Chapter Summaries

Chapter Summary: “Underground World”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Saine, a Black Wizard Apprentice, is trapped beside an underground lake by an enraged Intermediate Magical Beast, a Saltwater Crocodile.
• The crocodile’s terrifying roars cause falling rocks, injure Saine’s ears, and leave him nearly powerless. His earlier magic has damaged the beast but provoked it further.
• When the crocodile attacks, Saine executes a carefully prepared gamble: he scatters Iron Phosphorus Powder and combines it with a Minor Fireball.
• The resulting explosion destroys the crocodile’s upper jaw and kills it, allowing Saine to survive despite fighting above his level.
• Severely exhausted, Saine collects the three Starlight Grass plants he came for, along with the crocodile’s Magic Crystal and an elemental skull fragment. He abandons the rest of the corpse because remaining in the dangerous area would be too risky.
• After traveling rapidly for two days, Saine reaches the City of Mozhsuobula, the central city of the Underdark and a stronghold founded by Black Magicians.
• At the gate, several apprentices mock Saine’s injuries. He ignores them, presents his token, and enters under the authority of Moxidu Master.
• The scar-faced apprentice, resentful of Saine and wary of Saine’s girlfriend, secretly orders his subordinate to inform Yierke that Saine is badly injured, hoping Saine’s mortal enemy will attack before Saine becomes an Intermediate Apprentice.

Character Developments

• Saine demonstrates courage, tactical intelligence, and resourcefulness. Rather than overpowering the crocodile, he waits for the right moment and uses Iron Phosphorus Powder to magnify the destructive power of his Minor Fireball.
• His survival comes at a serious cost: his Mental Strength and magic power are nearly depleted, and he is physically wounded.
• Saine also shows practical judgment by taking only the most valuable resources and abandoning the rest of the beast’s remains to avoid further danger.
• His status is revealed to be higher than that of an ordinary apprentice. At sixteen, he is close to becoming an Intermediate Apprentice and has earned praise from several powerful Black Magicians.
• The scar-faced apprentice is shown to be spiteful and politically cautious. He avoids confronting Saine directly but uses others to exploit Saine’s weakened condition.
• The unnamed subordinate is portrayed as dependent on stronger figures, reflecting the need for apprentices in the Underdark to rely on powerful backers.

Significant Themes

• Survival through strength and strategy: The Underdark operates according to the law that the strong prey upon the weak. Saine survives not through superior power, but through preparation, timing, and calculated risk.
• Danger and scarcity: Every resource, including magical plants and beast materials, must be obtained at great personal risk. Even victory does not guarantee safety.
• The value of status and power: Saine’s association with Moxidu Master and the Black Magicians grants him protection and authority, while the city’s apprentices compete for patrons and alliances.
• Ruthlessness and self-interest: The apprentices do not naturally help one another. Many view a rival’s injury or death as an advantage, illustrating the harsh moral environment of the Underdark.
• Potential versus present strength: Though Saine is still only a Low-Level Apprentice, his age, talent, and recognition from powerful magicians make him a target for both envy and concern.

Character Interactions

• Saine’s confrontation with the Saltwater Crocodile is the chapter’s central conflict, emphasizing the overwhelming power of the beast against Saine’s desperate ingenuity.
• At the city gate, the apprentices’ mockery contrasts with Saine’s calm indifference. He refuses to be drawn into an argument and relies on his mission token and Moxidu Master’s authority.
• The Minotaur gate captain treats Saine with respect because of his connection to Black Magicians, demonstrating how magical status commands obedience even from stronger beings.
• The scar-faced apprentice’s hostility toward Saine is complicated by his fear of Saine’s girlfriend, whom he considers dangerous, and by his rivalry with her. He therefore plots indirectly by informing Yierke, Saine’s mortal enemy, of Saine’s weakened state.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Saine, a Black Wizard Apprentice, meets Black Magician Moxidu and seeks to become his apprentice.
• Moxidu tests Saine by asking what he wants, and Saine expresses his desire to learn the true essence of magic.
• Moxidu agrees to take Saine as his fifth apprentice after seeing his potential and dedication.
• Moxidu gifts Saine a Magic Staff and a medal, allowing him to freely enter and leave his laboratory.

Character Developments

• Saine: Proves his courage and determination by facing Moxidu, shows humility and respect, and demonstrates his understanding of magic's true essence.
• Moxidu: Reveals his wisdom and discernment in accepting Saine as an apprentice, shows appreciation for Saine's understanding of magic's essence, and displays his power and generosity.

Significant Themes

• Power vs. Knowledge: Moxidu values knowledge as the source of a Magician's power, contrasting with those who chase power for its own sake.
• Apprenticeship: The importance of finding the right mentor to learn and grow in magic.
• Respect and Humility: Saine's respectful and humble attitude towards Moxidu earns him favor and acceptance.

Character Interactions

• Saine and Moxidu: Saine shows deference and respect to Moxidu, while Moxidu tests and ultimately accepts Saine as his apprentice, showing approval of Saine's understanding and dedication.
• Saine and Other Black Magicians (Anjiniya and Kelongsuo): Saine considers Moxidu more "normal" and suitable as a mentor compared to other Black Magicians at the Academy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Saine returns to the Black Wizard Academy after a mission.
• He encounters Yierke, an old rival, in the White Crow Forest.
• Yierke attacks Saine with Green Edge Arrows, aiming to kill him.
• Saine uses a Magic Short Staff gifted by his master, Moxidu, to cast Corrosive Acid, defeating Yierke.

Character Developments

• Saine shows resilience and strategic thinking, using his last resources wisely.
• Yierke is revealed to be bitter and vengeful, seeking to kill Saine after a decade-long grudge.

Significant Themes

• Survival of the fittest in the Black Wizard Academy.
• The harsh, unforgiving nature of the Underdark and the academy.
• The power dynamics and hierarchies among the apprentices and magicians.

Character Interactions

• Saine and Yierke's long-standing animosity comes to a head in a deadly confrontation.
• Other apprentices and academy supervisors are aware of the fight but do not intervene initially.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Saine, a low-level black wizard apprentice, kills another apprentice, Yierke, in self-defense and finds an earth-attribute crystal and damaged Black Gold coins on his corpse.
• Saine's actions attract other apprentices, including Lilianya, an advanced apprentice, and an academy overseer.

Character Developments

• Saine demonstrates his strength and cunning by killing Yierke and handling the aftermath with the overseer.
• Lilianya shows her ambition and ruthlessness by attempting to provoke Saine and seize his treasure, but she backs off when she learns he's Moxidu's apprentice.

Significant Themes

• Strength and power are revered in the Black Wizard Academy.
• Backing and connections matter greatly, as seen in Lilianya's hesitation to confront Saine after learning he's Moxidu's apprentice.
• The academy's rules are flexible and can be bypassed with the right connections, as shown when the overseer stops harassing Saine after seeing his master's token.

Character Interactions

• Saine and Lilianya's interaction highlights the power dynamics and ruthlessness among apprentices.
• Saine's interaction with the overseer demonstrates the importance of connections and the academy's leniency towards powerful apprentices.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Saine, a low-level apprentice at the Black Wizard Academy, defeats and kills another apprentice, Yierke, in a duel.
• An Academy Supervisor, a powerful magical owl, investigates but chooses to overlook the incident due to Saine's status as an apprentice of a Formal Black Wizard.
• Saine returns to his dormitory, where he meditates to recover from his injuries using a detoxification potion given by his mentor, Moxidu.
• The next day, Saine's girlfriend and senior, Lina, returns to their shared room.

Character Developments

• Saine: Shows his combat prowess and strategic thinking in defeating Yierke. He's also responsible and dedicated, as seen in his routine meditation for recovery and his role in maintaining their shared living space.
• Lina: Revealed to be older than she appears, with a mysterious past involving an experimental accident. She's independent, reserved, and not fond of conversation.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and status in the Black Wizard Academy, where stronger apprentices have more privileges.
• The harsh and competitive environment of the academy, where conflicts and battles are common.
• The importance of mentors and guidance in the path of magic, as seen in Saine's relationship with Lina and Moxidu.
• The secrets and unknown pasts that characters carry, hinting at deeper complexities in their personalities.

Character Interactions

• Saine and Lina: Their relationship is complex and multifaceted, involving romantic, mentoring, and living partner dynamics. Despite their intimacy, they maintain boundaries and secrets from each other.
• Saine and the Academy Supervisor: The supervisor shows leniency toward Saine due to his status as an apprentice of a Formal Black Wizard, highlighting the influence of powerful mentors in the academy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lina, a powerful Intermediate Apprentice, protects Saine at the Black Magic Academy.
• Saine reveals he became a Formal Black Wizard's disciple and faced a Saltwater Crocodile.
• Lina advances to Advanced Apprentice and they decide to move to a better dorm.
• Saine and Lina go to Black Street to buy food, encountering Scarface Qiao Ke's group.
• Lina uses an Advanced Apprentice-level spell, shocking Qiao Ke's group.

Character Developments

• Lina's feelings for Saine deepen, showing warmth and concern.
• Saine demonstrates independence and ambition, wanting to face dangers alone.
• Saine's relationship with Lina improves, with Lina showing affection and pride in Saine's achievements.

Significant Themes

• Protection and independence: Lina's protective instincts clash with Saine's desire to face challenges alone.
• Advancement and growth: Both Saine and Lina advance in their magical abilities and status.
• Conflict and resolution: Tension between Saine and Qiao Ke's group is diffused by Lina's display of power.

Character Interactions

• Lina and Saine's relationship grows stronger, with Lina showing affection and Saine expressing concern for her.
• Saine and Qiao Ke's group have a tense encounter, with Lina stepping in to protect Saine.
• Lina's display of power earns respect and fear from Qiao Ke's group and other apprentices on Black Street.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lina and Saine initiate a surprise attack on Scarface Qiao Ke's group.
• Lina casts a powerful Greater Fireball, which shatters into multiple Minor Fireballs, causing significant damage to Qiao Ke's group.
• Qiao Ke's group retaliates; an Intermediate Apprentice casts Banshee's Wail, targeting Lina and Saine.
• Lina prepares another spell using a Jet-Black Bracelet, while Qiao Ke attempts a melee attack on Lina.

Character Developments

• Lina demonstrates her exceptional strength and skill as an Advanced Apprentice, modifying her Greater Fireball spell.
• Qiao Ke reveals his unique fighting style, infusing his Short Sword with Fire Element power.
• Saine shows improved close-combat skills and reflexes, though he's still outmatched by Qiao Ke.

Significant Themes

• The ruthless and competitive nature of Black Wizard Academy.
• The importance of mental strength and quick thinking in magical battles.
• The consequences of underestimating opponents and the dangers of ganging up on a powerful individual.

Character Interactions

• Lina and Saine work together as a team, with Lina taking the lead in magical attacks.
• Qiao Ke and his group are caught off guard by Lina's initial attack, leading to a chaotic retaliation.
• Lina and Qiao Ke are revealed to have personal conflicts, with Qiao Ke seeking to injure or kill Lina.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Saine uses his Strong Acid Scepter, an advanced magic item, to severely injure Joe Ke, an Intermediate Apprentice.
• Lina, an Advanced Apprentice, casts powerful area-of-effect spells, incapacitating several other Intermediate Apprentices.
• Saine and Lina engage in a battle on Black Street, causing significant destruction and injuries.
• Academy Supervisors intervene, arriving just as Saine kills Joe Ke and Lina kills two other Intermediate Apprentices.

Character Developments

• Saine demonstrates his ruthlessness and willingness to eliminate threats, even at the cost of breaking academy rules.
• Lina shows her powerful magic capabilities and willingness to support Saine's actions.
• Joe Ke's arrogance turns to fear and desperation as he faces Saine's attacks.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of magic.
• The ruthless nature of survival in the Underground World.
• The consequences of breaking academy rules.

Character Interactions

• Saine and Lina work together to defeat their enemies, showing mutual trust and support.
• Saine and Joe Ke's conflict escalates to a deadly confrontation.
• Academy Supervisors intervene, attempting to maintain order and punish rule-breakers.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Saine and Lina are subdued by Academy Supervisors after a fight on Black Street.
• Two Formal Black Wizards observe the fight but don't intervene, showing indifference and boredom.
• In the dungeon, Vice-Dean Dadalong is furious about the losses but is bribed by a Level-1 Energy Crystal from an old witch to let Lina go.
• Saine reveals he's Moxidu Master's fifth disciple to save himself.

Character Developments

• Saine: Shows resourcefulness by using his connection to Moxidu Master to save himself.
• Lina: Revealed to have a Martial Aunt who is an old witch, showing Lina's connection to powerful figures.
• Vice-Dean Dadalong: Demonstrates corruption by accepting a bribe to let Lina go.
• Old Witch (Lina's Martial Aunt): Shows willingness to spend a Level-1 Energy Crystal to save Lina but not Saine, indicating her priorities.

Significant Themes

• Indifference and Corruption: Black Wizards show indifference to human life, and Vice-Dean Dadalong accepts a bribe.
• Power Dynamics: The old witch's power and influence are enough to save Lina, highlighting the importance of connections and backing.

Character Interactions

• Saine and Lina: Lina tries to save Saine, but the old witch only cares about Lina's safety.
• Old Witch and Vice-Dean Dadalong: They interact through bribery, with the old witch paying a Level-1 Energy Crystal to save Lina.
• Saine and Vice-Dean Dadalong: Saine uses his connection to Moxidu Master to save himself, showing Dadalong's willingness to accept bribes.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Saine and Lina are released from the dungeon after half a day.
• Saine learns that Lina has been offered discipleship by a powerful Formal Black Wizard, Feilunna.
• Saine reports to Moxidu Master's laboratory as instructed, despite his severe injuries.
• Moxidu Master praises Saine's actions and gives him additional study materials and a new Meditation Method.

Character Developments

• Saine: Shows maturity and understanding as he realizes the importance of Moxidu Master's support. He's honest about his actions, earning Moxidu Master's praise.
• Lina: Opens up to Saine about her mentor, Feilunna, marking a step forward in their relationship.
• Moxidu Master: Reveals himself to be more understanding and supportive than initially thought, valuing Saine's courage and initiative.

Significant Themes

• Trust and honesty in relationships (Saine and Lina, Saine and Moxidu Master).
• The importance of mentors and their guidance (Saine, Lina, and their respective mentors).
• The brutal and unorthodox nature of Black Magicians (Moxidu Master's praise for Saine's actions).

Character Interactions

• Saine and Lina: Share a moment of honesty and understanding, strengthening their bond.
• Saine and Moxidu Master: Moxidu Master's praise and support boost Saine's confidence and commitment to his mentor.
• Lina and Feilunna: Though not directly shown, Lina's mention of her mentor hints at a potential future interaction.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Saine arrives at Moxidu Master's residence, a vast three-story building.
• He discovers a hidden magic array in his room that enhances Mental Strength condensation.
• Saine is given two Magic Notebooks, "Introduction to Alchemy" and "Basic Knowledge of Fire Element," which he finds deeply insightful.
• Saine is summoned to dinner on the second floor by an Alchemy Puppet.
• He meets Moxidu Master's other disciples: Senior Brother Zorro and Third Senior Sister Fei'er.
• Dinner consists of dishes made from Demonized Creatures and magical beasts, including Black Sharkscale Fish.

Character Developments

• Saine shows curiosity and eagerness to learn from Moxidu Master.
• Moxidu Master is revealed to be a Formal Black Wizard with extensive knowledge and powerful methods.
• Senior Brother Zorro is strong and knowledgeable, but reserved.
• Third Senior Sister Fei'er is enthusiastic and welcoming towards Saine.

Significant Themes

• The importance of knowledge inheritance in the world of magic.
• The use of Demonized Creatures and magical beasts in food and alchemy.
• The hierarchy and dynamics within a master-apprentice relationship.

Character Interactions

• Saine interacts with Moxidu Master, Senior Brother Zorro, and Third Senior Sister Fei'er for the first time.
• Moxidu Master instructs his disciples to guide Saine in his studies.
• Senior Sister Fei'er shares information about the Alchemy Puppet and the dishes served at dinner.
• Senior Brother Zorro discusses magical research with Moxidu Master.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Saine enjoys a lavish dinner with his mentor, Moxidu, which significantly improves his physical and mental strength, and helps heal his injuries.
• Moxidu and Senior Brother Zorro leave halfway through the dinner, inspired by their earlier discussion.
• Saine learns that the dinner's benefits are due to the magical beast ingredients used.

Character Developments

• Saine: Shows respect and gratitude towards his mentor and senior sister. He also demonstrates strategic thinking by choosing Moxidu as his mentor despite his low profile.
• Senior Sister Fei'er: Reveals her kindness and consideration, unlike the typical cold atmosphere of the Black Wizard Academy. She shows approval of Saine's progress and offers guidance.

Significant Themes

• Belonging and Warmth: Saine experiences a sense of belonging and warmth under Moxidu's mentorship, contrasting with the usual cold and competitive environment of the academy.
• Mentorship and Guidance: The importance of a good mentor is highlighted, as Saine benefits from Moxidu's kindness and Fei'er's guidance.

Character Interactions

• Saine and Senior Sister Fei'er: They bond over dinner, with Fei'er offering advice and guidance to Saine. Saine compliments Fei'er's beauty, pleasing her.
• Saine and Mentor Moxidu: Saine feels grateful and valued by Moxidu's kindness, further solidifying their mentor-apprentice relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Saine visits the Black Wizard Academy's Public Library to test his Mental Strength and magic power values using a Crystal Ball.
• He finds a long queue of apprentices waiting for their turn, and many lower-ranked apprentices make way for him, fearing his strength and reputation.
• Saine calmly cuts in line, and an Intermediate Apprentice ahead of him hurriedly finishes his test upon noticing Saine.

Character Developments

• Saine: He has grown in strength and reputation, causing lower-ranked apprentices to fear and respect him. He remains calm and collected in the face of deference.
• Ke Si La: A Low-Level Apprentice who recognizes Saine and proactively yields his place to him, demonstrating his shrewdness and desire to avoid conflict.
• The Intermediate Apprentice: He feels pressured by Saine's presence but maintains his position in line to preserve his face.

Significant Themes

• Strength and power dynamics: The Black Wizard Academy is a harsh environment where strength is respected, and the weak are often targeted.
• Survival of the fittest: Apprentices must navigate a jungle law environment, where only the strong survive.
• Respect for knowledge: Despite the academy's brutal nature, there is a universal respect for knowledge and learning.

Character Interactions

• Saine and the lower-ranked apprentices: They show deference to Saine, demonstrating the power dynamics at play in the academy.
• Saine and Ke Si La: Ke Si La proactively yields his place to Saine, showing his awareness of Saine's strength and reputation.
• Saine and the Intermediate Apprentice: The Intermediate Apprentice feels pressured by Saine's presence but maintains his position to preserve his face.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Saine tests his abilities using the academy's Crystal Ball.
• His Mental Strength increases by 7, Magic Power by 6, and Physique by 2.
• Saine reflects on his growth and the importance of danger and desperation in stimulating Mental Strength growth.

Character Developments

• Saine's Mental Strength and Magic Power have significantly increased, bringing him close to becoming an Intermediate Apprentice.
• Saine's understanding of magic and its importance has deepened, recognizing the equal importance of Mental Strength and Magic Power.

Significant Themes

• The importance of Mental Strength and Magic Power in magic.
• The role of danger and desperation in stimulating growth.
• The separation between Advanced Apprentices and lower levels.

Character Interactions

• Saine thinks about his mentor, Senior Sister Fei'er, and Senior Brother Zorro, understanding that Advanced Apprentices are busy with research or academy trials.
• Saine compares his progress with other apprentices, realizing that his reputation is impressive to Low-Level Apprentices but insignificant to Advanced Apprentices.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Saine discovers he has affinities for multiple elements (Fire, Light, Dark, Wind, Plant, Water) through the Crystal Ball.
• Saine and Lina reunite before the upcoming Grade Assessment.
• Saine and Lina share their pasts for the first time, breaking down barriers between them.

Character Developments

• Saine: Recalls fragments of his childhood, revealing his noble background and close relationship with his mother. He also shows maturity and gentleness in his interaction with Lina.
• Lina: Opens up about her past, revealing her commoner background and the circumstances surrounding her arrival in the Underdark. She shows vulnerability and trust in Saine.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Intimacy: Saine and Lina's decision to share their pasts deepens their relationship and trust in each other.
• Age and Perception: Lina's true age challenges Saine's initial perception of her as a little girl, highlighting the discrepancy between appearance and reality.

Character Interactions

• Saine and Lina: Their interaction is characterized by intimacy, trust, and mutual understanding. They support each other emotionally and physically.
• Saine and Moxidu: Saine's mentor, Moxidu, is mentioned for accelerating Saine's recovery with Flesh Regeneration spells.
• Lina and her previous mentor: Lina's previous mentor is mentioned as her lifesaver and the one who named her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Saine and Lina's intimate relationship is revealed, with Saine's physical strength being more than sufficient among Black Magicians.
• The Black Wizard Academy becomes livelier as the Grade Assessment approaches, with apprentices returning from missions.
• Saine meets Fatty Baus, an old friend from their batch, who now deals in black market goods.
• Saine sells Baus the Pale Mask he took from Yierke, with Baus offering 150 black gold for it.

Character Developments

• Saine has grown more confident and less fearful of Formal Black Wizards, thanks to his mentor Moxidu's protection.
• Baus remains timid and cautious, avoiding trouble and always seeking profit.

Significant Themes

• Friendship: Saine and Baus' friendship endures despite the harsh environment of the Underdark.
• Power Dynamics: Saine's strength and mentor's backing give him confidence, while Baus' timidity stems from his lack of power.
• Commercialization: Baus' focus on black market trading highlights the commercialization of the Underdark.

Character Interactions

• Saine and Baus' reunion is warm, with Baus initially not recognizing Saine due to his mask.
• Saine tests Baus' honesty by selling him the Pale Mask, knowing Baus would likely resell it for profit.
• Baus' timidity is evident when he fears trouble from a Formal Black Wizard connected to the Pale Mask.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Saine's close friends are Meili, a talented 14-year-old Low-Level Apprentice with a Formal Black Wizard mentor, and Fatty Baus, who has connections and business acumen.
• Meili hasn't been seen in half a year, likely due to assisting her mentor with experiments or potion preparations.
• The Grade Assessment is held at the Black Wizard Academy's largest training ground, with only three Formal Black Wizards present.
• Around 500 apprentices participate, with Entry-Level and Low-Level Apprentices making up the majority. The assessment consists of arena matches and duels, with life and death left to fate.
• Saine plans to compete for a ranking, aiming for potential prizes.

Character Developments

• Saine: Shows concern for survival and interest in magic. He plans to compete in the assessment for potential prizes.
• Meili: Absent from the assessment, likely due to her mentor's tasks. Her talent and luck are envied by Saine.
• Baus: Provides information and support to Saine. He knows about Saine's powerful Magic Short Staff.

Significant Themes

• Survival and competition among apprentices.
• The importance of mentors and their influence on apprentices' progress.
• The mysterious and powerful principal dean of the Black Wizard Academy, who is also the lord of the City of Mozhsuobula.

Character Interactions

• Saine and Baus discuss the assessment and Saine's plans to compete.
• Saine briefly interacts with one of the Formal Black Wizards present at the assessment, who recognizes him from a previous incident.
• The three Formal Black Wizards discuss the potential of the participating apprentices.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Saine's fearsome reputation secures him a top three spot in the academy's ranking after he defeats a Low-Level Apprentice using only the Fireball Spell.
• A Time-Space Rift is discovered in Shadow Valley by the academy's Vice Deans, Martin and Qiongni.
• The Black Magicians in the stands discuss the potential of the Time-Space Rift and the possibility of it leading to a Complete Rule Plane.

Character Developments

• Saine's spellcasting speed, mana efficiency, and combat talent have improved significantly due to his study of Mentor Moxidu's Magic Notebooks and Senior Sister Fei'er's guidance.
• Master Andis, a renowned powerhouse among Formal Black Wizards, is revealed to be at the peak of Level One and has inside knowledge about the Time-Space Rift.

Significant Themes

• Power and survival are the driving forces behind apprentices' study of magic in the harsh environment of the Underground World.
• The pursuit of Truth and the true essence of magic are mentioned but not widely understood or prioritized by the apprentices.
• The potential wealth and power of the Surface World entice some Black Magicians, despite the risks involved in acting against powerful organizations like the Holy Tower and Knights' Hall.

Character Interactions

• Saine's duel with the Low-Level Apprentice showcases his growing prowess and reputation among his peers.
• The Black Magicians in the stands engage in conversation, revealing their hopes and fears regarding the Time-Space Rift and the potential power it may bring.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Black Magicians discuss their plans to exploit a newly discovered plane through a Space Crack.
• The Grade Assessment at the Black Wizard Academy is ongoing, with Advanced Apprentices' battles causing significant damage to the training ground.
• Magician Andis, a peak Level One Magician, expresses his disdain for the academy's leniency towards apprentices.

Character Developments

• The Black Magicians reveal their greed and lack of reason, but also their pragmatism in understanding the limitations of their power and the challenges of finding unexplored planes.
• Magician Andis displays his cold cruelty and disregard for life, contrasting with the other Black Magicians' more pragmatic views.
• The apprentices at the Black Wizard Academy show their growing power and recklessness during the Grade Assessment.

Significant Themes

• Greed and ambition, as seen in the Black Magicians' desire to exploit new planes.
• Cruelty and disregard for life, exemplified by Magician Andis's views on the apprentices.
• Pragmatism versus idealism, as the Black Magicians consider the practicality of their plans and the academy's deans weigh the benefits of keeping their apprentices alive.

Character Interactions

• The Black Magicians discuss their plans and disagree on the practicality of following the Black Domain's Apprentice Elimination Mechanism.
• Magician Andis's coldness and power intimidate the other Black Magicians.
• The apprentices' battles during the Grade Assessment draw the attention and disapproval of the academy's deans and supervisors.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Saine and Baus watch the Advanced Apprentice battles, including Lina's and Lilianya's.
• Lina faces Death Hand Mike, who controls a Corpse Refinement Synthetic Beast and has a tumor on his neck.
• Lina uses her improved combat skills, casting multiple spells simultaneously, and closes in on Mike for a close-range attack.
• Mike threatens Lina with his White Bone Cloak's poison, but Lina remains undeterred.

Character Developments

• Lina: Shows significant improvement in her magic skills, demonstrating advanced spellcasting and strategic thinking. She remains fearless and determined, earning her the title "crazy woman."
• Death Hand Mike: Reveals his formidable magic and Synthetic Beast, but struggles against Lina's unconventional tactics.

Significant Themes

• Unconventional Combat Strategies: Lina's use of close-range combat and simultaneous spellcasting challenges the conventional magic duel approach.
• Determination and Fearlessness: Lina's refusal to back down despite Mike's threats highlights her strong will and courage.

Character Interactions

• Saine and Senior Sister Fei'er: Fei'er teases Saine about Lina's capabilities, and they both watch Lina's battle together.
• Lina and Death Hand Mike: Their intense duel showcases both characters' skills and determination, with Lina ultimately gaining the upper hand.