Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Thor's soul projects out of his body, causing him distress and vulnerability.
• Haywood escorts Thor back to the warehouse, revealing he knew about Thor's soul projection.
• Thor learns that George, the servant he saved, has a mutated soul and needs to become a Wizard Apprentice to survive.
• Haywood agrees to give George time to decide, either to become an apprentice or die.
• Thor returns to his body, relieved to find it unchanged.
• Haywood reveals that Heidi, a curse he created using his mutated sister, was behind Thor's soul projection.

Character Developments

• Thor: Shows concern for George's well-being and understands the necessity of becoming a Wizard Apprentice to survive.
• Haywood: Reveals his past, showing a level of vulnerability and guilt regarding his sister's mutation and his father's actions.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of Wizard Body Modifications and the struggle for survival in the Wizard Tower.
• The complex relationships between family members in the wizarding world.
• The power dynamics between apprentices and the dangers they face.

Character Interactions

• Thor and Haywood: Haywood reveals his past and his connection to Heidi, while Thor learns more about the dangers of the Wizard Tower.
• Thor and George: Thor shows compassion towards George, understanding the necessity of becoming a Wizard Apprentice to survive.
• Haywood and Heidi: Haywood expresses guilt and concern for Heidi, revealing her actions led to Thor's soul projection.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Haywood asks Thor to rescue Heidi from the Interlayer in exchange for information about Thor's Silver Eye (the Nightmare Butterfly cocoon) and one hundred Credits.
• Thor agrees, despite the danger, and Haywood provides a scent bottle to guide Heidi to Thor.
• Thor discovers that his Diary absorbed the Residue and evil thoughts from his previous Interlayer experience, potentially allowing him to increase his Mental Power by devouring Spirit Bodies without side effects.

Character Developments

• Thor demonstrates his ruthlessness and determination to improve himself, even when facing great danger.
• Haywood shows concern for his sister Heidi, but his true motives remain unclear.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and potential rewards of exploring the Interlayer.
• The importance of Mental Power in wizardry and the difficulty of increasing it.
• The consequences of absorbing other spirits' consciousnesses and the potential for losing one's identity.

Character Interactions

• Thor and Haywood negotiate a deal, with Haywood offering information and compensation in exchange for Thor's help in rescuing Heidi.
• Thor interacts with his Diary, learning about the absorption of Residue and evil thoughts, and the potential for increasing his Mental Power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Thor decides to enhance his Spirit Body through consumption, but waits to implement the plan due to risks and preparation needed.
• He remembers Haywood waiting outside and decides to practice voluntary spirit projection using his Meditation Method, the Erosion Diagram.
• Thor successfully projects his spirit and goes to meet Haywood, who helps him enter the Interlayer to find Heidi.
• Thor enters the Interlayer three times, finding it dangerous and dense with eyes, but no sign of Heidi.

Character Developments

• Thor shows determination and curiosity in exploring his abilities, despite potential risks.
• Haywood demonstrates patience and eagerness to find his sister, offering to help Thor and paying for his services.

Significant Themes

• The risks and rewards of experimentation and exploration.
• The importance of preparation and caution in pursuing goals.
• The power of curiosity and determination in driving progress.

Character Interactions

• Thor and Haywood interact professionally, with Haywood showing respect for Thor's abilities and Thor being cautious but cooperative.
• Thor's interaction with the Interlayer highlights its dangerous and mysterious nature, emphasizing the risks he takes to find Heidi.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Thor retrieves Heidi from the Interlayer, discovering she's eyeless like the Puppet Doll.
• Thor carries Heidi back to the warehouse, with the corpses clearing a path for them.
• Haywood returns Heidi to the black bottle, warning Thor about the Nightmare Butterfly's information.
• Thor receives a new mission from mentor Gudo to prepare materials for Keli.

Character Developments

• Heidi: Initially hostile, she becomes submissive to Haywood and shows a willful little girl persona.
• Thor: He demonstrates courage and resourcefulness in retrieving Heidi and shows restraint in not immediately reading the Nightmare Butterfly's information.
• Haywood: He continues to help Thor stabilize his Spirit Body and shows concern for Heidi's cleanliness.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of the Nightmare Butterfly.
• The importance of careful study and preparation before delving into powerful magic.
• The complex relationships between the characters, with Heidi's attachment to Haywood and Thor's growing bond with Haywood.

Character Interactions

• Thor and Heidi: Thor shows bravery in retrieving Heidi, and they have a tense interaction with the corpses.
• Thor and Haywood: They continue their cooperation, with Haywood warning Thor about the Nightmare Butterfly's information and offering to help Thor with his Spirit Body.
• Thor and Keli: They reunite after Thor's return, showing a friendly rapport.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Keli visits Thor, unrecognizable due to an experiment gone wrong, wearing plate armor and a metallic red lip color.
• Thor recounts his adventure with Senior Byron in Chuishou Valley to Keli.
• Keli reveals she's been having issues with a new Witchcraft experiment, causing toxic metal to seep from her skin pores.
• Keli delivers a letter to Thor, entrusted to her by a friend of her brother's, claiming to be Thor's family.
• Thor decides not to report the letter to Mentor Kazi immediately and keeps it to himself.

Character Developments

• Keli: Struggling with a new experiment that has caused physical changes, but maintains her stubborn and confident demeanor.
• Thor: Shows concern for Keli's well-being but maintains his usual calm and collected attitude. He becomes cautious and serious upon receiving the letter.

Significant Themes

• Experimentation and its consequences: Both Keli and Thor are dealing with the aftermath of their experiments.
• Trust and caution: Thor's hesitation in opening the letter and his decision not to immediately report it to Mentor Kazi highlight his wariness and the importance of trust in his relationships.

Character Interactions

• Thor and Keli: Their banter and friendly rivalry continue, with Keli teasing Thor about his luck and Thor poking fun at Keli's predicament. They show genuine concern for each other's well-being.
• Thor and the letter's sender: Thor's caution and seriousness upon receiving the letter hint at a complex and potentially dangerous relationship with the sender, likely Kismet.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Thor receives a letter from Kismet (Victor), warning him of impending danger and inviting him to the Land of No Owner.
• Thor reports Kismet's letter to Gorsa.
• Kismet, in the Kema-Kenas border wasteland, interrogates a quasi-knight about the upcoming war between the two principalities.
• Kismet tames a Sand Poison Scorpion and decides to head to Kenas to meet Prince Aruba.
• Thor successfully creates a dose of the Wizard Body Modification reagent after several failed attempts.

Character Developments

• Thor: Becomes more cautious and responsible after receiving Kismet's warning. He reports the threat to Gorsa and focuses on perfecting the Wizard Body Modification reagent.
• Kismet: Shows manipulative and cruel behavior towards the quasi-knight. He also demonstrates control over music and creatures, taming the Sand Poison Scorpion.

Significant Themes

• Danger and Impending Crisis: Both Thor and Kismet are aware of the looming threats, though they interpret them differently.
• Power and Control: Kismet uses his power to control others, while Thor seeks to gain control over his body through the modification reagent.
• War and Conspiracy: The political tension between Kema and Kenas, and the involvement of external parties, hint at larger conspiracies at play.

Character Interactions

• Thor and Kismet: Though not physically present together, their interactions are shown through the letter and Kismet's actions, revealing a tense and potentially hostile relationship.
• Kismet and the Quasi-Knight: Kismet manipulates and ultimately kills the quasi-knight, demonstrating his disregard for human life.
• Thor and the Diary: The Diary aids Thor in his work, showing a level of cooperation and understanding between the two.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Thor combines his Plastic Bone modification with Ralph's Flesh Sorcery, aiming to create a new Spirit Ester.
• After a month of preparation, Thor begins the experiment, mixing the Spirit Ester, Neutralizing Agent, and Flesh Sorcery Auxiliary Potion.
• The potions initially refuse to fuse, but eventually, a new gray powder appears and begins to consume the Spirit Ester.
• Thor tests the new solution by growing a plant, which turns gray and infectious, spreading to the soil and pot.
• Thor stops the reaction using Tier 0 Wizardry and warns Xiao Zao not to eat random things after it swallows the plant and pot.

Character Developments

• Thor demonstrates his dedication and perseverance in his experiments, even when facing failure.
• Xiao Zao shows curiosity and a tendency to eat anything, highlighting its mischievous nature.

Significant Themes

• The complexity and unpredictability of wizardry experiments.
• The potential dangers and unintended consequences of magical creations.
• The importance of careful observation and adaptability in scientific pursuits.

Character Interactions

• Thor interacts with Xiao Zao, scolding it for eating the contaminated plant and pot, showing concern for its well-being.
• Thor's Diary is mentioned as a guiding force, though it doesn't intervene in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Thor attempts a risky experiment using a new Spirit Ester, leading to an unexpected reaction.
• The gray solution created begins to devour Thor's arms, mimicking human tissue and blood vessels.
• Thor faints due to the solution's influence, and Xiao Zao protects him from Ula and Gorsa.

Character Developments

• Thor: Shows recklessness and determination in his experiments, pushing the boundaries of his abilities.
• Xiao Zao: Demonstrates loyalty and protectiveness towards Thor, defying both Ula and Gorsa to safeguard him.
• Ula: Reveals her frustration with Thor's recklessness and her desire to save him despite her suspicions.
• Gorsa: Shows interest in Thor's experiment, examining his notes while Xiao Zao is frozen in fear.

Significant Themes

• Recklessness vs. Caution: Thor's impulsive actions contrast with the caution advised by Ula and the potential dangers of his experiments.
• Loyalty and Protection: Xiao Zao's unwavering loyalty to Thor, even in the face of powerful adversaries like Ula and Gorsa.
• Consequences of Actions: The unexpected results of Thor's experiment highlight the potential consequences of his reckless behavior.

Character Interactions

• Thor and Xiao Zao: Thor's unconscious body is protected by Xiao Zao, who defends him against Ula and Gorsa.
• Ula and Xiao Zao: Ula threatens Xiao Zao, but ultimately allows it to protect Thor, acknowledging their bond.
• Gorsa and Xiao Zao: Gorsa's presence instills fear in Xiao Zao, preventing it from moving while he examines Thor's notes.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Thor completes reading Thor's derivation formulas for the secondary body modification.
• Gorsa visits the Second Warehouse, interacts with Xiao Zao, and leaves a Red Candle with instructions to burn Thor's palm if he hasn't awakened by the time the candle burns out.
• Thor awakens from a hallucination involving an elf, who claims she's going to die. The hallucination ends, and Thor finds Xiao Zao with a Red Candle.
• Thor discovers that someone, likely Gorsa, has been through his experimental table.

Character Developments

• Thor: Shows curiosity and caution when dealing with the hallucination. He's also more confident in his abilities and less secretive about his knowledge.
• Gorsa: Demonstrates concern for Thor's well-being, indicating he values Thor's potential. He also shows affection towards Xiao Zao.
• Xiao Zao: Shows loyalty and obedience to Gorsa's instructions. It also displays a level of understanding and interaction with Thor.

Significant Themes

• The theme of transformation and modification continues, with Thor working on his secondary body modification and Gorsa considering a change for Xiao Zao.
• The idea of hidden knowledge and secrets is explored, with Thor no longer needing to hide his knowledge and Gorsa not concealing his inspection of Thor's work.

Character Interactions

• Gorsa and Xiao Zao: Gorsa shows affection and care towards Xiao Zao, treating it like a child. Xiao Zao, in turn, shows loyalty and understanding.
• Thor and Xiao Zao: Thor interacts with Xiao Zao, trying to understand who gave Xiao Zao the Red Candle. They also share a moment of camaraderie when Thor pats Xiao Zao.
• Thor and the elf (in the hallucination): Thor shows curiosity and caution when interacting with the elf, trying to understand her situation without triggering any traps.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Thor wakes up in a Stone Coffin after his Wizard Body Modification.
• He discovers that his entire body has turned light gray, with enhanced strength, toughness, and recovery abilities.
• His spirit-body incompatibility issue seems to be resolved.
• Thor's Magic Power value breaks through one hundred.

Character Developments

• Thor: Shows resilience and adaptability in accepting his transformed body. He also demonstrates analytical skills in understanding the changes.
• Xiao Zao: Assists Thor by placing him in the Stone Coffin, showing understanding of the process.

Significant Themes

• Transformation and adaptation: Thor's body and mind adapt to his new form, and he accepts it as part of his growth.
• Soul-body compatibility: The resolution of Thor's spirit-body incompatibility highlights the importance of harmony between the soul and the physical form.

Character Interactions

• Thor and Xiao Zao: Xiao Zao aids Thor, showing a level of understanding and support.
• Thor and Keli (implied): Thor looks forward to sharing his progress with Keli, indicating their friendly rivalry and mutual support.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Thor tests his Spirit Body again and finds it improved, renaming his modification formula to 'Spirit-Devouring Ester'.
• He dreams of an elf, which concerns him due to Senior Byron's warning.
• Gorsa, the Tower Master, visits Thor and checks for any unusual effects from Kismet's letter, finding none.
• Thor tells Gorsa about his vision of an elf during his modification, and Gorsa shares information about the mysterious Elven race.

Character Developments

• Thor's Spirit Body continues to strengthen, and he gains new knowledge about the Elven race.
• Gorsa reveals his concern for Thor's well-being and shares his knowledge about the Elves.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of the Elven race.
• The importance of knowledge and understanding in the wizarding world.
• The consequences of hiding or misusing information (as seen with Kismet's letter).

Character Interactions

• Thor and Gorsa discuss Thor's vision of an elf and Gorsa shares his knowledge about the Elven race.
• Thor and Gorsa discuss Kismet's letter and the possibility of Kismet being an elf.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Thor learns about the sudden and mysterious disappearance of the entire Elf race.
• Elven items are found to cause illusions and corruption, leading to a wizarding world-wide purge of such items.
• Thor is given an Elven Whisper by Gorsa, which begins to wither and die in his presence.

Character Developments

• Thor experiences fear and existential crisis upon learning about the Elf disappearance, questioning the value of his efforts to become stronger.
• Thor has a brief emotional breakdown but quickly recovers, deciding not to dwell on the uncontrollable probability of total human extinction.
• Gorsa shows understanding and patience towards Thor's emotional struggle, but also a willingness to let Thor face his fears alone.

Significant Themes

• The unknown and uncontrollable power that caused the Elf disappearance.
• The allure of forbidden knowledge and power.
• The fragility of existence and the inevitability of change.
• The struggle with fear and existential crises.

Character Interactions

• Thor and Gorsa's conversation about the Elf disappearance and the dangers of Elven items.
• Thor's internal struggle and brief emotional breakdown, witnessed by Gorsa.
• Gorsa's decision not to intervene in Thor's emotional crisis, but to offer guidance and understanding afterwards.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Thor consults Gorsa about his elven illusion problem. Gorsa warns him about the risks of using elven items but reassures him about his willpower.
• Gorsa gives Thor an Elven Whisper that withers away after a few days, ending the illusion.
• Thor undergoes a full-body examination by Mentor Kazi and learns his Magic Power is 103.
• Thor and Keli discuss their apprenticeship status and research projects.

Character Developments

• Thor's Magic Power increases significantly, making him exceptional among his peers.
• Keli expresses frustration about her assigned research project and mentor, but remains determined to succeed.
• Gorsa reveals his past specialization in the Light Attribute and his current status as the strongest Tier 2 in the Western Continent.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and consequences of using elven items.
• The importance of individual willpower in overcoming challenges.
• The pressure and limitations of research projects assigned by mentors in the Wizard Tower.
• The determination and resilience of apprentices in pursuing their goals.

Character Interactions

• Thor seeks advice from Gorsa about his elven illusion problem, leading to a discussion about the risks of using elven items.
• Thor and Keli discuss their apprenticeship status, research projects, and career aspirations.
• Gorsa shows concern for Thor's well-being and offers guidance, hinting at a potential mentorship role.
• Thor and Keli part ways, with Keli expressing her determination to succeed despite her current circumstances.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Thor watches Keli confidently ascend to the Tower Master's quarters.
• Thor decides to visit the Library to research Locators, choosing it over studying the Nightmare Butterfly due to its immediate relevance and lower risk.
• At the Library, Thor encounters new apprentices intimidated by the librarian and learns that Locator knowledge is in the thirteenth row, fourth column.
• Thor notices a change in the librarian's behavior towards him and discovers a new fear in the Evil Spirit shelf, which turns out to be an Elf from his modification illusion.
• Thor finds a valuable book, "How to Choose a Locator Suitable for Yourself" by Barbara, and decides to borrow it.
• Thor sees the young librarian waiting for him as he prepares to leave.

Character Developments

• Thor demonstrates self-awareness and caution in his approach to Locators, understanding their personal and philosophical nature.
• The young librarian shows unease and respect towards Thor, indicating a possible change in his perception of Thor's power or status.

Significant Themes

• The personal and subjective nature of Locators, contrasting with the objective logic of runes and Witchcraft.
• The importance of self-understanding and reflection in choosing a suitable Locator.

Character Interactions

• Thor and the young librarian have a tense interaction, with the librarian showing unexpected deference to Thor.
• Thor's fear, now an Elf, is mentioned but not interacted with directly.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Thor is ambushed by the Young Administrator in the White Mist.
• The Administrator reveals he has been trapped in the Library for over a hundred years and wants Thor to take him away.
• Thor discovers he can absorb the Administrator's Spirit Body, giving him the ability to take the Administrator away secretly.
• The Administrator offers to serve Thor for a hundred years in exchange for his freedom afterward.

Character Developments

• Thor: Becomes more wary and vigilant, displays strategic thinking in considering the risks and benefits of taking the Administrator.
• Young Administrator: Reveals his desperation to leave the Library, shows cunning in planning his escape.

Significant Themes

• Freedom vs. Imprisonment: The Administrator's long imprisonment contrasts with Thor's desire for freedom.
• Risk and Reward: Thor weighs the risks of taking the Administrator against the potential benefits.
• Trust and Betrayal: The Administrator's offer to serve Thor raises questions about his loyalty and Thor's trust in him.

Character Interactions

• Thor and the Young Administrator: Their interaction is tense and suspicious initially, but the Administrator's offer to serve Thor creates a potential alliance.
• Thor and the Diary: Thor consults his Diary silently during the conversation, suggesting the Diary may have played a role in absorbing the Administrator's Spirit Body.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Thor, the young administrator of the Wizard Tower's Library, offers his services to Thor, the protagonist, highlighting his knowledge and abilities.
• Thor absorbs the young administrator using his Spirit-Devouring Ester, gaining a vast amount of knowledge and energy.
• Thor bumps into Luokai, president of the Mutual Aid Society, at the Library's exit. Luokai invites Thor to a special Exchange Meeting for Level 2 and 3 Apprentices.

Character Developments

• Thor (Protagonist): Absorbs the young administrator, gaining extensive knowledge and increasing his power. He also decides to attend the special Exchange Meeting, indicating a shift in his approach to the Wizard Tower's politics.
• Young Administrator: Absorbed by Thor, his knowledge and abilities are integrated into Thor's being.
• Luokai: Invites Thor to the special Exchange Meeting, showing his awareness of Thor's growing influence and his desire to maintain a connection with him.

Significant Themes

• Knowledge and power: The young administrator's knowledge and abilities are absorbed by Thor, highlighting the connection between knowledge and power in the Wizard Tower.
• Growing influence: Thor's absorption of the young administrator and his invitation to the special Exchange Meeting indicate his increasing influence and status within the Wizard Tower.

Character Interactions

• Thor (Protagonist) and Young Administrator: The young administrator offers his services to Thor, leading to his absorption by Thor.
• Thor (Protagonist) and Luokai: Luokai invites Thor to the special Exchange Meeting, acknowledging Thor's growing influence and seeking to maintain a connection with him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Thor attends a gathering, with the Mutual Aid Society currying favor with him due to rumors about the Tower Master.
• Thor feels watched but finds nothing unusual; Ula, a shadow creature, tails him but decides to stop due to his growing Mental Power.
• Thor attempts to connect with the Death Wizard Diary to turn it into his own locator but fails.
• The Diary initiates a consciousness transmission with the Young Administrator (Agu), a Grudge Spirit sealed within it.

Character Developments

• Thor shows maturity and understanding, not taking advantage of his power over Agu.
• Agu, initially hostile, accepts his situation and agrees to cooperate with Thor.
• Ula demonstrates caution and adaptability, ceasing her pursuit of Thor.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and hierarchy, with Thor's growing influence and Agu's submission.
• The nature of the Death Wizard Diary's power, hinted to be beyond a fourth-rank official wizard.
• Trust and deception, with Thor attempting to build trust with Agu despite their unequal positions.

Character Interactions

• Thor and Agu establish a tentative relationship, with Thor trying to reassure Agu and Agu agreeing to cooperate.
• Thor and Ula have a silent interaction, with Ula deciding not to pursue Thor further.
• Thor's interaction with the Diary hints at its immense power and potential.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Thor meets Agu, a Tier 2 Wizard reduced to serving as a librarian, who reveals he's a Faceless One, a race that survives by replacing the existence of others.
• Thor attends the Exchange Meeting, where he encounters Kongsha, who is suspected of being contaminated by an Elf.
• Inside the activity room, Thor sees Billy, Light, and a young girl. Two large parchment scrolls with Witchcraft arrays are present.

Character Developments

• Thor demonstrates curiosity and respect for knowledge, asking Agu about the Faceless Ones.
• Kongsha shows defiance and a sense of humor when facing accusations about Elf contamination.
• Billy appears disinterested in the proceedings, while Light seems uncomfortable with the girl on his lap.

Significant Themes

• The danger and curiosity of Elves and their contamination.
• The importance of knowledge and understanding different races, as shown by Thor's interest in the Faceless Ones.

Character Interactions

• Thor interacts with Agu, learning about the Faceless Ones.
• Kongsha and Jero engage in a tense exchange, with Kongsha mentioning an Elf named Xierxijiesi.
• Thor acknowledges Billy and Light but doesn't interact with them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Thor attends a high-level exchange meeting of the Mutual Aid Society.
• Mentor Anze's research on a composite material for energy replenishment is discussed.
• Luokai mentions George, a new apprentice with One Soul Two Consciousnesses, sparking interest among attendees.
• Haywood claims he will observe George for a year before deciding his fate.

Character Developments

• Thor remains cautious and observant, trying to discern valuable information from the meeting.
• Light continues to exhibit his eccentric behavior, tidying the little maid's hair during the meeting.
• Billy maintains his gloomy demeanor, seemingly disinterested in the proceedings.
• Kongsha appears nervous, her eyeballs bobbing and sinking, suggesting she's anxious or uncomfortable.
• Haywood demonstrates his influence and authority by silencing a dissenting apprentice and claiming George under his protection.

Significant Themes

• Information and knowledge exchange among high-level apprentices.
• Protection and exploitation of talented newcomers (George).
• Power dynamics and hierarchies within the Mutual Aid Society.

Character Interactions

• Thor observes Light, Billy, Kongsha, and Haywood during the meeting.
• Haywood confronts and silences a dissenting apprentice.
• Jero, sitting beside Thor, sarcastically praises Haywood and reveals his strength.
• Luokai shares information about mentors' projects and new apprentices, sparking discussions among attendees.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Haywood and Jero have a tense standoff, with Jero implying Haywood is imitating Tower Master Gorsa.
• Luokai, the leader of the Mutual Aid Society, shares information about mentors' research projects, including Mentor Kazi's work on converting ghosts to Evil Spirits.
• An apprentice offers a large sum for live specimens of non-human intelligent creatures, but no one initially responds.

Character Developments

• Haywood: Shows restraint and self-control in the face of provocation from Jero.
• Luokai: Demonstrates manipulative skills in extracting information from Hoon.
• Thor: Shows analytical skills in connecting mentors' research to the Tower Master's goals.

Significant Themes

• Information control and manipulation within the Wizard Tower.
• The value of live specimens of non-human intelligent creatures in the trading market.

Character Interactions

• Haywood and Jero: Tension and provocation, with Jero implying Haywood is imitating Gorsa.
• Luokai and Hoon: Manipulation and intimidation, with Luokai extracting information from Hoon.
• Apprentices in the Activity Room: Discussion and trading, with an apprentice offering a large sum for live specimens.