Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Corrupt Dream Queen breaks free, swallowing the Starry Sky and releasing a nightmare that engulfs the Double Helix.
• The Endless Sea freezes, and a Mirror Realm emerges, from which an Upside-down Giant Tree appears, feeding on the nightmare.
• Huai Shi, now a giant dog, encounters Beelzebub, who reveals that everyone's dreams are protected in a bubble, and Huai Shi is isolated in the nightmare.

Character Developments

• Huai Shi: Realizes he's been isolated and is the only one not protected in the bubble.
• Beelzebub: Reveals his true form and explains the situation to Huai Shi.

Significant Themes

• Isolation and loneliness (Huai Shi's situation)
• Protection and unity (everyone's dreams in the bubble)
• The Corrupt Dream's power and its child

Character Interactions

• Huai Shi and Beelzebub: Beelzebub explains the situation to Huai Shi, revealing that he's been isolated and that the Corrupt Dream's child is feeding on the nightmare.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ninety-one years ago, the Ranch Owner and the Corrupt Dream Queen formed an alliance, opening the Mirror Realm and gaining influence in the current realm.
• The alliance's guarantee was their offspring, born sixteen years later, who was destined to become a Ruler of the Abyss and a "Remnant of the World," an existence that could threaten the current realm.
• The Remnant of the World, now a giant tree, breaks through the mirror, and the Mechanist in the Starry Sky retaliates with a relic-grade weapon, 'Jupiter.'

Character Developments

• Huai Shi learns about the true nature of the Remnant of the World and the Corrupt Dream Queen's intentions, understanding the catastrophic consequences of their actions.
• Beelzebub remains calm and informative, revealing that the Corrupt Dream Queen's maternal love is unlikely to be genuine.
• Marthus, the Remnant of the World, demonstrates his power by manipulating the Double Helix pillars to counter the Mechanist's attack.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of ambition and greed, as seen in the Corrupt Dream Queen's downfall.
• The power dynamics and alliances within the Abyss, with the Ranch Owner and the Corrupt Dream Queen's alliance opening the Mirror Realm.
• The threat posed by the Remnant of the World, highlighting the potential dangers within the Abyss.

Character Interactions

• Huai Shi and Beelzebub discuss the situation, with Beelzebub providing insights and comforting Huai Shi, who is relieved he won't have to fight.
• Marthus, the Remnant of the World, interacts with the Mechanist in the Starry Sky, countering their attack with ease.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Marthus, a high-threat target, is shot by a Numbered Curse Bullet from the Astronomical Society, interrupting the Secret Ritual.
• A Tin Soldier and a woman emerge from the Rotten Dream, having faced the nightmare. The woman shoots Marthus.
• The Rainbow Bridge connects to the Starry Sky, and all passengers, crew, and Astronomical Society members are teleported away, except for Huai Shi.
• Beelzebub decides to leave the Starry Sky but is reluctant to abandon Oden's memories.

Character Developments

• Marthus: His attempt to perform the Secret Ritual is thwarted, and he is gravely injured.
• The Tin Soldier: Revealed to be a tireless, metallic figure that has completed its final mission.
• The Woman: She faces the nightmare with clear eyes and delivers the final shot to Marthus.
• Beelzebub: It struggles with the decision to leave the Starry Sky, expressing its desire to maintain Oden's memories.
• Huai Shi: He shows empathy and understanding towards Beelzebub's plight, offering to help him.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of facing one's fears and nightmares (The Tin Soldier and the Woman).
• The struggle between duty and personal desires (Beelzebub).
• The importance of companionship and friendship (Huai Shi and Beelzebub).

Character Interactions

• The Tin Soldier and the Woman: They emerge together from the Rotten Dream, suggesting a shared ordeal and mutual support.
• Huai Shi and Beelzebub: Huai Shi comforts Beelzebub, understanding its struggle and offering to help it maintain Oden's memories.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Surtur, the fire giant, descends with a scorching heat that evaporates and freezes the Endless Sea, breaking the Abyssal bloodline's secret ritual.
• Marthus, the vice-principal of the Ivory Tower, uses temporal shears to disrupt time and allow Surtur to inflict heavy damage on the Remnant of the World and the Rotten Dream.
• Sha He, the creator of the Rotten Dream, retaliates by releasing the Primordial Soup V0.7, a biological Von Neumann Machine that suppresses Marthus's secret rituals but doesn't grant him an advantage.
• The Deep Space Legion blocks the Land of Nothingness, and the Great Group Lords and Ascendants from the Rainbow Bridge join the battle, intensifying the war.

Character Developments

• Marthus shows his strategic prowess and ruthlessness, using time manipulation to gain an advantage in battle.
• Sha He demonstrates his scientific prowess by creating a unique biological weapon, the Primordial Soup, to counter Marthus's attacks.
• Huai Shi, although not directly involved in the battle, expresses concern about his decision to participate in the war.

Significant Themes

• The use of advanced technology and strategy in warfare.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponents.
• The struggle for control and dominance between different factions.

Character Interactions

• Marthus and Sha He clash over their respective creations, with Marthus attempting to gain an advantage and Sha He countering with his unique biological weapon.
• The Deep Space Legion and the Great Group Lords join the battle, adding to the intensity and complexity of the conflict.
• Huai Shi interacts with Beelzebub, expressing his concern about the war and his decision to participate in it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Rotten Dream is collapsing, and its queen is being devoured by the Remnant of the World.
• Huai Shi, a tool created by the Astronomical Society, consumes the monsters within the Rotten Dream to grow stronger.
• After consuming most of the dream's essence, Huai Shi's body grows too large for the dreamscape.
• Beelzebub repairs Osiris, a judgment giant of the Underworld, using crude but efficient methods.
• Huai Shi powers Osiris using the origin essence he absorbed from the Rotten Dream.
• Oden, the former pilot of Osiris, appears briefly before Huai Shi and Beelzebub.
• Huai Shi becomes the new pilot of Osiris, and they prepare to face the Abyss together.

Character Developments

• Huai Shi: Grows stronger by consuming the Rotten Dream's essence and becomes the new pilot of Osiris.
• Beelzebub: Repairs Osiris with skill and efficiency, expressing nervousness about Oden's reaction.
• Oden: Briefly appears to acknowledge Huai Shi as Osiris's new pilot and says his farewells.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and partnership (Beelzebub's dedication to Oden and Huai Shi's acceptance of his role)
• Growth and transformation (Huai Shi's growth and becoming Osiris's new pilot)
• Legacy and responsibility (Oden's legacy and Beelzebub's duty to maintain it)

Character Interactions

• Huai Shi and Beelzebub: They work together to activate Osiris, with Beelzebub expressing nervousness about Oden's reaction, and Huai Shi reassuring him.
• Oden and Huai Shi: Oden briefly appears to acknowledge Huai Shi as Osiris's new pilot and says his farewells.
• Oden and Beelzebub: Their friendship and partnership are highlighted through Beelzebub's dedication to maintaining Oden's legacy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Upside-down Giant Tree consumes the Rotten Dream, leaving the safe zone.
• Marthus activates the Law Framework · Double Helix, empowering the Great Group Lords.
• The Underworld Giant (Osiris) emerges from the Rotten Dream, revealing its form and attacking the Upside-down Giant Tree.
• Osiris fights against the Great Group Lords, absorbing their Origin energy, and advances towards Marthus.

Character Developments

• Marthus: Shows contempt for mortals and activates a powerful ritual, but is taken aback by Osiris's appearance.
• Osiris (Underworld Giant): Reveals its true form and exhibits immense power, absorbing Origin energy from defeated Great Group Lords.
• Beelzebub: Expresses pent-up rage and grief towards Marthus.

Significant Themes

• Power and its consequences: The Upside-down Giant Tree's consumption of the Rotten Dream leads to its vulnerability.
• Unexpected intervention: Osiris's sudden appearance disrupts Marthus's plans.
• Absorption of power: Osiris absorbs Origin energy from defeated enemies, showcasing its unique ability.

Character Interactions

• Marthus vs. Osiris: Marthus is surprised and threatened by Osiris's appearance and actions.
• Osiris vs. Great Group Lords: Osiris fights and defeats several Great Group Lords, absorbing their Origin energy.
• Beelzebub vs. Marthus: Beelzebub expresses intense anger and desire for revenge against Marthus.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Marthus's shadow transforms into a Flaying Angel, which grows to match Osiris's size and engages in combat.
• Marthus encases the Remnant of the World in a crystal cage using Double Helix crystals.
• The Outer Path King, a powerful and terrifying figure, descends from the abyss and suppresses four Fifth Tier Ascendants.
• The Outer Path King destroys the Rainbow Bridge's transit station with a single lightning strike.
• He then attacks Huai Shi through Osiris, severely wounding his soul.
• Marthus orders the Outer Path King to take the Remnant of the World and the dying Rotten Dream away.

Character Developments

• Marthus demonstrates his immense power and cunning, outmaneuvering his opponents and securing the Remnant of the World.
• Huai Shi, piloting Osiris, shows resilience and combat skill but is ultimately overwhelmed by the Outer Path King's power.
• The Outer Path King reveals himself as a formidable and ruthless adversary, capable of single-handedly turning the tide of battle.

Significant Themes

• Power and its consequences: Characters like Marthus and the Outer Path King wield immense power, but their actions have severe repercussions for others.
• The struggle for control: The battle for the Remnant of the World highlights the lengths to which characters will go to gain power and influence.

Character Interactions

• Marthus and the Outer Path King work together to secure the Remnant of the World, showcasing a partnership built on mutual respect and shared goals.
• Huai Shi and Osiris face off against the Flaying Angel and later the Outer Path King, demonstrating their combat prowess but ultimately being overwhelmed by superior power.
• The Vice Principal and other Ascendants are mentioned but not directly involved in this chapter, highlighting the widening power gap between them and the main antagonists.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A white dove appears, swiftly flying away, pursued by a divine inscription.
• A pillar of light is cut in half, releasing rainbow light and an old man who distorts reality.
• The Endless Sea is shrouded in three layers of law frameworks, enhancing Abyss creatures and suppressing non-Hell races, and creating a spatial maze.
• The [King Selection Sword] is cast, repelling creatures without high ranks and causing death by exhaustion.
• The Conflagration descends, followed by a reversal framework targeting 'Entropy.'
• The theorem framework [Eternal World] transforms the area into a realm of non-living spirits.
• Eleven Creators superimpose chaotic frameworks, causing wild changes in art style and laws.
• Osiris is affected by the chaos and sinks into the Endless Sea.
• Huai Shi's consciousness is jumbled by the Lightning Eye, but he regains control.
• Osiris activates its Underworld state, shedding armor and approaching divine power.
• The Outer Path King attacks Osiris, shattering the Shepherd's Staff.

Character Developments

• Huai Shi regains control of Osiris after a moment of confusion, demonstrating resilience.
• The Outer Path King displays immense power, easily shattering the Shepherd's Staff.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between powerful entities, with the Outer Path King's overwhelming might contrasting with Huai Shi's resilience.
• The chaotic nature of the battle, with multiple frameworks and forces clashing, reflecting the unpredictable and dangerous environment.

Character Interactions

• Huai Shi and Beelzebub: Huai Shi takes Beelzebub's advice to activate Osiris's Underworld state, leading to a powerful resurgence.
• Huai Shi and the Outer Path King: The Outer Path King easily shatters the Shepherd's Staff, demonstrating his superiority, while Huai Shi shows determination to continue fighting.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huai Shi, piloting Osiris, faces the Outer Path King and Marthus.
• Osiris's power runs out, but it's recharged by the Ivory Tower.
• The Outer Path King uses a powerful attack, which Osiris blocks.
• Marthus uses the Remnant of the World to create a blood-red tide, breaking the Astronomical Society's restraints.
• Osiris activates Overlimit Mode and deploys Ra-Stau, aiming at the Upside-down Giant Tree.
• Osiris fires a primal light, tearing through the abyss and striking the Land of Nothingness.

Character Developments

• Huai Shi demonstrates bravery and determination, accepting Beelzebub's plan to face the enemy.
• Beelzebub shows gratitude and appreciation towards Huai Shi, and they share a moment of understanding.
• Marthus reveals his true form as the Remnant of the World and shows his power, but is ultimately struck by Osiris's attack.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between good and evil, with Osiris representing the forces of good and Marthus embodying the forces of evil.
• The power of unity and cooperation, as seen with the Ivory Tower's assistance and Huai Shi and Beelzebub working together.
• The consequences of past actions, as Marthus faces the repercussions of his rebellion against Oden.

Character Interactions

• Huai Shi and Beelzebub form a strong bond, working together to face the enemy and achieve their goals.
• The Outer Path King and Marthus work together to defeat Osiris, but their alliance is ultimately broken.
• The Ivory Tower assists Osiris, showing their support and respect for Oden's legacy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The author realizes they've mistakenly posted chapters as free chapter reviews due to their poor state.
• They explain the Qidian system's issue causing the confusion: chapters default to reviews if the category isn't changed.
• The author apologizes for the inconvenience caused to readers.

Character Developments

• The author shows remorse and takes responsibility for their mistake.

Significant Themes

• Human Error: The author's poor state led to the mistake.
• Communication and Clarity: The author explains the system's issue to prevent further confusion.

Character Interactions

• The author addresses the readers directly, expressing their apology and seeking understanding.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Upside-down Giant Tree burns, signaling the end of the Corrupt Dream Queen.
• Osiris, piloted by Huai Shi, clashes with the Land of Nothingness, leading to its destruction.
• Morando, the leader of the Good Night Society, is captured and executed by Huai Shi.
• The remains of a fiend are recovered from the Corrupt Dream Queen's body.

Character Developments

• Huai Shi demonstrates his combat skills and strategic thinking, earning the respect of the Unified Bureau.
• Morando's defeat and death mark the end of the Good Night Society's influence.
• The Grey Robes, a mysterious figure, aids Huai Shi and expresses his desire to end his work as a disaster omen.

Significant Themes

• Justice and Retribution: Huai Shi's execution of Morando serves as a symbol of justice and retribution for the sins committed by the Good Night Society.
• Duty and Responsibility: The Grey Robes' dedication to his work, despite its meaninglessness, highlights the theme of duty and responsibility.
• Change and Adaptation: The destruction of Osiris and the fall of the Corrupt Dream Queen mark significant changes in the power dynamics of the current realm, requiring characters to adapt to new circumstances.

Character Interactions

• Huai Shi and Morando's interaction highlights the power dynamic between them, with Huai Shi ultimately emerging victorious.
• The interaction between Crow and the Grey Robes reveals their shared history and mutual respect.
• Huai Shi's conversation with Beelzebub showcases their camaraderie and shared sense of humor.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huai Shi wakes up in a hospital bed after his battle with the Golden Dawn.
• Crow, who had been with him, reveals she remembered him and had been trying to stop him from charging into danger.
• Huai Shi receives a Wicked Remnant from the gray-suited man, a remnant of a Ruler-class Great Group Lord, which can aid in his advancement.
• Crow reveals that using Wicked Remnant for advancement is luxurious and will enhance Huai Shi's Mountain Ghost's vitality and plague, and the Yin Soul part will undergo a qualitative change.

Character Developments

• Huai Shi shows concern for Crow's well-being and is willing to pay for his advancement, indicating his growing attachment to her.
• Crow shows more care and concern for Huai Shi, trying to stop him from charging into danger and bringing him the Wicked Remnant.
• Beelzebub, the Book of Steel, is severely damaged after the battle and needs time to repair, affecting its ability to function.

Significant Themes

• The theme of advancement and its costs is further emphasized, with Huai Shi realizing the exorbitant cost of the Heavenly Kingdom Lineage.
• The theme of attachment and concern between Huai Shi and Crow deepens, with Crow showing more care for Huai Shi.

Character Interactions

• Huai Shi and Crow's interaction shows their growing bond, with Crow trying to protect Huai Shi and Huai Shi showing concern for Crow.
• Beelzebub's interaction with Crow reveals its fear of her, showing Crow's intimidating presence.
• Huai Shi's interaction with the gray-suited man is implied, showing the man's generosity in providing the Wicked Remnant.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huai Shi is discharged from the hospital and learns he has a month of leave.
• Crow reveals they must travel to Antarctica, with Huai Shi initially reluctant.
• Huai Shi is given a challenge: travel to Antarctica using only four thousand dollars, no Ascendant abilities, weapons, or Holy Mark, unless absolutely necessary.

Character Developments

• Huai Shi: Struggles with the concept of traveling for leisure, feeling out of place and anxious in unfamiliar surroundings. He begins to experience the life of an ordinary person, facing new challenges and uncertainties.
• Crow: Acts as a guide and mentor, encouraging Huai Shi to embrace the real life of an Ascendant. She seals Huai Shi's gear to ensure he adheres to the challenge's rules.

Significant Themes

• The struggle of an Ascendant adapting to ordinary life.
• The journey of self-discovery and growth.
• The contrast between the extraordinary life of an Ascendant and the everyday experiences of ordinary people.

Character Interactions

• Huai Shi and Crow: Their dynamic shifts as Crow acts as a guide, pushing Huai Shi out of his comfort zone. Huai Shi relies on Crow for advice, while Crow encourages him to embrace new experiences.
• Huai Shi and the locals: Huai Shi interacts with locals while trying to navigate Jakarta, haggling for a shovel and considering visiting an aquarium. These interactions are brief but highlight his disconnection from ordinary life.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huai Shi visits an aquarium in Indonesia.
• He observes a zookeeper, an Ascendant Merfolk, using a performance to grow his Holy Mark by controlling marine creatures and absorbing origin essence from the audience.
• Huai Shi realizes the different growth conditions for his Holy Marks (Yin Soul and Mountain Ghost) and understands Crow's intention for him to plant trees.

Character Developments

• Huai Shi gains insight into the growth of Holy Marks and the Heavenly Inquiry Path.
• The Merfolk Ascendant zookeeper is revealed to be leveling up his Holy Mark through his performance.

Significant Themes

• The growth and improvement of Holy Marks, which can vary greatly depending on the type of miracle.
• The Heavenly Inquiry Path's support-type Holy Marks, which can be left on auto-pilot to collect experience points.
• The contrast between the easy growth of support-type Holy Marks and the challenging growth of offensive or aggressive Holy Marks.

Character Interactions

• Huai Shi interacts with the Merfolk Ascendant zookeeper, who invites him for coffee after the performance.
• Huai Shi and Crow discuss the growth of Holy Marks and the Heavenly Inquiry Path.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huai Shi meets Tilar, an Ascendant working at an aquarium, who is passionate about protecting Indonesia's marine environment.
• Tilar invites Huai Shi to join the Southeast Asian Marine Protection Association, asking him to raise awareness about the cause internationally.
• Huai Shi reflects on his life's purpose and the nature of ascension.

Character Developments

• Huai Shi: Struggles with finding his purpose and understanding the implications of his ascension.
• Tilar: Reveals his personal story and beliefs about ascension, encouraging Huai Shi to find his own path.

Significant Themes

• Identity and purpose: Huai Shi grapples with his new identity as an Ascendant and seeks to understand his role in the world.
• The nature of ascension: Tilar presents his perspective on ascension as a talent that empowers individuals to achieve their ideals.
• Environmental conservation: Tilar's passion for protecting the marine environment highlights the importance of this theme throughout the story.

Character Interactions

• Huai Shi and Tilar: Their conversation leads to Huai Shi's introspection and self-discovery, with Tilar serving as a mentor figure.
• Huai Shi and the crow: The crow provides guidance and encourages Huai Shi to integrate his life as an Ascendant with his normal life.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huai Shi struggles with his identity and purpose after his ascension, as his original goals seem within reach but no longer satisfy him.
• Tilar, an older Ascendant, takes Huai Shi to a logging site, introducing him to a Druidic Lineage · Wicker Man Ascendant who is having trouble with local authorities.

Character Developments

• Huai Shi: Struggles with his new identity and purpose, feeling lost and unsure of who he is. He meets Tilar, who offers guidance and a potential job opportunity.
• Tilar: Shows kindness and wisdom, offering advice and help to Huai Shi. He is envious of Huai Shi's youth and opportunities.
• Wicker Man Ascendant: A middle-aged man with a Druidic Lineage · Wicker Man Holy Mark, he is angry and frustrated with local authorities but is willing to listen to Tilar's introduction of Huai Shi.

Significant Themes

• Identity and purpose: Huai Shi grapples with his new identity and what kind of person he wants to be, struggling to find his place in the world.
• Mentorship and guidance: Tilar offers advice and guidance to Huai Shi, highlighting the importance of mentorship in personal growth.
• Age and opportunity: Tilar envies Huai Shi's youth and opportunities, emphasizing the value of time and experiences in shaping one's life.

Character Interactions

• Huai Shi and Tilar: Tilar takes Huai Shi under his wing, offering him advice and a potential job opportunity. Their interaction is one of mentorship and guidance.
• Tilar and Wicker Man Ascendant: Tilar introduces Huai Shi to the Wicker Man Ascendant, trying to mediate between them and help the Wicker Man with his troubles.
• Huai Shi and Wicker Man Ascendant: They meet for the first time, with the Wicker Man initially dismissive of Huai Shi's potential help but willing to listen to Tilar's introduction.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huai Shi, a Mountain Ghost and part-time apprentice Alchemist, meets Ali, a middle-aged man dealing with an invasive species problem (Dragon Hu).
• Huai Shi offers to help Ali with odd jobs on his way to Madura.
• Ali gives Huai Shi a car and asks him to plant White Grain seeds along the way.
• Huai Shi asks Ali about his views on becoming an Ascendant, and Ali shares his personal struggles and regrets.

Character Developments

• Huai Shi: Shows his knowledge of materials and his ability to grow White Grain seeds. He also demonstrates his patience and respect in listening to Ali's story.
• Ali: Reveals his past as a drunkard forest ranger and his current responsibilities. He shares his personal struggles and regrets, showing vulnerability and honesty.

Significant Themes

• The impact of becoming an Ascendant on one's life and relationships.
• The inability to change the past and the consequences of one's actions.
• The struggle between personal desires and responsibilities.

Character Interactions

• Huai Shi and Ali: They have a mentor-like relationship, with Ali sharing his experiences and Huai Shi listening and learning.
• Huai Shi and Tilar: They maintain a friendly and respectful relationship, with Tilar introducing Huai Shi to Ali and later providing him with a contact in Madura.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huai Shi realizes the high fuel consumption of his off-road vehicle, leading to financial strain.
• He improves his driving skills using the Book of Destiny.
• Huai Shi starts his work in Madura, planting White Grain seeds and optimizing his internal life network.
• He discovers an invisible imp hiding in his car and knocks it unconscious.

Character Developments

• Huai Shi shows initiative and ambition by optimizing his internal life network and exploring the 'etherization' of his organs.
• Crow, the Mountain Ghost, observes Huai Shi's progress silently, pleased with his initiative.

Significant Themes

• Adaptability and Balance: Huai Shi learns to balance different life forces within his body, optimizing his internal ecosystem.
• Resource Management: Huai Shi faces financial constraints due to the vehicle's fuel consumption, highlighting the importance of resource management.
• Vigilance and Self-Defense: Huai Shi's encounter with the invisible imp underscores the need for vigilance and self-defense in the dangerous world he inhabits.

Character Interactions

• Huai Shi and Crow: Crow observes Huai Shi's progress silently, offering no hindrance or encouragement, but feeling pleased with his initiative.
• Huai Shi and the Invisible Imp: Huai Shi discovers and knocks out the imp hiding in his car, showing his quick reflexes and self-defense skills.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huai Shi finds a boy named Saiyal hiding in his car, using invisibility to sneak along.
• Saiyal is captured and interrogated by Huai Shi, who discovers Saiyal's ability and past.
• Huai Shi's car is stolen while he's with Saiyal.
• Huai Shi takes Saiyal to eat at a fast-food chain and calls the philosopher Tilar mentioned.
• The philosopher invites Huai Shi to meet him in the city.

Character Developments

• Huai Shi: Initially stern and intimidating, Huai Shi reveals a softer side after learning about Saiyal's past. He decides to help and protect the boy.
• Saiyal: Initially scared and defensive, Saiyal opens up to Huai Shi after being treated kindly. He shows signs of trust and dependency on Huai Shi.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Betrayal: Saiyal's past experiences have made him wary of others, while Huai Shi's actions begin to earn Saiyal's trust.
• Protection and Responsibility: Huai Shi feels responsible for Saiyal's well-being and decides to protect him, even though Saiyal is not his responsibility.
• The Struggle of Ascendants: Saiyal's story highlights the challenges and hardships faced by young Ascendants, especially those without proper guidance.

Character Interactions

• Huai Shi and Saiyal: Their initial interaction is tense, with Huai Shi interrogating Saiyal. However, as Huai Shi learns about Saiyal's past, he treats the boy more kindly, leading to a growing bond between them.
• Huai Shi and the Philosopher: They have a brief phone conversation, with the philosopher inviting Huai Shi to meet him in the city. Their interaction is polite and respectful, with the philosopher showing willingness to help Huai Shi.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huai Shi meets the Philosopher at an elite middle school.
• The Philosopher reveals his Soul Ability: making others find his statements reasonable, even if they're fallacies.
• He shares a hypothetical about 'Philosophical Zombies'—people who lack self-awareness and genuine thought.
• The Philosopher questions whether such people have the right to possess a soul.

Character Developments

• Huai Shi remains composed and analytical, trying to disregard the Philosopher's Soul Ability's influence.
• The Philosopher is revealed to be a Roman with a complex Soul Ability that affects his teaching career.
• Seyal feels out of place and inferior among the privileged students.

Significant Themes

• The nature of thought, self-awareness, and genuine understanding.
• The influence of societal pressures and majority opinions on individual thought.
• The potential consequences of lacking self-awareness and critical thinking.

Character Interactions

• Huai Shi and the Philosopher engage in a thought-provoking conversation, with the Philosopher asking challenging questions.
• Seyal feels uncomfortable and inferior around the privileged students, contrasting with Huai Shi's composure.
• The Philosopher treats Seyal kindly but focuses most of his attention on Huai Shi.