Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Expeditionary Fleets of the Commonwealth and the Empire reach the Devil's Throat star system, where the Raiders' main force is concentrated.
• A heavily fortified pass is discovered, believed to be an Enlightener Legacy.
• The Empire launches a probing attack, resulting in significant losses due to an unknown weapon.
• The battle ends inconclusively, with both sides assessing the enemy's strength and defenses.

Character Developments

• General Conneris displays calm and collected demeanor, focusing on communication and strategy.
• King Suluka Brunhild demonstrates tactical prowess and bravery, ordering a timely retreat to minimize losses.
• Yang Xiyi, a technocrat, observes and analyzes the situation, remaining silent but critical of the Chief of Staff's decisions.

Significant Themes

• The power and legacy of the ancient Enlighteners.
• The strategic importance of the Devil's Throat star system.
• The consequences of poor communication and reconnaissance.

Character Interactions

• General Conneris reprimands Brigadier General Naion for the loss of Marines.
• Major General Parker blames Brigadier General Naion for poor reconnaissance.
• Yang Xiyi silently observes and critiques the interactions between the high-ranking officials.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The expeditionary force attempts to conquer ten Sky Pillar Fortresses, the largest and most powerful fortresses built by the Galactic Empire.
• Prince Charon Scarletmane of the Kaitai Kingdom leads a charge with small to medium warships, suffering heavy losses but managing to board the fortress.
• The first general offensive lasts for 40 hours, with significant casualties on both sides, including the loss of the Time Dragon Titan ship.
• The attackers withdraw after realizing the fortress's strength, planning to regroup and prepare for another assault.

Character Developments

• Prince Charon Scarletmane demonstrates bravery and loyalty, leading a suicidal charge and later kneeling before King Solen.
• King Solen shows strategic thinking and calmness, accepting the reality of the failed assault and ordering a withdrawal.
• Countess Giafiel demonstrates strategic insight, advising King Suluka to plan carefully.

Significant Themes

• The power and resilience of ancient fortresses.
• The importance of strategic planning and adaptability in warfare.
• The political manipulation of history and collective memory.

Character Interactions

• Prince Charon Scarletmane and King Solen: The prince's loyalty and bravery impress King Solen, who orders a banquet in their honor.
• King Solen and Brunhild: They discuss the historical context of the fortress and the potential spoils of war.
• King Solen and the generals: King Solen uses rhetoric to motivate the generals, comparing the fortress to the legacy of the Enlighteners and the Spirit of the Universe.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Imperial fleet discovers that the fortress has mature technology to shield Gravity Well signals.
• King Solen, a Senior Engineer, becomes determined to capture the fortress for the Empire.
• The Earth fleet, led by Queen Suluka, presents a new tactical plan to attack the fortress's support systems on nearby planets.
• The Earth fleet plans a surprise landing operation on two dwarf planets to seize or destroy the Raiders' Gravity Well shielding devices.

Character Developments

• King Solen: Shows his engineering background and determination to capture the fortress for the Empire's advantage.
• Queen Suluka: Demonstrates diplomatic skills and sincerity in her communication with the Earth fleet, while also showing strategic thinking.
• Yang Xiyi: Presents a different interpretation of the Earth fleet's tactical plan, showing strategic insight and military consideration.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for hegemony between the Galactic Empire and the Alliance.
• The pursuit of advanced technology from the Enlighteners' Legacy.
• The importance of strategic planning and adaptability in warfare.

Character Interactions

• King Solen interacts with his adjutant and scientific officers, showing confidence in his decisions and appreciation for his subordinates' efforts.
• Queen Suluka interacts with General Conneris and Lieutenant General Tiventon, demonstrating diplomatic skills and seeking their cooperation.
• Yang Xiyi interacts with Lieutenant General Tiventon and General Conneris, showing strategic insight and disagreement with the current tactical plan.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Commonwealth plans a risky operation to invade Devil's Throat A1 Planet.
• Major General Yang Xiyi expresses concern about the operation's risks and potential consequences.
• The 11th Marine Division, led by Brigadier General Naion, lands on the dwarf planet with support from Major General Parker's fleet.
• The Marines encounter and defeat troll forces, discovering a map leading to the Raiders' base.
• Brigadier General Wu Song leads a team of psionics towards the suspected location of the shielding field diffuser.

Character Developments

• Major General Yang Xiyi demonstrates strategic thinking and concern for soldiers' lives.
• Lieutenant General Tiventon and General Conneris reveal their cautious and calculated approach to the war.
• Brigadier General Wu Song shows confidence and strategic insight, though he is not well-liked by all his colleagues.
• Brigadier General Naion, despite being a capable commander, is submissive to Wu Song due to political reasons.

Significant Themes

• The risks and consequences of military strategies.
• The tension between different factions within the Commonwealth military (Martial Faction vs. Academy Faction).
• The role of psionics in warfare and their relationship with ordinary soldiers.
• The harsh environment of the dwarf planet and its impact on both sides.

Character Interactions

• Yang Xiyi clashes with Lieutenant General Tiventon and General Conneris over the invasion strategy.
• Wu Song and Naion have a tense dynamic due to Wu Song's political backing and Naion's submissive nature.
• Psionics within Wu Song's team discuss their roles and the leadership of Wu Song, expressing concerns about his style compared to Officer Yu Lian.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Mysanda Trolls ambush the 11th Division, leading to close-quarters combat.
• The enemy reveals hidden artillery positions, causing heavy casualties among the 11th Division.
• Colonel Chaimen leads a psionic tactical unit to counterattack and destroy a hidden artillery position.
• The 11th Division is forced to retreat after suffering heavy losses.
• General Conneris, enraged by the 11th Division's defeat, orders Brigadier General Naiyong's arrest.

Character Developments

• Colonel Chaimen shows strategic thinking and bravery in leading his psionic team to destroy the enemy's hidden artillery position.
• Brigadier General Naiyong's incompetence as a commander is exposed, leading to his arrest.
• General Conneris demonstrates ruthlessness in maintaining military discipline, ordering the arrest of a high-ranking officer.
• Brigadier General Wu Song, though not directly mentioned in this chapter, is presumed to be alive.

Significant Themes

• The importance of reconnaissance and preparation in warfare.
• The harsh reality of military discipline and the consequences of failure.
• The value of psionics in combat and their role in turning the tide of battle.

Character Interactions

• Colonel Chaimen and his psionic team work together to destroy the enemy's hidden artillery position.
• General Conneris and Lieutenant General Tiventon clash over the blame for the 11th Division's defeat.
• Brigadier General Naiyong pleads for mercy from General Conneris, mentioning his past meritorious service and his support for Acting President Maria Manson.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Xiyi, known for his calm demeanor, demands justice for Brigadier General Naion's punishment, implying that Wu Song should also face consequences for his unit's disarray.
• General Conneris, the fleet commander, agrees to Yang Xiyi's suggestion and suspends Wu Song indefinitely while placing Naion under restriction.
• The fleet rescues nearly five thousand soldiers from Planet A1, including six injured psionics, with Colonel Chaimen gravely wounded.
• Major Perich reports discovering an Enlightener ruin on Planet A1, which housed the enemy's command center.
• Yang Xiyi corners General Conneris, expressing his disapproval of the battle's outcome and the commander's perspective on victory.

Character Developments

• Yang Xiyi demonstrates his strategic prowess and commitment to justice, challenging General Conneris' decisions.
• General Conneris shows political acumen, shifting his stance to maintain his role as a fair arbiter and leader.
• Major Perich shows resilience and clear thinking despite his serious injuries.
• Yu Lian, now a general, demonstrates his strategic thinking and negotiation skills in dealing with the observation group.

Significant Themes

• The value and treatment of psionics in the military and society.
• The political maneuvering and leadership styles of high-ranking officers.
• The importance of reconnaissance and intelligence gathering in military strategy.

Character Interactions

• Yang Xiyi and General Conneris: Yang challenges Conneris' decisions, while Conneris attempts to maintain his leadership and political standing.
• Yang Xiyi and Major General Malowen: They work together to analyze the situation on Planet A1 and discuss the implications of the Enlightener ruins.
• Yu Lian and John Peckle: Yu Lian uses his knowledge of psionics and the situation to negotiate with Peckle and the observation group, demonstrating his strategic thinking and communication skills.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An Ero warship, disguised as a merchant freighter, attempts to infiltrate New Lushun Starport.
• Yu Lian, a Fifth Ring psionics, intercepts and boards the ship, killing all but three crew members.
• The ship's captain, a human, is captured and interrogated.
• The ship is destroyed to prevent any further threat.

Character Developments

• Yu Lian demonstrates his psionic abilities and strategic thinking, earning respect from the observation group.
• The human Raider captain, Emoc Talalan, shows resilience and fanaticism in his beliefs, even in captivity.
• Yu Lian expresses his disdain for political pretense but acknowledges its necessity.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for independence and freedom, echoed by both the Raiders and the Commonwealth.
• The necessity of political maneuvering and pretense in war and diplomacy.
• The ruthlessness and determination of the Raiders, even in the face of certain defeat.

Character Interactions

• Yu Lian interacts with the observation group, demonstrating his political acumen and earning their respect.
• Yu Lian and Fei Fei discuss the captured Raider captain, revealing their shared perspective on the conflict.
• Yu Lian and the human Raider captain engage in a tense, philosophical conversation about their respective causes.

Plot Points and Events

• The attack on July 30th ends with no significant progress.
• News of a tragic defeat at the Devil's Throat star system reaches New Lushun on August 5th.
• The front-line comfort group from the Alliance returns with news of a monster incident on their ship.
• Reinforcements from the Commonwealth arrive, including a new dreadnought from Minlan.
• Horatio Vein returns and reports finding the entrance to the third route.

Character Developments

• Yu Lian shows empathy for Yang Xiyi and Eleanor, understanding their difficult positions.
• Fei Fei expresses concern for Yang Xiyi, who faces political obstacles in his command.
• Yu Lian demonstrates diplomatic skills in handling Director Pekel and Lieutenant General Ustin.
• Horatio Vein proves his value by finding the third route's entrance.

Significant Themes

• The challenges of command and politics in war, as seen through Yang Xiyi's struggles.
• The importance of reinforcements and supplies, highlighted by the arrival of Commonwealth troops and Horatio Vein's return.
• The harsh realities of war, shown through the monster incident on the Carrila.

Character Interactions

• Yu Lian and Fei Fei discuss the challenges faced by Yang Xiyi and Eleanor.
• Yu Lian handles Director Pekel and Lieutenant General Ustin with diplomacy and tact.
• Horatio Vein communicates with Yu Lian, providing valuable information about the third route.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Horatio Vien and his fleet discover a third route used by the Raiders to harass supply lines.
• The Commonwealth confirms the existence of a new star system (DL32) and a potential third route (DL35).
• Vien's fleet encounters Imperial fleets during their return, with the Empire attempting to obtain route information.
• The front-line battle report shows limited progress in the Devil's Throat system.

Character Developments

• Horatio Vien demonstrates strategic thinking and courage in pursuing the enemy, but his impulsiveness also leads to a near-miss with an Imperial fleet.
• Yu Lian shows diplomatic skills in handling the meeting with senior officers, tactfully managing their concerns and egos.
• Major Akina Mountain Hachiman exhibits analytical skills and caution, suggesting a strategy of attrition and observation of the Empire's actions.

Significant Themes

• The strategic importance of controlling routes and star maps in interstellar war.
• The Commonwealth's and Empire's differing approaches to the war, with the Commonwealth favoring attrition and the Empire seeking a decisive victory.
• The potential for the Empire to use unconventional methods, such as "fishing," to achieve their goals.

Character Interactions

• Yu Lian and Lieutenant General Saiyue's camaraderie, with Saiyue seeking Yu Lian's advice and understanding.
• The tension between the Commonwealth and Imperial fleets, with Vien's impulsiveness nearly causing a conflict.
• The dynamic between Yu Lian and the senior officers, with Yu Lian managing their concerns and egos while making decisions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Empire's Second Guard Fleet, led by the heavy cruiser Sir Veda, has been exploring System DL33 for 80 hours with no significant findings.
• The fleet's commander orders a narrowing of the probe frequency range and a 12-hour rotation, treating the probes as expendable.
• A trio of Judges (Gaya, the young man; his teammate, the young lady; and their Captain) are on board, feeling discontent with their military assignment.
• Major General Samehta, the Empire's Chief Star Observer, and Colonel Yaren Enahe, her apprentice, prepare to use psionic methods to aid the exploration.

Character Developments

• The Judges express their dissatisfaction with their military role, feeling like they're being used as psionic batteries.
• Major General Samehta shows determination and acceptance of potential risks in using psionic methods.
• The Judges and Major General Samehta display respect for each other's roles and responsibilities.

Significant Themes

• Discontent and Acceptance: The Judges express discontent with their military role, while Major General Samehta accepts the risks of using psionic methods.
• Respect and Responsibility: Despite their discontent, the Judges show respect for Major General Samehta's determination, and she, in turn, respects their roles and responsibilities.

Character Interactions

• The Judges interact with their Captain, expressing their discontent and discussing their military role.
• Major General Samehta interacts with the Judges, showing determination and acceptance of risks, and expressing respect for their roles.
• Colonel Yaren Enahe interacts with Major General Samehta and the Judges, showing taciturnity and professionalism.

Key Plot Points and Events

• King Suluka Brunhild visits King Solen on his flagship, "Vulcan Ayan."
• They discuss the ongoing war and the strategy against the Serpent Organization and Raiders.
• King Solen reveals that General Farrell's reinforcements will arrive soon, including King Wellent.
• They receive news of Major General Lorcha Eimeta's death.

Character Developments

• King Solen: Shows his calm and composed demeanor, enjoying luxury on the front lines. He advises Brunhild to give up her ambitions and be mediocre, but also expresses his admiration for her potential.
• King Suluka Brunhild: Shows her sarcastic and competitive nature, but also reveals her concern for King Wellent's wellbeing.

Significant Themes

• Power and Ambition: Both characters discuss the nature of power and ambition, with King Solen advising Brunhild to give up her ambitions.
• Luxury vs. Austerity: King Solen's luxurious lifestyle on the front lines contrasts with Brunhild's more austere approach.
• Strategic Patience: Both characters display strategic patience, waiting for the right moment to act.

Character Interactions

• King Suluka Brunhild and King Solen: Their interaction is a mix of sarcasm, competition, and mutual respect. They discuss the war, their ambitions, and the arrival of reinforcements.
• King Suluka Brunhild and King Solen's Adjutant: The adjutant brings news of Major General Lorcha Eimeta's death, showing the harsh reality of war.

Key Plot Points and Events

• King Solen expresses disinterest in the Void Crown and the power struggle, wanting to watch the show until the end.
• Major General Sameta sacrifices herself to recreate the traces of the Earl Meldek, revealing the Serpent's involvement in her death.
• Brunhild decides to contact Commonwealth Brigadier General Yu Lian directly and transfer Brigadier General Yeger Sobek to her direct fleet.

Character Developments

• King Solen: Shows his true nature as a "fun-seeker," wanting to watch the power struggle unfold.
• Brunhild: Becomes more determined to resolve the situation quickly to help Giafir return to normal.
• Giafir: Shows signs of emotional regulation after being on the front lines, displaying a mix of naivety and seriousness.

Significant Themes

• Power struggle and manipulation: King Solen's actions highlight the political intrigue and manipulation among the Elector Kings.
• Sacrifice for greater good: Major General Sameta's sacrifice demonstrates the lengths some are willing to go for their goals.
• Emotional regulation: Giafir's behavior shows the impact of prolonged exposure to war and conflict on one's emotional state.

Character Interactions

• Brunhild and King Solen: Their conversation reveals King Solen's true intentions and Brunhild's determination to resolve the situation.
• Brunhild and Giafir: Their exchange highlights their close friendship and Brunhild's concern for Giafir's well-being.
• Brunhild and the Serpent: The mention of the Serpent's involvement in Major General Sameta's death foreshadows potential future conflicts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Brigadier General Sobaik leads an escort fleet carrying a large supply to the front lines at the Devil's Throat.
• They encounter damaged transport ships that had retreated from the front, and Sobaik decides to take on their cargo to avoid wasting transport capacity.
• Upon reaching the DL02 system, Sobaik collects high-pressure solid fuel and further increases the cargo load.
• The fleet encounters a Marauder Fleet ambush in the DL21 system but is saved by the timely arrival of the Commonwealth's Thirteenth Fleet.
• Sobaik receives an urgent encrypted communication from the rear.

Character Developments

• Sobaik demonstrates exceptional leadership and initiative in managing logistics and ensuring the safety of the supply fleet.
• He shows empathy towards the damaged transport ships and their crews, understanding their plight and making decisions that prioritize efficiency and safety.
• Sobaik's new role as a general and Chief Staff Officer of the Logistics Department boosts his confidence and drive.
• He expresses concern about the potential dangers of his new perspective on logistics and supply management.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility and duty: Sobaik takes his role as the leader of the escort fleet seriously, demonstrating a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to his duties.
• Efficiency and resource management: Sobaik's decision to take on the cargo of the damaged transport ships highlights the importance of efficient resource management in the face of adversity.
• Alliance dynamics: The cooperation between the Empire and the Commonwealth in dealing with the Marauder Fleet raises questions about the nature of their alliance and the potential for further collaboration.

Character Interactions

• Sobaik interacts with Captain Hongshan and Miss Serlulu, his core companions, discussing their current situation, the dangers they face, and the potential for intelligence sharing with the Commonwealth.
• Sobaik's interactions with the captains of the damaged transport ships and the Angmang Colonel in the DL02 system showcase his assertive and commanding leadership style.
• The encounter with the Commonwealth's Thirteenth Fleet highlights the potential for cooperation between the Empire and the Commonwealth, as well as the underlying tension between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sobaik receives an encrypted letter from King Wellent, offering him a General's rank, hereditary title, and a safe, profitable position in the rear.
• Sobaik delivers supplies to the frontlines, meeting Count Ramut of the Four Heavenly Kings, who invites him to meet King Suluka.
• Sobaik attends a hot pot dinner with King Suluka and her "Flower Knights," where they discuss the Raiders and the Serpent.

Character Developments

• Sobaik: Realizes his importance in the Empire's plans, feels overwhelmed but determined to serve the Empire's needs.
• King Wellent: Shows politeness and admiration for Sobaik, offering him opportunities and expressing interest in his development.
• King Suluka: Demonstrates a more casual and approachable demeanor, inviting Sobaik to a family-style dinner to discuss important matters.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and Opportunity: Characters grapple with new opportunities and the potential consequences of accepting them.
• Loyalty and Service: Characters discuss their roles and responsibilities in serving the Empire and its people.
• Power Dynamics: The interactions between characters highlight the power dynamics at play within the Empire's ruling class.

Character Interactions

• Sobaik and King Wellent: Sobaik is surprised and honored by King Wellent's offer, feeling both flattered and pressured.
• Sobaik and King Suluka: Sobaik is nervous about meeting King Suluka but relaxes when he finds himself in a casual, family-like setting.
• Sobaik and the Flower Knights: Sobaik feels out of place among the beautiful and valorous women but finds comfort in their presence and the shared meal.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sobaik realizes he's involved in a situation without full understanding, but rationalizes it as following his duty as an Astral Knight.
• A hot pot gathering is held, where everyone discusses the current situation and the Empire's strategy against the Raiders.
• Sobaik reveals he has the Celestial Script from the Navigator's Diary, which can activate a soul storm vortex to destroy third-party terminals and harm readers.
• Brunhild uses the script to reveal a new pattern, showing the Raiders' movement trajectory and their intention to set a trap for the Empire.
• Brunhild plans to send an official invitation to the Raiders' Headquarters on Earth and orders Sobaik to prepare for a surprise attack strategy.

Character Developments

• Sobaik: Struggles with his conscience but ultimately decides to follow Brunhild's orders. He contributes valuable information about the Celestial Script and is promised a reward if the operation succeeds.
• Brunhild: Shows strategic acumen by using the Celestial Script to reveal the Raiders' plans. She also displays confidence in her abilities and willingness to take risks.
• Ostana Bal: Demonstrates her strategic prowess by guiding the discussion about the current situation and supporting Brunhild's plans.
• Giafir: Questions the authenticity of Duke Saduran's knowledge of arcane scripts but ultimately accepts Sobaik's explanation.

Significant Themes

• The cost of loyalty and duty, as seen through Sobaik's internal struggle and eventual decision to follow Brunhild's orders.
• The value of information and intelligence in warfare, as demonstrated by the use of the Celestial Script to reveal the Raiders' plans.
• The theme of taking risks and making bold moves, as seen in Brunhild's decision to send an official invitation to the Raiders' Headquarters.

Character Interactions

• Sobaik and Brunhild: Sobaik initially feels nervous around Brunhild but eventually gains her respect and trust by contributing valuable information. She promises him a reward if the operation succeeds.
• Sobaik and Major General Biffick: Biffick shows friendliness towards Sobaik, offering him wine and a cigar to help him relax.
• Brunhild and Ostana Bal: The two strategists work together to discuss the current situation and plan their next move against the Raiders.
• Giafir and Sobaik: Giafir questions Sobaik's explanation of Duke Saduran's knowledge of arcane scripts but ultimately accepts his explanation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yu Lian uses his Life Source power to heal Colonel Chaimen and Major Perich.
• Lieutenant Colonel Nani returns from the front lines and shares details of the ongoing war.
• The second batch of military aid from the Alliance arrives earlier than expected, led by the Modamars and eight Star Giant Class ships.
• A Level 1 Inspector from the Alliance's Supernatural Affairs Bureau, Mr. Stoneheart, and Brigadier General Krell Belmont accompany the aid fleet.

Character Developments

• Yu Lian demonstrates his healing abilities, showing growth and control over his powers.
• Lieutenant Colonel Nani shows loyalty and concern for his comrades but also displays his lack of discipline and strategic thinking.
• Yu Lian reveals his strategic insights and understanding of the political landscape, showing maturity and wisdom beyond his years.

Significant Themes

• The brutal nature of war and its impact on soldiers.
• The political intricacies and power struggles behind the war.
• The role of psionics in healing and support.

Character Interactions

• Yu Lian and Lieutenant Colonel Nani share a brotherly bond, with Nani showing appreciation for Yu Lian's help.
• Yu Lian and Eleanor discuss the strategic aspects of the war, showing mutual respect and understanding.
• Yu Lian and Fei Fei maintain a professional and efficient working relationship, with Fei Fei providing crucial updates.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Krell Belmont, an Alliance General, arrives at the New Continent, accompanied by Mr. Stoneheart, a Nethia Dragon Person inspector.
• Krell and Yu Lian meet, with Krell delivering a page from the Book of the Sun God to Yu Lian.
• Krell reveals that the Alliance wants to be involved in the front-line operations, aiming to lead the joint operation with the Commonwealth and the Empire.
• Fei Fei informs Yu Lian that he needs to accompany the Thirteenth Fleet to the Devil's Throat front line before the 20th.
• Yamida Senge Berenkeister (the White-haired Fox) arrives on the Carrila, where she is greeted with a grand ceremony.

Character Developments

• Krell Belmont is shown to be diplomatic, charismatic, and cunning, using his connections and influence to insert the Alliance into the front-line operations.
• Yu Lian is shown to be strategic and calculating, accepting Krell's help while being aware of the potential risks and manipulations involved.
• Fei Fei is shown to be professional and dedicated, delivering new orders to Yu Lian without hesitation.
• Yamida Senge Berenkeister is shown to be calm, collected, and commanding, expecting and being satisfied with the grand reception she receives on the Carrila.

Significant Themes

• The manipulation of political power and influence, with Krell and Yamida using their connections to insert themselves into the conflict.
• The strategic alliance between the Commonwealth and the Alliance, with each side seeking to gain an advantage in the war against the Raiders and the Serpent.
• The tension between personal relationships and political obligations, as seen in Yu Lian's interactions with Krell and Fei Fei.

Character Interactions

• Krell and Yu Lian's reunion is tense and filled with underlying tension, with each trying to gain an advantage in their interactions.
• Krell and Fei Fei's interaction is polite and professional, with Krell expressing gratitude for the opportunity to work with Selina.
• Yamida and Captain Sha Hei's interaction is calm and reserved, with Yamida expressing satisfaction with the crew's work while also downplaying the grand reception.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Selina Mao, a young singer and actress, meets with Yamida Senge Berenkeister, the influential "Alliance Princess," to discuss her upcoming film, "Cold Hills."
• Selina, feeling intimidated, struggles to express her thoughts about the film but eventually sings a powerful, emotional song from the movie's theme.
• Yamida praises Selina's singing and promises to help her film and song gain recognition, including a potential Yagomi Award nomination.
• Selina leaves the meeting feeling overwhelmed and conflicted about her career and future.

Character Developments

• Selina Mao: Selina grapples with her identity as a singer and actress, feeling inadequate despite her achievements. She displays emotional intelligence, determination, and a rebellious streak.
• Yamida Senge Berenkeister: Yamida is revealed to be a powerful, influential figure who can manipulate events and people. She shows a keen interest in Selina's film and career, hinting at her own ambitions.

Significant Themes

• Power and Influence: Yamida's power and influence are evident in her ability to control events and people, contrasting with Selina's relative powerlessness.
• Identity and Self-Discovery: Selina struggles with her identity as an artist and her place in the industry, hinting at a deeper journey of self-discovery.
• Ambition: Both Selina and Yamida display ambition, albeit in different forms and magnitudes.

Character Interactions

• Selina and Yamida: Their interaction is tense and unequal, with Yamida holding most of the power. Despite this, Selina's determination and talent impress Yamida.
• Selina and Taina Moen: Taina, a reporter, is aware of the power dynamics between Selina and Yamida but is unable to intervene. She feels sympathy for Selina but also has her own struggles.

In this chapter, Taina Moen stands up to Yamida Senger Berenkeister, asserting her independence, but Yamida dismisses Taina's courage and questions her usefulness. Yamida reveals that she wants Ash Fashubite Stein to join them, hinting at a potential mission. Meanwhile, at the New Lushun Starport, a meeting between the Alliance and the Commonwealth discusses the Serpent's conspiracy and Yu Lian's potential role in dealing with it. Yu Lian's superior, Major General Ral, expresses his concerns about Yu Lian's legitimate position and the potential suspicions from Earth's big figures. The chapter ends with Yu Lian and Ral discussing the predetermined fate of the Raiders and the potential delay in Yu Lian's new role due to the Empire's unwillingness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yu Lian is transferred to the Thirteenth Fleet, commanded by Eleanor Bonaparte, and ordered to rendezvous with an "allied fleet" in the DL30 system.
• The Commonwealth Marine Corps main force, led by Lieutenant General Saiyue, departs for the Devil's Throat system.
• Brigadier General Yeger Sobaik, with the Snowstorm, joins Major General Vofna Maimidal's high-speed fleet as reserve forces in the DL33 system.

Character Developments

• Yu Lian: Transferred to the front lines as Deputy Director of Operations Staff Officer and Mysteries Consultant.
• Eleanor Bonaparte: Becomes Yu Lian's superior officer on the Thirteenth Fleet.
• Brigadier General Yeger Sobaik: Joins King Suluka's command as deputy admiral of the high-speed fleet, avoiding King Wellent.

Significant Themes

• The complexities of political alliances and power dynamics within the Empire and the Commonwealth.
• The importance of strategic positioning and maneuvering in both military and political contexts.

Character Interactions

• Yu Lian and Eleanor Bonaparte: Their relationship remains tense, with Eleanor asserting her authority as the fleet's commander.
• Brigadier General Yeger Sobaik and Captain Hongshan: Their conversation reveals the political undercurrents and power struggles within the Empire.