Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xius learns that he might have been in this world for centuries, not just years, based on the Gear Sage's records.
• He discovers that his permission level is insufficient to view certain protocols, and that there's an administrator with Level I permission.
• Lina and Xius learn that Level II permission holders can issue commands to Level I holders, but these commands can be refused.

Character Developments

• Xius: Realizes the discrepancy between his memories and the Gear Sage's records, leading him to question his past.
• Lina: Discovers that Xius has a higher authority level than her, challenging her understanding of their relationship.

Significant Themes

• Memory and identity: Xius's struggle to reconcile his memories with the Gear Sage's records raises questions about his true identity and past.
• Authority and control: The permission levels and protocols highlight the theme of authority and control, both within the Mechanical Cathedral and between its users.

Character Interactions

• Xius and Lina: Their interactions reveal the power dynamics between them, with Xius's higher authority level allowing him to issue commands to Lina.
• Xius and the Gear Sage: Xius's conversation with the Gear Sage demonstrates his ability to communicate with it more effectively than Lina, suggesting a deeper understanding of its systems.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lina asks Theus if he's a [Named One], to which he denies.
• Theus uses his [Descent] ability on Lina, which the Gear Sage's system records.
• Theus realizes that abilities like [Descent] and [Return] might not be unique to him, and that there might have been many companions with I-class permissions in the past.
• Lina and Theus consider the possibility that history might have been deliberately erased.
• Little Gwen invites Lina to visit Castel, but Theus refuses to allow it.

Character Developments

• Lina: Struggles with her sanity and is defensive about her intelligence.
• Theus: Realizes the potential significance of the Gear Sage's knowledge and the possibility of erased history.
• Little Gwen: Remains curious and enthusiastic, despite the seriousness of the situation.

Significant Themes

• The power of [Named Ones] and the potential for control over them.
• The manipulation of history and the erasure of certain events.
• The changing nature of reality and the weakening of transcendent power.

Character Interactions

• Lina and Theus: Engage in a tense exchange, with Lina questioning Theus's identity and Theus refusing to let Lina enter Castel.
• Theus and Little Gwen: Theus teases Little Gwen about the changes in Blood Port and Castel.
• Lina and Little Gwen: Lina is skeptical about the changes in Castel, while Little Gwen is eager to show her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Theus returns to Castel after parting ways with Little Gwen and Lina, who are heading to Rhine to meet Jules.
• Theus decides to investigate the Steel Ark, Moth Chasing Flame, and the scriptures of the Churches due to their potential connections to the world-ending calamity.
• Theus is unable to move from the Golden Throne, as he has been in previous attempts.
• He remembers that in his dream, he was seated at a long table below the throne, not upon it.
• Theus notices that the white-robed priest is sitting in the seat he occupied in his dream.

Character Developments

• Theus: Becomes more determined to uncover the truth about the world-ending calamity and the five great Churches. He also feels a complex mix of emotions towards the Throne Room, given his newfound knowledge about the dream.
• Little Gwen: Shows confidence in her fighting abilities and decides to meet Jules in Rhine.
• Lina: Remains wary of Theus and refuses to let the Gear Sage be separated from her.

Significant Themes

• The truth behind the world-ending calamity and the five great Churches.
• The potential influence of an individual's will on the world.
• The consequences of Theus's imprisonment on the Golden Throne.

Character Interactions

• Theus and Little Gwen: They part ways, with Little Gwen expressing confidence in her ability to handle Jules.
• Theus and Lina: Theus considers forcibly controlling Lina but decides against it for now. They plan to meet in Rhine to potentially extract information from Jules.
• Theus and the white-robed priest: Theus notices the priest sitting in the seat he occupied in his dream, raising questions about their identities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hsiu returns to Castel and is confronted by Nini about his true identity.
• Hsiu reveals his conversation with Lina and the Gear Sage, confirming his identity as Prometheus.
• Hsiu discovers the Banshees waiting outside his office, ready for battle.

Character Developments

• Hsiu accepts his identity as Prometheus and decides to investigate his past.
• Nini and Ash display their combat skills and loyalty to Hsiu.
• The Banshees show their resolve and unity, ready to follow Hsiu into battle.

Significant Themes

• Identity and the truth about one's past.
• Loyalty and unity among the Banshees.
• The power of resolve and determination.

Character Interactions

• Hsiu and Nini's playful banter and mutual understanding.
• Hsiu's affectionate gesture towards Monica.
• The silent, united front of the Banshees awaiting Hsiu's return.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lynn, a nun, arrives late to a reading club led by Father Benister due to encountering important guests at the church.
• The guests are two girls, Gwen and Lina, who carry coffins on their backs and react strongly to Lynn handling believer remains for Moon Candles.
• Lynn learns that the guests are planning to meet the Pope and that the Church is planning to build schools teaching mechanical knowledge.

Character Developments

• Lynn: Shows curiosity and eagerness about new books and important guests. She is kindhearted and takes on cleaning tasks for the reading club. She is also devout and plans to stay in the Church for the rest of her life.
• Father Benister: Remains calm and composed, providing insight into the guests and the Church's plans. He is well-informed about Church affairs and shows interest in Lynn's experiences.
• Gwen: Revealed to be a Transcendent who reacts strongly to Lynn handling believer remains, suggesting she has a past or beliefs that make her sensitive to such matters.
• Lina: Described as reasonable and kind, she calms Gwen down and has a conversation with Lynn.

Significant Themes

• The Church's influence and power dynamics, with important guests visiting and the Church planning to build schools.
• The handling of believer remains and the creation of Moon Candles, which causes a strong reaction from Gwen, hinting at themes of respect for the dead and differing beliefs.
• The forbidden nature of certain books and the secret reading club, suggesting themes of censorship and hidden knowledge.

Character Interactions

• Lynn and Father Benister: They share a friendly rapport, with Lynn being eager to learn about new books and Benister providing insight and information.
• Lynn and Gwen: They have a tense interaction due to Gwen's strong reaction to Lynn handling believer remains.
• Lynn and Lina: They have a friendly conversation after Lina calms Gwen down, with Lynn expressing gratitude towards Lina.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lynn and Benister discuss the Steel Gospel Society, which will manage church workshops and assembly lines like those in Rhine.
• Lynn expresses interest in joining the Steel Gospel Society, marking a shift in her thoughts about her role within the Church.
• Lina and Little Gwen arrive at the church, intending to tour the church school. Lina is impatient to reach Rhine, while Little Gwen is intrigued by the factories and schools.

Character Developments

• Lynn: Begins to question her role as a nun and considers joining the Steel Gospel Society, showing growth and curiosity about the wider world.
• Lina: Struggles with her impatience and frustration, but remains cautious and aware of Little Gwen's strength.
• Little Gwen: Demonstrates her resolve and curiosity, showing interest in the church's industrial and educational facilities.

Significant Themes

• The tension between faith and curiosity, as Lynn grapples with her newfound interest in the world outside the Church.
• The power dynamics between Lina and Little Gwen, with Lina acknowledging Little Gwen's incredible strength.

Character Interactions

• Lynn and Benister: Engage in a conversation that sparks Lynn's interest in the Steel Gospel Society.
• Lina and Little Gwen: Interact with Lina expressing her impatience and Little Gwen showing curiosity about the church's facilities, highlighting their differing priorities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lina and Little Gwen discuss Castel's military capabilities, focusing on their self-propelled artillery.
• Little Gwen reveals Castel's astonishing production capacity and that they haven't even fully committed to the war yet.
• Lina and Little Gwen plan to visit the Steel Gospel Society and Church schools during their journey.

Character Developments

• Lina realizes the extent of Castel's power and feels unease and absurdity.
• Little Gwen shows curiosity and interest in visiting Castel and its schools.
• Lynn, a church member, is nervous about meeting Lina and Little Gwen but is curious about the coffins they carry.

Significant Themes

• Castel's overwhelming power and production capabilities.
• The importance of education and knowledge, as highlighted by Little Gwen's interest in visiting schools.
• The contrast between Castel's focus on construction and the Empire's focus on war.

Character Interactions

• Lina and Little Gwen discuss military strategies and share information.
• Little Gwen teases Lynn about her curiosity regarding the coffins.
• Lynn expresses nervousness and curiosity around Lina and Little Gwen.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lynn, Lina, and Little Gwen arrive at the Steel Gospel Society's base, which used to be a Steam Tank workshop.
• Little Gwen recognizes the factory's layout and design as identical to those in Blood Port.
• They learn that the factory was built by mechanical priests from the Mechanical Cathedral, who left after completion.
• The Steel Gospel Society is revealed to be independent, with some mechanical priests joining and others refusing.

Character Developments

• Lynn shows her naivety and lack of knowledge about the world outside her church.
• Lina demonstrates her understanding of the Mechanical Cathedral and its practices.
• Little Gwen displays her knowledge of factory layouts and design, as well as her analytical skills.

Significant Themes

• The theme of change and adaptation is highlighted, with the mechanical priests choosing to join the Steel Gospel Society or refusing to change.
• The rigid rules and procedures of the Mechanical Cathedral are contrasted with the flexibility of the Steel Gospel Society.

Character Interactions

• Lina and Little Gwen work together to investigate the factory and its history.
• Lynn serves as a source of information for Lina and Little Gwen, but also shows her own ignorance about certain topics.
• Lina and Little Gwen share a moment of understanding about the capabilities of the Mechanical Cathedral.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Theus, Lina, and Gwen visit the Steel Gospel Society's factory and school in a town, led by Sister Lynn.
• Gwen calculates the factory's production capacity and expresses her approval of the Empire's industrial direction.
• They learn that the Empire's schools use textbooks based on Castel's Empire Truth, but Gwen notes they're still behind Castel.
• Lynn asks Lina if she knows Nini, causing Lina to freeze.
• Theus, back in Castel, focuses on adjusting Castel's development strategy to prepare for future enemies beyond the Empire.

Character Developments

• Gwen: Demonstrates her intelligence and understanding of industry by calculating the factory's production capacity and expressing her approval of the Empire's industrial direction. She also shows her loyalty to Castel by questioning Lina's allegiance.
• Lina: Struggles with her loyalty between Castel and the Empire. She considers visiting Castel to make a decision.
• Theus: Realizes the importance of diversifying Castel's enemies and focuses on expanding their industrialization to the Northern Territory and Tis.

Significant Themes

• Industrialization: The Empire's progress in industrialization is a significant theme, with Gwen approving of their direction but noting they're still behind Castel.
• Loyalty and Allegiance: Lina's struggle with her loyalty between Castel and the Empire highlights the theme of allegiance and where one's loyalties lie.
• Preparation for Future Enemies: Theus's realization that their future enemies may extend beyond the Empire emphasizes the theme of preparation and foresight.

Character Interactions

• Gwen and Lina: Gwen's intelligence and knowledge impress Lina, causing her to question her own education and the Empire's superiority. Their interaction also highlights Lina's struggle with her loyalty.
• Lina and Lynn: Lynn's question about Nini freezes Lina, hinting at a potential connection or secret between them.
• Theus and Gwen/Lina: Theus's actions and thoughts, separate from Gwen and Lina, show his strategic planning and foresight, contrasting with Gwen and Lina's immediate actions and thoughts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Stellar Furnace, powered by the Pirate King, supplies pollution to Castel's frontline artillery and steam engines.
• Blood Port's energy core burns Bazel, a Forgotten from the White Bone Sanctuary.
• Castel can build a third Stellar Furnace in the Northern Territory but lacks suitable fuel.
• Two options are discussed: switching to ordinary energy sources (coal, wood) or finding another fuel source.

Character Developments

• Gaia presents the energy situation and potential solutions.
• Beatrice's condition worsens, but her pollution breath power increases significantly.

Significant Themes

• Energy sources and their consequences.
• The cost of using ordinary fuels vs. finding alternative fuel sources.
• The potential of extraordinary beings as fuel.

Character Interactions

• Theus calls a meeting to discuss future plans.
• Gaia presents the energy situation and suggests Beatrice as a potential fuel source.
• Beatrice is hesitant about being used as fuel, leading to a lighthearted exchange.
• Theus and Gaia discuss potential fuel sources, including Jules, Lina, Gwen, Little Gwen, and Nini.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nini successfully creates Pollution through her novels, targeting Banshees.
• Theus realizes the danger of Nini's writing and forbids her from writing such content again.
• Theus and his team discuss who to send to the Stellar Furnace to power the Northern Territory.
• Chloe raises the question of what will fuel the Empire's Stellar Furnace after Jules is captured.
• Theus suggests using evil gods as fuel for the furnace.

Character Developments

• Nini demonstrates her dangerous writing abilities, causing Pollution among Banshees.
• Theus shows concern for the potential damage Nini's writing could cause and forbids her from writing similar content.
• Chloe reveals her fear of being used as fuel in the Stellar Furnace.
• Theus exhibits strategic thinking by suggesting the use of evil gods as fuel.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of knowledge and information.
• The consequences of unchecked ambition and experimentation.
• The potential value of seemingly useless or uncontrollable entities (evil gods).

Character Interactions

• Theus and Nini: Theus scolds Nini for her dangerous writing and forbids her from continuing.
• Theus and Chloe: Theus considers using Chloe's Moth Chasing Flame as fuel, causing Chloe to panic.
• Theus and the team: Theus suggests using evil gods as fuel, shocking the team and opening a new perspective on the issue.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Theus asks Chloe about evil god cults, and Chloe reveals that Castel's cult is feared, making it unlikely for cultists to operate there.
• Theus suggests importing cultists from the Empire to study their practices and summon more evil gods for fuel.
• Theus considers using Worker Theus's shell and Isabella's experience as fuel sources.
• Richard announces a breakthrough in biological research, enabling Chloe to use a new shell.

Character Developments

• Chloe shows excitement and eagerness when she learns about the new shell, demonstrating her desire for a physical form.
• Theus displays thoughtfulness and care for Chloe's well-being, considering ways to help her obtain a body.
• Richard showcases his dedication and competence in his research, leading to a significant breakthrough.

Significant Themes

• Resurrection and Physical Form: The chapter explores the theme of resurrection and the desire for a physical form, focusing on Chloe's long wait for a body.
• Cults and Evil Gods: The discussion about cults and evil gods highlights their role as fuel sources for Castel's industrialization.
• Research and Innovation: The breakthrough in biological research emphasizes the importance of scientific progress and its impact on characters' lives.

Character Interactions

• Theus and Chloe: Theus interacts with Chloe, showing concern and understanding for her situation. Chloe, in turn, is honest and straightforward with Theus.
• Chloe and Richard: Chloe's excitement and gratitude toward Richard are evident when she learns about the new shell.
• Castel Residents: The interactions between Castel residents and Chloe's coffin race demonstrate their support and excitement for Chloe's upcoming resurrection.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Richard reveals that souls can't control shells directly, but Mechanical Cathedral's technology offers an alternative.
• Theus suggests controlling shells like self-propelled artillery pieces, which Richard finds feasible.
• Richard proposes a controversial idea: one body controlled by two souls (Chloe and Nora).
• Monica suggests a unique attack strategy involving Nini's novels, which Theus quickly dismisses.
• The ritual to transfer Chloe's consciousness into a new vessel (a sapphire pendant) is performed.

Character Developments

• Theus: Realizes he can control the blue-haired girl's body, raising questions about her being another [Named One].
• Chloe: Transfers her consciousness into a sapphire pendant, leaving her diary behind as a memento.
• Richard: Shows his innovative thinking and resourcefulness in finding solutions to complex problems.
• Monica: Proves her creativity but also her lack of filter, blurting out an unusual idea.

Significant Themes

• Innovation and Adaptation: Richard's willingness to find unconventional solutions to problems.
• Control and Possession: The struggle to control bodies and vessels, and the consequences of multiple souls inhabiting one body.
• Mourning and Remembrance: The solemnity of Chloe's transfer and the diary's new purpose as a memento.

Character Interactions

• Theus and Richard: Collaborate on finding a solution for Chloe's new vessel, with Richard showing deference to Theus's ideas.
• Theus and Monica: Theus covers Monica's mouth to prevent her from sharing an unusual idea.
• Chloe and Nora: Their potential cohabitation in one body raises concerns about compatibility and consequences.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chloe awakens in her new body, a self-propelled coffin.
• She reunites with Gaia and Monica, with Monica expressing her joy through tears and hugs.
• Chloe learns about the limitations of her new body from Richard, including the need to protect her soul gem at all costs.

Character Developments

• Chloe: She appears more subdued and thoughtful, understanding the gravity of her new situation.
• Gaia: She has matured and taken on more responsibilities since Chloe's death, but still struggles with her feelings towards Chloe.
• Monica: She remains emotionally expressive and affectionate, happy to have Chloe back.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of Chloe's rebirth and her new body's limitations.
• The importance of protecting one's soul gem.
• The complex emotions surrounding Chloe's return among her friends.

Character Interactions

• Chloe and Gaia: They seem to have some tension, but Gaia eventually accepts Chloe's return.
• Chloe and Monica: Monica is overjoyed to have Chloe back and expresses her affection physically.
• Chloe and Theus: Theus is supportive and concerned for Chloe's well-being.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chloe discusses safekeeping of her Soul Gem, deciding to keep it inside her body.
• She attempts to swallow the gem, causing a commotion, but Monica helps her swallow it successfully.
• Monica suggests using the diary as her true body, but Chloe realizes it's not feasible.
• Richard explains that the diary can't serve as a vessel for the soul, and Chloe decides to keep the gem inside her body.
• Gwen suggests trying fusion mode with Nora, and Chloe agrees reluctantly.

Character Developments

• Chloe shows concern for her safety and the gem's, considering various options before deciding to keep it inside her body.
• Monica demonstrates her quick thinking and action, helping Chloe swallow the gem.
• Nora expresses her desire to regain control of her body and kill everyone, showing her determination and resentment.

Significant Themes

• Safety and security: Chloe's primary concern is keeping the Soul Gem safe.
• Identity and self-awareness: Chloe and Nora's shared body raises questions about identity and control.
• Experimentation and curiosity: Gwen's eagerness to try fusion mode highlights the characters' willingness to experiment and learn.

Character Interactions

• Chloe and Theus discuss the gem's safety, with Theus providing guidance.
• Monica and Chloe work together to ensure Chloe's well-being.
• Nora and Chloe interact reluctantly, with Nora expressing her resentment and Chloe showing hesitation about fusion mode.
• Richard provides technical expertise and explains the limitations of using the diary as a vessel.
• Gwen encourages Chloe to try fusion mode, showing her curiosity and enthusiasm.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chloe and Nora are temporarily merged due to an experiment gone wrong, causing them to argue and struggle as they try to move independently.
• Nora experiences emotions and sensations she hadn't felt since becoming a [Burier], rediscovering what it means to be alive.
• Nora and Chloe are separated, leaving Nora feeling empty. Chloe offers to help Nora switch to Lina's shell.

Character Developments

• Nora: Experiences human emotions and sensations again, understands the value of life and a physical body.
• Chloe: Shows empathy and understanding towards Nora's situation, offers help.

Significant Themes

• Revival and Rediscovery: Nora rediscovers her humanity and appreciates life after being merged with Chloe.
• Empathy and Understanding: Chloe shows compassion towards Nora's unique situation.

Character Interactions

• Chloe and Nora: Despite their initial struggle, they form a bond, with Chloe offering help to Nora.
• Nora and Big Gwen: Gwen wants to hug Nora, but Gaia intervenes, concerned about Nini's reaction.
• Theus: Suggests studying mechanical prosthetics for [Buriers] to regain normal bodily sensations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lina and Little Gwen arrive at Rhine, alarmed by the Empire's rapid industrialization and educational reforms.
• They realize Jules has been orchestrating these changes, using Popes to drive reforms and minimize resistance.
• Lina and Little Gwen prepare for a potential fight, anticipating Jules's attempt to keep them in Rhine.

Character Developments

• Lina: Recognizes the Empire's transformation and Jules's role in it, feels threatened and prepared for a fight.
• Little Gwen: Understands the Empire's changes, believes Castel can defeat the Empire but is concerned about its future development.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and manipulation: Jules's orchestration of events highlights his manipulation of others to achieve his goals.
• Industrialization and education: The Empire's rapid changes in these areas suggest a shift towards a more modern society.

Character Interactions

• Lina and Little Gwen: Share their observations and concerns about the Empire, prepare together for a potential confrontation with Jules.
• Lina and Jules: Tension builds as Lina anticipates a fight with Jules, while he questions Little Gwen about her identity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Little Gwen learns about 'Gods' from Jules, the former pope.
• Jules attacks Little Gwen, causing her to bleed, and reveals that 'Gods do not bleed'.
• Little Gwen and Lina decide to contact Theus using a Transcendence ritual.

Character Developments

• Little Gwen: Shows excitement and curiosity about 'Gods', and later concern about Jules's intentions.
• Jules: Reveals his knowledge about 'Gods' and their erasure, and demonstrates his strength and cunning.
• Lina: Struggles to keep up with Little Gwen and Jules's strength, but shows ingenuity in suggesting a dream-inducing ritual to contact Theus.

Significant Themes

• The existence and nature of 'Gods'.
• The power dynamics between characters and their respective strengths.
• The use of rituals and their potential consequences.

Character Interactions

• Little Gwen and Jules: Their interaction reveals Jules's knowledge about 'Gods' and his ability to harm Little Gwen, challenging her understanding of her own nature.
• Little Gwen and Lina: They work together to understand the implications of Jules's words and decide to contact Theus, showing a growing partnership.
• Lina and Theus: Lina's past attempts to assassinate Theus are mentioned, hinting at their complex relationship and Theus's resilience.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Isabella, the Empress of the Empire, visits Theus at Blood Port to discuss the Empire's rapid industrialization.
• She proposes an all-out war against the Empire to prevent it from catching up technologically.
• Theus is torn between his admiration for Jules' revolution and his duty to protect Castel.

Character Developments

• Theus: Struggles with his decision to attack the Empire, showing a rare moment of hesitation.
• Isabella: Reveals her past and the strength of her resolve, emphasizing the importance of a monarch's duty.

Significant Themes

• The responsibility of leadership and the consequences of one's choices.
• The tension between personal admiration and political duty.
• The rapid pace of industrialization and its impact on the balance of power.

Character Interactions

• Theus and Isabella: Their conversation reveals their shared understanding and mutual respect, despite being on opposing sides.
• Theus and Ash: Theus entrusts Ash with guarding his office, indicating their close relationship and trust.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Theus reveals his ability to switch bodies to the Banshees, who remain silent out of trust.
• Little Gwen contacts Theus through a ritual, asking him to meet Jules in Rhine.
• Jules, now a mechanical priest, meets Theus in Rhine, accompanied by the Gear Sage.

Character Developments

• Theus: Shows trust in the Banshees by revealing his secret. He's cautious and intrigued by Jules's strange behavior.
• Jules: Reveals he knows about Worker Theus and Noble Theus's connection. He displays unusual control over machinery and people, hinting at being a transmigrator.
• Lina: Shocked by Jules's control over her, similar to Theus's previous influence.

Significant Themes

• Trust and loyalty (Theus and the Banshees)
• Power and control (Jules's abilities)
• Identity and secrets (Theus's dual identity, Jules's possible transmigration)

Character Interactions

• Theus and the Banshees: They show understanding and trust in Theus's secret.
• Theus and Jules: They meet again after Theus's death, with Jules displaying unusual knowledge and abilities.
• Lina and Jules: Lina is shocked by Jules's control over her, similar to Theus's previous influence.