Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kaier Technology, Dream City's largest corporation, faces a major crisis due to the loss of multiple explorer copies in Zero Dreamscape.
• The company decides to conceal the Corrupt Calamity tide incident to prevent panicking the explorers and affecting their mining operations.
• Chief William orders the deletion of the record, putting the explorers' lives at risk.

Character Developments

• Chief William: Shows ruthlessness and manipulation, prioritizing the company's interests over the lives of explorers.
• Famas: Starts as an idealistic employee willing to stand against corruption, but later succumbs to pressure and compromises his principles.

Significant Themes

• Corporate Greed: Kaier Technology's prioritization of profits over the safety of its explorers highlights the theme of corporate greed.
• Consequences of Secrecy: The decision to hide the Corrupt Calamity tide incident could lead to further loss of life, emphasizing the dangers of secrecy and deceit.
• Moral Compromise: Famas's struggle and eventual capitulation illustrate the theme of moral compromise in the face of personal gain or pressure.

Character Interactions

• Chief William manipulates Famas by threatening his family's future and offering promotions if he complies with the order to delete the record.
• Famas's colleagues turn against him, showing a lack of solidarity and support when he stands up against the company's decision.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kaier Technology's Chief Administrator, William, prepares for the arrival of the Demon City advisory delegation, increasing security measures to two three-star security teams.
• William reveals that Kaier Technology's stock price has crashed due to a failed covert operation involving Minister Xia Luo and the Empress.
• William plans to use the Demon City delegation's visit to create major news about Kaier Technology mastering ancient Relic technology, restoring public confidence in the company.
• William orders the arrest and elimination of an employee named Famas for leaking company secrets.

Character Developments

• William: Displayed his desperation and ambition to save Kaier Technology and potentially climb the corporate ladder.
• Famas: Implied to be a whistleblower, now targeted for elimination.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and corruption within Kaier Technology.
• The potential consequences of whistleblowing.
• The use of public relations to manipulate public opinion and restore a company's image.

Character Interactions

• William and his secretary: William gives orders, and the secretary carries them out, showing the hierarchical power dynamic.
• William and the Security Department: William overrules their initial unhappiness with the increased security measures.
• William and Famas (implied): William orders Famas' arrest and elimination, showing his ruthlessness in protecting Kaier Technology's interests.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The flight attendant announces the arrival in Dream City, with the aircraft landing at Kaier Plaza - Zone C3.
• Liao Ji observes the mechanized cityscape, noting the towering skyscrapers and aerial rails.
• The advisory group disembarks, greeted by a large security presence and a crowd of reporters.

Character Developments

• Liao Ji is calm and observant, having slept well during the flight.
• Luo Xiaoji is wealthy and generous, offering Liao Ji a V10 membership, but later regrets showing off his wealth.
• Irin is excited about the new city and seems to have a criminal mindset, briefly considering robbing Luo Xiaoji.
• The scholars and doctors are anxious, likened to students before an international math olympiad.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between the mechanized, futuristic Dream City and the more traditional Blue Star and Dragon Kingdoms.
• The tension and pressure felt by the scholars, highlighting the high stakes of their mission.
• The wealth disparity and social inequality, as seen through Luo Xiaoji's display of wealth and Irin's reaction to it.

Character Interactions

• Liao Ji and Luo Xiaoji bond over their relaxed demeanor during the flight, with Luo Xiaoji offering Liao Ji a V10 membership.
• Irin's excitement and criminal thoughts are briefly revealed when she looks at Luo Xiaoji.
• The scholars and doctors are shown to be anxious and tense, contrasting with Liao Ji, Luo Xiaoji, and Irin.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Demon City delegation arrives at Kaier Technology's building, avoiding reporters due to tight security.
• Luo Xiaoji, a rich young man, expresses anger at a reporter's question about Governor Rena's personal life, revealing his strong devotion to her.
• Luo Xiaoji and Liao Ji discuss Kaier Technology's motives for the academic exchange, with Luo Xiaoji believing it's to promote their new weapons technology and boost stock prices.
• Luo Xiaoji decides to buy Kaier Technology stock, encouraging Liao Ji to do the same.
• The delegation is led to a VIP hall where they meet William, the director in charge of the exchange, who suggests they rest and begin the exchange the next day.

Character Developments

• Luo Xiaoji: Reveals his strong admiration for Governor Rena, bordering on obsession. He also shows his business acumen and determination to make a profit from the exchange.
• Liao Ji: Shows understanding and patience towards Luo Xiaoji's eccentric behavior. He remains calm and collected, not swayed by Luo Xiaoji's get-rich-quick scheme.

Significant Themes

• Devotion and obsession: Luo Xiaoji's intense admiration for Governor Rena highlights the theme of devotion and its potential to become obsession.
• Business and opportunism: Luo Xiaoji's focus on making a profit from the exchange emphasizes the theme of business and opportunism.

Character Interactions

• Luo Xiaoji and Liao Ji: Luo Xiaoji seeks validation from Liao Ji regarding his feelings for Governor Rena. Liao Ji, in turn, subtly guides Luo Xiaoji away from his impulsive decisions.
• Luo Xiaoji and Irin: Irin's jabs at Luo Xiaoji's devotion to Governor Rena highlight the absurdity of Luo Xiaoji's obsession.
• Caroline and William: Their professional interaction sets the tone for the exchange, with William showing consideration for the delegates' well-being.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Demon City delegation visits Kaier Technology's exhibition hall.
• Kaier Technology showcases various research results, mostly based on [Ancient Relics].
• The delegation is led through the 'Research and Development Corridor' by Tiya, a Kaier Technology researcher.
• The final exhibit is a pistol with Brand Technology, which allows them to break free from [Zero Dreamscape] and find more Ancient Relics.

Character Developments

• Tiya, the Kaier Technology researcher, is introduced as knowledgeable and professional.
• The elderly scholar with white temples is revealed to be perceptive and influential among the Demon City delegation.
• Liao Ji, while not a main character, shows his understanding and appreciation of Kaier Technology's capabilities.

Significant Themes

• The importance of knowledge and research in technological advancement.
• The influence of Ancient Relics on modern technology.
• The potential dangers and benefits of uncovering ancient secrets.

Character Interactions

• The elderly scholar with white temples interacts with other scholars, showing his respect and influence.
• Liao Ji interacts with Irin, expressing his admiration for Kaier Technology's achievements.
• Tiya interacts with the Demon City delegation, explaining Kaier Technology's research results.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tiya demonstrates Brand technology using a handgun, showing different effects with different Brand slots: single-target high damage and guaranteed hit.
• Demon City scholars discuss the potential of installing Brand technology on various weapons.
• Tiya reveals that Kaier Technology wants to collaborate with Demon City to research a three-piece Brand module.

Character Developments

• Tiya showcases her marksmanship and knowledge of Brand technology.
• Luo Xiaoji, impressed by Brand technology's potential, plans to invest in Kaier Technology.
• Irin realizes the value of the Brand on her back and asks Liao Ji about it.

Significant Themes

• The power and complexity of Brand technology.
• The potential impact of Brand technology on weaponry and warfare.
• The value and rarity of advanced Brand sets.

Character Interactions

• Tiya interacts with the Demon City advisory group, demonstrating Brand technology and answering questions.
• Luo Xiaoji discusses Brand technology with Irin and Liao Ji, expressing his excitement and plans to invest.
• Irin consults Liao Ji about the Brand on her back, revealing her newfound understanding of its worth.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kaier Technology reveals they've created a complete three-piece Brand set, a significant achievement.
• Tiya explains that Brands cannot be applied to living beings, as it causes severe mutation and mental contamination.
• Liao Ji learns about [Zero Dreamscape], a vast dreamscape network created by Zero, containing simulations of the apocalyptic Old World. Death within it results in real-life death.

Character Developments

• Liao Ji demonstrates his strategic thinking by steering the conversation towards [Zero Dreamscape].
• Tiya shows her professionalism and knowledge about Brands and [Zero Dreamscape].

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of technology (Brands and [Zero Dreamscape]).
• The consequences of unchecked ambition (Kaier Technology's attempts to apply Brands to living beings).

Character Interactions

• Liao Ji interacts with Tiya, asking about [Zero Dreamscape] and showing interest in Kaier Technology's progress.
• Scholars from Demon City engage in discussion with Tiya, seeking more information about Brands and [Zero Dreamscape].

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tiya leads Demon City's advisory group to Kaier Technology's labs and factories related to the "Brand Plan."
• Kaier Technology reveals their brand production process: accessing Zero Dreamscape, arranging master brands, and mass-producing sub-brands.
• Kaier Technology's superintendent, William, invites the advisory group to join Kaier Technology, offering them access to internal brand technology materials and a three-day trial period as temporary employees.
• The advisory group is invited to attend Kaier Technology's public launch event as evaluators and witnesses.

Character Developments

• Liao Ji understands the strategic importance of Kaier Technology's brand technology and the value of "ancient studies" experts in the process.
• Luo Xiaoji, a young scholar, expresses fierce loyalty to Demon City and its City Lord, Rena, and initially dismisses Kaier Technology's offer.

Significant Themes

• The value of knowledge and expertise in the world of brand technology.
• Loyalty and belonging, particularly to one's city and city lord.
• The strategic importance of resources and access in technological advancement.

Character Interactions

• Liao Ji and Luo Xiaoji discuss Kaier Technology's offer, with Liao Ji expressing skepticism about the loyalty of their fellow scholars.
• Superintendent William approaches the elderly professor, the apparent leader of the advisory group, to discuss Kaier Technology's offer.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liao Ji learns about Professor Ains' views on the Ash Emperor, which differ from common beliefs.
• Many Ancient Studies scholars, including Professor Ains, join Kaier Technology for knowledge about Brand technology.
• Liao Ji joins Kaier Technology to find a way into [Zero Dreamscape].

Character Developments

• Luo Xiaoji shows his reverence for the Ash Emperor and his loyalty to Magic City.
• Liao Ji demonstrates his dedication to his goal, joining Kaier Technology without hesitation.
• Irin struggles with her beliefs about the Ash Emperor and her loyalty to Magic City.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of knowledge and truth.
• Loyalty and belonging to one's city or cause.
• The consequences of one's actions and beliefs.

Character Interactions

• Liao Ji and Luo Xiaoji discuss Ancient Studies and the Ash Emperor.
• Liao Ji joins Kaier Technology, causing Luo Xiaoji to feel betrayed.
• Irin tries to defend Liao Ji to Luo Xiaoji but ends up witnessing Luo Xiaoji's unexpected reaction to Liao Ji's decision.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter introduces the Emergency Rescue Squad, a medical service with advanced technology and android staff.
• The squad is introduced to the Demon Garden scholars as part of their medical insurance package.
• The scholars are surprised to learn that the squad members are androids modeled after Zero, with no fear of death or legal disputes.
• Tiya enrolls the scholars in the insurance program, and many leave afterward.

Character Developments

• Tiya is introduced as a Kaier Technology researcher, responsible for enrolling the scholars in the insurance program.
• Luo Xiaoji, a Demon Garden scholar, decides to pursue Tiya to "win one back" for Demon Garden.
• Liao Ji advises Luo Xiaoji against pursuing Tiya, hinting that Luo might not be able to handle it.

Significant Themes

• The dehumanization of androids and their treatment as tools rather than lives.
• The contrast between the advanced medical technology and the scholars' lack of knowledge about it.
• The competition and rivalry between Kaier Technology and Demon Garden.

Character Interactions

• Liao Ji and Irin interact with the Emergency Rescue Squad androids, with Irin showing interest in them due to their resemblance to 86.
• Liao Ji advises Luo Xiaoji against pursuing Tiya, showing concern for Luo's well-being.
• Luo Xiaoji decides to pursue Tiya to win back Demon Garden's glory, showing his competitive nature and desire to prove himself.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Irin and Liao Ji receive medical insurance from the Emergency Rescue Squad.
• Tiya, an android, assists Kaier Technology and is revealed to have a Brand.
• Luo Xiaoji discovers Tiya's true identity and is offered a deal by Chief Steward William to keep it secret.

Character Developments

• Irin: Shows curiosity and concern for her safety and Liao Ji's.
• Liao Ji: Maintains his composure and professionalism, hinting at knowing Tiya's secret.
• Tiya: Revealed to be an android with a Brand, malfunctioning after receiving an investigation reply about Liao Ji's insurance.
• Luo Xiaoji: Initially oblivious, becomes shocked and scared after discovering Tiya's secret, then tries to distance himself from the situation.

Significant Themes

• The blurring line between humanity and artificial intelligence.
• The power and secrecy of Kaier Technology and its Brand research.
• The consequences of keeping secrets and the potential danger involved.

Character Interactions

• Irin and Liao Ji: They interact professionally, with Irin showing concern for Liao Ji's well-being.
• Tiya and Liao Ji: Tiya assists Liao Ji, while he hints at knowing her secret.
• Tiya and Luo Xiaoji: Tiya rejects Luo Xiaoji's attempts to befriend her, leading to his discovery of her secret.
• Chief Steward William and Luo Xiaoji: William offers Luo Xiaoji a deal to keep Tiya's secret, threatening him if he doesn't comply.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kaier Technology pledges to use its fully automated defense AI only for Zero Dreamscape maintenance.
• An academic exchange delegation from Demon City arrives in Dream City.
• Kaier Technology announces an open-air launch event for a new product in three days.
• The urban legend of the "Killer Ghost" targeting young, beautiful women in Dream City spreads.
• A fire breaks out in the Emergency Rescue Squad headquarters hangar.

Character Developments

• Liao Ji focuses on studying Kaier Technology's employee handbook to find a way into Zero Dreamscape.
• Irin becomes interested in the urban legend of the "Killer Ghost" and is frightened by Liao Ji.
• Number 86 reveals she can scan black market terminals, offering a potential backup plan for entering Zero Dreamscape.

Significant Themes

• The duality of Dream City's prosperity and the dangers lurking beneath its surface.
• The importance of caution and vigilance in the face of potential threats, such as the "Killer Ghost" and black market scams.
• The value of having multiple plans and backup strategies.

Character Interactions

• Liao Ji and Irin discuss their plans for entering Zero Dreamscape, with Liao Ji outlining their two-pronged approach.
• Irin suggests visiting District 13 to find a black market terminal, showing her understanding of the city's underbelly.
• Liao Ji and Irin share a moment of banter, with Irin playfully teasing Liao Ji about his tendency to attract trouble.
• Liao Ji shows concern for Irin's safety by asking her to be careful, hinting at a growing bond between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liao Ji arrives in Dream City and visits Night Charm Bar.
• He meets Luo Xiaoji, a wealthy second-generation kid, who is partying at the bar.
• Liao Ji asks Luo Xiaoji to help him find black Dreamscape, a thrilling and illegal Dreamscape experience.
• Luo Xiaoji agrees, but only if Liao Ji takes responsibility if his sister, the chairwoman of Quis Group, finds out.

Character Developments

• Liao Ji shows determination and resourcefulness in pursuing his goals.
• Luo Xiaoji is revealed to be fearful of his sister and eager to defy her rules.
• Irin, Liao Ji's companion, is enthusiastic and supportive of Liao Ji's plans.

Significant Themes

• The theme of defying authority and societal norms is highlighted through Luo Xiaoji's desire to experience black Dreamscape despite his sister's disapproval.
• The allure and danger of illegal activities are implied through the mention of black Dreamscape.

Character Interactions

• Liao Ji and Luo Xiaoji form an uneasy alliance, with Liao Ji manipulating Luo Xiaoji into helping him while offering to take the blame if Luo Xiaoji's sister finds out.
• Luo Xiaoji's fear of his sister is evident in his eagerness to shift the blame onto Liao Ji.
• Irin's loyalty and support for Liao Ji are shown through her enthusiastic approval of his plans.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Luo Xiaoji and his group meet with the Blackfire Gang to purchase Black Dreamscapes.
• The gang leader reveals that Zero Dreamscape is a gold mine filled with wealth and power from the Old World.
• Luo Xiaoji buys five Black Dreamscapes and a special Dreamscape Terminal that can access Zero Dreamscape.

Character Developments

• Luo Xiaoji shows curiosity and willingness to explore Zero Dreamscape after learning about its potential benefits.
• The Blackfire Gang leader reveals his resentment towards companies and government for monopolizing Zero Dreamscape and his longing for its power and wealth.

Significant Themes

• The allure and danger of Zero Dreamscape.
• The desire for power and wealth.
• The struggle between the masses and the elite for resources and opportunities.

Character Interactions

• Luo Xiaoji interacts with the Blackfire Gang members, showing curiosity and willingness to engage in conversation despite their intimidating appearance.
• The Blackfire Gang leader shares his views on Zero Dreamscape with Luo Xiaoji, attempting to sway him to their side.
• Luo Xiaoji, Liao Ji, and Irin work together to select Black Dreamscapes, with Liao Ji secretly using 86 to scan the tapes for any connection to Zero Dreamscape.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Luo Xiaoji's actions are being monitored by Kaier Technology, including his meeting with Liao Ji and involving the Blackfire Gang.
• A fire breaks out in the Emergency Rescue Squad's hangar, potentially linked to Luo Xiaoji's interaction with Tiya.
• William, the chief steward, deduces that Luo Xiaoji might have caused Tiya's malfunction and could pose a threat to other 'eyes' in Zero Dreamscape exploration.

Character Developments

• William shows exceptional analytical skills and strategic thinking, connecting seemingly unrelated events to deduce Luo Xiaoji's potential involvement in Tiya's malfunction.
• Luo Xiaoji is revealed to be more than just a spoiled young master, with a possible connection to the Quis Group through Liao Ji.

Significant Themes

• The theme of appearances being deceptive is reinforced as Luo Xiaoji is shown to have more depth than initially thought.
• The theme of necessity behind coincidences is introduced through William's principle.

Character Interactions

• William and the Intelligence Division director interact, with William demonstrating his superior analytical skills and the director showing deference to him.
• Luo Xiaoji's actions are discussed in relation to the Quis Group, suggesting a connection between the two.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Diane reads a report about the harmful effects of Dreamscape, especially illegal black Dreamscapes.
• She discovers that Luo Xiaoji has been purchasing black Dreamscapes using the group's network.
• Diane confronts Lady Rena about the situation and demands protection for her brother.
• Rena reveals that Liao Ji, the person sent to protect Luo Xiaoji, is her "little boyfriend."

Character Developments

• Diane: Becomes increasingly concerned about her brother's safety and well-being, showing her protective side.
• Luo Xiaoji: Shows signs of reckless behavior and poor decision-making by purchasing black Dreamscapes.
• Lady Rena: Reveals her manipulative and nonchalant nature, prioritizing her own interests and amusement.

Significant Themes

• The dangers of unregulated virtual reality and its potential for addiction and harm.
• The consequences of reckless behavior and poor decision-making.
• The manipulative nature of powerful figures and their lack of concern for others' well-being.

Character Interactions

• Diane and Lady Rena: Their interaction reveals the power dynamics between them, with Diane trying to assert her influence and Rena dismissing her concerns.
• Diane and Luo Xiaoji: Although not present in this chapter, their relationship is a significant factor driving Diane's actions.
• Lady Rena and Liao Ji: Their relationship is hinted at, with Rena referring to Liao Ji as her "little boyfriend."

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liao Ji discovers Luo Xiaoji trying to hide illegal Dreamscapes.
• Liao Ji confiscates the illegal Dreamscapes, including 'Born a Dog, Happy as Can Be'.
• Liao Ji and Irin find a recording in the illegal Dreamscape terminal, revealing a plot by a gang to infiltrate Kaier Technology's launch event.
• Liao Ji learns he can use a damaged coordinate anchor in the terminal to enter Zero Dreamscape once.

Character Developments

• Luo Xiaoji shows fear and desperation when Liao Ji mentions his sister, revealing his vulnerable side.
• Liao Ji demonstrates his integrity by keeping his promise to Luo Xiaoji about not revealing the illegal Dreamscapes he bought.

Significant Themes

• The corrupting influence of wealth (Luo Xiaoji's illegal Dreamscapes).
• The dangers of unregulated technology (illegal Dreamscapes and their viruses).
• The power of information and intelligence (Liao Ji's discovery of the gang's plot).

Character Interactions

• Liao Ji and Luo Xiaoji: Liao Ji uses Luo Xiaoji's fear of his sister to confiscate the illegal Dreamscapes, showing his understanding of Luo Xiaoji's weakness.
• Liao Ji and Irin: They work together to analyze the illegal Dreamscape terminal, revealing their partnership and shared goals.
• The gang members: Their conversation reveals their plot against Kaier Technology and their desperation for wealth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liao Ji enters Zero Dreamscape, finding it identical to the Old World from the game, filled with oppression and the deadly Corrupt Calamity mist.
• He encounters a refugee old man who is panicked and traumatized, then a Dread Beast (Corrupt Calamity monster) attacks them.
• Liao Ji's machine servant, Number 86, saves the old man by killing the Dread Beast with a laser cannon.

Character Developments

• Liao Ji: Shows calm and empathy towards the old man, revealing he's a Firebearer from a nearby settlement.
• Old Man: Initially terrified and traumatized, he becomes excited and confused upon seeing Number 86, reacting strangely to her presence and Liao Ji's interaction with her.

Significant Themes

• The harsh reality of the Old World and the Corrupt Calamity.
• The impact of trauma and loss on individuals.
• The potential power and mystery of machine servants.

Character Interactions

• Liao Ji tries to communicate with the old man but struggles due to the latter's mental state.
• The old man reacts strongly to Number 86, questioning Liao Ji about her.
• Liao Ji and Number 86: Their master-servant dynamic is established, with 86 following Liao Ji's commands and providing recommendations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liao Ji encounters a ragged old man who recognizes 86 as a mech-servant with a master, which is unprecedented.
• The old man reveals the existence of 'witches' who have killed all mech-servants and gives Liao Ji a map to his settlement, hinting at answers there.
• Liao Ji learns that natives of Zero Dreamscape turn to sand upon death and that there are many mech-servants like 86 in this world.
• 86 transforms into a motorcycle, allowing Liao Ji to travel faster towards the settlement.

Character Developments

• Liao Ji: Shows determination to find answers and continues exploring Zero Dreamscape despite the dangers.
• 86: Demonstrates adaptability by transforming into a motorcycle and expressing excitement about serving Liao Ji.

Significant Themes

• The struggle against Corrupt Calamity and the role of mech-servants in this fight.
• The mysterious nature of 'witches' and their opposition to mech-servants.
• The prophecy and its potential connection to Liao Ji.

Character Interactions

• Liao Ji and the old man: The old man provides crucial information to Liao Ji before dying.
• Liao Ji and 86: Liao Ji relies on 86 for transportation, and they share a playful moment discussing 86's motorcycle form.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liao Ji, riding his motorcycle 'Blue Lightning', encounters and decimates a swarm of Crawling Ant Beasts.
• He discovers a settlement that has been attacked and occupied by Scavenger Brutes.
• The Scavenger Brutes are seen planning to consume and enslave the remaining villagers.

Character Developments

• Liao Ji demonstrates his combat prowess and recklessness, seeking out and destroying monster swarms.
• The Scavenger Brute leader, a massive female, is introduced, showing her cruelty and disregard for human life.

Significant Themes

• The harsh and dangerous nature of the post-apocalyptic world.
• The struggle for survival and resources between different factions.
• The corrupting influence of the Corrupt Calamity on humans.

Character Interactions

• Liao Ji interacts with the Crawling Ant Beasts, demonstrating his motorcycle's capabilities and his disregard for the monsters.
• The Scavenger Brute leader interacts with her subordinates, issuing orders to consume and enslave the remaining villagers.