Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen defeats five powerful opponents (Geiji, Banibei, Wuluopati, and two Clowns) single-handedly using an overwhelming ultimate move.
• The Hunter squad captures and interrogates remaining Clowns, but they die upon entering Holy Light's territory due to a curse.
• The squad retrieves a train sub-core for study, potentially leading to Delight Theater's location.
• Ye Chen's reputation grows within the Hunter Corps.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen demonstrates significant growth in power and confidence, defeating multiple opponents without injury.
• Ye Chen remains humble and focused on his ultimate goal of defeating the Abyss.

Significant Themes

• Power and growth: Ye Chen's increased strength and reputation.
• The relentless pursuit of goals: Ye Chen's determination to continue moving forward.
• The passage of time: Kuize's reflection on his past and the approaching fulfillment of his wishes.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen apologizes to his seniors for not leaving any survivors, showing respect and understanding of their methods.
• Kuize interacts with the ancient portrait, revealing his connection to the two men depicted and his anticipation for the future.
• The Headmaster, Butcher, and Abyss are each shown in their respective domains, hinting at their ongoing plans and preparations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter introduces King and Bandit Casino, the largest casino in Hunter Town, known for its high-stakes gambling.
• Ye Chen, an Auling Hunter, plays the card game "Twenty-One" and wins, then decides to quit while ahead.
• A drunken Hunter, a colleague of Ye Chen, crashes into him and accuses Ye Chen of blocking his path, demanding an apology.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen demonstrates calm and decisive judgment in gambling, as well as self-control in quitting while ahead.
• The drunken Hunter shows aggressive behavior, using his Hunter identity to intimidate Ye Chen.

Significant Themes

• Luck and Judgment: Ye Chen's win at gambling highlights the importance of luck and judgment in uncertain situations.
• Self-Control: Ye Chen's decision to quit gambling despite his winning streak showcases his self-control and awareness of potential risks.
• Confrontation and Avoidance: The interaction between Ye Chen and the drunken Hunter explores themes of confrontation and avoidance in dealing with conflict.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen interacts with the casino dealer professionally, showing no signs of being swayed by her flirtatious behavior.
• The tense exchange between Ye Chen and the drunken Hunter demonstrates Ye Chen's calm and collected demeanor in the face of provocation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen, an Auling Hunter, is provoked by a veteran hunter in a casino.
• Ye Chen swiftly and effortlessly defeats the veteran hunter with a single punch.
• Another veteran hunter, the first's companion, attempts to intervene but is subdued by Weimeng, a Rat Master Hunter.
• Weimeng reveals that Ye Chen is Bloodsmith, striking fear into the second veteran hunter.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen: Demonstrates exceptional speed, strength, and combat prowess, cementing his status as Bloodsmith.
• Weimeng: Shows skill in hand-to-hand combat and knowledge of the Hunter Corps' hierarchy, acting as a mediator.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and hierarchy within the Hunter Corps.
• The reputation and fear that Ye Chen and Weimeng inspire as rising stars of the new generation.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen vs. Veteran Hunter 1: Ye Chen's overwhelming victory highlights the veteran hunter's underestimation of his opponent.
• Weimeng vs. Veteran Hunter 2: Weimeng's intervention and subsequent revelation of Ye Chen's identity instill fear in the second veteran hunter, leading to his immediate apology.
• Ye Chen and Weimeng: Their combined presence and reputation intimidate the veteran hunters, showcasing their status as leaders of the new generation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen and Weimeng are in a casino when a drunk hunter causes a disturbance.
• Ye Chen handles the situation, warning the hunter and letting him go.
• Weimeng and Ye Chen exchange their winnings, with Ye Chen earning five gold coins.
• Weimeng reveals he works as an inspector for the casino, using his rats to monitor cheating.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen demonstrates his calm and fair handling of conflicts, showing mercy to the hunter.
• Weimeng shows his carefree and playful nature, but also his concern for Ye Chen's well-being.
• Ye Chen displays his strong willpower and disinterest in gambling, despite winning.

Significant Themes

• The corrupting influence of gambling and the casino lifestyle.
• The importance of self-control and avoiding destructive habits.
• The theme of trust and friendship, with Ye Chen questioning Weimeng's motives.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen and Weimeng's friendly banter continues, with Ye Chen often taking a more serious and cautionary role.
• Ye Chen shows a protective and guiding attitude towards Weimeng, despite their equal status.
• Weimeng's casual and playful demeanor contrasts with Ye Chen's seriousness, highlighting their different personalities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Three years have passed since the previous events, bringing significant advancements in technology and infrastructure to the Holy Light Pure Land.
• The Hunter Corps has grown more organized and numerous, with Ye Chen (Bloodsmith) becoming one of its most renowned members.
• Ye Chen has completed 98 missions, earned a Career Contribution of 3750, and reached the rank of Elite Hunter at the age of 21.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen has grown from a novice hunter to an elite, earning the nickname "Abyss Killer" for his proficiency in hunting Abyss-related creatures.
• Despite his proficiency, Ye Chen remains humble and well-liked among his peers, known for his courtesy, dependability, and consideration toward juniors.

Significant Themes

• The passage of time brings change and progress, both in society and individuals.
• Ye Chen's unique abilities and affinity for hunting Abyss creatures remain a mystery, setting him apart from other hunters.

Character Interactions

• Although not explicitly shown in this chapter, Ye Chen's interactions with his peers are generally positive, with many hunters seeking to befriend him due to his dependability and accomplishments.
• The Hunter Corps as a whole holds Ye Chen in high regard, with some inspectors expressing curiosity about his unusual abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen and Weimeng leave King and Bandit Casino and decide to go for a drink at Hive Bar.
• They take a cab through an underground tunnel connecting the new and old districts of Hunter Town.
• As they pass through the tunnel, the streetlights behind their cab suddenly go out, and darkness follows them.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen: Though he hasn't changed much in personality, he has gained more worldly experience and indulges in tobacco and alcohol more often.
• Weimeng: He has matured significantly over three years, developing new techniques and gaining composure in dangerous situations. He is no longer as timid as before.

Significant Themes

• Change and Growth: Both Ye Chen and Weimeng have changed and grown over the years, though in different ways.
• Darkness and the Unknown: The sudden darkness in the tunnel symbolizes the unknown and potential danger lurking ahead.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen and Weimeng maintain their camaraderie, with Weimeng teasing Ye Chen about his newfound drinking habits.
• Their interaction in the cab is casual and friendly, showing their close bond.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen experiences an auditory hallucination involving an infant's cry, accompanied by dark imagery and a fishy sea scent.
• He snaps out of it when Weimeng shakes him, realizing it was just an illusion.
• Ye Chen asks Weimeng for a Heaven Cigar, as he's run out of his own.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen: Struggles with recurring auditory hallucinations, which he's learned to manage over time. He's calm and collected even in the face of these disturbing episodes.
• Weimeng: Shows concern for Ye Chen's well-being and is willing to help him, demonstrating their strong bond.

Significant Themes

• Mental Fortitude: Ye Chen's resilience and ability to cope with his hallucinations highlight his mental strength.
• Brotherhood: The close bond between Ye Chen and Weimeng is a central theme, showcasing their loyalty and mutual support.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen and Weimeng: Their interaction is brief but meaningful, with Weimeng showing concern and Ye Chen accepting help without unnecessary politeness, reflecting their deep friendship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen and Weimeng go to Hive Bar after a mission.
• They enjoy Honey Kiss beer, grilled meat, and salad.
• Weimeng teases Ye Chen about his past risky missions.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen: Shows a more open attitude towards alcohol and socializing, acknowledging their benefits for mental health.
• Weimeng: Becomes more comfortable and open with Ye Chen, showing camaraderie and a sense of belonging.

Significant Themes

• The importance of relaxation and socializing for mental health, especially for hunters dealing with the madness from the Labyrinth.
• The difference between Ye Chen's disapproval of gambling for money and his acceptance of calculated risks in missions.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen and Weimeng: Share a meal and conversation, displaying a growing bond and understanding between them. Weimeng teases Ye Chen, showing familiarity and comfort with each other.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen and Weimeng reminisce about the past while drinking at Hive Bar.
• Weimeng shares that his mother and sister are well but have lingering health issues.
• Ye Chen returns home to Flower House and is attacked by an unknown assailant.

Character Developments

• Weimeng has grown more responsible and successful, providing for his family despite their health issues.
• Ye Chen shows admiration for Weimeng's dedication to his family.
• Ye Chen demonstrates his quick reflexes and combat skills when attacked at home.

Significant Themes

• The passage of time and personal growth (Weimeng's transformation).
• Friendship and camaraderie (Ye Chen and Weimeng's bond).
• Vigilance and preparedness (Ye Chen's immediate response to the attack).

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen and Weimeng catch up over drinks, discussing Weimeng's family and reminiscing about the past.
• Ye Chen and the unknown assailant engage in a brief, intense combat encounter at Flower House.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen returns home to find Oko waiting in the dark to ambush him with a surprise attack using practice weapons.
• They engage in a brief, playful fight, ending in a tie.
• Oko shares that she completed her local assignment, which involved testing new mechs at the Lighthouse of Truth.
• Ye Chen reveals he went drinking with Weimeng, and Oko deduces that they also gambled.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen demonstrates his quick reflexes and combat skills, remaining calm and collected throughout the encounter.
• Oko shows her playful and competitive nature, enjoying the surprise attacks and teasing Ye Chen.
• Oko displays her keen senses, accurately guessing that Ye Chen and Weimeng went gambling.

Significant Themes

• The playful and competitive nature of their relationship.
• Oko's keen senses and intuition.
• Ye Chen's calm and collected demeanor.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen and Oko's playful banter and mutual understanding.
• Oko's affectionate and intimate behavior towards Ye Chen.
• Ye Chen's slight discomfort with Oko's intimate behavior.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen and Oko discuss Ye Chen's secret visit to a casino.
• Oko asks Ye Chen to take her to the casino the next day.
• Ye Chen agrees despite his reservations.
• Oko kisses Ye Chen unexpectedly.
• Ye Chen reveals he's experiencing auditory hallucinations again.
• Oko comforts Ye Chen and offers to shower with him.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen: Shows reluctance to revisit the casino but agrees to Oko's request. Reveals his auditory hallucination problem.
• Oko: Demonstrates her affectionate and caring side, supporting Ye Chen despite being unable to help with his condition.

Significant Themes

• Relationship Dynamics: Oko's persistence and Ye Chen's eventual compliance highlight their dynamic, with Oko often getting her way.
• Communication: Ye Chen's reluctance to discuss his condition with Oko initially, but eventually opening up, shows the evolution of their communication.
• Acceptance: Ye Chen's acceptance of his auditory hallucinations as a part of his life, and Oko's acceptance of his condition, is a significant theme.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen and Oko's interaction is playful yet affectionate, with Oko often teasing Ye Chen, and Ye Chen eventually giving in to her requests.
• Oko's concern and care for Ye Chen are evident in her response to his auditory hallucinations, showing a deeper emotional connection.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen and Oko's living arrangement and relationship dynamics are explored.
• Ye Chen's daily training and improvements in his abilities are shown.
• Ye Chen's scars from three years ago have disappeared.

Character Developments

• Oko continues to express her love and affection for Ye Chen, treating him as her partner.
• Ye Chen remains cautious and reserved in his relationship with Oko, acknowledging it only when facing outsiders.
• Ye Chen's strength and skills have improved significantly over the past three years, despite not advancing to the next nightmare realm.

Significant Themes

• The peculiar and unconventional nature of Ye Chen and Oko's relationship.
• The mysteries and unpredictability of the Labyrinth and its nightmares.
• The passage of time and its effects on personal growth and change.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen and Oko's interactions are shown to be intimate yet guarded, with Oko expressing her love openly while Ye Chen remains more reserved.
• Ye Chen's daily training is observed, highlighting his dedication and improvement in skills.
• No other significant interactions are mentioned in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen and Oko spend the afternoon at the casino. Oko wins a significant amount of money.
• They receive a hunting mission from the Hunter Commission to subjugate and hunt a wounded Barren Calamity Star Dragon that attempted to invade the Holy Light Pure Land.
• The mission is to be carried out by a team of six hunters, including Ye Chen and Oko.

Character Developments

• Oko displays her extraordinary intuition and luck in gambling, winning a substantial amount of money.
• Ye Chen shows concern for Oko's gambling habits and advises her against getting carried away.

Significant Themes

• The theme of luck and intuition is highlighted through Oko's gambling success.
• The importance of preparation and caution is emphasized as Ye Chen and Oko prepare for their mission.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen and Oko interact casually and comfortably, with Ye Chen acting as a mentor or older brother figure, offering advice and guidance to Oko.
• They work well as a team, with Ye Chen making decisions and Oko supporting them without question.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Hunter's Peak Mission Guild implements a new policy of "fixed teams" to improve mission efficiency and hunter safety.
• The Dawn Squad, led by Ye Chen, is assigned a "subjugation hunt targeting the Barren Calamity Star Dragon," a top-tier labyrinth monster with a Threat Level of Five.
• The Dawn Squad meets to discuss and prepare for their mission, reviewing the Barren Calamity Star Dragon's intelligence report.

Character Developments

• Weimeng shows signs of growth and responsibility, accepting the mission's difficulty without complaint.
• Ye Chen demonstrates his leadership and caution, emphasizing the importance of safety and preparedness for the worst.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork and camaraderie: The Dawn Squad's bond and trust in each other are highlighted.
• Safety and caution: The importance of prioritizing the team's safety and being prepared for the worst is emphasized.
• Trust and responsibility: The Hunter Corps' trust in the Dawn Squad is shown through their assignment of this high-difficulty mission.

Character Interactions

• Firona and Erigat encourage Weimeng, helping him accept the mission's difficulty.
• Ye Chen leads the team, setting expectations and guidelines for the mission.
• The Dawn Squad members show unity and support for each other, demonstrating their teamwork.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen, leader of the Dawn Squad, emphasizes caution and composure before a mission.
• The squad uses a "Holy Light Gate" for teleportation.
• They arrive at a city wall, greeted by a Border Knight.
• The Border Knight informs them that the Barren Calamity Star Dragon's wings are severely injured and can't fly for at least two days.
• They learn that the Prime Knight, Storm Knight Nia, had injured the dragon earlier.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen demonstrates his leadership and strategic thinking.
• Oko, Xiya, and Weimeng express their awe and curiosity about the Prime Knight.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between Hunters and Holy Light Knights, with the Prime Knights being on par with Apex Hunters.
• The importance of caution and composure in missions.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen interacts with the Border Knight, gathering information.
• Oko, Xiya, and Weimeng discuss the Prime Knight, expressing their admiration and curiosity.
• The Dawn Squad members observe Storm Knight Nia from a distance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dawn Squad leaves the Holy Light Great Wall to hunt the Barren Calamity Star Dragon.
• They enter the Auling Labyrinth, a desolate and decaying grassland caused by the dragon's influence.
• Ye Chen sends Weimeng's rats to scout ahead and locate the dragon.
• They split into two groups: a ranged group (Weimeng, Xiya, Firona) and a close-combat group (Ye Chen, Erigat, Oko).

Character Developments

• Ye Chen demonstrates strategic thinking and leadership by planning the hunt and assigning roles.
• Weimeng shows his ability to control rats and gather information.
• Oko, Erigat, and Firona display loyalty and trust in Ye Chen's plan.

Significant Themes

• The destructive power of the Barren Calamity Star Dragon, contrasting with the lush life within the Holy Light Pure Land.
• The importance of teamwork and strategy in hunting powerful monsters.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen communicates effectively with his team, ensuring everyone understands their roles.
• Weimeng shares the gathered intelligence with the team.
• The team moves silently and coordinatedly, showing trust and camaraderie.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dawn Squad locates the Barren Calamity Star Dragon, their primary target.
• Firona, Weimeng, and Xiya set up an ambush on a cliff, while Ye Chen, Oko, and Erigat approach the dragon from the ground.
• Ye Chen and Firona prepare to fire at the dragon's eyes simultaneously.

Character Developments

• Firona demonstrates her expertise as a sniper, eager to take down the dragon.
• Weimeng shows his strategic thinking by deploying 'sentries' around their position.
• Ye Chen exhibits his leadership and coordination skills, synchronizing the attack with Firona.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork and coordination are crucial for taking down powerful enemies.
• Preparation and strategy are essential for successful ambushes.

Character Interactions

• Firona and Weimeng exchange compliments and jokes, showing a friendly rapport.
• Ye Chen communicates effectively with Firona, ensuring their attacks are synchronized.
• Oko and Erigat follow Ye Chen's lead, demonstrating their trust in him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Firona and Ye Chen simultaneously fire sniper bullets at the Barren Calamity Star Dragon's eyes.
• The dragon blocks Ye Chen's bullet but Firona's bullet pierces its right eye, causing it to roar in agony.
• The dragon sprays a wide beam of flames, but Ye Chen's group uses a Labyrinth Relic to create phantom rats, distracting the dragon.
• Oko, Ye Chen, and Erigat sneak behind the dragon. Oko, equipped with a Labyrinth Relic, charges ahead.

Character Developments

• Firona demonstrates her sharpshooting skills, piercing the dragon's eye.
• Oko showcases her speed and combat prowess, leading the charge against the dragon.
• Ye Chen and Erigat support Oko, using strategy and Labyrinth Relics to outmaneuver the dragon.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork and strategy: The Hunters work together, using their unique skills and Labyrinth Relics to outwit and weaken the powerful dragon.
• Adaptability: The Hunters quickly adapt to the dragon's defenses and change their tactics accordingly.

Character Interactions

• Firona and Ye Chen coordinate their sniper shots, showing trust in each other's abilities.
• Oko, Ye Chen, and Erigat work together, with Oko leading the charge, Ye Chen using his Blood Bullet, and Erigat providing support with Labyrinth Relics.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Oko (Pink-Haired Hunter) uses her speed and sword skills to wound the Barren Calamity Star Dragon's neck, preventing it from using its fire-current breath attack.
• Ye Chen (Bloodsmith Hunter) uses his Bronte Light Machine Gun to force the dragon to defend against his gunfire, preventing it from pursuing Oko.
• Firona (Iron Fist Hunter) uses her marksmanship to worsen the dragon's wounds.
• The Barren Calamity Star Dragon retaliates with a wide-area attack of crimson beams, which the hunters evade with Xiya's (Healing Light Hunter) blessing marks enhancing their agility and endurance.

Character Developments

• Oko demonstrates her incredible speed and swordsmanship.
• Ye Chen showcases his strategic thinking and use of the Bronte Light Machine Gun.
• Xiya's role evolves with the "Blessing Staff," allowing her to support her teammates from a distance.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork and coordination are essential for overcoming powerful enemies.
• Each character's unique abilities and roles contribute to the overall strategy.

Character Interactions

• Oko, Ye Chen, and Erigat work together to attack and distract the dragon, creating opportunities for each other.
• Xiya supports the team from a distance, demonstrating her importance as a healer and buffer.
• The dragon's single eye shows disbelief and realization of the hunters' coordinated strategy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Barren Calamity Star Dragon creates a defensive barrier and begins healing its wings.
• Ye Chen and Firona attack but their bullets are ineffective against the barrier.
• Ye Chen commands Xiya and Erigat to break through the barrier.
• Erigat, empowered by his Labyrinth Relic and the Iron Spirit Art, charges and breaks through the dragon's barrier.
• Erigat then performs an over-the-shoulder throw, slamming the dragon back into the ground.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen demonstrates strategic thinking and leadership by analyzing the dragon's plan and issuing commands.
• Erigat showcases his strength, determination, and skill in breaking through the barrier and subduing the dragon.

Significant Themes

• Strategic thinking and leadership in combat.
• The power of determination and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds.
• The importance of teamwork and coordination in battle.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen and Firona work together to attack the dragon but are unsuccessful.
• Ye Chen commands Xiya and Erigat to break through the barrier, showing trust in their abilities.
• Erigat and the Barren Calamity Star Dragon engage in a physical struggle, with Erigat ultimately gaining the upper hand.