Ch. 1401The Murderous Escalator
Key Plot Points and Events
- Liu Zhi, a necromancer, is traveling with his Fallen (undead minions) via subway.
- He realizes a group of Fallen is missing, having followed a mysterious figure (slippery Oni).
- After multiple transfers, they reach a station in Saitama Prefecture, finding the escalator possessed by undead corpses.
- Liu Zhi sends his Fallen to engage with the escalator, which drags and kills them.
- He observes the escalator's behavior and concludes it's not an accidental killer but has an external force controlling it.
- Liu Zhi disables the escalator's moving parts and reveals a mass of skeletons beneath.
Character Developments
- Liu Zhi demonstrates his strategic thinking, patience, and necromantic prowess.
- The Fallen show their aggressive nature and cowardice when faced with a threat they can't defeat.
Significant Themes
- The passage of time and decay (seen in the dilapidated station sign and escalator).
- The power of resentment and trapped spirits (undead corpses merged with the escalator).
- The struggle between intelligence and brute force (Liu Zhi vs. the possessed escalator).
Character Interactions
- Liu Zhi interacts minimally with his Fallen, using them as pawns in his strategy.
- The Fallen show loyalty to Liu Zhi but also display their self-preserving nature.