Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The High Mountain Keep Lord underestimates the Tiger Spirit Tribe due to their primitive tools and lack of elemental users.
• Richard and his group meet Elder Myra of the Tiger Spirit Tribe, who reveals that the Other Shore Passage is sealed.
• Myra explains that the passage connects three places, not just two, and the Undead are coming from 'Chaohu,' hundreds of thousands of cubits away.
• Richard expresses his determination to find the 'Chaohu' passage, but Myra warns about the dangers outside the Twilight Forest, where Undead and demonized monsters roam freely.

Character Developments

• The High Mountain Keep Lord's arrogance is challenged when he realizes the complexity of the Other Shore Passage.
• Richard demonstrates his resilience and determination to return home, even in the face of daunting challenges.
• Elder Myra shows wisdom, knowledge, and concern for the safety of Richard's group.

Significant Themes

• The underestimation of 'primitive' cultures and the importance of understanding different civilizations.
• The dangers of underestimating the complexity of the world and the challenges that lie ahead.
• The resilience and determination of individuals in the face of adversity.

Character Interactions

• The High Mountain Keep Lord and Richard interact with Elder Myra, learning about the true nature of the Other Shore Passage and the dangers that lie ahead.
• Richard and his group express their determination to find the 'Chaohu' passage, while Myra warns them about the perils they will face.
• The High Mountain Keep leaders, including Bernard and Vera, show interest and concern about the possibility of returning home.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group spends a sleepless night in a foreign land, with Richard, Vera, and Bernard discussing their situation.
• Richard and Vera discuss what they would bring back from their world if given the chance.
• They discuss the possibility of returning through the Gojin Passage, needing "God's Approval" and "the Pull of the Other Shore."

Character Developments

• Richard shows empathy and understanding towards Vera's concerns about returning home.
• Vera reveals her dedication to the God of Holy Light and her lack of personal attachments.
• Bernard demonstrates logical thinking and critical analysis of their situation.

Significant Themes

• The desire to return home and the challenges of being in a foreign land.
• The importance of hope and maintaining a positive outlook despite uncertainty.
• The exploration of ancient legends and their meanings.

Character Interactions

• Richard and Vera share a moment of camaraderie, finding comfort in each other's company as fellow countrymen.
• Bernard joins their conversation, adding his perspective and insight to their discussion.
• Richard and Vera engage in a playful exchange about their choices if they could bring one item from their world.

Summary of "Night Talk (II)"

Key Plot Points and Events

• Richard and Vera discuss the existence of deities, with Richard expressing his atheism.
• Vera reveals her doubts about the existence of God but remains devout to the Church of Holy Light.
• Bernard joins the conversation, defending his faith but acknowledging the elusive nature of gods.
• Vera suggests that the Tiger Spirit Tribe's "divine approval" for opening the Other Shore Passage could be evidence of gods' existence.
• Richard dismisses Vera's idea, arguing that even if gods exist, they might not be her God of Holy Light.
• Vera leaves, expressing regret for Richard's lack of faith. Bernard also retires for the night.
• Richard is left alone and drinks ale while Dragon Crystal reveals its thoughts on the Tiger Spirit Tribe's origins.

Character Developments

• Richard: Stands firm in his atheism, showing no signs of changing his beliefs despite Vera's arguments.
• Vera: Struggles with doubts about God's existence but remains devoted to her faith, seeking evidence to validate her beliefs.
• Bernard: Defends his faith but acknowledges the lack of concrete evidence for gods' existence.
• Dragon Crystal/Thutmose: Speculates that the Tiger Spirit Tribe's gods could be the High Elf royal family, but Richard dismisses this idea.

Significant Themes

• Faith and doubt: Vera's struggle with her beliefs contrasts with Richard's unwavering atheism.
• The elusive nature of gods: The conversation highlights the lack of concrete evidence for gods' existence.
• Identity and independence: The Tiger Spirit Tribe's attempt to create their own identity is discussed.

Character Interactions

• Richard and Vera: Engage in a heated debate about the existence of deities, with Vera trying to convert Richard and Richard remaining unmoved.
• Richard and Bernard: Have a more cordial exchange, with Bernard defending his faith while acknowledging the elusive nature of gods.
• Richard and Dragon Crystal/Thutmose: Discuss the Tiger Spirit Tribe's origins, with Richard dismissing Thutmose's speculation about the High Elf royal family.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The High Mountain Keep group rests and recovers in the Tiger Spirit Tribe.
• Richard observes the Snake Elf Mummies' movements, confirming Elder Myra's theory about the Spatial Rift.
• Richard and the High Mountain Keep warriors join the Tiger Spirits to guard the Twilight Forest's border on the night of the full moon.
• They travel to Goliath Gap, one of six border points, to defend against monsters and Undead.
• Richard discovers that the Twilight Forest is located within an extinct volcano.

Character Developments

• Richard shifts his mindset from returning home to establishing a new life in the Twilight Forest.
• Richard demonstrates his strategic thinking by questioning Senide about the border defenses.
• Vera shows concern for their safety, considering the possibility of the volcano being active.

Significant Themes

• Adaptation: Richard and the High Mountain Keep group must adapt to their new environment and circumstances.
• Defense and Strategy: The border defense highlights the importance of strategic planning and resource allocation.
• Nature's Power: The discovery of the extinct volcano emphasizes the force of nature and its impact on the environment.

Character Interactions

• Richard interacts with Senide, learning about the border defenses and the Twilight Forest's history.
• Richard and Vera share a moment of concern about the potential danger of the volcano.
• Richard's leadership is evident as he joins the border defense with his warriors.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Goliath Gap, a V-shaped rift, is guarded by a semi-circular barbican built from volcanic rocks, with battlements, arrow towers, and watchtowers.
• Richard and his group arrive at the Goliath Gap to help defend against an impending monster siege.
• They learn that Giants live in the Twilight Forest but are generally dormant to conserve energy.
• Richard expresses hope to find Titans but learns they are likely extinct.
• Senide mentions that fresh water resupply is not guaranteed, and Bernard criticizes the Tiger Spirits' lack of strict procedures.
• Richard decides to explore outside the Goliath Gap, with his warriors eagerly joining him.

Character Developments

• Richard: Shows curiosity about the Giants and Titans, and maintains a balance between his warriors and the Tiger Spirits.
• Senide: Reveals his knowledge about the Giants and Titans, and displays a relaxed attitude towards the defense preparations.
• Bernard: Criticizes the Tiger Spirits' lack of strict procedures, reflecting his military discipline.
• Gunther: Shows empathy towards Bernard, understanding his attachment to the Winter City Guard.

Significant Themes

• The passage of time and its impact on cultures and races.
• The contrast between the High Mountain Keep warriors' discipline and the Tiger Spirits' relaxed attitude.
• The awe-inspiring scale of the Goliath Gap and the Twilight Forest.

Character Interactions

• Richard and Senide: They discuss the Giants and Titans, with Richard showing interest and Senide providing information.
• Bernard and Gunther: Bernard criticizes the Tiger Spirits, and Gunther shows understanding and empathy towards Bernard.
• Richard and his warriors: They eagerly join Richard in exploring outside the Goliath Gap, showing their loyalty and curiosity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Richard and his group leave the Twilight Forest and encounter a vast, desolate plain outside, devoid of life and covered in gray, powdery soil.
• They discover a few hardy lichens clinging to the surface, and Richard pours ale onto the soil, but it disappears instantly.
• A breeze uncovers a flat stone slab with a fish fossil, suggesting the area was once underwater.
• A strange, deformed creature resembling a mouse is found inside a skull, with horns, scales, and asymmetrical wings.

Character Developments

• Richard is shocked by the desolation outside the forest and contemplates the struggle for survival in such an environment.
• Abu attempts to recite poetry but is met with ridicule from his companions.
• Gunther, despite his brutish appearance, shows curiosity and careful handling of the strange creature.

Significant Themes

• Desolation and the struggle for life in harsh environments.
• The power of time to transform landscapes.
• The tenacity of life, even in the most inhospitable conditions.

Character Interactions

• Richard and his group react with awe and disbelief to the desolate landscape.
• Abu's attempt at poetry is met with laughter and mockery from his companions.
• Gunther and Abu argue over the strange creature, with Gunther ultimately showing it to Richard.
• The group shares a sense of unease and curiosity about the strange creature and its origin.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group encounters a bizarre, grotesque creature called a Domor Rat, which is edible despite its appearance.
• The Domor Rat bites off its own tail and escapes, demonstrating its ferocity.
• Richard learns that the Twilight Forest is vast and surrounded by a forbidden zone of life, with a fragile balance that could lead to its destruction.
• Senide mentions that the main threat to the forest is the Sand Spider, which attacks every 10-15 years.

Character Developments

• Richard becomes melancholic upon realizing the precarious situation of the Twilight Forest and regrets his decision to come here.
• Senide shows pride in the Twilight Forest's uniqueness and seems optimistic about the Sand Spider threat.

Significant Themes

• The fragility of balance and the inevitable destruction that follows.
• The contrast between insiders' (Senide) and outsiders' (Richard) perspectives on the same situation.

Character Interactions

• Richard and his group are initially disgusted by the Domor Rat but are surprised to learn it's edible.
• Richard questions Senide about the forest's boundaries and defenses.
• The High Mountain Keep soldiers express their disbelief in Senide's optimism about handling the Sand Spider threat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sand Spiders, large and intimidating creatures, appear at Goliath Gap before sunset, contrary to the prophecy of "no trouble."
• The group prepares for battle, with Centaurs taking the lead in defending the wall.
• The Sand Spiders are easily defeated by the Centaurs' arrows, revealing their fragility despite their fearsome appearance.

Character Developments

• Richard, the Lord, remains calm and strategic during the battle, demonstrating his leadership.
• Nehru, the Kobold Shaman, struggles with his spellcasting speed, slower when asked and faster when in danger.
• The Tiger Spirit Warriors, though fierce, are shown to be limited by their inferior equipment.

Significant Themes

• The importance of equipment in combat and its impact on a warrior's growth.
• The contrast between appearance and reality, as seen in the Sand Spiders' fragility despite their fearsome looks.

Character Interactions

• Richard and Hert discuss the Sand Spiders' diet and survival in the barren land.
• Abu expresses concern about the Skaars' defensive capabilities, and Hert offers a solution.
• Gunther teases Senide, the Tiger Spirit Ranger.
• Richard and Nehru have a brief exchange after the battle, with Richard questioning Nehru's spellcasting speed.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group discovers dead Sand Spiders and considers them a resource.
• They find that Sand Spiders have silk sacs that burn for a long time.
• Richard and the group realize they need to face the Sand Spiders without reinforcements.

Character Developments

• Richard shows concern for the Tiger Spirits' well-being and tries to help them.
• Lord demonstrates his archery skills and willingness to help, despite not being directly involved in the fight.
• The Tiger Spirits show their resourcefulness and joy in finding arrowheads and silk sacs.

Significant Themes

• Adaptability: The group must adapt to their new environment and resources.
• Resourcefulness: The Tiger Spirits find value in the Sand Spiders, showing their ability to make the most of what they have.
• Limited Resources: The group faces the challenge of having limited equipment and funds.

Character Interactions

• Richard and Senide discuss the need for reinforcements and the challenge of facing the Sand Spiders alone.
• Lord interacts with the group, showing off his skills and contributing to the discussion.
• The Tiger Spirits express their joy and satisfaction in finding arrowheads and silk sacs, highlighting their simple pleasures in life.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The city of Goliath Gap is under attack by an incalculable number of Sand Spiders, estimated to be over ten thousand.
• Richard and his allies, including the Tiger Spirits and Centaurs, defend the city wall.
• Richard's Shaman Wizard, Nehru, contributes Witchcraft Scrolls to aid in the battle.
• The battle is intense and prolonged, with the defenders fighting in shifts to maintain their stamina.

Character Developments

• Richard shows determination to defend Goliath Gap and the Twilight Forest, understanding the gravity of the situation.
• Nehru demonstrates initiative and resourcefulness by creating Witchcraft Scrolls, contributing to the defense despite his initial plans to flee.
• The Tiger Spirits and Centaurs show bravery and skill in combat but struggle with large-scale battle tactics and coordination.

Significant Themes

• The power of numbers vs. individual strength: The Sand Spiders' overwhelming numbers pose a significant challenge to the defenders, despite their superior individual combat skills.
• The importance of strategy and coordination in battle: The defenders' lack of unified command and organized strategy is evident in the Tiger Spirits' performance.
• The value of initiative and resourcefulness: Nehru's contribution of Witchcraft Scrolls highlights the importance of thinking ahead and using available resources effectively.

Character Interactions

• Richard and Nehru: Richard praises Nehru's initiative and contribution, while Nehru reluctantly aids the defense, feeling duty-bound.
• Richard and the Tiger Spirits/Centaurs: Richard leads the Rippers towards the Tiger Spirits to support them, showing a desire to maintain their alliance.
• The defenders: The various factions on the city wall fight together, each contributing their unique skills and abilities to the defense.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A massive swarm of Sand Spiders attacks High Mountain Keep and the Tiger Spirit Tribe.
• The warriors fight tirelessly, but the ground becomes slippery due to the spiders' bodily fluids, causing Tiger Spirit warriors to fall and be overwhelmed.
• Richard struggles initially but adapts, using his swordsmanship to create a gap in the swarm.
• The swarm's relentlessness and the warriors' struggle highlight the monsters' threat despite their individual weakness.

Character Developments

• Richard adapts to the battle, learning the true threat of the Sand Spiders.
• Senide, the Tiger Spirit leader, reveals that the swarm's size is unprecedented.
• Qichu, the little black imp, transforms into a powerful beast, drawing the spiders' attention.

Significant Themes

• The power of numbers and relentlessness (Sand Spiders).
• Adaptation and learning from battles (Richard).
• The struggle against overwhelming odds (High Mountain Keep and Tiger Spirit warriors).

Character Interactions

• Richard and Senide communicate during the battle, with Richard urging Senide to use any trump cards.
• Qichu's transformation draws the spiders' attention, momentarily pausing their assault.
• The warriors of High Mountain Keep and the Tiger Spirit Tribe fight side by side, though the Tiger Spirit warriors struggle due to their footing.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Sand Spiders suddenly stop attacking and focus on building a tower to reach Qichu.
• The High Mountain Keep warriors, initially confused, start killing the Sand Spiders, which show no reaction to the attacks.
• The battle turns into monotonous labor as the warriors continuously chop the Sand Spiders while Qichu remains aloft, observing the scene.

Character Developments

• Richard, the Lord, shows strategic thinking by motivating his warriors through false promises of rest.
• The High Mountain Keep warriors display dedication and perseverance despite the mundane and exhausting task.
• Qichu exhibits curiosity and patience, watching the Sand Spiders' futile attempts to reach it.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance: The Sand Spiders' relentless efforts to reach Qichu despite failure and loss of life highlight their perseverance.
• Motivation and Leadership: Richard's manipulation of his warriors' hopes and expectations to keep them working shows his understanding of motivation and leadership.
• Curiosity and Patience: Qichu's behavior demonstrates curiosity and patience in observing the unusual situation.

Character Interactions

• Richard interacts with his warriors through false promises, keeping them motivated and working.
• The High Mountain Keep warriors work together, albeit reluctantly, to clear the Sand Spiders.
• Qichu interacts with the Sand Spiders by remaining aloft and observing their futile attempts to reach it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qichu, the colossal beast, transforms back into its small form and lands on Richard's shoulder.
• The Sand Spiders retreat after their defeat, leaving the warriors of High Mountain Keep exhausted but victorious.
• Richard checks his System Panel and finds significant gains from the battle, leading to a large wave of advancements among his troops.
• A Skargal Ground Dragon advances to become a Mad Dragon Fury Rider, gaining the ability to breathe fire without using elements.

Character Developments

• Richard: Shows excitement and satisfaction with the advancements of his troops. Demonstrates knowledge from his previous life about unusual creatures.
• Abu: Reveals that the Skaar have long suspected changes in the Ground Dragons' bodies. Shows loyalty by trying to keep High Mountain Keep's secrets from outsiders.
• Gunther: Shows curiosity and contributes to the discussion about the Ground Dragons' new ability. Engages in friendly banter with Abu.
• Vera: Shows curiosity and contributes to the discussion about the Ground Dragons' new ability. Mentions Pompeii and its naturalists.
• Nehru: Shows curiosity and inquisitiveness but also fear when faced with the Ground Dragon's fire.

Significant Themes

• The power of advancements and growth, both for individuals and units.
• The importance of knowledge and understanding, even from unexpected sources.
• The value of loyalty and secrecy among trusted companions.

Character Interactions

• Richard interacts with his subordinates, showing camaraderie and shared excitement over their advancements.
• Abu and Gunther engage in friendly banter, showing a comfortable dynamic between them.
• Vera and Richard engage in a brief exchange, showing mutual respect and shared curiosity.
• Nehru's interaction with the Ground Dragon highlights his inquisitive nature and fear of the unknown.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Richard explains the Ground Dragons' ability to breathe fire, using human flatulence as a relatable example.
• The group discovers that Ground Dragons can ignite their hydrogen gas breath using phosphorite and flint fragments stored in their mouths.
• Richard shares his insights on magic, suggesting it's too convenient and defies logic.
• The group discusses the potential impact of Ground Dragons' fire breath on cavalry charges.
• The Tiger Spirit Tribe suffers significant casualties in the battle against Sand Spiders but returns home to report the incident.

Character Developments

• Richard demonstrates his extensive knowledge and analytical skills, earning respect from the group.
• Senide shows concern for the survival of the entire Twilight Forest and prioritizes communicating the Sand Spiders' threat to other tribes.

Significant Themes

• The power of knowledge and understanding (as demonstrated by Richard's explanations of Ground Dragons' fire breath and his critique of magic).
• The importance of adaptability and flexibility in thinking (as shown in Richard's assessment of the Ground Dragons' fire breath's effectiveness).

Character Interactions

• Richard educates and impresses the group with his knowledge.
• Hert admires Richard's insights.
• Bernard and Senide engage in discussion about the Ground Dragons' fire breath.
• Senide prioritizes the well-being of his tribe and the entire Twilight Forest over personal comfort.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Richard enters the Tiger Spirit Tribe and meets the Iron Giants for the first time.
• The Iron Giants, led by Chieftain Saitos, are awakened to help repair the stone wall due to Sand Spiders appearing during the last full moon.
• Richard is invited to sit and share ale with the giants, and Chieftain Saitos decides to reveal their history to him.

Character Developments

• Richard shows respect and understanding towards the giants and their long lives, despite their intimidating appearance.
• Chieftain Saitos demonstrates wisdom, honesty, and a straightforward nature, despite his rough appearance.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between the long lives of giants and the shorter lives of other races.
• The importance of honesty and truth, even when it's difficult.

Character Interactions

• Richard interacts with Chieftain Saitos and the other Iron Giants, showing respect and curiosity.
• Chieftain Saitos interacts with Richard, showing openness and willingness to share their history.
• Elder Myra apologizes to Richard for the deception and shows respect for Chieftain Saitos' decision to share their history.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Titans migrated to a new world due to a survival crisis, finding it suitable but inhabited by natives.
• The natives agreed to let the Titans settle but planned to capture them for research, leading to a 600-year war.
• The Titans won the war but faced a difficult 550-year retreat before turning the tide.
• The Titans' defeat was due to the natives' exceptional alchemy and construct research, making their overall strength formidable despite poor magical talent.

Character Developments

• Saitos, the Great Chief, reveals his knowledge of history and the Titans' past struggles.
• Lord Richard shows shock and disbelief at the Titans' prolonged defeat and the natives' strength.

Significant Themes

• The importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in survival, as shown by the natives' alchemy and construct research.
• The consequences of underestimating opponents, as the Titans did with the natives.
• The resilience and determination of the Titans in facing overwhelming odds.

Character Interactions

• Saitos and Richard engage in a conversation about the Titans' past, with Richard showing genuine surprise and interest.
• Saitos reveals pride in his race's unique talents, leading to a brief moment of anger when Richard misunderstands.
• Richard shows respect and politeness towards the Iron Giants, making them embarrassed.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The conversation between Richard and Chief Saitos continues, focusing on the poison resistance of magical beasts and the innate talents of the Three Superior Giants.
• Saitos reveals that the Son of Gold's innate spell, 'Soul Interrogation,' is powerful and unique, as it can't be resisted by any race, not even true gods.
• Saitos recounts the Titan's war against the natives of the New World, revealing that the Titan ordered eight hundred Sons of Gold to burn their entire lifespans, unleashing a massive Mindstorm that turned the natives into semi-intelligent beasts.

Character Developments

• Richard: Shows curiosity and engagement in Saitos's story, understanding the significance of the Son of Gold's talent.
• Chief Saitos: Reveals more about his past and the Titan's war, displaying pride in his race's talents and regret for the war's consequences.

Significant Themes

• The power and cost of innate talents and spells.
• The cruelty and consequences of war, even when waged by seemingly benevolent entities.
• The hidden truths and consequences of history.

Character Interactions

• Richard and Saitos continue their conversation, with Saitos sharing more about his past and the Titan's war.
• Richard shows genuine interest and understanding, while Saitos displays pride, regret, and a sense of camaraderie with Richard.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Saitos, the Great Chieftain of the Iron Giants, shares the history of the Titans' corruption and the Iron Giants' self-exile.
• The Titans, initially kind, were corrupted by an insidious influence, becoming tyrannical and bloodthirsty.
• The Iron Giants, resistant to mental erosion, became outsiders and chose to live in isolation to protect the normal Tiger Spirits.

Character Developments

• Saitos reveals his age and wisdom, showing deep understanding and acceptance of his people's history.
• Richard demonstrates empathy and understanding, acknowledging the complexity of the situation.

Significant Themes

• Corruption and its insidious nature, likened to being drunk.
• Isolation and its impact on individuals and societies.
• The struggle to maintain one's true nature in the face of adversity.

Character Interactions

• Saitos and Richard engage in a heart-to-heart conversation, leading to mutual understanding and respect.
• Saitos shares a piece of history that Richard finds astounding, revealing the Iron Giant's ancient lineage.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Iron Giants, led by Chieftain Saitos, approach Richard, revealing the Twilight Forest's dire situation: the forest's ore is depleted, and in twenty years, the Iron Giant's curse will cause widespread mental corruption and evil transformation.
• Saitos requests Richard's help by donating the iron armaments worn by his warriors to delay the curse's effects.
• Richard agrees to help, but also asks Saitos about the location of the 'Chaohu' Other Shore Passage and the possibility of returning to the Otherworld using Qichu's Titan lineage and the attraction it possesses.

Character Developments

• Richard shows understanding and compassion towards the Iron Giants' plight, agreeing to help despite the personal loss of his warriors' iron armaments.
• Saitos demonstrates wisdom, honesty, and a thick skin, openly admitting the Iron Giants' limitations and their need for help.

Significant Themes

• Honesty and communication as prerequisites for trust and cooperation.
• The consequences of past actions (the Iron Giants' curse) and the need for present solutions.
• The power dynamics between different races and the Titans' influence over the Twilight Forest.

Character Interactions

• Richard and Saitos engage in a straightforward, honest conversation, with Saitos openly admitting the Iron Giants' weaknesses and Richard agreeing to help despite the personal cost.
• Qichu, the Titan cub, interacts with Saitos, who reveals he can sense Qichu's Titan lineage and its potential to help Richard return to the Otherworld.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Saitos reveals that Sand Spiders were created by Goblins to fight Titans and are now uncontrollable, swarming the land around the Chaohu Passage.
• The only way to reach the passage is by flying, which is impossible due to the limited endurance of flying creatures and the lack of suitable ones.
• Saitos shares a past attempt to reach the passage using a Venomous Wyvern Knight, which failed due to the overwhelming number of Sand Spiders.

Character Developments

• Saitos: Shows deep remembrance and pain regarding the past, revealing his intelligence and strategic thinking. He becomes resigned to the inevitable destruction of the Twilight Forest.
• Richard: Stays determined to try and reach the Chaohu Passage despite the challenges, showing his resolve and unwillingness to accept defeat.

Significant Themes

• The futility of hope in the face of insurmountable odds.
• The consequences of past actions (Goblins' creations gone awry).
• The importance of strategic thinking and planning.

Character Interactions

• Saitos and Richard: Saitos shares his knowledge and past experiences with Richard, trying to dissuade him from attempting to reach the Chaohu Passage. Richard remains determined despite Saitos' warnings.
• Saitos and the Iron Giants: The Iron Giants support Saitos' decision to give Richard twenty years to consider his plan, showing their unity and agreement with Saitos' leadership.