Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Felt is presented with various paths for her future by Lian Ye, including joining the Royal Selection, which she initially refuses due to her disdain for politics and her past experiences.
• Lian Ye persuades Felt to participate in the Royal Selection, revealing that he believes in her unique charm and potential.
• Felt agrees to participate in the Royal Selection after a brief internal struggle, expressing her determination to defeat the other candidates (except Emilia).
• The Conviction official acknowledges Felt's participation, and the Royal Selection officially begins.

Character Developments

• Felt: Struggles with her past and the prospect of participating in the Royal Selection, ultimately deciding to join after Lian Ye's persuasion.
• Lian Ye: Shows his belief in Felt's potential and his desire to protect her, despite his mischievous and perverse nature.
• The Conviction Official: Shows understanding and acceptance of Felt's past and her decision to participate in the Royal Selection.

Significant Themes

• Overcoming past struggles and making amends (Felt's journey and the Conviction's recognition of their past mistakes).
• Belief in one's potential and the support of others (Lian Ye's faith in Felt).
• The importance of determination and resolve (Felt's decision to participate in the Royal Selection).

Character Interactions

• Felt and Lian Ye: Their interaction reveals Lian Ye's protective nature towards Felt, despite his mischievous behavior, and Felt's internal struggle and eventual determination.
• Felt and the Conviction Official: The official shows understanding and acceptance of Felt's past, acknowledging her participation in the Royal Selection without judgment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Crusch Karsten, a candidate for the Royal Selection, surprises everyone by announcing her intention to break off the alliance with the Dragon Family and disrupt the current political structure.
• Lian Ye observes the Royal Selection Candidates and believes that two of them are most likely connected to his master.
• Lian Ye reveals that he was involved in an incident a month ago where 'Gut Hunter' Elsa Glitter attempted to assassinate Emilia, another Royal Selection Candidate.
• Reinhard deduces that Anastasia Hoshin, the president of the merchant guild, is likely behind the assassination attempt.

Character Developments

• Crusch Karsten shows unexpected ambition and willingness to challenge the status quo.
• Lian Ye demonstrates his observant nature and willingness to protect Emilia.
• Reinhard shows his intelligence and deductive skills in figuring out the likely mastermind behind the assassination attempt.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and power dynamics in the Royal Selection.
• The consequences of political maneuvering and intrigue.
• The theme of protection and loyalty, as shown by Lian Ye's actions.

Character Interactions

• Crusch Karsten's speech challenges the expectations of the audience and her peers.
• Lian Ye and Reinhard discuss the assassination attempt, showing their personal friendship and trust.
• The conversation between Lian Ye and Reinhard hints at a larger political web involving the Royal Selection Candidates.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The possibility of Anastasia hiring the 'Gut Hunter' to hinder or kill Emilia is discussed.
• Lian Ye expresses dislike for Julius, suspecting him as the mastermind behind the assassination attempt on Emilia.
• Emilia's Royal Selection begins. She walks towards the center of the Throne Hall amidst whispers of disapproval due to her half-demon heritage.

Character Developments

• Lian Ye's favorable impression of Anastasia drops significantly due to the potential involvement in the assassination attempt.
• Emilia shows anxiety and determination as she starts her Royal Selection, revealing her sensitivity to others' opinions.
• Reinhard demonstrates his loyalty and support towards Emilia.

Significant Themes

• Prejudice and discrimination against half-demons, represented by Emilia's treatment.
• The power of one's character over rumors and gossip.
• The contrast between Lian Ye and Reinhard's indifference to public opinion and Emilia's sensitivity to it.

Character Interactions

• Lian Ye and Reinhard discuss their dislike for Julius, with Lian Ye expressing a desire to 'rough him up' due to his suspected involvement in the assassination attempt.
• Reinhard offers words of comfort to Emilia as she faces disapproval from the crowd.
• Emilia introduces herself to the 'Conviction' with grace and poise, despite the hostile atmosphere.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Emilia introduces herself to the Conviction, with Roswaal providing her background.
• An elder from the Conviction expresses disgust at Emilia's half-elf heritage, causing tension.
• Roswaal argues that Emilia's participation in the Royal Selection is a formality, and she's merely a candidate.
• Lian Ye agrees with Roswaal, thinking Emilia's pursuit of the throne is futile and meaningless.

Character Developments

• Emilia remains calm and composed despite the insults, showing resilience and strength.
• Roswaal reveals his pragmatic view of Emilia's chances in the Royal Selection.
• Lian Ye expresses his disapproval of Emilia's goal but doesn't want to hinder her progress.

Significant Themes

• Discrimination and prejudice against half-elves.
• The weight of expectations and predetermined outcomes in the Royal Selection.
• Emilia's resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Character Interactions

• Emilia and Roswaal: Roswaal introduces Emilia but also reveals his lack of confidence in her chances.
• Emilia and Lian Ye: Lian Ye agrees with Roswaal's assessment, showing his concern for Emilia's well-being.
• Emilia and the Conviction elder: The elder expresses his disdain for Emilia, highlighting the prejudice against half-elves.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Emilia requests fair treatment in the Royal Selection, despite her similarities to the Witch.
• She refuses to use her power unjustly and asks to be seen as an equal candidate.
• The 'Conviction' recognizes her right to participate fairly, and the Royal Selection rules are announced.

Character Developments

• Emilia: Shows determination, sincerity, and idealism in her pursuit of the Throne.
• Lian Ye: Maintains his pragmatic view of politics but supports Emilia's ideals.

Significant Themes

• Fairness and equality in the Royal Selection.
• The contrast between idealism and pragmatism in politics.
• Emilia's struggle against prejudice.

Character Interactions

• Emilia and the 'Conviction': Emilia pleads for fair treatment, and the 'Conviction' recognizes her right to participate.
• Lian Ye and Emilia: Lian Ye supports Emilia's ideals but remains pragmatic about her chances of winning the Royal Selection.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Several days after the Royal Selection announcement, Emilia prepares to return to the Mezas territory.
• Lian Ye won't accompany her due to the Astrea Family's territory being in a different place.
• Felt is unexpectedly thrust into the Royal Selection venue at the last moment.
• Lian Ye decides to escort Felt to the Astrea territory before continuing to Roswaal Mansion.
• Emilia boards the Dragon Carriage, expressing no resentment towards Lian Ye for arranging Felt's participation.

Character Developments

• Emilia shows understanding and fairness, accepting Felt's participation in the Royal Selection.
• Lian Ye displays a sense of responsibility, deciding to help Felt despite his mischievous actions.
• Roswaal welcomes Lian Ye to stay at the mansion, acknowledging his worth despite his 'freeloading.'

Significant Themes

• Fairness and understanding, as shown by Emilia's acceptance of Felt's participation.
• Responsibility and accountability, demonstrated by Lian Ye's decision to help Felt.
• Hospitality and acceptance, exhibited by Roswaal's invitation to Lian Ye.

Character Interactions

• Emilia and Lian Ye: Emilia shows understanding towards Lian Ye's actions, while Lian Ye feels responsible for Felt's situation.
• Lian Ye and Felt: Lian Ye decides to escort Felt to the Astrea territory, showing care for her well-being.
• Roswaal and Lian Ye: Roswaal welcomes Lian Ye to stay at the mansion, acknowledging his contributions and potential future help.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Felt and Lian Ye depart for the Astrea territory in a Dragon Carriage pulled by Earth Dragons.
• Reinhard has already returned to the Astrea territory to prepare for Felt's entry into the Royal Selection.
• The chapter introduces the 'Earth Dragon Faction,' a group hoping for the male protagonist to end up with an Earth Dragon.

Character Developments

• Felt expresses her discomfort and lack of knowledge about handling state affairs, despite participating in the Royal Selection.
• Felt feels no excitement about being a descendant of the previous royal family due to their extinction.
• Felt displays a temperamental side, pouting about leaving the Royal Capital.
• Rem shows efficiency and reliability in preparing the Dragon Carriage and Earth Dragon.

Significant Themes

• Felt's reluctance and lack of preparation for the Royal Selection.
• The 'Earth Dragon Faction' introduces the theme of loyalty and affection towards Earth Dragons.

Character Interactions

• Felt interacts with Lian Ye, expressing her displeasure at being forced into the Royal Selection.
• Felt and Lian Ye discuss the necessity of returning to their territories for preparations.
• Rem interacts with Felt and Lian Ye, showing professionalism and efficiency in her role.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lian Ye goes outside the carriage to get some fresh air, joining the driver, Rem.
• Rem reveals she hasn't interacted much with Lian Ye due to her timid nature and being overshadowed by her sister, Ram.
• Lian Ye notices Rem's prominent assets, despite her plain appearance.

Character Developments

• Lian Ye shows consideration and kindness towards Rem, valuing her contributions.
• Rem expresses her gratitude and admiration for Lian Ye, revealing her feelings towards him.
• Ram is shown to be capable and protective of her sister, despite her sharp tongue.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between Ram's outgoing, sharp-tongued personality and Rem's timid, gentle nature.
• The value of small contributions and the importance of recognizing them.
• The bond between sisters and their willingness to protect each other.

Character Interactions

• Lian Ye and Rem have a heart-to-heart conversation, with Rem opening up about her feelings.
• Lian Ye praises Ram's capabilities, highlighting her growth and importance.
• Rem expresses her contentment in helping Lian Ye, showing her dedication and loyalty.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Rem's incompetence as a maid is highlighted, leading to a discussion about her overconfidence in her sister Ram.
• Lian Ye discovers Rem's hidden guilt and self-loathing regarding Ram's horn breaking during the Crimson Lotus Night.
• Rem confesses that she felt secretly pleased when Ram's horn broke, tormenting her ever since.
• Lian Ye reveals his preference for the 'sister complex' attribute over the 'sister' attribute.

Character Developments

• Rem: Struggles with self-confidence issues and guilt due to her complex feelings about Ram's horn breaking.
• Lian Ye: Shows empathy and understanding towards Rem's situation, revealing his personal preferences.

Significant Themes

• Sister complex vs. sister attribute: A light-hearted discussion on personal preferences in anime and manga.
• Guilt and self-loathing: Rem's internal struggle with her hidden feelings and their consequences.
• Empathy and understanding: Lian Ye's ability to connect with Rem's emotions and provide comfort.

Character Interactions

• Rem and Lian Ye: Rem opens up to Lian Ye about her guilt, and he responds with understanding and acceptance.
• Rem's internal struggle: Rem grapples with her complex feelings about Ram's horn breaking, revealing her true thoughts to Lian Ye.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lian Ye expresses his belief in having a "perfect" sister like Rem, displaying a "sister complex."
• Rem praises her sister Ram excessively, leading Lian Ye to question her intentions.
• Lian Ye shares his experiences with Ram, revealing her violent and neurotic nature despite her resolve to protect Rem.
• Lian Ye points out Rem's strengths and encourages her to accept her own worth, comparing her favorably to Ram.
• Lian Ye consoles Rem, helping her overcome her guilt and self-blame towards Ram.

Character Developments

• Lian Ye: Exhibits a "sister complex" and uses his experiences to help Rem overcome her self-doubt.
• Rem: Struggles with self-deprecation and guilt but begins to accept her own worth and strengths.

Significant Themes

• Self-acceptance: Rem learns to appreciate her own qualities and stop comparing herself to Ram.
• Guilt and atonement: Rem grapples with her feelings of guilt towards Ram and begins to let go of her self-blame.
• Sisterly bond: The complex relationship between Rem and Ram is explored, with Lian Ye's insights providing a new perspective.

Character Interactions

• Lian Ye and Rem: Lian Ye uses his experiences with Ram and his understanding of Rem's situation to help her overcome her self-doubt and guilt.
• Rem and Ram (implied): The sisters' relationship is explored through Rem's self-deprecation and Lian Ye's insights, with Ram's absence allowing Lian Ye to share his honest opinions about her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Felt (Rem) is absolved of her guilt by Lian Ye and another character, allowing her to move forward.
• Lian Ye reveals his preference for girls with long black hair, possibly stemming from his 'sister-complex' inclinations.
• Lian Ye reflects on his complicated relationship with his older sister, feeling helpless and lonely.

Character Developments

• Rem: Overcomes her self-blame and guilt, regaining her spirited demeanor.
• Lian Ye: Struggles with his own complicated family situation, but remains resilient and focused on finding solutions.

Significant Themes

• Sisterly love and affection.
• The complexity of family relationships.
• Overcoming guilt and moving forward.

Character Interactions

• Rem and Lian Ye: Lian Ye helps Rem overcome her guilt, and Rem comforts Lian Ye when he's lost in thought.
• Lian Ye and his older sister: Lian Ye reflects on his complicated relationship with his sister, feeling helpless and lonely.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Rem asks Lian Ye if she can call him 'Onii-chan' (brother), marking a shift in their relationship.
• Lian Ye returns to Summoner's Rift after temporarily leaving the 'Re:Zero' alternate world to participate in the Royal Selection.

Character Developments

• Rem shows emotional growth by expressing her affection towards Lian Ye and initiating a familial term of address.
• Lian Ye demonstrates understanding and acceptance of Rem's feelings, reciprocating her affection.

Significant Themes

• Family and found family: Rem's use of 'Onii-chan' highlights the importance of familial bonds and the creation of a new family within the story.
• Time and its manipulation: Lian Ye's ability to temporarily leave and return to the 'Re:Zero' world emphasizes the theme of time and its control.

Character Interactions

• Rem and Lian Ye: Their interaction showcases a deepening of their relationship, with Rem expressing her affection and Lian Ye accepting it.
• Felt and Lian Ye: Felt's brief appearance and interaction with Lian Ye highlight her jealousy and unwillingness to accept a similar familial term from him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lian Ye, after completing his mission as the 'Guardian of Time', receives a reward: a Project Limited Edition Hextech Chest.
• The chest contains a reward related to Lian Ye's secondary Hero ability, 'The Unrivaled Sword Saint', instead of 'Guardian of Time'.
• Lian Ye decides to open the chest to see his reward.

Character Developments

• Lian Ye acknowledges his slight sister complex and wants to reunite with her.
• He realizes that he hasn't brought back any new Heroes from his travels, despite his initial goal.
• Lian Ye is eager to unlock more system permissions and return to his own world.

Significant Themes

• The importance of determination in achieving one's goals, whether in games or real life.
• The blend of technology and magic in the world of League of Legends.
• The concept of 'guarding' and its completion, as seen in Lian Ye's mission.

Character Interactions

• Lian Ye interacts with his thoughts and memories, reflecting on his journey and goals.
• There's no direct interaction with other characters in this chapter, as Lian Ye is alone in his thoughts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lian Ye opens a Hextech Chest and obtains a 'Fragmented Memory Sample' instead of a valuable item.
• The memory sample is a chaotic mass resembling a brain, originating from an unknown hero who participated in Project.
• Lian Ye decides to accept the memory sample, believing it to be just data streams.

Character Developments

• Lian Ye remains confident and pragmatic in his approach to using hero abilities and accepting the memory sample.
• He acknowledges the potential risk of experiencing a mental split due to the influence of multiple hero wills.

Significant Themes

• Uncertainty and luck in rewards and outcomes (e.g., opening chests, obtaining items).
• The distinction between using hero abilities as data manipulation versus simulating and inheriting abilities themselves.
• The potential consequences of merging with multiple hero wills on Lian Ye's identity as a Summoner.

Character Interactions

• No significant character interactions occur in this chapter, as Lian Ye is the only character present.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lian Ye inherits memories from "Master Yi" but finds himself in an unfamiliar cyberpunk world, unlike any existing in the League of Legends universe.
• He completes the "Guardian of Time" hero mission and receives a reward, "Project Overdrive," which initiates a mission to extract related worldviews.
• The system selects "Sword Art Online (SAO)" as the related world, which Lian Ye decides to explore first.
• Lian Ye chooses to directly link and invade the virtual world of "Aincrad" instead of entering the real world of SAO.

Character Developments

• Lian Ye shows adaptability and acceptance of new worlds, even if they don't perfectly match his abilities.
• He demonstrates strategic thinking in choosing worlds that minimize dissonance between his abilities and the world's combat style.

Significant Themes

• The compatibility of Lian Ye's abilities with the worlds he enters is a crucial theme, affecting his strategy and adaptability.
• The concept of "dissonance" between abilities and worldviews is explored, highlighting the importance of matching one's strengths to the environment.

Character Interactions

• Lian Ye interacts with the system, which provides information and guides him through the process of world selection and entry.
• Although not present in this chapter, Lian Ye's potential interactions with SAO characters are hinted at, setting the stage for future developments.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lian Ye, using 'Project' black technology, hacks into 'SAO' (Sword Art Online), gaining semi-GM abilities.
• He appears outside 'Aincrad', the colossal floating castle, and decides to challenge the game's 100th floor.
• Lian Ye enters 'Aincrad' just after the server's opening and encounters a red-haired player, Klein, struggling against a level-1 monster.

Character Developments

• Lian Ye: Shows anticipation and joy for the game, uses his hacking skills to gain advantages but respects the game's playability.
• Klein: A new player struggling with basic monster combat, eager to learn and improve.

Significant Themes

• Respect for the game's integrity despite having advantages.
• Learning and growth through challenges.

Character Interactions

• Lian Ye (as Kiriko) meets Klein and offers guidance in combat, marking the beginning of their in-game partnership.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kiriko, an experienced player from the game's closed beta, is teaching combat to Klein, a novice.
• They encounter low-level monsters (wild boars) which Klein defeats dramatically, thinking they're high-level bosses.
• A humanoid, black-armored boss monster appears on the beginner's battlefield, contrary to Kiriko's expectations.
• Klein suggests triggering the boss, hoping for high-level loot, but Kiriko warns him about their current level disadvantage.

Character Developments

• Kiriko: Proven wrong about the boss monster's appearance, he remains calm and strategic. He understands the value of learning from failures and is willing to attempt the boss fight despite the risks.
• Klein: Excited and eager to fight the boss, he shows confidence in Kiriko's abilities and is open about his lack of skills, displaying a mix of enthusiasm and humility.

Significant Themes

• Game Mastery: Kiriko's understanding of game mechanics, boss patterns, and the value of learning from failures highlights the theme of becoming a skilled player.
• Teamwork: The dynamic between Kiriko and Klein showcases how teamwork and mutual respect can overcome challenges in the game.

Character Interactions

• Kiriko and Klein's interaction is friendly yet competitive, with Klein looking up to Kiriko's experience while also being eager to prove himself.
• Kiriko's calm and strategic approach contrasts with Klein's excitement, creating a balanced dynamic between the two characters.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lian Ye, a beta tester, attempts to defeat a BOSS with confidence.
• Kiriko and Klein approach the BOSS, agreeing that its defeat is more important than their lives.
• Lian Ye discovers that his character's appearance and equipment have been altered from the original 'SAO' data.
• He realizes that his armor is 'Project: Fire' instead of the expected 'Project: Forest', and panics about potential changes to his character's lower body data.

Character Developments

• Lian Ye: Initially confident, he becomes panicked and horrified upon realizing the changes to his character's appearance and potential lower body data.
• Kiriko and Klein: They show determination and prioritize defeating the BOSS over their own safety.

Significant Themes

• The impact of technology on virtual reality gaming.
• The unexpected nature of virtual reality experiences.
• The importance of character customization and identity in online games.

Character Interactions

• Lian Ye's internal monologue reveals his thoughts and fears about his character's changes.
• Kiriko and Klein's interaction shows their determination and teamwork in facing the BOSS.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lian Ye, an online gamer, checks his character's gender and finds relief that he's still male.
• He reflects on the controversy surrounding sexual functionality in virtual reality games, particularly in SAO.
• Lian Ye obtains powerful abilities and armor from 'Project: Fire' due to a data attack from SAO.
• Kiriko and Klein attempt to tackle a powerful BOSS but fail, with Klein getting knocked out in one hit.

Character Developments

• Lian Ye: Shows relief and gratitude for maintaining his male character, demonstrating his commitment to his online identity.
• Kiriko: Displays strategic thinking and leadership by commanding Klein during the BOSS battle.
• Klein: Shows inexperience and flusteredness during the BOSS battle but follows Kiriko's commands.

Significant Themes

• The impact of virtual reality on identity and psychology (Lian Ye's fear of being 'feminized').
• The challenges and rewards of teamwork and cooperation (Kiriko and Klein's attempt to tackle the BOSS).

Character Interactions

• Lian Ye (in his thoughts): Reflects on his experiences and the controversies surrounding virtual reality games.
• Kiriko and Klein: Work together to tackle a powerful BOSS, with Kiriko taking the lead and Klein following her commands.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter introduces 'Sword Art Online' (SAO), a game that relies solely on sword skills, cancelling traditional RPG magic systems.
• Kiriko, an internal test player, attempts to defeat a BOSS monster with a two-person party in 'Aincrad,' the initial monster spawning ground.
• Despite his confidence, Kiriko's attack is perfectly guarded by the BOSS, dealing significant damage and nearly killing him.
• The BOSS sheathes its sword and stops attacking, bewildering Kiriko and Klein.

Character Developments

• Kiriko, initially overconfident due to his beta tester status, experiences a near-death encounter, challenging his gaming expertise.
• Klein, though knocked away, shows resilience and bewilderment at the BOSS's sudden halt in attack.

Significant Themes

• The importance of skill and strategy in SAO, as Kiriko's overconfidence leads to near-death.
• The unpredictability of AI in the game, as the BOSS's behavior deviates from standard expectations.

Character Interactions

• Kiriko and Klein form a party to take on the BOSS, with Kiriko leading the attack.
• Kiriko's near-death experience leads to a moment of shared bewilderment with Klein.