Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kelei, the instructor, begins the labyrinth madness adaptability training using a low-purity Tainted Crystal.
• Students are exposed to the crystal's madness, with symptoms ranging from difficulty breathing to vomiting and hallucinations.
• Some students leave the classroom when they reach their limits, while others persist.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen, the transfer student, struggles to adapt to the training but shows resilience.
• Kelei demonstrates concern for her students' well-being, emphasizing safety over results.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and effects of labyrinth madness on the mind.
• The importance of self-awareness and knowing one's limits.

Character Interactions

• Kelei helps and encourages struggling students, showing care and guidance.
• Students support each other by observing and learning from one another's experiences.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Students undergo adaptive training for the Labyrinth's madness.
• Ye Chen and other students experience a strange "song" and "odor" from the Nightmare Realms.
• Students begin to leave the classroom as they reach their limits, with only six remaining after 40 minutes.
• Erigat is the first to leave among the remaining six, followed by Oko at the 55-minute mark.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen demonstrates remarkable endurance and mental fortitude, remaining in the classroom despite intense mental torment.
• Firona shows determination and competitiveness, aiming to outlast Oko.
• Oko displays self-awareness and decides to leave when she reaches her limit, showing respect for her own boundaries.

Significant Themes

• Endurance and perseverance in the face of mental and physical challenges.
• Competition and rivalry among students, particularly between Firona and Oko.
• The power of the Nightmare Realms and the Labyrinth's madness.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen and Firona silently compete to see who can endure longer.
• Oko and Firona have an unspoken rivalry, with Firona feeling victorious when Oko leaves before her.
• Instructor Kelei supports and guides the students, ensuring their safety and well-being during the training.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Students undergo a mental resistance training using a foul crystal that emits Labyrinth madness.
• Xiya, Ye Chen, and Weimeng are the last to leave the classroom after enduring the training for 65 minutes.
• Ye Chen hallucinates and sees the crystal growing into a bizarre, flesh-like form.
• Ye Chen leaves the classroom after Kelei tells him he's hallucinating.

Character Developments

• Xiya shows mental resilience by enduring the training until the last three students remain.
• Ye Chen struggles with the training but ultimately leaves before Weimeng.
• Weimeng is the last student to leave, showing remarkable mental endurance.
• Oko shows concern for Ye Chen's well-being, wiping his sweat after the training.

Significant Themes

• Mental fortitude and resilience in the face of adversity.
• The importance of mental training for hunters.
• The use of hallucinations to test mental strength.

Character Interactions

• Xiya, Ye Chen, and Weimeng support each other silently during the training.
• Kelei guides and monitors the students throughout the training.
• Oko shows unexpected kindness towards Ye Chen after the training.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen and Oko interact after the Labyrinth trial. Ye Chen is cautious around Oko, suspecting she might have poisoned her handkerchief.
• Oko guides Ye Chen to a cluster of Whiteheart Immortal flowers, whose fragrance calms and heals the mind.
• Oko reveals that she wants to understand Ye Chen and get closer to him, comparing their relationship to that of two wolves in a flock of sheep.
• Weimeng, the last student to exit the Labyrinth, is severely affected and vomits. Ye Chen shows concern and admires Weimeng's determination.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen: Initially guarded and suspicious of Oko, he begins to see her as a beautiful girl rather than a threat, but quickly dismisses this thought. He shows concern and admiration for Weimeng.
• Oko: Persistent in her desire to understand and get closer to Ye Chen, she remains calm and collected despite his resistance.
• Weimeng: Demonstrates his determination to maintain his top spot in mental studies, even after a grueling Labyrinth trial.

Significant Themes

• Trust and suspicion: Ye Chen's initial caution around Oko and his eventual acceptance of her, despite his reservations.
• Understanding and closeness: Oko's pursuit of understanding and closeness with Ye Chen, comparing their relationship to that of two wolves in a flock of sheep.
• Determination and perseverance: Weimeng's refusal to give up his top spot, even after a challenging trial.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen and Oko: They interact cautiously, with Oko persistently trying to understand and get closer to Ye Chen, while he remains guarded but eventually agrees to not be so distant.
• Ye Chen and Weimeng: Ye Chen shows concern and admiration for Weimeng's determination, while Weimeng acknowledges Ye Chen's praise.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Students undergo a Labyrinth frenzy adaptability training, causing mental distress.
• Kelei, the mental mentor, leads a recovery session in the flower garden, emphasizing the importance of a positive mindset and relaxation.
• Students share amusing incidents and seek advice from each other to vent emotions.
• Kelei gives each student personalized psychological advice at the end of the class.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen shows improvement in mental resistance but struggles with maintaining a positive mindset.
• Weimeng performs exceptionally well in the training and is praised by Kelei.
• Oko, the top-ranked student, starts eating lunch with Ye Chen and Weimeng, indicating a shift in their dynamics.

Significant Themes

• The importance of maintaining a positive mindset and relaxation for mental well-being.
• The dangers of accumulated pressure and mental collapse.
• The impact of past traumas on one's ability to remain optimistic.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen and Weimeng continue their friendship, with Weimeng showing concern for Ye Chen's mental state.
• Oko joins Ye Chen and Weimeng for lunch, suggesting a thawing of their initial tensions.
• Kelei provides personalized guidance to each student, showing care and understanding of their individual needs.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen receives a letter from Kuize, the commander of the Auling Hunter Corps, inviting him to a meeting at the Lookout Pavilion at seven o'clock on Saturday evening.
• Ye Chen brings his damaged Gold-Patterned Black Cloak to the meeting, as Kuize offers to repair it.
• Ye Chen spends the day training, completing assignments, and anxiously awaiting the meeting.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen demonstrates maturity and caution in handling the mysterious invitation, showing concern for his future as a hunter.
• Ye Chen's dedication to his training and assignments highlights his work ethic and responsibility.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Caution: Ye Chen balances trust in his superior with caution regarding the meeting and the safety of his Labyrinth Relic.
• Preparation and Anticipation: Ye Chen's actions throughout the day show his preparation for the meeting and his anticipation of its potential impact on his future.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen keeps the meeting a secret from Weimeng, showing discretion and a desire to protect his roommate from potential involvement in important matters.
• Ye Chen's interactions with Kuize are implied but not yet shown, leaving room for future developments.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen meets Kuize, the Auling Hunter Corps Leader, at the Lookout Pavilion on Hunter's Peak.
• Kuize asks Ye Chen about his life at Hunter Academy and expresses satisfaction with Ye Chen's response.
• Kuize requests to see the Labyrinth Relic (Gold-Patterned Black Cloak) and Ye Chen hands it over.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen: Initially nervous, he regains composure and speaks honestly about his experiences at the academy. He shows respect and admiration for Kuize's past struggles.
• Kuize: Revealed to have mechanical limbs, indicating past injuries. He appears kind, approachable, and interested in Ye Chen's well-being.

Significant Themes

• Respect for elders and their past struggles.
• The harsh reality of hunting, as evidenced by Kuize's mechanical limbs.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen and Kuize: They have a cordial conversation, with Kuize showing genuine interest in Ye Chen's experiences at the academy. Ye Chen shows deference and respect to Kuize.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen meets Kuize, the leader of Auling Hunters, at the Lookout Pavilion.
• Kuize examines the damaged Labyrinth Relic, the 'Gold-Patterned Black Cloak,' and offers to repair it for Ye Chen.
• Ye Chen asks Kuize about the hunter group's stance on the Abyss and Havijordan.
• Kuize reveals that the Abyss can potentially be eradicated, exciting Ye Chen.
• Dengduokumo, the principal of Hunter Academy, meets Kuize at the Lookout Pavilion and discusses Ye Chen's performance and the search for Ye Chen's missing teacher, Lyle.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen: Shows respect and gratitude toward Kuize, expresses his desire to eradicate the Abyss, and is excited by Kuize's revelation.
• Kuize: Demonstrates kindness and wisdom, offers to repair Ye Chen's relic, and shares the hunter group's secret about the Abyss.
• Dengduokumo: Shows respect for Kuize, provides updates on Ye Chen's performance and the search for Lyle, and seems confused by Kuize's reaction.

Significant Themes

• Mentorship and guidance: Kuize offers advice and support to Ye Chen, treating him kindly and considering his needs.
• Hope and determination: Ye Chen's hope for a better future drives him to ask about the possibility of eradicating the Abyss, and Kuize's response fuels his determination.
• The burden of knowledge: Kuize seems to carry a heavy burden, hinted at by his relief after sharing the secret about the Abyss.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen and Kuize: They have a heartfelt conversation where Kuize offers help and shares valuable information, fostering a strong bond between them.
• Dengduokumo and Kuize: They meet at the Lookout Pavilion, with Dengduokumo showing deference to Kuize and updating him on various matters. Kuize seems to appreciate Dengduokumo's efforts but ultimately declines the information he brought.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen completes his assignments at a faster pace than veteran student Weimeng.
• Ye Chen explores the campus facilities on Sunday, deciding to spend the day in the library studying law.
• Ye Chen is ranked second in his class after two weeks, pushing Erigat and Firona to third place.
• Two months pass, and Weimeng informs Ye Chen about the upcoming Free Day and his decision to stop eating with them due to Oko's constant presence.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen adapts to campus life, focusing on his studies and refining his combat skills.
• Weimeng grows uncomfortable with Oko's constant presence during meals.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of wisdom and skill, as per Hunter Rule Two.
• The impact of societal perceptions on relationships and interactions.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen and Weimeng share a dorm room and have regular conversations.
• Oko continues to show interest in Ye Chen, making Weimeng uncomfortable.
• Ye Chen maintains his stance on not being interested in romantic feelings between men and women.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Weimeng confesses his feelings for Xiya and decides to spend Free Day with her.
• Ye Chen and Oko start sparring every weekend, with Ye Chen improving his skills over time.
• Ye Chen asks Oko about her speed, but she doesn't have a clear answer.

Character Developments

• Weimeng shows determination in pursuing Xiya, despite his initial shyness and reluctance to discuss his feelings.
• Ye Chen demonstrates curiosity and a desire to understand his peers better, asking Oko about her abilities.
• Oko remains indifferent to Weimeng's pursuit, focusing on her friendship with Ye Chen and her love for combat.

Significant Themes

• Pursuit of Love: Weimeng's determination to win Xiya's affection highlights the theme of pursuing love and personal happiness.
• Personal Growth: Ye Chen's improvement in sparring with Oko showcases his dedication to self-improvement and learning.
• Friendship: The bond between Ye Chen and Oko, as well as Weimeng's inclusion in their group, emphasizes the importance of friendship and camaraderie.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen and Weimeng: Ye Chen shows understanding and support for Weimeng's pursuit of Xiya, while Weimeng feels envious of Ye Chen's popularity.
• Ye Chen and Oko: The two engage in friendly sparring matches, with Ye Chen becoming more competitive over time. They also share conversations about their abilities and plans for Free Day.
• Weimeng and Xiya: Weimeng continues his clingy offensive against Xiya, but she remains indifferent to his advances.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen and Oko discuss their plans for Free Day; Ye Chen declines Oko's invitation to accompany him.
• Instructor Clifo explains the rules and provides items for Free Day, including a coordinate bracelet, promotional brochures, and a gold coin subsidy.
• Ye Chen receives a repaired Gold-Patterned Black Cloak from the principal via Clifo.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen: Shows independence and self-interest in his plans for Free Day. He values the repaired Gold-Patterned Black Cloak, appreciating Kuize's reliability and craftsmanship.
• Oko: Displays annoyance and disappointment when Ye Chen declines her invitation, hinting at her growing interest in him.

Significant Themes

• Freedom and responsibility: Students are granted a day of freedom but must adhere to the academy's rules.
• Trust and reliability: Kuize's repair of Ye Chen's cloak demonstrates his trustworthiness and commitment to his word.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen and Oko: Their interaction shows a growing tension between them, with Oko seeking a closer relationship and Ye Chen maintaining his distance.
• Ye Chen and Clifo: Clifo treats Ye Chen with respect and consideration, passing on the repaired cloak from the principal.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Graduating students from Hunter Academy enter Hunter Town.
• Ye Chen and Oko travel together to Weapon Workshop Street.
• Ye Chen plans to buy knives and guns, while Oko plans to buy swords and guns.

Character Developments

• Weimeng shows determination to pursue Xiya.
• Ye Chen shows polite gratitude to Oko for her help.
• Oko maintains her mysterious and skilled demeanor.

Significant Themes

• The importance of weapons and equipment for Hunters.
• The weight limit of 'Space Storage' in the Labyrinth.
• The confidentiality of students' pasts at Hunter Academy.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen and Oko travel together and have a brief conversation about their weapon plans.
• Ye Chen shows gratitude to Oko by paying for their car fare.
• Ye Chen and Oko part ways to buy their respective weapons.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen visits Viming Knife Workshop to purchase a blade for his graduation assessment.
• He tests several blades but finds none satisfactory until he sees the Crescent Arc Blade.
• Bendre, the workshop owner, reveals that the Crescent Arc Blade contains Auling Ore, making it exceptional.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen demonstrates his expertise and high standards in blade selection.
• Bendre shows pride in his craftsmanship and the quality of his blades.

Significant Themes

• The importance of a suitable weapon for a Hunter.
• The value of craftsmanship and skill in creating exceptional weapons.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen and Bendre interact as customer and shopkeeper, with Bendre showing genuine concern for Ye Chen's needs and Ye Chen displaying respect for Bendre's expertise.
• Ye Chen's appreciation for the Crescent Arc Blade leads to a mutual respect between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen visits Viming Knife Workshop and purchases the Crescent Arc Blade for 4 gold and 50 silver.
• He then heads to Clintwood Gun Workshop, where he meets Mishan, the young owner.
• Mishan shows Ye Chen the Hand Cannon Revolver, a powerful and versatile weapon.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen demonstrates his skill with a blade, impressing Bendre.
• Mishan reveals her ambition and business acumen by trying to sell Ye Chen the most expensive and suitable weapon.

Significant Themes

• Quality and craftsmanship (Bendre's pride in his work, Mishan's enthusiasm for her products).
• Power and versatility (Ye Chen's desire for a weapon that can handle both close and long-range combat, the Hand Cannon Revolver's dual capabilities).

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen interacts with Bendre, showing respect and satisfaction with the Crescent Arc Blade.
• He meets Mishan, who tries to understand his needs and sell him the best product within his budget.
• Two male students from Ye Chen's graduating class enter the knife shop, acknowledging his purchase and expressing their own weapon requirements.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen discovers a transforming revolver pistol with a range of 250 meters and the ability to switch between pistol and rifle forms.
• He tests the weapon at a shooting range, demonstrating its long-range and close-range capabilities.
• Ye Chen decides to purchase the gun after negotiating the price with the shop assistant, Mishan.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen shows his excitement and eagerness to try out the new weapon, demonstrating his passion for firearms.
• He displays his skill and proficiency in handling and shooting the gun, impressing Mishan.
• Ye Chen also shows his bargaining skills, attempting to negotiate the price of the gun.

Significant Themes

• The advancements in military technology in the Holy Light Pure Land compared to Ye Chen's homeland.
• The importance of adaptability and versatility in weapons, as shown by the transforming revolver.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen interacts with Mishan, the shop assistant, engaging in a friendly and playful negotiation over the price of the gun.
• Their interaction shows a mutual respect and admiration for each other's skills and knowledge.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen purchases a hand-cannon revolver and its accessories from Mishan for six gold coins.
• He encounters Erigat and Firona in different weapon workshops.
• Ye Chen sees Auling Hunters with Guishu tattoos on their palms.
• He has lunch at a bakery and visits the Holy Light Church, where he meets Sister Bintoya.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen shows responsibility and understanding of the importance of weapons for hunters.
• He displays nostalgia and a sense of peace when visiting the church, hinting at his past.
• Sister Bintoya is introduced as a kind, gentle, and helpful nun.

Significant Themes

• The importance of weapons for hunters.
• The contrast between Ye Chen's past and present life.
• The role of the church as a place of peace and nostalgia for Ye Chen.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen interacts with Mishan during the weapon purchase, showing his determination and understanding of weaponry.
• He encounters Erigat and Firona but does not approach them, showing a level of independence.
• Ye Chen meets Sister Bintoya at the church, and they have a polite and friendly conversation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen visits the Holy Light Divine Painting in the Prayer Hall.
• He admires the painting, which depicts the Holy God Angrinonde at the center, radiating holy light.
• Ye Chen falls asleep in the Prayer Hall and is awoken by Sister Bintoya.
• He encounters classmates from the graduating class in Hunter Town, learns that Weimeng is in a bar called Hive Bar, and decides to check on him.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen: Shows curiosity and respect for the Holy Light Divine Painting. He displays caution and vigilance around Bintoya but eventually relaxes and sleeps in the Prayer Hall. He demonstrates concern for Weimeng's well-being.
• Bintoya: Kind and patient, she cleans the Prayer Hall and wakes Ye Chen up to remind him of the curfew. She shows no signs of Auling Power or Holy Light.

Significant Themes

• The Holy Light Divine Painting represents the Holy God Angrinonde and the interconnectedness of the world.
• Ye Chen's curiosity and respect for the divine painting contrast with his initial caution and later relaxation around Bintoya, highlighting his adaptability and trust in her kindness.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen interacts briefly with Sister Bintoya, showing respect and gratitude toward her.
• He encounters classmates Puxi and Jialisi, who mention Weimeng's unusual behavior, leading Ye Chen to check on him at Hive Bar.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen enters Hive Bar to find Weimeng drunk.
• Weimeng reveals he received a letter from home that upset him.
• Weimeng shares his reason for wanting to become an Auling Hunter: money.

Character Developments

• Weimeng: Struggles with personal issues, reveals his true motivation for becoming a hunter.
• Ye Chen: Shows concern and understanding towards Weimeng, remains calm and collected.

Significant Themes

• Motivation and ambition: Each person has their own reasons for becoming a hunter, ranging from revenge to status to wealth.
• The power dynamic of Auling Hunters: They are respected and feared by ordinary people.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen and Weimeng: Ye Chen shows empathy and listens to Weimeng's story, while Weimeng opens up about his personal reasons.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Weimeng's family lives in a remote village, and he learns carpentry from his father.
• Weimeng has an unusual affinity for rats, which causes villagers to mock him.
• After a severe beating from his father for his rat companionship, Weimeng has a bizarre dream where he gains control over rats and experiences a First Nightmare Realm.
• A Labyrinth pit appears near Weimeng's village, spreading spores that cause a plague. Weimeng's family falls ill, and he seeks help from Holy Light Knights.
• Weimeng's father and younger brother die, and his mother and sister require expensive treatment. Hunter Academy offers assistance if Weimeng joins and graduates.
• Weimeng trains in the preparatory class for three years, advances to the graduating class, and meets Ye Chen.

Character Developments

• Weimeng grows from a naive, rat-loving boy to a determined, responsible young man driven by his family's needs.
• Weimeng's affinity for rats evolves into a unique ability after his First Nightmare Realm.
• Weimeng's family faces tragedy, motivating him to join Hunter Academy and strive to become an Auling Hunter.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of societal prejudice and judgment (village's reaction to Weimeng's rat companionship).
• The power of determination and perseverance (Weimeng's journey from a village boy to a Hunter Academy student).
• The importance of family and responsibility (Weimeng's motivation to join Hunter Academy and help his family).

Character Interactions

• Weimeng's relationship with his father is strained due to his unusual affinity for rats, leading to a severe beating and Weimeng's eventual departure from home.
• Weimeng's bond with his family deepens as they face illness and death, driving him to join Hunter Academy for their sake.
• Weimeng meets Ye Chen after graduating from the preparatory class and advancing to the graduating class.

In the tavern, Weimeng confesses to Ye Chen that he's been working hard to earn money for his ailing mother and sister. Ye Chen, initially misunderstanding Weimeng's melancholy, is taken aback by the severity of Weimeng's situation. Weimeng, feeling better after venting, offers to treat Ye Chen to fried rice. Ye Chen declines the offer, paying for the meal instead. Weimeng then asks Ye Chen about his disinterest in romantic relationships. Ye Chen reveals his goal to eradicate the Abyss, explaining that forming relationships would create burdens. Weimeng is deeply moved by Ye Chen's past and goal. He apologizes for bringing up a painful topic, but Ye Chen assures him it's fine. Weimeng questions Ye Chen's resolve, leading to a conversation about Ye Chen's family and his teacher, who was also an Auling Hunter. Ye Chen expresses admiration for his teacher's strength, comparing him to the strongest person he's met in the Holy Light Pure Land, hinting at the silver-haired, one-eyed old man.