Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Teacher Mia, clearly intoxicated, arrives late for registration, causing a stir among the students.
• Mia attempts to take roll call but struggles due to her inebriated state, eventually asking Su Ming to assist her.
• Mia leads the class to the registration area, where they are to receive their school uniforms, ignoring the history and background of the Imperial Court Academy.
• Mia makes inappropriate comments about the statues of past principals, drawing stares from passing students.
• The class arrives at Comprehensive Building No. 1, where they are to receive their uniforms after being measured by arch-shaped instruments.

Character Developments

• Teacher Mia is revealed to be unprofessional and irresponsible, causing embarrassment and discomfort among her students.
• Su Ming demonstrates responsibility and maturity by volunteering to help Mia with the roll call.
• Rhine shows displeasure and dissatisfaction with Mia's behavior, threatening to report her.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between expectations and reality, as the students' dreams of the Imperial Court Academy clash with the reality of their first encounter with Teacher Mia.
• The importance of professionalism and responsibility, highlighted by Mia's unprofessional behavior and Su Ming's responsible actions.

Character Interactions

• Mia's inappropriate behavior causes discomfort and embarrassment among her students, particularly Rhine, who challenges her authority.
• Su Ming steps up to help Mia with the roll call, demonstrating his maturity and responsibility.
• Mia's comments about the statues of past principals draw stares from passing students, highlighting the awkwardness of the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mia, drunk, leads Su Ming and the others to the cemetery for their photos.
• Mia's behavior at the cemetery gate angers Captain Gatt, but she eventually enters with the group.
• The group walks through the vast cemetery, filled with tombstones of past graduates who sacrificed their lives.
• They reach a circular plaza with three stone statues, two of which are damaged.

Character Developments

• Mia's reckless and carefree behavior continues, showing disregard for rules and authority.
• Su Ming and the others become more accustomed to Mia's eccentricities.

Significant Themes

• Respect for the fallen: The cemetery serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by past graduates.
• Consequences of reckless behavior: Mia's actions at the gate anger Captain Gatt, highlighting the potential repercussions of her actions.

Character Interactions

• Mia's interaction with Captain Gatt demonstrates her disregard for rules and authority.
• Su Ming and the others follow Mia's lead, showing a mix of bewilderment and acceptance of her behavior.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter begins with Su Ming and his classmates arriving at the Imperial Court Academy's plaza, where they see three giant statues representing the founding Principals.
• They learn about the academy's dark history involving a schism and the destruction of two of the statues.
• Mia, their teacher, leads them for a group photo, during which she hugs Su Ming and reveals that the photos are memorial photos, implying the students might not survive their time at the academy.
• Mia appoints Su Ming as the class monitor and leaves, leaving Su Ming to lead the class.
• Su Ming follows Mecha Class 3, led by Teacher Opham, who explains that the photos are taken for a grim purpose: to honor students who sacrifice themselves.

Character Developments

• Su Ming: He becomes the class monitor unexpectedly and steps up to lead his classmates despite his initial confusion and reluctance.
• Mia: She continues to display her eccentric and unreliable behavior, leaving Su Ming to navigate their new environment.

Significant Themes

• Death and Sacrifice: The academy's history and the purpose of the photos foreshadow the grim reality of the students' future.
• Responsibility: Su Ming is thrust into a leadership role and must adapt to it.

Character Interactions

• Su Ming and Mia: Mia's casual appointment of Su Ming as class monitor and her revelation about the photos' purpose lead to a shift in their dynamic, with Su Ming now having to take on more responsibility.
• Su Ming and his classmates: Su Ming steps up to lead his classmates, and they accept his leadership without question, showing their trust in him despite the challenging situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Students visit the Imperial Court Academy's memorial park, viewing graduation photos and statues of heroes.
• They learn about students who were expelled or disgraced, their portraits scratched out from the photos.
• They encounter the Remnant Light Legion mourning their fallen comrades, learning about the heavy casualties they suffered in the Abyss of Perdition.
• They visit the graves of Tamk and Qingyin, First-Class Combat Heroes who died in the Faded Battle.

Character Developments

• Opham, the teacher, demonstrates professionalism and respect for the fallen, sternly reprimanding students who laugh inappropriately.
• Su Ming feels embarrassed about their teacher's absence but leads his classmates to follow Opham's group.

Significant Themes

• Respect for the fallen and the sacrifices made for the Federation.
• The harsh reality of war and the consequences of exploration into dangerous territories like the Abyss of Perdition.
• The importance of education and the weeding out of unqualified students.

Character Interactions

• Opham leads his class and interacts with Su Ming's class, showing concern for their well-being and ensuring they keep up.
• Su Ming and his classmates interact with Rhine, learning about the Remnant Light Legion's heavy casualties.
• Students discuss and ask questions about the information they're learning, demonstrating their curiosity and eagerness to understand.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Opham explains the history of the universe's political divisions: the Old Federation, the Dark Star Empire, and the Divine Kingdom of Apocalypse.
• The Lost Land, a lawless region, is briefly discussed.
• Su Ming and his classmates visit a statue of Haigesi, a legendary figure from before the era, known for his military prowess, ruling talent, and the ideal heavenly kingdom he created.

Character Developments

• Su Ming is shocked and silent upon seeing Haigesi's statue, hinting at personal knowledge or thoughts about the legend.
• Opham demonstrates professionalism and responsibility in explaining historical events.
• Students express curiosity, admiration, and skepticism about Haigesi's legend.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and political divisions in the universe.
• The influence of legends and their impact on people's beliefs and actions.
• The contrast between idealism and reality, as seen in Haigesi's legendary heavenly kingdom.

Character Interactions

• Opham interacts with his students, answering their questions and leading them to understand historical events better.
• Su Ming's silent reaction to Haigesi's statue contrasts with his classmates' discussions, hinting at a personal connection or understanding of the legend.
• Students discuss and share their opinions about Haigesi's legend, revealing their individual perspectives and beliefs.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Opham, the teacher, leads new students on a tour of the Imperial Court Academy, including the cemetery with an ancient statue.
• Opham discusses the statue's history and his personal disbelief in its significance.
• The students express mixed reactions to the statue's story.
• Opham introduces important academy buildings, including the canteen, teaching building, library, and dormitories.
• Students are informed that they can live off-campus if they prefer.
• Opham dismisses the students after the tour.

Character Developments

• Opham: Shows objectivity and patience in explaining the statue's history, despite his personal disbelief. He is responsible and informative in guiding the students.
• Su Ming: Shows curiosity and keen observation, noticing Opham's meaningful expression when mentioning off-campus housing. He accepts the reality of his dorm situation without complaint.

Significant Themes

• The passage of time and the enduring nature of the academy, symbolized by the ancient statue.
• The contrast between the academy's impressive facilities and the humble dormitories.
• The students' initial expectations and subsequent acceptance of their new environment.

Character Interactions

• Opham interacts with the students, answering their questions and providing information about the academy.
• Su Ming and his classmates discuss their dorm situation, expressing surprise and disappointment at the living conditions.
• The students react to the statue's story, with some finding it impressive and others dismissive.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Students are assigned to dorms, with Su Ming's bunk located next to the toilet in a 10-person room.
• Rhine reveals the high cost of off-campus housing, making students reconsider their options.
• Second-year students gather at the dorm entrance, offering to guide freshmen around the school for a fee.
• Su Ming hires Lin Fang, a second-year student with a birthmark on his face, for 500 Federal currency.
• Su Ming and Lin Fang have lunch together at the cafeteria, with Lin Fang ordering set meals for both of them.

Character Developments

• Su Ming: Shows practicality and adaptability in accepting his dorm situation. He's polite, considerate, and willing to help others, as seen in his decision to hire Lin Fang and treat him to lunch.
• Lin Fang: Initially disappointed and overlooked, Lin Fang shows resilience and gratitude when Su Ming hires him. He's knowledgeable about the school and willing to help a freshman.

Significant Themes

• Adaptability: Students must adapt to the less-than-ideal living conditions at Imperial Court Academy.
• Social Class: The high cost of off-campus housing highlights the wealth disparity among students.
• Kindness and Reciprocity: Su Ming's act of kindness towards Lin Fang is reciprocated through Lin Fang's willingness to help and share his knowledge.

Character Interactions

• Su Ming interacts with his dormmates, showing understanding and acceptance of their dissatisfaction with the dorms.
• Su Ming hires Lin Fang, leading to a friendly and informative lunch between them.
• Lin Fang interacts with other second-year students, showing a competitive yet supportive dynamic among them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Ming and Lin Fang discuss the cost of living and meals at Imperial Court Academy.
• Lin Fang shows Su Ming the school library, public training ground, and Mecha hangars.
• They discuss the importance of owning a private Mecha for students in the Mecha department.
• Lin Fang shares market prices for Mechas, revealing their high cost.
• They discuss the importance of raw materials, specifically Fine Iron, in Mecha manufacturing.

Character Developments

• Su Ming learns about the high cost of living and Mechas, showing surprise and understanding.
• Lin Fang demonstrates his knowledge about Mechas, their prices, and the importance of owning one, revealing his melancholy about his destroyed Second Generation Mecha.

Significant Themes

• The high cost of living and Mechas, reflecting the materialistic nature of the universe and the importance of wealth.
• The importance of owning a private Mecha for students in the Mecha department, highlighting the competitive nature of the academy and the military.

Character Interactions

• Su Ming and Lin Fang have a mentor-mentee relationship, with Lin Fang guiding Su Ming through the academy and sharing his knowledge.
• They engage in a conversation about the Mecha market, raw materials, and the importance of owning a private Mecha, showing mutual respect and understanding.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter discusses the scarcity and value of ores used in Mecha production, with Eternal Metal being the rarest and most expensive.
• Su Ming learns about various ways to make money in the academy, including accepting missions from the mission hall, joining clubs, and working part-time jobs.
• Su Ming transfers 10,000 Federal currency to Lin Fang as gratitude for his information.
• Su Ming decides he wants a Third Generation Mecha but is concerned about the high cost.

Character Developments

• Su Ming: He shows gratitude towards Lin Fang, expresses his desire for a Third Generation Mecha, and demonstrates his determination to work hard despite financial challenges.
• Lin Fang: He shares his experiences and advice with Su Ming, showing kindness and a desire to help.

Significant Themes

• Scarcity and Value: The rarity of ores and the high cost of Mechas emphasize the importance of money and resources in the academy and the broader universe.
• Hard Work and Determination: Both Su Ming and Lin Fang display a strong work ethic and determination to succeed despite obstacles.

Character Interactions

• Su Ming and Lin Fang: They have a friendly and helpful interaction, with Lin Fang providing valuable information and advice to Su Ming, and Su Ming showing gratitude by transferring money to Lin Fang.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Ming discovers the exorbitant price of Mecha, understanding the dispute between the Thirteenth District and Lovoske Interstellar Heavy Industry.
• He realizes the Su Family can produce Third Generation Mecha, costing three hundred million Federal currency.
• Su Ming decides to stay at the academy to familiarize himself with the environment and think about making money instead of asking his family for funds.
• Two days later, Su Ming is called back to the dorm by Rhine. Their classmates are anxious about their teacher, Mia, not starting classes while other classes have begun. They plan to confront Mia together.

Character Developments

• Su Ming shows determination and resourcefulness in finding a solution to his Mecha problem, displaying a willingness to work hard and not rely on his family.
• Rhine demonstrates leadership and initiative in organizing their classmates to address the issue with their teacher.

Significant Themes

• The importance of hard work and self-reliance, as seen in Su Ming's decision to make his own way instead of asking his family for money.
• The theme of competition and keeping up with peers, as seen in the classmates' anxiety about falling behind other classes.

Character Interactions

• Su Ming and Rhine work together to address the class's concerns about their teacher, showing a level of cooperation and mutual respect.
• The classmates come together to voice their concerns, demonstrating unity and shared goals.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Ming and his classmates visit their teacher, Mia, to request early review sessions.
• Mia, hungover and disheveled, refuses due to it being the holidays.
• Mia agrees to start teaching early if they bring her a bottle of pure grain-brewed alcohol.
• The classmates clean Mia's messy house while Rhine buys the expensive alcohol.

Character Developments

• Mia: Revealed to be an alcoholic, disinterested in teaching, and materialistic.
• Su Ming: Shows leadership and calm negotiation skills, willing to pay more for Mia's alcohol.
• Rhine: Initially reluctant, eventually complies with Su Ming's decision and buys the expensive alcohol.

Significant Themes

• The struggle of students to improve their education despite teacher apathy.
• The class monitor's responsibility and leadership in ensuring the class's academic progress.
• The power dynamics between students and teachers, and the students' willingness to compromise.

Character Interactions

• Su Ming and Mia: Su Ming tries to reason with Mia, while Mia manipulates the situation to her advantage.
• Rhine and Mia: Rhine is annoyed by Mia's demands but ultimately complies.
• The classmates: They work together to clean Mia's house and pool their money to buy the alcohol Mia demands.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mia agrees to teach Su Ming's class if they buy her a bottle of wine.
• Rhine challenges Mia's teaching qualifications, leading to a bet: if Rhine's group wins a Mecha fight, Mia will do as they ask; if they lose, they'll bring Mia wine to teach them.
• Mia leads the class to the Imperial Court Academy's arena for the Mecha fight.
• Mia introduces various Mechas, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages.

Character Developments

• Mia: Shows confidence in her teaching abilities and isn't afraid to challenge her students.
• Rhine: Becomes more assertive and stands up to Mia.
• Su Ming: Begins to find Mia's teaching methods interesting.

Significant Themes

• The importance of practical, hands-on learning.
• Mia's unconventional teaching methods and her belief in toughening her students.
• The role of Mechas in the Federation government and their different designs for various purposes.

Character Interactions

• Mia and Rhine: Their interactions are tense, with Rhine often challenging Mia, and Mia responding with confidence and indifference.
• Mia and Su Ming: Su Ming observes Mia with a thoughtful expression, beginning to appreciate her teaching methods.
• Mia and the class: Mia introduces Mechas in a concise, matter-of-fact manner, showing her expertise and lack of patience for unnecessary details.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mia challenges anyone to a fight, with Rhine, Angie, Elu, Zhang Yi, and Su Ming accepting.
• They choose their Mecha: Rhine takes Barbarian, Angie takes Iron Head, Elu takes Assassin, Zhang Yi takes Predator, and Su Ming takes Iron Cavalry.
• Mia chooses Charger and switches to a shorter metal sword. Su Ming switches to a metal spear.
• Rhine initiates the attack, drawing Mia's fire, while the others attempt to encircle her.
• Mia dodges and counterattacks, causing Rhine and Zhang Yi's Mecha to collide. Angie attacks next.

Character Developments

• Mia demonstrates her skill and agility in piloting her Mecha.
• Rhine shows impulsiveness and poor aim.
• Su Ming shows strategic thinking by observing Mia before attacking.

Significant Themes

• The importance of observation and strategy in combat.
• The value of teamwork and coordination in battle.

Character Interactions

• Mia provokes and mocks her opponents, showing confidence and skill.
• Rhine and Zhang Yi's Mecha collide due to poor coordination.
• Angie attacks after the others' failed attempts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mia, a skilled teacher, easily defeats Rhine and three other students in Mecha combat.
• Su Ming, the class monitor, challenges Mia, initially dropping his weapon but quickly adapts.
• Mia initially thinks Su Ming's skills are an illusion but realizes he's real after he injures her Mecha.
• Su Ming gains the upper hand briefly but can't land a decisive blow.
• Mia unlocks her Mecha's power limits and enters 'performance developer mode,' gaining a significant speed boost.
• Mia dodges Su Ming's attacks and stomps his Mecha down, then stops her sword just before the cockpit.
• Mia declares Su Ming the winner and ends the lesson.

Character Developments

• Mia: Initially underestimates Su Ming but becomes serious and angry when he proves to be a formidable opponent.
• Su Ming: Shows unexpected skill and adaptability in Mecha combat, impressing his classmates and even Mia.

Significant Themes

• Underestimation: Mia underestimates Su Ming initially and pays the price.
• Adaptability: Su Ming quickly adapts to the Iron Cavalry's controls and improves his skills throughout the fight.
• Power and Control: Mia unlocks her Mecha's full power, emphasizing the theme of control over one's abilities.

Character Interactions

• Mia and Su Ming: Their intense Mecha duel showcases their skills and leads to mutual respect.
• Classmates: They watch the fight in awe and disbelief, impressed by Su Ming's skills and Mia's power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mia discovers anomalies in Su Ming's City Exam results, leading her to watch his exam recording.
• She finds out that Su Ming discovered a Third Generation Mecha and killed a teammate (Gun Knight), which was why his Performance Points were zero.
• Mia decides to cultivate Su Ming, aiming to win the competition and prove herself to the Inner Academy.
• Mia announces to her class that she will start teaching them properly from the next day, surprising the students.

Character Developments

• Mia: She shows unexpected dedication to her students and a desire to prove herself, indicating a change in her attitude towards teaching.
• Su Ming: He demonstrates exceptional perception and combat skills during the City Exam, catching Mia's attention.
• Ivy: She remains rational and cautious, warning Mia about the potential consequences of cultivating Su Ming.

Significant Themes

• Talent vs. Virtue: Mia sees Su Ming as a "treasure" due to his talent, but Ivy reminds her that talent without virtue can be disastrous.
• Redemption and Second Chances: Mia gives Su Ming a chance to improve despite his past actions, suggesting that she believes in second chances.

Character Interactions

• Mia and Ivy: Their friendship is shown through their easy banter and Ivy's willingness to help Mia despite Mia's debt.
• Mia and her students: Mia's sudden change in attitude towards teaching surprises and excites her students, leading to renewed enthusiasm for learning.
• Su Ming and his classmates: The students discuss their defeat and Mia's lack of teaching, showing their frustration and desire for improvement.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mia wakes up Su Ming and his classmates at 5 AM, ordering them to carry heavy backpacks (50 lbs for boys, 30 lbs for girls) and march to the plantation, 30 km away.
• Su Ming leads the group, with Mia sitting on his backpack, adding extra weight.
• The journey takes over four hours. Su Ming and his classmates arrive at the plantation entrance, guarded by two "Brute" mechas and a squad of guards led by Fuka.

Character Developments

• Su Ming demonstrates exceptional endurance and determination, carrying Mia and his heavy backpack without complaint.
• Mia shows a personal grudge against Su Ming, sitting on his backpack for the entire journey, but also displays professionalism in recording students' data.

Significant Themes

• Physical fitness and endurance are crucial for mecha operators, even in a mecha-focused academy.
• Mia's personal grudge against Su Ming highlights the potential for favoritism and bias in authority figures.

Character Interactions

• Mia and Su Ming: Mia takes personal revenge on Su Ming by making him carry her to the plantation, while Su Ming endures without complaint.
• Mia and Fuka: Mia greets Fuka warmly, but Fuka is cold and dismissive, showing tension between them.
• Students: The students struggle with the heavy loads, with some complaining about the unexpected physical training.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Ming and his classmates, carrying backpacks filled with seeds, arrive at a vast plantation after exiting a passage.
• They meet Bao Yue, the plantation director, who pays Mia for the seeds they delivered.
• Mia reveals that the seeds they carried are Generation 1 and 2 seeds, which are less valuable than mother seeds, monopolized by the Vox Biological Interstellar Group Company.
• Mia shares that during the brief period of normal temperature on the Third Planet's surface, valuable mother plants can be found and collected.
• The class is tasked with returning to the academy, with Mia urging them to maintain their energy despite their exhaustion.

Character Developments

• Mia: Reveals herself to be more cunning and profit-driven, using her students as free labor to deliver seeds and make money. She also shares valuable information about mother plants and the Vox Company's monopoly.
• Su Ming: Shows leadership by taking the initiative to speed up the return to the academy, despite his exhaustion. He also demonstrates empathy by opening the window for ventilation due to the strong odor of sweat.

Significant Themes

• Exploitation and Monopoly: Mia's use of her students as free labor and the Vox Company's monopoly over mother plants highlight the themes of exploitation and unfair practices.
• Resistance and Survival: The plantation at the Imperial Court Academy represents resistance against the Vox Company's practices, and the students' struggle to complete their tasks despite their exhaustion symbolizes their determination to survive and thrive.

Character Interactions

• Mia and Bao Yue: They interact as acquaintances, with Bao Yue paying Mia for the seeds and asking about their manual delivery. Mia deceives Bao Yue about the reason for manual delivery.
• Mia and her class: Mia interacts with her students as a taskmaster, urging them to work harder despite their complaints and exhaustion. She also shares valuable information about mother plants and the Vox Company's practices.
• Su Ming and his classmates: They interact as a team, complaining about their exhaustion and Mia's treatment of them. They also share their thoughts and concerns about their situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mia finally gives a lecture to her students after seven days of forced physical labor.
• She teaches them about the classification of cosmic creature levels, from Type I to VI, and their corresponding strengths (Normal, Elite, General, Lord, Hero, Emperor).
• Mia shows images of various creatures, including the Blade Dragon, a V-Type Hero Class Mechanical Race monster.
• She emphasizes the importance of understanding enemy strength and not acting recklessly in battle.

Character Developments

• Rhine, who usually opposes Mia, shows understanding and respect for her teaching methods.
• Mia demonstrates professional knowledge and concern for her students' safety.

Significant Themes

• The importance of understanding one's limitations and the enemy's strength in battle.
• The vastness and diversity of the universe.

Character Interactions

• Rhine and Mia: Rhine shows respect for Mia's teaching, and Mia reprimands him for his reckless response.
• Mia and the students: Mia lectures the students about the dangers of underestimating enemies and the importance of understanding creature levels.
• Su Ming and the students: Su Ming shows understanding and patience towards Mia's teaching methods and the students' reactions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Students discuss the lack of information about weaker races and the importance of having a good Mecha for protection.
• Teacher Mia reveals that missions in the mission hall are extremely dangerous and meant for mature students.
• Mia gives each student a document to open only in their dorms, which turns out to contain classified military information on the back.
• Mia sneaks into the dormitory at night, wakes up the students, and leads them out secretly, asking them to wear silent shoe covers.

Character Developments

• Mia: Shows a serious and responsible side when discussing missions and reveals that she can be angry, contrasting with her usual laid-back demeanor. She demonstrates her stealth and secrecy when sneaking into the dormitory.
• Su Ming: Shows curiosity and obedience, following Mia's instructions without question. He also displays leadership by waking up and gathering his classmates.
• Rhine, Zhang Yi, and other students: Show excitement and curiosity about the classified documents and follow Mia's instructions, indicating their willingness to participate in secret activities.

Significant Themes

• Secrecy and Classified Information: The revelation of classified documents hidden in the ordinary-looking materials highlights the theme of secrecy and the importance of hidden information.
• Mentorship and Guidance: Mia's actions, despite being unconventional, show her role as a mentor, guiding her students through unusual methods.
• Trust and Obedience: The students follow Mia's instructions without question, demonstrating their trust in her and their willingness to obey her guidance.

Character Interactions

• Mia and Su Ming: Mia treats Su Ming as a reliable helper, entrusting him with waking up and gathering their classmates. Su Ming, in turn, follows Mia's instructions without hesitation.
• Students among themselves: The students interact with each other, discussing the documents and Mia's actions, showing camaraderie and shared curiosity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mia leads Su Ming and their classmates to a restricted area of the Imperial Court Academy's central training building.
• They enter a peculiar training room with cylindrical pools filled with a viscous green liquid.
• Mia instructs them to hold their breath in the pools, with Su Ming lasting the longest.

Character Developments

• Mia: Reveals a more daring and mysterious side, leading the class to a restricted area and pushing Su Ming's limits.
• Su Ming: Demonstrates exceptional lung capacity and endurance, holding his breath for over 20 minutes.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Obedience: Mia's students follow her despite her mysterious and potentially dangerous actions, showing trust in her as their teacher.
• Physical Pushing Limits: The training session emphasizes pushing physical limits, with Su Ming's exceptional performance highlighting his potential.

Character Interactions

• Mia and Su Ming: Mia pushes Su Ming's limits, forcing him to hold his breath longer than he initially thought possible.
• Classmates: The classmates show concern for Su Ming's safety, with Rhine attempting to intervene but being deterred by Mia's stern warning.