Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liao Ji completes the game "Falling," a challenging post-apocalyptic simulation with a high degree of freedom and difficulty.
• He unlocks a "New Game Plus" mode, which he accepts, with extreme difficulty and no saving or restarting allowed.
• The new mode allows him to inherit the five powerful Corrupted (mutated beings) he raised in his previous playthrough.

Character Developments

• Liao Ji, the player, reflects on his past gameplay, realizing he neglected his Corrupted companions in pursuit of power.
• The five Corrupted—Stia, Rena, Tang Jiuyou, Zero, and Anno—each played crucial roles in different phases of the game but were eventually benched as Liao Ji's needs changed.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power versus personal connections and relationships.
• The value and treatment of "tools" or resources, and the realization of their worth beyond utility.
• The concept of "New Game Plus" and the anticipation of a fresh start with lessons learned.

Character Interactions

• Liao Ji interacts with his Corrupted companions primarily through gameplay mechanics, with Stia being the only one whose favorability never dropped despite being benched.
• Liao Ji's new gaming philosophy for the "New Game Plus" mode is to keep his Corrupted companions by his side and max out their affection levels.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter takes place in the Relic Cave beneath the Black Cave Plains, rumored to hold the legacy of the legendary Ash Emperor.
• A gang led by Jason, accompanied by a local guide named Irin, discovers a secret chamber filled with Abyss items and a stone sarcophagus emitting a brownish-red glow.
• The sarcophagus opens, and a young man emerges, causing Jason and his gang to panic.

Character Developments

• Jason: Initially portrayed as impatient and aggressive, he reveals his true colors as ruthless and power-hungry, planning to absorb Zhuo'e to become a Corrupted.
• Irin: Initially portrayed as a skilled guide, she reveals a fiery temper and attempts to reason with Jason, showing she values her life and freedom.
• The Young Man: Emerges from the sarcophagus, seemingly confused and angry about his situation. He is the first character to mention a "second playthrough," suggesting a connection to the Ash Emperor's legacy.

Significant Themes

• Power and Corruption: Jason's desire to absorb Zhuo'e to become a Corrupted highlights the corrupting influence of power.
• Legacy and Expectations: The Ash Emperor's legacy drives people to madness, and the young man's emergence from the sarcophagus raises expectations and fears.
• Fear of the Unknown: The gang's reaction to the young man's emergence showcases their fear of the unknown and the supernatural.

Character Interactions

• Jason and Irin: Their interaction reveals Jason's ruthlessness and Irin's defiance and desperation.
• Jason and the Young Man: Their interaction is brief but tense, with Jason and his gang reacting with fear and astonishment to the young man's emergence.
• The Young Man and the Gang: The young man's emergence causes immediate fear and unease among the gang members, highlighting their superstition and fear of the unknown.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liao Ji, a man from another world, is reborn in a stone coffin in a post-apocalyptic world.
• He is confronted by grave robbers led by Jason, who are after an artifact called the "Legacy" in the coffin.
• Irin, a scavenger, takes Liao Ji hostage using a dagger, threatening Jason and his gang.
• Liao Ji discovers he has retained his skills from his previous life but is now a level 1 novice.

Character Developments

• Liao Ji: Realizes the seriousness of his situation and assesses his abilities.
• Irin: Shows courage and desperation, using Liao Ji as a bargaining chip to save herself and her ill mother.
• Jason: Reveals his ruthlessness and willingness to threaten Irin's family to get what he wants.

Significant Themes

• Survival: The harsh post-apocalyptic world forces characters to make desperate decisions to survive.
• Power Dynamics: The balance of power shifts between Liao Ji, Irin, and Jason, highlighting the importance of strength and leverage.
• Family: Irin's love for her mother drives her actions, showing the importance of family in this world.

Character Interactions

• Liao Ji and Irin: An uneasy alliance forms between them as Irin uses Liao Ji to negotiate with Jason.
• Liao Ji and Jason: Tension and hostility exist between them, with Jason viewing Liao Ji as an obstacle to his goal.
• Jason and Irin: Jason threatens Irin and her family, showing his disregard for her well-being.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liao Ji plans to use his skills to defend against and counterattack the Scarred Man and his gang.
• The group is attacked by Kobolds summoned by a Tainted Calamity item used by Irin, the female scavenger.
• The Scarred Man and his gang are quickly overwhelmed and killed by the Kobolds.
• Irin, desperate for survival, pleads with Liao Ji for help.
• Liao Ji agrees to help Irin on the condition that she signs a contract with him, and he inserts a [Corrupted Crystal (Small)] into her body.

Character Developments

• Liao Ji demonstrates strategic thinking and calmness under pressure, choosing to gather information before acting.
• Irin shows desperation and willingness to comply with Liao Ji's demands to survive.
• The Scarred Man and his gang display cowardice and ineffectiveness against the Kobolds.

Significant Themes

• The power of preparation and strategy vs. impulsive action.
• The consequences of one's actions (Irin's summoning of the Kobolds leading to the group's demise).
• The importance of alliances and contracts in survival situations.

Character Interactions

• Liao Ji and Irin: Liao Ji remains calm and collected, using Irin's desperation to his advantage, while Irin becomes increasingly panicked and willing to comply with Liao Ji's demands.
• The Scarred Man and his gang: They show no unity or strategy against the Kobolds, leading to their quick defeat.
• Liao Ji and the Kobolds: Liao Ji observes the Kobolds' actions and uses their behavior to predict their next moves.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liao Ji uses a [Small Corrupted Crystal] on Irin, causing her to experience intense pain and Corrupted energy absorption.
• Irin struggles against the Corrupted influence in her mental world, eventually breaking free with Liao Ji's help.
• Irin gains enhanced physical abilities and defeats a Greedy Kobold Miner with a single kick.

Character Developments

• Irin: She undergoes a transformation, gaining increased strength, speed, and resistance to Corrupted influence. She also gains a "Contract" mark on her neck.
• Liao Ji: He demonstrates his ability to control Corrupted energy and influence Irin's transformation.

Significant Themes

• Corruption vs. Control: The Corrupted energy's influence on Irin and Liao Ji's attempt to control it.
• Transformation: Irin's physical and mental transformation, and the consequences of it.
• Power and Responsibility: Irin's newfound strength and the responsibility that comes with it.

Character Interactions

• Liao Ji and Irin: Liao Ji initiates Irin's transformation, and she acknowledges his role in it. Their relationship shifts, with Liao Ji taking on a more dominant role.
• Irin and Greedy Kobold Miner: Irin's interaction with the kobold showcases her new abilities and her ability to handle threats more effectively.

• Key Plot Points: Liao Ji contracts Irin, a Corrupted with mediocre stats, and equips her with a rusty sword. Irin, empowered, kills a group of Greedy Kobold Miners, and Liao Ji levels up to Lv2.
• Character Developments: Irin shows potential in combat, proving to be a formidable fighter despite her low initial stats. Liao Ji demonstrates his knowledge of the game's mechanics and his strategic thinking.
• Significant Themes: The theme of power dynamics is evident as Irin, initially reluctant, follows Liao Ji's orders after he appeals to her greed for treasure. The theme of resource management is also present, as Liao Ji uses his knowledge of the game to secure resources for leveling up.
• Character Interactions: Liao Ji and Irin have minimal interaction in this chapter, but their dynamic is established. Liao Ji gives orders, and Irin follows them, albeit reluctantly at first. Their relationship is one of mutual benefit, with Liao Ji providing resources and guidance, and Irin providing combat power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Irin and Liao Ji meet in a secret chamber, with Liao Ji emerging from a stone coffin.
• Liao Ji uses his abilities to control Irin, binding her and proving his power.
• They agree to take turns asking questions to understand each other's backgrounds and the world's history.

Character Developments

• Irin: Initially hostile and wary, she becomes more cooperative after Liao Ji's display of power. She reveals her knowledge of the Ash Emperor's legacy and his disappearance.
• Liao Ji: Shows his ability to control others, hinting at his mysterious origins. He's anxious to know about the fate of his "five personal guards" from his previous life.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: Liao Ji's ability to control Irin highlights the power imbalance between them.
• Trust and cooperation: Despite their initial hostility, Irin and Liao Ji begin to cooperate, showing the importance of trust in their situation.
• The Ash Emperor's legacy: The mystery surrounding the Ash Emperor's disappearance and the fate of his empire is a central theme.

Character Interactions

• Liao Ji and Irin: Their interaction starts hostile, with Liao Ji using his power to control Irin. However, they begin to cooperate, with Liao Ji showing respect for Irin's knowledge and Irin providing information about the world's history.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liao Ji, the Ash Emperor, questions Irin about the future's perception of him.
• Irin reveals widespread rumors about the Ash Emperor's lecherous behavior and mistreatment of his personal guards.
• Liao Ji denies these rumors and questions Irin about her knowledge source.
• Irin reveals she knows about Corrupted and their high runaway rate in this era.
• Liao Ji explains he can control Irin's Corrupted powers and promises to help her revert to a normal human once he finds a replacement.

Character Developments

• Liao Ji: Realizes the changes in the world and the perception of Corrupted, decides to help Irin despite her initial hostility.
• Irin: Reveals her fear and hatred of Corrupted due to personal experiences, becomes more open to Liao Ji after his promises.

Significant Themes

• Perception vs. Reality: The contrast between Liao Ji's self-image and Irin's perception of him.
• Power and Control: The struggle between Liao Ji's desire to help Irin and Irin's fear of losing control as a Corrupted.
• Trust and Betrayal: Liao Ji's attempt to build trust with Irin after their initial conflict.

Character Interactions

• Liao Ji and Irin: Initially hostile due to their differing views on Corrupted, they reach a tentative understanding as Liao Ji promises to help Irin.
• Liao Ji's past guards: Mentioned in rumors, their treatment by Liao Ji is a point of contention between him and Irin.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liao Ji and Irin have a tense conversation where Irin reveals she can read people well, and Liao Ji admits to being from 500 years ago.
• Liao Ji untethers Irin, noticing her wounds. He uses his [Holy Healing] skill, healing Irin's injuries and scars, and even improving her skin's condition.
• They decide to leave the underground chamber together.

Character Developments

• Irin: She initially mistrusts Liao Ji but becomes more open after he heals her. She reveals her name and accepts his offer to leave together.
• Liao Ji: He demonstrates his [Holy Healing] skill, showing his power and good intentions towards Irin.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Mistrust: Irin struggles to trust Liao Ji due to his mysterious origins and actions, but his healing of her injuries helps to build trust.
• Power and Vulnerability: Despite being Corrupted, Irin is vulnerable due to her injuries. Liao Ji's power is shown through his ability to heal her.

Character Interactions

• Liao Ji and Irin: Their interaction shifts from hostile to cooperative. Liao Ji's healing of Irin's injuries leads to a mutual understanding and agreement to leave together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liao Ji realizes that controlling Irin through the Contract consumes too much mental energy, especially when she resists.
• He decides it's best to have Irin willingly assist him.
• Liao Ji asks Irin to gather Special Candles from the Kobold corpses.
• He reveals his plan to burn down the secret chamber and all its contents to destroy evidence and avoid Kalleva gang's suspicion.
• Irin is initially upset about destroying valuable relics but eventually agrees.
• Liao Ji reminds Irin she can take him, the most valuable item, with her.
• Irin expresses concern about Liao Ji's energy consumption, but he assures her he can heal her mother multiple times a day.
• They escape the cave, and Liao Ji lights the fire to burn the secret chamber.

Character Developments

• Liao Ji: Shows strategic thinking, understanding of long-term consequences, and concern for his subordinates' well-being.
• Irin: Becomes more willing to assist Liao Ji, shows concern for her mother's health, and starts to see Liao Ji as a reliable figure.

Significant Themes

• The value of long-term planning vs short-term gains.
• The importance of loyalty and responsibility towards subordinates.
• The consequences of past actions (Irin's involvement with Kalleva gang).

Character Interactions

• Liao Ji and Irin: Their relationship evolves from master-servant to more of a partnership. Liao Ji shows understanding and care for Irin's concerns, while Irin becomes more willing to follow Liao Ji's orders.
• Liao Ji's past self: Mentioned as a "big shot" from five hundred years ago, hinting at his former power and status.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liao Ji and Irin, now a Corrupted, emerge from the Relic Cave.
• Liao Ji finds the world greatly changed: the Black Cave Plains are now a barren wilderness, and the underground areas are called Relic Caves.
• Liao Ji decides to find his five former personal guards, now powerful figures in the world.

Character Developments

• Liao Ji accepts the reality of his transmigration and plans his next steps.
• Irin becomes more talkative and shares her knowledge about the current state of the world.

Significant Themes

• The passage of time and change: Liao Ji struggles to accept the changes in the world.
• Power dynamics: The five former personal guards have become powerful figures, while Liao Ji's power has been reset.
• Trust and betrayal: Liao Ji wonders if his former guards turned against him.

Character Interactions

• Liao Ji and Irin: They interact more, with Irin providing information and Liao Ji keeping some of his knowledge secret.
• Liao Ji and the five former guards: Liao Ji plans to find them, but he's unsure of their current feelings towards him.
• Liao Ji and Stia: Liao Ji believes Stia will still acknowledge him, as she was the only character whose affection never dropped in the game.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Three Church nuns, led by Archbishop Maria, appear at the Black Cave Plains using a Zhuo'e artifact, guided by their Goddess, Stia.
• They enter a cavern and find a secret chamber with signs of a recent fire and battle between humans and kobolds.
• Maria discovers a stone coffin in the secret chamber, which triggers a reaction from her cross and manifests a light avatar of Stia.

Character Developments

• Archbishop Maria: Displayed her strength as a powerful Corrupted and her loyalty to Stia.
• Stia: Manifested as a light avatar, showing intense focus on the stone coffin.

Significant Themes

• Faith and loyalty to Stia.
• The power of Zhuo'e and its artifacts.
• The search for the Great Emperor's inheritance.

Character Interactions

• Maria and the two accompanying nuns: They interact with nervousness and excitement, following Maria's lead and sharing her thoughts about the potential importance of the secret chamber and the stone coffin.
• Maria and Stia's avatar: Maria shows reverence and awe towards Stia, while Stia's avatar seems solely focused on the stone coffin, ignoring Maria and the other nuns.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Stia enters a stone coffin, merging with its darkness and displaying uncharacteristic behavior.
• She recognizes the scent inside the coffin as belonging to her lost love, Lord Ash.
• Stia's avatar begins to crumble, and she decides to leave the secret chamber, looking toward the exit where Liao Ji and Irin had departed.

Character Developments

• Stia's true nature is revealed as she displays possessive and obsessive behavior towards Lord Ash, contradicting her previous saintly image.
• Stia's power and influence over her believers are demonstrated when she incapacitates Archbishop Maria and the two nuns.

Significant Themes

• Obsession and possession: Stia's extreme devotion to Lord Ash blurs the line between love and obsession.
• Power and control: Stia's ability to influence and control her believers highlights the power dynamics at play in her relationship with them.
• The passage of time: Stia's five-hundred-year wait for Lord Ash emphasizes the enduring nature of her obsession and the consequences of unrequited love.

Character Interactions

• Stia interacts with Archbishop Maria and the two nuns, displaying a lack of concern for their well-being as she focuses solely on her connection to Lord Ash.
• Stia's internal monologue reveals her thoughts and feelings, providing insight into her motivations and desires.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liao Ji and Irin set off towards the Black Cave Settlement, with Liao Ji struggling to keep up due to his poor physical condition.
• Upon arrival, they find a large, walled settlement with a checkpoint controlled by gangs, extorting tolls from those entering.
• Irin reveals that Scavengers have an exclusive, secret passage to enter and exit the settlement, which they use to avoid the gangs.

Character Developments

• Liao Ji's physical condition is poor due to neglect after university, but he resolves to improve himself by leveling up quickly.
• Irin demonstrates knowledge of the settlement's history and her group's secret passage, showing resourcefulness and adaptability.

Significant Themes

• The disparity between the game's reality and the current world.
• The power dynamics and corruption within the settlement, controlled by gangs.
• The importance of physical fitness and self-improvement.

Character Interactions

• Liao Ji and Irin work together, with Liao Ji providing strategic guidance and Irin offering local knowledge and resources.
• Tension and concern for Irin's mother drive their actions.
• Liao Ji's concern for Irin's safety and well-being is evident in his decisions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liao Ji visits Irin's home in the Shantytown, a poor district of the Black Cave Settlement.
• He observes the stark contrast between the squalor of the district and the cleanliness and orderliness of Irin's home.
• Irin shows Liao Ji her family portrait and reveals the tragic fate of her father, who became a Corrupted and was killed.
• Irin gives Liao Ji her father's old Scavenger clothes to wear, but Liao Ji insists on buying new, better clothes to pose as a high-status individual.
• Liao Ji uses the Contract to make Irin hand over the money pouch she stole from the gang members.

Character Developments

• Liao Ji: Shows empathy and understanding towards Irin's past, and demonstrates his desire to present a good image to Irin's mother.
• Irin: Reveals her past struggles and her resentment towards her father's actions. She initially resists Liao Ji's plans but ultimately complies.

Significant Themes

• The stark contrast between wealth and poverty, as seen in the differences between the Shantytown and Irin's home, and the disparity between Liao Ji's and Irin's clothing.
• The consequences of seeking power, as exemplified by Irin's father's tragic fate.
• The importance of first impressions and appearances, as emphasized by Liao Ji.

Character Interactions

• Liao Ji and Irin: Their dynamic shifts from antagonistic to more understanding and cooperative, with Liao Ji showing empathy towards Irin's past, and Irin reluctantly complying with Liao Ji's plans.
• Irin and her father: Their relationship is explored through the family portrait and Irin's revelations about his past actions and eventual death.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liao Ji and Irin visit a high-end clothing store in the wealthy district.
• Irin expresses disdain for the expensive prices and poor quality of the clothes, despite liking the black dress she's wearing.
• They head towards the Gray Zone, where Irin's mother's clinic is located, using a back entrance through a bar.

Character Developments

• Irin: Irin's perspective on clothing changes as she experiences the comfort and transformation it can bring. She also shows a more vulnerable side when Liao Ji offers to return her clothes.
• Liao Ji: Liao Ji demonstrates understanding and patience with Irin's outbursts, showing a caring and considerate side.

Significant Themes

• Appearance vs Reality: The expensive clothes Irin wears initially give passersby the impression that she's a wealthy young lady, but her behavior and words reveal her true background.
• Materialism vs Intrinsic Value: Irin's initial disdain for expensive clothes and her focus on functionality change as she experiences the comfort and transformation they can bring.

Character Interactions

• Liao Ji and Irin: Their dynamic is playful and caring, with Liao Ji showing understanding and patience with Irin's outbursts, and Irin showing a more vulnerable side when Liao Ji offers to return her clothes.

In the bustling Haisha Bar, Liao Ji and Irin encounter a group of rowdy scavengers, including the bar owner Brian, who hit on Irin and make crude jokes about her. They mistake Irin for a delicate young lady due to her appearance and dismiss the idea of her being the tough scavenger they know. Meanwhile, a group of Kalleva gang members storms into the bar, causing a commotion and drawing everyone's attention. The chapter ends with the Kalleva gang's arrival, setting the stage for potential conflict. Key plot points include the introduction of the Haisha Bar as a gathering place for scavengers, the tension between Irin and the scavengers, and the impending confrontation with the Kalleva gang. Character developments include Irin's growing frustration and the revelation of her true identity to the scavengers. Significant themes include the perception of gender roles and the tension between different groups in the settlement. Character interactions involve the dynamic between Irin and the scavengers, as well as the impending conflict between the scavengers and the Kalleva gang.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kalleva gang barges into Haisha Bar, demanding four times the usual protection money.
• Brian, the bar owner, tries to reason with the gang leader but is met with ridicule.
• Brian pays the demanded amount to avoid immediate conflict.
• Liao Ji offers Irin the chance to act as she wishes, giving her permission to fight the gang.

Character Developments

• Brian shows restraint and prioritizes the safety of his people by paying the demanded money.
• Irin struggles with her desire to protect Haisha Bar and her responsibility as Liao Ji's bodyguard. She ultimately decides to act upon Liao Ji's permission.
• Liao Ji reveals his willingness to engage in conflict when provoked, contrasting with his earlier cautious demeanor.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between gangs and local businesses in the Black Cave Settlement.
• The struggle between reason and emotion in decision-making, as seen in Irin's internal conflict.
• The consequences of impulsive actions and the importance of considering all factors before acting.

Character Interactions

• Liao Ji and Irin: Liao Ji offers Irin the chance to act upon her desires, showing trust in her abilities and understanding of her situation. Irin, in turn, feels validated and empowered by Liao Ji's trust.
• Brian and the Kalleva gang leader: Brian tries to reason with the gang leader but is met with disrespect and demands for more money. The gang leader, however, shows some admiration for Brian's restraint.
• Irin and the patrons of Haisha Bar: Irin's decision to act upon Liao Ji's permission is met with hope and expectation from the patrons, who see her as their last resort against the gang's demands.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Irin, a wealthy young woman, enters Haisha Bar, causing a stir among the gangsters and bar staff.
• Brian, the bar owner, tries to shield Irin from the dangerous situation, but Grey Wolf, the new Kalleva gang leader, demands Irin as well as the protection money.
• Irin reveals she knows Grey Wolf and punches him, sending him flying. She then attacks the Kalleva gang members.

Character Developments

• Irin demonstrates her strength and fearlessness, revealing she's not just a wealthy socialite but also a capable fighter.
• Brian shows concern for Irin's safety, prioritizing her well-being over the bar's interests.
• Grey Wolf shows interest in Irin, initially trying to charm her before demanding her presence.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: The interactions between Irin, Brian, and Grey Wolf highlight the power struggle between them, with Irin ultimately asserting her dominance.
• Appearance vs. reality: Irin's elegant and wealthy appearance initially deceives the gangsters, but she proves to be much more than she seems.

Character Interactions

• Irin and Brian: Brian tries to protect Irin, but she ultimately takes care of the situation herself.
• Irin and Grey Wolf: Grey Wolf is initially interested in Irin, but she quickly dismisses and defeats him.
• Irin and the Kalleva gang members: Irin shows no mercy, swiftly taking down the gang members who try to stop her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Irin, outnumbered by Kalleva gang members, uses her enhanced senses and combat skills to take down her opponents one by one.
• Kalleva members prepare to shoot Irin from behind, but she looks towards Liao Ji, trusting him to intervene.
• Liao Ji activates his Calamity Magnetic Pulse skill, creating an electromagnetic pulse that disables all firearms and temporarily boosts his attributes.

Character Developments

• Irin showcases her exceptional combat skills and trust in Liao Ji.
• Liao Ji demonstrates his powerful skill and willingness to protect Irin.

Significant Themes

• Trust and reliance on others in dire situations.
• The power of belief and expectation in driving action.

Character Interactions

• Irin and Liao Ji: Irin's glance at Liao Ji signals her trust in him, while Liao Ji's intervention shows his commitment to protecting her.
• Kalleva gang members and Irin: The gang members underestimate Irin's capabilities, leading to their downfall.