed that Viscount McKinley was behind the scheme, though intermediaries had concealed the evidence, and Gao De recorded his testimony.
• Danika named Harland’s twin-masted ship the Columbus, and the crew completed its launch rituals and sailed from Lagos Port.
• Gao De reflected that the Columbus carried supplies, craftsmen, and the two Princesses in Exile on a voyage vital to the Northern Territory.
• As Gao De left the port to return and claim his merit, he recognized the Ovoga Duchy mage, who searched for Aisha and worried that she had already sailed away with the Heart of Sieden.

After Gao De uncovered the scheme behind the Makoko District water beasts, the Sea Sentinel recognized his achievements and he submitted the mission report in Dorn City. He expected promotion and a substantial reimbursement, which still needed review.

• Gao De bought fourteen kinds of tree seeds in Lagos City while waiting for Sea Sentinel support to arrive.
• Lieutenant Leison examined Gao De’s evidence, praised his accomplishments, and awarded him three Second Class Merits for the Makoko District case.
• Gao De returned to Dorn City and submitted the mission proof, earning two Third Class Merits while the larger merits were sent for evaluation.
• Mage Neil told Gao De that the case could earn him two Second Class Merits and likely promote him to First Class Apprentice-Mage.
• Gao De submitted receipts to Rosanne for twelve gold, one silver, and twenty copper in reimbursements, which would be reviewed within three to five days.

Gao De bought Old Harling's General Store and continued cultivating the Leo Mon Mana Web with Vein-Opening Tincture, rapidly building Magic Meridians. After five days of waiting, Sea Sentinel finally finalized his military merit assessment and delivered his notification and the Military Merits Exchange List.

• Gao De chose Old Harling's General Store after another prospective shop had already been sold, and he agreed to buy it for 650 Plantagenet Coins.
• Gao De used the Limitless Breathing Technique and Vein-Opening Tincture to raise his constructed Magic Meridians to 108, while Adaptive increased his resistance to toxins.
• Gao De considered his growing spell collection and relied on Sea Sentinel's military merits exchange as his best source for spell formulas.
• Gao De wondered why Sea Sentinel had delayed his military merit assessment, even though the procedures for buying Old Harling's General Store were complete.
• A Sea Sentinel messenger delivered Gao De his finalized military merit notification and the Military Merits Exchange List.

After receiving three Second Class Merits and two Third Class Merits for his work in Makoko District, Gao De studied the newly unlocked exchange lists and weighed which spells and other rewards to pursue. He began browsing the Second Class Merit Exchange List, eager to see what it offered.

• Gao De received his notification awarding him three Second Class Merits for uncovering the truth behind the water beast incident and capturing Aldrich.
• Gao De opened the Third Class Merit Exchange List and marked Weight Blade as a possible exchange, though he lacked enough Third Class Merits for it.
• Gao De decided that Magic Missile was a must-have spell and noted other First Circle spells that interested him, including Tireless Pursuit.
• Gao De browsed the lists of magic plants, potions, Extraordinary Materials, equipment, books, and miscellaneous items.
• Gao De finished surveying the Third Class Merit Exchange List and opened the Second Class Merit Exchange List.

Gao De exchanged his military merits for five spell formulas, learned and improved several spells, and opened a magic materials shop in Dorn City. The chapter ended with Sergeant Lupin delivering three drops of Spirit Marrow as an additional reward for Gao De’s service during the Macoco Water Beast incident.

• Gao De chose five spell formulas, including Goodberry Spell, and spent all his military merits despite Mage Neil warning him against breaking down a Second Class Merit.
• Gao De gathered the required ingredients, brewed and drank five Spell Elixirs, and discovered he had only four First Circle Source remaining.
• Gao De resumed training, constructed the five new spell models, and used his limited source to improve Goodberry Spell and Magic Missile.
• Gao De opened Walmart Magic Materials Shop, which focused on buying tree seeds and Magic Tree Seeds while its business remained slow.
• Sergeant Lupin visited Gao De on Captain Merrick’s orders and gave him three drops of Spirit Marrow as an additional reward for his service during the Macoco Water Beast incident.

Gao De received three drops of Spirit Marrow as a reward for uncovering the Makoko District water beast affair, and Mage Lupin warned him to avoid Lagos City while the punished nobles held grudges. After months of training and cultivation, Gao De was promoted to First Class Apprentice-Mage and began opening the Leo Mon Mana Web’s final Magic Meridian.

• Mage Lupin explained that the Embroidered Nail Gang had been raided and that Gao De’s reward for the Makoko District affair was three drops of Spirit Marrow from Aldrich’s stash.
• Mage Lupin warned Gao De not to swallow Spirit Marrow raw and advised him to avoid Lagos City missions because the nobles implicated in the affair might retaliate against him.
• Gao De continued his swordsmanship classes and cultivation, crossed two hundred Magic Meridians, and obtained another six hundred bottles of Vein-Opening Tincture.
• After a month and a half of swordsmanship training, Gao De impressed his instructor with his rapid progress and rented a Third-Level Training Chamber, where he condensed his forty-first drop of Liquid Mana.
• The Sea Sentinel promoted Gao De from Second Class Apprentice-Mage to First Class Apprentice-Mage, though his apprenticeship year prevented him from advancing further.
• Gao De used Vein-Opening Tincture to construct the 365th and final primary Magic Meridian of the Leo Mon Mana Web.

Gao De completed the Leo Mon Mana Web and prepared to return to the Northern Territory, bringing Flora to Dorn City for the day before taking her home. Their outing ended with Flora reaffirming her attachment to Phoenix and her resolve to help it grow more prosperous.

• Gao De used Vein-Opening Tincture to complete the Leo Mon Mana Web, improving the speed and efficiency of his mana transmission.
• After finishing his swordsmanship lessons, Gao De summoned Flora and invited her to enjoy a day out before returning to the Northern Territory.
• Gao De took Flora to the Azure Wave Enclosure, where she met and played with Tuanzi.
• Gao De and Flora explored Dorn City’s eastern district, where Flora sampled fish and chips and marveled at the lively streets.
• Gao De asked whether Flora would rather stay in prosperous Dorn City than return to Phoenix, and Flora chose her hometown and vowed to help it prosper.

Gao De returned to the Northern Territory and learned that Yggdrasil had advanced to Second-Order and awakened the ability Enlightenment, which could turn sufficiently old trees into treants. He also learned that the Columbus had safely reached Valar Bay, with its passengers and craftsmen taken to Phoenix while the rest of the crew remained aboard.

• Gao De showed Flora the Walmart Magic Materials Shop, explained its lack of customers, and received a basket of tree seeds from Joel.
• Gao De returned to Yggdrasil with Flora and discovered that the tree had advanced to Second-Order, increased its domain and mana density, and shortened Astral Teleportation's recharge time.
• Yggdrasil revealed that its new ability, Enlightenment, could awaken trees over five hundred years old and make them treants.
• Gao De realized that the Evergreen Longevity Sutra's Nature's Touch could help grow trees until they qualified for Enlightenment.
• Elder Gain told Gao De that Sunaifa had ordered the camp expanded and outer saplings grown to shield Yggdrasil from outsiders.
• Elder Gain reported that the Columbus had arrived at Valar Bay half a month earlier, its two women and craftsmen had been taken to Phoenix, and the other crew members remained aboard.