Ch. 181"Sun"
Key Plot Points and Events
- Yug's steam car doesn't receive a score due to its extraordinary speed.
- The artisans, including Master Artisan Gerb, summon Yug and Ethan to the Artisan Hall.
- Ethan reveals that he gained 'Inspiration' from discussing Steam Technology with Yug.
- Ethan proposes a hypothesis about 'Inspiration' being a form of communication with the Lord of Tides.
- Gerb suggests that the castle itself might be the device Ethan is referring to.
- Ethan enters a trance-like state, perceiving the entire castle and sensing Gray-Lid's presence.
- He ascends to a throne in the sky, where he encounters a dark shadow and an empty suit of armor.
- The armor, a 'proctor', judges the dark shadow as a cheater and is about to reward Ethan.
- Ethan opens a portal and returns to the Artisan Hall, revealing he found a piece of Power Armor as treasure.
Character Developments
- Yug: His assignment is deemed extraordinary, and he receives special attention from the artisans.
- Ethan: He gains 'Inspiration' from Yug, proposes a hypothesis about 'Inspiration', and discovers a piece of Power Armor.
- Gerb: He acknowledges Ethan's ideas and suggests the castle might be the device Ethan is referring to.
- Gray-Lid: He is secretly watching the artisans' meeting, accompanied by a dark shadow. He collapses after Ethan's return.
Significant Themes
- 'Inspiration': The artisans' source of knowledge and creativity, which Ethan tries to understand and explain.
- The Lord of Tides: The legendary craftsman who founded the Ingenuity Brotherhood and built the mechanical castle. His knowledge and legacy are sought after by the artisans.
- Cheating: The dark shadow is judged as a cheater by the armor on the throne, highlighting the importance of fairness and honesty in the artisans' world.
Character Interactions
- Ethan and Gerb: They discuss Ethan's hypothesis about 'Inspiration', with Gerb showing respect for Ethan's ideas.
- Ethan and the dark shadow: Ethan perceives the dark shadow's thoughts and future, leading to its judgment and demise by the armor on the throne.
- Ethan and the armor: The armor, acting as a 'proctor', is about to reward Ethan but is stopped when Ethan decides to help the Lord of Tides fulfill one wish.