Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Galahad drives Gwen and Nora to the front in a high-speed internal combustion car.
• They reach the self-propelled artillery zone, where Gwen is loaded into an artillery piece, and Nora flies in.
• Galahad explains that the self-propelled artillery uses on-site loading of Pollution and Nitroglycerin, and only Transcendents can operate it.

Character Developments

• Galahad demonstrates his exceptional driving skills and knowledge of the vehicles.
• Gwen is injured due to Galahad's aggressive driving but is still conscious and able to participate in the war effort.
• Nora shows resilience and adaptability, having experience with similar situations from her past.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of internal combustion engines.
• The importance of Transcendents in operating advanced machinery.
• The contrast between the Holy See's Steam Tanks and Richard's self-propelled artillery.

Character Interactions

• Galahad, Gwen, and Nora travel together, with Galahad driving and explaining the vehicles.
• Galahad interacts with a mechanic, ordering him to start the self-propelled gun.
• Gwen and Nora are both eager to participate in the war effort, with Nora showing interest in the self-propelled artillery.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nora is tossed into a self-propelled artillery cannon by Galahad to participate in the battle.
• Nora successfully connects with the Machine Soul and controls the artillery.
• Galahad briefs Nora about the battle situation and asks her to hold off the Steam Tanks and cover the retreating soldiers.
• Nora and Gwen, each controlling an artillery cannon, move towards the battlefield.
• They take position on a hill overlooking the battlefield and spot the Steam Tanks.

Character Developments

• Nora experiences controlling a Machine Soul and a self-propelled artillery cannon for the first time, feeling a sense of freedom and power.
• Gwen struggles with her Machine Soul initially but manages to control it after "beating it up."

Significant Themes

• The power and freedom of controlling a Machine Soul and a war machine.
• The strategic importance of understanding the battlefield and choosing a good position.

Character Interactions

• Galahad tosses Nora into the artillery cannon, showing his trust in her abilities.
• Nora and Gwen communicate through loudspeakers, showing camaraderie and mutual support.
• Nora and Gwen work together to decide their strategy on the battlefield.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Duchy of Tis soldiers demonstrate their tactical prowess by dispersing and taking cover, avoiding heavy casualties from the Holy See's Steam Tanks.
• Nora and Gwen, aboard their self-propelled artillery pieces, destroy two Steam Tanks with a single shot each, showcasing the power of their weapons and the Machine Souls' assistance.

Character Developments

• Nora reflects on the strength of Castel's military, realizing that its power lies not just in its technology but also in its people and their courage to resist supernatural threats.
• Gwen gains a new understanding of the Resistance Army's potential and the true power of Castel's military.

Significant Themes

• The courage and determination of mortal soldiers in the face of supernatural threats.
• The transformative power of technology and the potential it unlocks for mortals.
• Nora's longing for and fear of the battlefield, and her desire to fight alongside reliable comrades.

Character Interactions

• Nora and Gwen's camaraderie and shared fighting spirit are reinforced as they work together to destroy the Steam Tanks.
• Nora's leadership and Gwen's unwavering support are highlighted in their exchange before they open fire on the enemy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nora and Gwen charge towards the enemy, using Nora's self-propelled gun and Gwen's Steam Tank.
• Nora plays Holy Scripture passages through her loudspeakers, mimicking the Burier seniors' battle tactic.
• They destroy two enemy Steam Tanks, causing the enemy line to falter.
• The Duchy of Tis soldiers follow their charge, causing the Holy See's main force to rout.
• Two remaining enemy Steam Tanks, manned by Candlelight Society priests, charge at Nora and Gwen.
• A priest from the Candlelight Society engages in a 'sacred duel' with Nora, using his Investigator powers to halt bullets.
• The priest is ultimately defeated by Nora's use of black powder bombs (trebuchet ammunition) from the battlefield's makeshift mortars.

Character Developments

• Nora embraces her warrior nature, finding joy and purpose on the battlefield.
• The Candlelight Society priest demonstrates his Investigator powers but underestimates Nora's tactics.

Significant Themes

• The clash of religious beliefs and ideologies (Silent Temple vs. Holy See).
• The power of faith and its influence on soldiers' actions.
• The evolution of warfare, with traditional combat methods (like knightly duels) meeting modern tactics (like artillery and mortars).

Character Interactions

• Nora and Gwen fight side by side, demonstrating their bond and trust in each other.
• The Candlelight Society priest and Nora engage in a symbolic 'duel', highlighting their contrasting beliefs and tactics.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Duchy of Tis's soldiers are routed by Castel's new weapon, a self-propelled artillery piece.
• A priest transforms into a monstrous creature and attacks Gwen and her vehicle.
• Lina, a [Named One], arrives and gathers the routed soldiers, leading them to a valley where they are all found dead, seemingly arranged to point toward Castel.

Character Developments

• Gwen demonstrates her proficiency and excitement in operating the self-propelled artillery.
• Lina shows determination to follow her father's orders, even if it means sacrificing the Gear Sage.
• The Duchy of Tis's soldiers show caution and strategic thinking in pursuing the routed Holy See soldiers.

Significant Themes

• The power of Castel's new weapon and the vulnerability of the Holy See's forces.
• The desperation and determination of Lina to follow her father's orders.
• The strategic thinking and caution of the Duchy of Tis's soldiers.

Character Interactions

• Gwen and Nora work together to defend against the monstrous priest.
• Lina gathers and leads the routed Holy See soldiers, despite their initial hesitation.
• The Duchy of Tis's soldiers cautiously pursue the gathered Holy See soldiers, suspecting an ambush.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Theus, overwhelmed by his duties as Lord of Castel, struggles with exhaustion and forgetfulness.
• He experiences a lucid dream where he questions his identity and past, unable to recall his original name or where he worked before Castel.
• Upon waking, he tries to determine if he's still dreaming by attempting to return to his Golden Throne using the [Return] ability.

Character Development

• Theus: Struggles with exhaustion and stress from his duties, leading to introspection and questioning of his identity and past.
• Gwen (mentioned): Theus considers warning her about his current situation.

Significant Themes

• Identity and memory: Theus's inability to recall his past and original name raises questions about his identity and the nature of his transmigration.
• Power and control: Theus's reliance on his [Return] ability to escape his current situation highlights his desire for control and his belief in his power's invincibility.

Character Interactions

• Theus interacts with his thoughts and memories, questioning his past and trying to recall details.
• He considers warning Gwen, indicating their close relationship and trust in each other.
• Theus's subconscious mind and his soul (on the Golden Throne) are implied to be separate entities, with the latter being more powerful and capable of protecting him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist wakes up from a long, dream-like sleep.
• He finds himself in a room filled with people discussing strategies and plans.
• They mention a 'front line', a 'Sea God', and a 'Bone White Crow'.
• The protagonist opens his eyes to find himself in a grand hall with a prominent, empty Golden Throne.

Character Developments

• The protagonist is disoriented and confused upon waking up, trying to understand his surroundings and identity.
• The people around him seem to be planning and strategizing, suggesting they are involved in a significant endeavor.

Significant Themes

• Identity: The protagonist's confusion about his identity is a central theme.
• Struggle and Perseverance: The conversations hint at a long, arduous struggle, with the phrase "Even if we die a hundred times, a thousand times, we will drag those lofty beings down from their divine thrones!"

Character Interactions

• The protagonist interacts minimally, only asking questions and expressing confusion.
• The people around him seem to be familiar with each other, engaging in lively discussions and debates.
• One person, named Prometheus, offers the protagonist sweet wine and reassurance upon his awakening.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Theus awakens in his office at Castel Cathedral, not the Throne Hall where he had been in a dream.
• He stabs his hand with a letter opener to confirm he's not dreaming, and Ash, his symbiotic partner, rushes in.
• Theus believes he may have been attacked or cursed and orders a Level III response, putting the cathedral on high alert.
• Transcendents begin searching the cathedral for any unusual activities.

Character Developments

• Theus is shaken by his dream and struggles to differentiate reality from falsehood.
• He tries to recall his life before transmigration but finds he has no memories, only knowledge.
• Theus feels like a fabricated existence, questioning the authenticity of his life.

Significant Themes

• Reality vs. Illusion/Dream: Theus grapples with discerning what's real and what's a dream or illusion.
• Memory Loss and Identity: Theus's inability to recall his past life raises questions about his identity and the authenticity of his experiences.

Character Interactions

• Theus and Ash: Ash is protective and dependable, staying by Theus's side and taking charge of the situation.
• Theus and Banshees: The Banshees are worried about Theus's state and follow his orders, securing the cathedral.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chloe, a Banshee and Theus's assistant, arrives at Castel, having rushed from Blood Port.
• Theus discovers that Chloe is dead and has been working as a spirit in his diary.
• Chloe reveals that she is dedicated to protecting Castel and its ideals, even working overtime without pay.
• Theus receives intelligence that Nora and Gwen destroyed a Steam Tank on Isabella's battlefield, and Lina performed a mysterious ritual targeting Castel.

Character Developments

• Theus: Realizes Chloe's death, understands his true will to change the world, and regains his determination.
• Chloe: Reveals her dedication to Castel and its ideals, even after death.

Significant Themes

• Dedication and sacrifice for one's beliefs and ideals.
• The power of will and determination.
• The consequences of death and the afterlife.

Character Interactions

• Theus and Chloe: Theus learns about Chloe's death and her dedication to Castel, leading to his personal realization.
• Nora and Gwen: Discuss the mysterious ritual and await reinforcements.
• Theus and the Banshees: Share intelligence about the ritual targeting Castel.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ignati, the patriarch of the Silent Temple, arrives in the valley where a ritual was performed.
• Nora and Gwen explain the situation, revealing thousands of corpses arranged in a pattern.
• Ignati determines the ritual is a summoning, not for an evil god, but for a god.
• Nora expresses confusion about the concept of a 'god.'

Character Developments

• Ignati shows a more spirited and progressive attitude, surprising Nora.
• Nora's unusual behavior in Castel (hanging from the church) is discussed, with Ignati suggesting it might have formed a Transcendent connection.
• Nora's casual attitude towards evil gods and Castel's defenses indicates her confidence in Castel's abilities.

Significant Themes

• The concept of 'gods' vs 'evil gods' and their historical significance.
• The differences between Castel and other regions in terms of beliefs and practices.
• The potential danger of ancient, secret knowledge.

Character Interactions

• Ignati, Nora, and Gwen discuss the ritual and its implications.
• Nora's playful interaction with Gwen, showing a friendly rivalry.
• Ignati's paternal concern for Nora's well-being and safety.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nora and Ignati discuss the existence of powerful beings called "Gods," which are undefeatable by mortal means.
• They learn that a ritual in Castel attempted to summon a God, but nothing happened as Gods have faded from existence and Churches conceal this history.
• Nora plans to warn Castel about the attempted summoning, but Ignati decides not to return with her, preferring to stay and test-drive a self-propelled gun.
• In Blood Port, Nora, now piloting a self-propelled gun, buys food from a local shop, causing a stir among the townsfolk.

Character Developments

• Nora: Shows concern for her friends in Castel and takes initiative to warn them about the attempted summoning.
• Ignati: Reveals his longevity and lack of memory about past events. He chooses to stay behind to test-drive a self-propelled gun, showing curiosity and interest in new technologies.
• Gwen: Shows recognition of Theus as her lord, indicating loyalty to the Temple's alliance with Castel.

Significant Themes

• Power and its limitations: Gods are portrayed as beings of immense power that mortals cannot resist, highlighting the theme of powerlessness in the face of overwhelming force.
• History and truth: The Churches' concealment of the fading of Gods and their existence raises questions about the truth and manipulation of history.

Character Interactions

• Nora and Ignati: They have a conversation about Gods, with Nora expressing concern for Castel and Ignati revealing his past and decision to stay behind.
• Nora and Bettis: Nora, piloting a self-propelled gun, interacts with Bettis, the shop owner, causing a commotion among the townsfolk.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bettis meets Big Nora (Headless Nora) at her fish-and-chips shop, who is interested in leftover French fries.
• Bettis follows Big Nora to the seaside, where they feed seagulls together.
• This encounter leads to a friendship, with Big Nora visiting Bettis's shop occasionally, and they spend nights by the sea together.

Character Developments

• Bettis: Overcomes her initial fear of Big Nora and forms a bond with her, showing courage and curiosity.
• Big Nora: Despite being headless and initially seeming vacant, she displays understanding and affection towards Bettis, indicating a deeper emotional capacity.

Significant Themes

• Friendship: The unlikely friendship between Bettis and Big Nora demonstrates the power of connection and understanding.
• Perception and Reality: Big Nora's headless appearance initially strikes fear in Bettis, but her true nature is revealed to be gentle and kind.

Character Interactions

• Bettis and Big Nora: Their interactions show a growing trust and affection, with Big Nora communicating her needs through actions, and Bettis responding with empathy and understanding.
• Bettis and Little Nora: While not present in this chapter, the contrast between Big and Little Nora is implied, highlighting the unique nature of each entity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nora pays Bettis for French fries and fish, revealing she knows about Big Nora's free meals.
• Nora explores Blood Port in her self-propelled artillery, exempt from road fees due to Theus' permit.
• Theus fills Nora's fuel tank with Pollution and discusses Blood Port, Nora's new body, and future technologies.
• Theus reveals a fleet of new self-propelled artillery pieces, ready for transport to the front, emphasizing Castel's production capacity.

Character Developments

• Nora shows a newfound appreciation for her self-propelled artillery, preferring it to her old body and sacred Flail.
• Theus demonstrates his confidence in Castel's production capacity and technological progress.

Significant Themes

• The value of friendship and mutual respect (Bettis and Nora's interaction).
• The importance of exploration and experiencing new things (Nora's discovery of Blood Port).
• The significance of technological advancements and their impact on society (Theus' discussion with Nora).

Character Interactions

• Nora and Bettis: Nora pays for food, revealing she knows about Big Nora's free meals, causing Bettis to feel guilty.
• Nora and Theus: They discuss Nora's new body, future technologies, and Castel's production capacity. Theus shows concern for Nora's well-being and encourages her to explore Blood Port.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nora and Gwen launch a surprise attack, destroying four Steam Tanks, turning the tide of battle.
• Nora witnesses a vast number of self-propelled artillery pieces being manufactured and transported to the front lines.
• Nora decides to go to the front lines instead of resting at Blood Port.
• Nora finds her disembodied body working at a fried fish shop with Bettis.

Character Developments

• Nora is shocked by the sheer number of artillery pieces and feels small compared to the power of industry.
• Nora's body, now disembodied, learns to work at the fried fish shop and shows initiative in serving customers.

Significant Themes

• The power of industry vs. individual strength (Transcendents).
• Nora's perspective on her own power and its limitations.
• The unexpected life of Nora's disembodied body.

Character Interactions

• Nora and Theus discuss the power of industry and Nora's desire to go to the front lines.
• Nora interacts with her disembodied body, which is now working at the fried fish shop.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nora, in a moment of confusion, accidentally puts herself into her self-propelled artillery and has it drive away with her inside.
• The Holy See's war against Isabella's forces intensifies with the introduction of self-propelled artillery, leading to heavy losses for the Holy See's Steam Tanks.
• Nora arrives at the front lines and is greeted by Helena, a high-ranking [Burier]. She learns that there are many priests from the Silent Temple eager to operate self-propelled artillery, leading to a long queue to get onto the battlefield.

Character Developments

• Nora: Shows confusion and impulsiveness when she accidentally boards her artillery. She also displays a strong desire to fight and prove herself on the battlefield.
• Helena: Reveals that she is an old hand among the [Buriers] and Ignati's longtime deputy. She shows affection towards Nora but also a stern attitude when it comes to battlefield access.

Significant Themes

• The desire for combat and recognition among the Silent Temple's priests, particularly in relation to self-propelled artillery.
• The importance of queuing and patience in gaining access to the battlefield, even for those with impressive records like Nora.

Character Interactions

• Nora and Nora: The two Noras interact briefly, with the standing Nora ruffling the other's hair before closing the hatch, leaving Nora shocked and confused.
• Nora and Helena: They greet each other warmly, but Nora is displeased with Helena calling her "Little Nora." Helena teases Nora about her eagerness to fight and her need to queue like everyone else.
• The Silent Temple priests: They are shown discussing and being interested in self-propelled artillery, leading to a long queue to access the battlefield.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nora joins a legendary-tier queue to take artillery onto the battlefield but faces a long wait.
• Galahad demonstrates his transcendent ability to control a self-propelled artillery piece, firing accurately while moving.
• Isabella reveals that Castel's production capacity is increasing rapidly, with more self-propelled artillery arriving daily.
• Isabella explains that the advance on the battlefield is being paced due to logistical constraints, and the territory under her control has not significantly expanded despite having self-propelled artillery.

Character Developments

• Nora realizes the power of Galahad's transcendent ability and understands the insignificance of individual martial prowess before industrial might.
• Galahad acknowledges the shift in power dynamics, stating that the times have changed.
• Isabella shows strategic insight, understanding the importance of logistical support for heavy firepower like self-propelled artillery.

Significant Themes

• The shift in power dynamics from individual martial prowess to industrial might.
• The importance of logistical support in warfare, especially for heavy firepower.
• The changing nature of warfare due to technological advancements.

Character Interactions

• Nora interacts with Galahad and Isabella, learning about their perspectives on the current situation and the future of warfare.
• Galahad and Isabella discuss their feelings about the changing times and the insignificance of their individual strengths compared to Castel's production capacity.
• Isabella shares her strategic insights with Nora, explaining the reasons behind the paced advance and the limitations of heavy firepower without adequate logistical support.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Self-propelled artillery has a high failure rate and struggles against war fortresses.
• Galahad and Isabella plan a special squad (Gale Squad) to reconnoiter enemy territory and probe war fortress capabilities.
• Gale Squad infiltrates enemy territory, encountering a Holy See cavalry squad at night.

Character Developments

• Galahad: Shows strategic thinking and resourcefulness in forming Gale Squad and leading the nighttime encounter.
• Isabella: Demonstrates tactical insight and supports Galahad's plan.
• Nora: Gains confidence and acceptance of her new role as an artillery driver.
• Granny: Proves her value as a [Nymph] by providing crucial reconnaissance and communication support.

Significant Themes

• The evolving role of Transcendents in modern warfare.
• The struggle of self-propelled artillery against war fortresses and the need for innovative strategies.
• The determination of Holy See believers to fight against heretics.

Character Interactions

• Galahad and Isabella: Collaborate effectively, showing mutual respect and understanding.
• Galahad and Nora: Galahad acknowledges Nora's strength and includes her in Gale Squad.
• Gale Squad members: Work together seamlessly, demonstrating trust and coordination.
• Holy See cavalry and Gale Squad: Engage in a brief but intense clash, highlighting the differences in their beliefs and tactics.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gale Squad, led by Galahad, conducts a nighttime reconnaissance mission using self-propelled artillery vehicles.
• They encounter and engage with Holy See's cavalry and later face Steam Tanks guided by priests using [Moon Candle] and [Investigators].
• The squad successfully disrupts the enemy camp but faces intense pursuit.
• They spot the War Fortress, a massive, cathedral-like structure, and attempt to damage it with artillery fire, but the fortress remains largely unscathed.

Character Developments

• Galahad demonstrates strategic thinking and leadership, making quick decisions under pressure.
• Gwen shows excitement and determination when she recognizes the War Fortress.
• Granny exhibits her expertise in reconnaissance and provides valuable insights about the enemy's abilities.

Significant Themes

• The power of technology and mobility in warfare, as shown by the self-propelled artillery vehicles.
• The resilience and strength of the War Fortress, symbolizing the Holy See's power and determination.
• The importance of intelligence and adaptability in combat, as demonstrated by Galahad's quick thinking and Granny's reconnaissance skills.

Character Interactions

• Galahad, Gwen, and Granny work together, with Galahad leading, Gwen providing support, and Granny offering crucial information.
• The squad members trust and rely on each other, showing unity and camaraderie.
• The enemy priests and [Investigators] work together to track and intercept Gale Squad, showcasing the Holy See's coordinated efforts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The squad attempts to destroy the War Fortress using self-propelled artillery, but it takes ten direct hits to cause only slight damage.
• Galahad suggests a retreat, acknowledging the War Fortress's incredible toughness but potential vulnerability to massed artillery fire in the future.
• The War Fortress opens fire with multiple gun barrels and its main cannon, causing significant damage to the squad.
• Grandma's self-propelled artillery is destroyed, but she survives and joins Gwen's vehicle.
• Galahad decides to stay behind and cover the others' retreat, planning to dodge the War Fortress's main cannon fire.
• Nora suggests that Galahad try to fire a shell into the War Fortress's main cannon barrel to disable it.

Character Developments

• Galahad demonstrates his bravery and responsibility by volunteering to stay behind and cover the retreat, as well as his determination to try Nora's risky plan.
• Grandma showcases her survival skills and resilience by escaping the destruction of her vehicle and joining Gwen.
• Nora exhibits quick thinking and strategic insight by suggesting the plan to disable the War Fortress's main cannon.

Significant Themes

• The War Fortress's overwhelming power and resilience, making it a formidable opponent.
• The importance of teamwork and strategic thinking in overcoming adversity.
• The consequences of underestimating an enemy and the need for careful planning and preparation.

Character Interactions

• Galahad and the others work together to evade the War Fortress's attacks and plan their retreat.
• Galahad and Nora collaborate to come up with a plan to disable the War Fortress's main cannon.
• Grandma and Gwen work together to escape the destroyed self-propelled artillery and continue the mission.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Galahad fires a shell at the War Fortress's main cannon, causing an internal explosion that detonates its ammunition depot, resulting in a massive explosion visible from over a hundred kilometers away.
• The explosion destroys the War Fortress, nearby Imperial forces, and causes widespread devastation on the battlefield.
• Isabella leads the Duchy of Tis forces in a nighttime attack on the Imperial lines, while Theus prepares protective suits for the front lines in response to the explosion.

Character Developments

• Galahad demonstrates exceptional focus and determination in firing the crucial shot.
• Granny sacrifices herself to enhance the shell's impact, showing her selflessness and strategic thinking.
• Isabella shows concern for Gale Squad's safety and becomes more aggressive in battle due to her irritation and restlessness.
• Theus exhibits quick thinking and concern for the soldiers' safety by preparing protective suits in response to the explosion.

Significant Themes

• The destructive power of advanced technology (self-propelled artillery, War Fortress, nuclear power)
• The impact of warfare on soldiers and civilians (devastation, casualties, nighttime combat)
• Leadership and decision-making under pressure (Isabella, Theus)

Character Interactions

• Galahad and Granny work together to destroy the War Fortress, showcasing their teamwork and trust.
• Isabella and Theus demonstrate their concern for their respective forces and quick decision-making in response to the explosion and changing battlefield conditions.
• Theus and Ash maintain their close bond, with Ash assisting Theus in his urgent tasks.