Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points & Events

• Sulu, a young man from another time and space, transmigrates to the White Eagle Federation while gaming.
• He is a university student nearing graduation with average looks and grades, facing unemployment and career uncertainty.
• Sulu discovers his new world's technology level is roughly equivalent to the first-second industrial revolution, with steampunk prevalent.
• He spends his spare time in the library, researching the intersection of his knowledge system with the new world.

Character Developments

• Sulu: Initially melancholic and regretful about his past life, he becomes determined to make a living in his new world.
• Sean: Sulu's roommate and "frenemy," a sleazy but helpful character who delivers Sulu's sandwich and mail.

Significant Themes

• Transmigration and adaptation to a new world.
• The struggle of finding one's path after graduation and unemployment.
• The contrast between Sulu's past life and his new reality.

Character Interactions

• Sulu and Sean's interaction is casual and friendly, with Sean showing some consideration for Sulu despite their "frenemy" status.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sulu receives two letters; one is an invitation to work at the prestigious Green Tree Castle Laboratory, and the other is from his hometown, hinting at a supernatural world and requesting his help in deciphering a grimoire page.
• Sulu struggles to accept the existence of the extraordinary world, as he had planned to live a scientific, non-supernatural life.

Character Developments

• Sulu: Initially focused on his scientific career, he now grapples with the reality of a supernatural world, questioning his life plans.
• Sean: Shows concern for Sulu's well-being and teases him about Beatrice, a woman Sulu had pursued in the past.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between scientific rationalism and supernatural beliefs.
• The consequences of running away from one's past and the inevitability of facing it.
• The tension between personal plans and unexpected life changes.

Character Interactions

• Sulu and Sean: They interact as friends, with Sean showing concern and teasing Sulu about Beatrice.
• Sulu and his brother (through the letter): The letter hints at a strained relationship between Sulu and his brother, with the brother asking for Sulu's help in deciphering the grimoire page.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sulu Portley, a man who died of overwork in his past life, is reborn in a new world with an attribute panel, a remnant from an online game he used to play.
• He receives a letter from his brother, Rhode, containing a page of Black Sorcery, "Corpse Maiden Creation," which triggers the attribute panel.
• Sulu learns that he can gain XP by reading and practicing, and he uses 50 XP to learn the Black Sorcery skill.
• He experiences intense pain as the knowledge of the skill is forcefully implanted in his mind.

Character Developments

• Sulu Portley: He accepts the reality of his new situation, acknowledges the existence of supernatural power, and decides to learn the Black Sorcery skill. He demonstrates resilience and adaptability in the face of unexpected changes.

Significant Themes

• The integration of Sulu's past life with his new one, symbolized by the attribute panel.
• The acceptance of the unknown and the supernatural.
• The consequences of gaining knowledge and power, as seen in Sulu's painful experience.

Character Interactions

• Sulu interacts with his brother, Rhode, through the letter, although Rhode's motivations and character remain unclear.
• Sulu observes other students on the lawn but does not interact with them directly.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sulu discovers he's inherited memories from the original Sulu Portley, revealing a complex world of transcendents, gods, and witch hunters.
• The world is in a "Twilight of the Gods," a low-tide period of transcendent power, with the last one occurring over three hundred years ago.
• Sulu's family, the Portleys, are a lineage of Witch Hunters serving the Church of the Goddess of Light, and his brother, Tonks, seems involved in an extraordinary event.

Character Developments

• Sulu: Realizes his true identity and the extent of his memories, decides to continue his previous plan of achieving success in mortal society while secretly studying transcendent power.
• Original Sulu Portley: His obsession with transcendent memories is shattered, allowing Sulu to fully integrate into his new identity.

Significant Themes

• The cycle of transcendent power: The world experiences peaks and troughs of transcendent power, affecting the activities of gods, monsters, and witch hunters.
• Identity: Sulu grapples with his new identity and the memories of the original Sulu Portley.
• Ambition vs. Caution: Sulu wants to improve his strength but also understands the risks of drawing attention to himself in a state with powerful military and research capabilities.

Character Interactions

• Sulu interacts with his past self, organizing and understanding the original Sulu's memories.
• Sulu considers his brother, Tonks, and his potential involvement in extraordinary events, feeling anticipation and fear.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sulu wakes up and tries to gain experience points through physical exercises but fails.
• He decides to have a simple meal at a hot dog stand.
• Molly Apple, a classmate, gives him a note from Beatrice inviting him to a date at the White Tower Cafe.
• Sulu arrives at the cafe, meets the waiter, and waits for Beatrice in a private room.

Character Developments

• Sulu shows determination in his new life but is still focused on his basic needs, like food.
• Molly Apple is shy and timid.
• Beatrice is mysterious and intriguing, hinting at a possible change in her feelings towards Sulu.

Significant Themes

• The struggle of a transmigrator trying to adapt to a new life and environment.
• The importance of basic needs and financial stability.
• The complexities of human relationships and feelings.

Character Interactions

• Sulu interacts with Molly Apple, who delivers a note from Beatrice.
• Sulu meets the waiter at the White Tower Cafe, who shows professional courtesy.
• Sulu awaits Beatrice in the private room, speculating about her intentions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sulu and Beatrice meet in a cafe, but it's clear they were both lured there under false pretenses.
• A black shadow enters, controls them, and forces Sulu to kill Beatrice.
• Sulu is left with Beatrice's corpse and realizes he's the prime suspect in a locked-room murder case.

Character Developments

• Sulu: Initially smitten with Beatrice, he becomes desperate and pragmatic after her murder, trying to find a solution to his predicament.
• Beatrice: Dies early in the chapter, but her arrogance and dismissive attitude towards Sulu are highlighted.

Significant Themes

• Supernatural forces and their influence on the human world.
• The desperation and resourcefulness of a person facing an impossible situation.
• The theme of being falsely accused and trying to clear one's name.

Character Interactions

• Sulu and Beatrice's interaction is tense and awkward, with Beatrice showing disdain towards Sulu.
• Sulu's internal monologue reveals his thoughts and plans as he tries to navigate the situation after Beatrice's death.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sulu attempts a transcendental ritual to revive Beatrice, using an Ancient Hebraic incantation.
• The ritual initially fails, but Sulu persists and succeeds, creating a Corpse Princess.
• The Corpse Princess, Beatrice, can speak and perform semi-intelligent actions based on Sulu's commands.
• Sulu decides to create an alibi and distance himself from the situation, sending Beatrice away.

Character Developments

• Sulu demonstrates stubbornness and determination in pursuing the ritual despite initial failure.
• Sulu shows remorse for Beatrice's fate but prioritizes his own safety.
• Beatrice transforms into a Corpse Princess, gaining limited intelligence and speech.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and unpredictability of supernatural rituals, especially those leaning towards the dark.
• The consequences of one's actions and the responsibility towards those affected.
• The struggle between self-preservation and moral obligation.

Character Interactions

• Sulu interacts with the waiter, feeling annoyed by his attitude.
• Sulu communicates with Beatrice through commands, feeling guilty about her fate.
• Sulu and Beatrice act as a couple to create an alibi, highlighting the contrast between their current relationship and their previous date.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sulu wakes up feeling exhausted and reviews his status window, noting changes in his attributes after using Black Sorcery.
• He decides to join the Combat Club to train and improve his physical state, while also planning to investigate the events of the previous night.
• Sulu visits the Combat Club and meets Angelia, the vice-president and a part-time coach, who shows him around and explains the club's rules and fees.

Character Developments

• Sulu: Realizes the importance of physical training and decides to join the Combat Club to improve his Constitution and learn self-defense techniques. He also shows determination to investigate the supernatural events and grasp power himself.
• Angelia: Introduced as the vice-president and a part-time coach of the Combat Club. She is professional and helpful, showing interest in coaching Sulu for a commission.

Significant Themes

• Self-improvement: Sulu's decision to join the Combat Club to enhance his physical abilities and learn combat skills reflects his determination to grow stronger and more capable.
• Supernatural events: The mention of the previous night's events and the potential danger from the true killer hint at the ongoing supernatural theme in the story.

Character Interactions

• Sulu and Sean: Sulu asks Sean for information about Molly, and they discuss Sean's date with Mary. Sean agrees to help Sulu in exchange for payment.
• Sulu and Angelia: Sulu visits the Combat Club and meets Angelia, who shows him around and explains the club's rules and fees. She expresses interest in coaching Sulu for a commission.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sulu joins the Combat Club and is tested by Angelia, revealing his weak constitution.
• Sulu asks Angelia to be his personal coach, and she agrees to teach him basic exercises first.
• Sulu learns the 'Eight Forms' of Krav Maga Combat Arts from Angelia and gains a level in the skill, increasing his Constitution and Strength.
• Sulu practices the 'Eight Forms' and experiences a significant improvement in his physical instincts.

Character Developments

• Sulu: Shows humility and diligence in learning, and his strength improves after mastering the 'Eight Forms.'
• Angelia: Demonstrates professionalism and patience as a coach, appreciating Sulu's quick learning and dedication.

Significant Themes

• The importance of proper exercise and nutrition for physical development.
• The value of learning and mastering combat techniques for self-defense.
• The concept of 'instinctual physical reactions' in martial arts.

Character Interactions

• Sulu and Angelia: Their relationship evolves from student and coach to one of mutual respect and appreciation as Sulu shows progress.
• Sulu and Sean: Sean continues to notice Molly and offers to help Sulu create opportunities to interact with her, for a price.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sulu demonstrates his proficiency in Krav Maga Combat Arts, impressing Angelia and the other coaches.
• Sulu spars with Angelia, initially matching her strength and agility, but ultimately subduing her with the Body Lock Technique.
• Sulu gains no experience points from the fight, realizing that only special books or perhaps killing monsters grants experience.

Character Developments

• Sulu: Proves his combat prowess, gains confidence, and learns about experience point acquisition.
• Angelia: Realizes Sulu's potential, experiences defeat, and maintains composure.

Significant Themes

• Rapid learning and skill acquisition.
• The importance of practical combat experience.
• The struggle to understand and gain experience points.

Character Interactions

• Sulu and Angelia: Engage in a sparring match, with Sulu ultimately subduing Angelia, causing her to lose face but also respecting his skills.
• Sulu and the students: Gain admiration and envy from fellow students who witness the sparring match.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sulu defeats Angelia in a sparring match, realizing he didn't gain experience points.
• Charlie, a coach and Angelia's suitor, challenges Sulu, who accepts despite his fatigue.
• Sulu discovers he gains experience points (XP) from defeating Charlie, understanding that 'enemies' give XP while 'friends' don't.
• Sulu decides to keep fighting Charlie to gain more XP, with Angelia's disapproval.

Character Developments

• Sulu: Shows resilience and strategic thinking, discovering the XP system and its rules.
• Angelia: Feels guilty for the trouble caused by Charlie, warns Sulu about Charlie's moves.
• Charlie: Reveals his hostile nature and desire to defeat Sulu, showing his aggressive and impulsive personality.

Significant Themes

• Experience and Growth: Sulu's discovery of the XP system and its rules drives his character development and growth.
• Friendship vs. Hostility: The distinction between friendly sparring and hostile fights influences the XP system and character interactions.
• Competition and Rivalry: Charlie's challenge to Sulu highlights the competitive nature of the Combat Club and the rivalry between its members.

Character Interactions

• Sulu and Angelia: Angelia feels responsible for Charlie's actions, warns Sulu, and disapproves of his decision to keep fighting.
• Sulu and Charlie: Their interactions are hostile, with Charlie seeking revenge and Sulu accepting to gain more XP.
• Angelia and Charlie: Their relationship is tense, with Angelia disapproving of Charlie's actions and Charlie accusing her of being bewitched by Sulu.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sulu defeats Charlie, a coach of the Combat Club, three times in a row, with the final defeat resulting in Charlie's unconsciousness.
• Baron Benlion, the last white coach, enters the ring to challenge Sulu, displaying richer practical combat experience and a dangerous demeanor.
• Sulu defeats Baron using the Eight Forms, demonstrating his superior combat reflexes and ruthless fighting style.

Character Developments

• Sulu: Proves himself to be a formidable opponent, capable of defeating experienced coaches. His combat skills, reflexes, and ruthlessness are highlighted.
• Charlie: Beaten into submission, loses his courage to continue challenging Sulu.
• Baron Benlion: Initially confident, underestimates Sulu's combat prowess and falls victim to his ruthless fighting style.

Significant Themes

• The importance of practical combat experience and adaptability in real fights.
• The ruthless nature of true combat, where victory or defeat can be decided in mere tens of seconds.
• The psychological impact of being beaten into submission.

Character Interactions

• Sulu and Charlie: Their sparring match ends with Charlie's unconsciousness, solidifying Sulu's dominance.
• Sulu and Baron: Their intense fight showcases Sulu's superior combat reflexes and ruthless fighting style, leading to Baron's defeat.
• The Combat Club members and coaches: Their reactions to Sulu's victories range from support to disdain, with some joining in the chaos and others expressing concern.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sulu leaves the Combat Club after harvesting experience from its members.
• He levels up his Krav Maga Combat Arts to LV3, gaining significant strength and constitution boosts.
• Sulu innovates and simplifies the Combat Club's 'Eight Forms' into his own 'Four Forms' (Tiger, Crane, Python, Turtle).
• Donald, the president of the university's Combat Club, challenges Sulu to a match and they fight briefly.

Character Developments

• Sulu's strength and constitution increase, making him nearly as strong as an ordinary person.
• Sulu demonstrates his ability to innovate and simplify complex combat techniques.
• Donald shows his strength and skill in combat, as well as his sportsmanship in stopping the fight before it becomes dangerous.

Significant Themes

• The power of experience points and attribute panels in Sulu's growth.
• The importance of simplification and innovation in combat techniques.
• The difference between civilian and military combat styles.

Character Interactions

• Sulu and Donald have a brief but intense sparring match, showing mutual respect for each other's skills.
• Donald invites Sulu to join the Combat Club, indicating a potential alliance or rivalry between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Donald, the Combat Club president, returns to find the club in disarray due to Sulu's actions.
• Sulu visits the library to research religion and history, learning about the Seven Gods and various cults.
• Sulu discovers a book on folklore and belief studies, hinting at forbidden knowledge and the worship of the moon.

Character Developments

• Sulu: Becomes more proactive in investigating the mysterious letter and his new abilities.
• Donald: Shows interest in Sulu's actions and the new recruit's potential.
• Molly: Continues her routine, unaware of Sulu's interest in her.

Significant Themes

• The rise of transcendent abilities and the exploration of forbidden knowledge.
• The contrast between mainstream religions and cults or heretical beliefs.
• The consequences of Sulu's actions and the potential danger ahead.

Character Interactions

• Sulu and Angelia: Angelia blames herself for recruiting Sulu, while Sulu remains expressionless.
• Sulu and Sean: Sean tries to provide information about Molly, but Sulu is uninterested.
• Sulu and Molly: Sulu sees Molly in the library but doesn't approach her yet.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sulu encounters Molly in the library, who is frightened by his presence.
• Molly reveals that Beatrice has gone missing, and she had reported it to the police.
• Sulu takes Molly to the rooftop to talk, away from prying eyes.
• Molly confesses that Beatrice handed her the date note personally.

Character Developments

• Sulu demonstrates his intimidating aura and combat training, which initially scares Molly and later cowers the onlookers in the library.
• Molly shows fear and vulnerability, revealing her innocence and naivety.
• Sulu displays his calm and collected demeanor, even when faced with Molly's tears and the potential threat of the police.

Significant Themes

• Fear and vulnerability: Molly's fear of Sulu and her fear of the unknown (Beatrice's disappearance) are prominent.
• Trust and deception: Sulu's trust in Molly wavers as he considers she might be lying or bewitched, while Molly fears Sulu might harm her.
• The supernatural: The impending supernatural reality is hinted at, contrasting with the ordinary world Molly is used to.

Character Interactions

• Sulu and Molly's interaction is tense at first, with Molly fearing Sulu and Sulu suspecting Molly of lying or being bewitched.
• Sulu eventually consoles Molly, showing empathy and understanding, while Molly opens up to him about Beatrice's disappearance.
• The library onlookers initially perceive Sulu as a bully but later back off when they realize it's a lovers' quarrel.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Two police officers visit Sulu, showing him a photo of Beatrice and questioning him about her.
• Beatrice is accused of three counts of murder and nine counts of assault.
• Sulu learns Beatrice was last seen in Boy City, far from Nia City.
• Sulu suspects Beatrice's transformation into an autonomous undead lifeform due to external interference in his ritual.

Character Developments

• Sulu: Realizes the severity of Beatrice's situation and the potential threat she poses. Decides to write to Rhode for help.
• Beatrice: Absent but revealed to be a wanted criminal, with her actions suggesting she's become an autonomous undead lifeform.

Significant Themes

• The unpredictable consequences of Sulu's ritual and the uncontrollable nature of Beatrice's transformation.
• The struggle between Sulu's desire for power and the dangers it brings.

Character Interactions

• Sulu interacts with the two police officers, playing it cool despite his internal turmoil.
• Sulu considers seeking help from Rhode, showing his vulnerability and need for guidance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sulu agrees to help Sean clean the university district's sewers for 6 Silver Dollars, with half paid upfront.
• Sulu learns about strange rumors and a previous worker's injury due to a sewer monster.
• Sulu writes a letter to Rhode Potterley, seeking help with the shadow creature killing people in Nia City.

Character Developments

• Sulu: Shows practicality and willingness to take on dangerous jobs for monetary gain. He also demonstrates resourcefulness by writing to Rhode for help.
• Sean: Reveals his tendency to act impulsively and get into situations he can't handle alone, but he's also willing to admit his mistakes and ask for help.

Significant Themes

• Money and Survival: Both Sulu and Sean are driven by financial needs, taking on jobs despite potential dangers.
• Trust and Friendship: Sean's desperation leads him to seek Sulu's help, showing trust in their friendship, while Sulu agrees to help despite Sean's questionable judgment.

Character Interactions

• Sulu and Sean: Their interaction shows a mix of banter, suspicion, and mutual reliance. Sean's impulsiveness contrasts with Sulu's cautiousness, but they ultimately agree to work together.
• Sulu and Rhode (through the letter): Sulu's letter to Rhode implies a level of trust and dependence on Rhode's expertise, setting up a potential future alliance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sean and Sulu are tasked with maintaining the sewer system, which is efficient but prone to blockages.
• They encounter mutated rats, much larger and more aggressive than normal, with glowing red eyes.
• The rats attack them, and Sulu uses his combat skills to defend against the creatures.

Character Developments

• Sean initially struggles with the sewer work but adapts over time.
• Sulu demonstrates his combat skills and remains vigilant, suspecting something amiss in the sewer.
• Both characters show courage and determination in the face of danger.

Significant Themes

• The theme of facing and overcoming one's fears and disgust (in this case, the sewer environment and mutated rats).
• The importance of vigilance and preparedness in the face of unexpected danger.

Character Interactions

• Sean and Sulu work together, with Sulu taking a protective role when the rats attack.
• They support each other, with Sulu saving Sean from the rats and providing him with a weapon.
• Their bond strengthens as they face danger together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sulu discovers that killing "red-named" monsters or reading special ability books grants him experience points (XP), but there are prerequisites and limitations.
• He tests this by killing mutated rats in the sewer, gaining 10 XP from one kill.
• Sulu and Sean encounter a rat swarm manipulated by mutated rats, leading to a chase and escape.
• They decide to continue the job, using various methods to kill the rats and gain XP.
• Sulu upgrades his equipment and returns to the sewer, killing mutated rats and gaining XP.
• He discovers a suspicious path in the sewer and decides to explore it.

Character Developments

• Sulu becomes more determined to gain XP, even facing danger.
• Sean shows remorse for involving Sulu in the job but is persuaded to continue.
• Sulu proves to be strategic and resourceful in dealing with the rat problem.

Significant Themes

• Experience and Growth: Sulu's primary goal is to gain experience to upgrade his abilities.
• Adversity and Perseverance: Sulu faces danger and setbacks but continues to pursue his goal.
• Friendship and Loyalty: Sulu supports Sean despite the risks, showing loyalty and friendship.

Character Interactions

• Sulu and Sean work together to deal with the rat problem, showing mutual support and understanding.
• Sulu's determination inspires Sean to continue the job, despite Sean's initial reluctance.
• Sulu's strategic thinking and Sean's jinxed constitution lead to interesting dynamics in their interactions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sulu's Krav Maga Combat Arts levels up to LV4, granting him a new skill, 'Tiger Power', which boosts his strength but has side effects.
• Sulu discovers a dead body in a sewer, surrounded by mutated rats. He suspects the body is that of a transcendent.
• Sulu finds a money pouch containing five Gold Dragons and some parchments with ancient, indecipherable text.
• Sulu decides to destroy the body and cover his tracks to avoid trouble.

Character Developments

• Sulu shows courage and curiosity in exploring the sewer, even in the face of danger.
• He demonstrates strategic thinking in dealing with the mutated rats and the corpse.
• Sulu's greed is tempered by his fear of the unknown and the supernatural, as seen in his reluctance to attempt the Corpse Maiden Creation ritual again.

Significant Themes

• Power and its Consequences: Sulu gains a powerful new skill but understands its drawbacks and the potential risks.
• Greed and Fear: Sulu's greed is evident in his excitement over the Gold Dragons, but his fear of the supernatural holds him back from certain actions.
• The Unknown: The ancient language and the nature of the transcendent's death represent the unknown, which Sulu is both drawn to and wary of.

Character Interactions

• Sulu interacts with the mutated rats, showing no mercy in eliminating them.
• He has a one-sided interaction with the corpse, speculating about its identity and history.
• There are no human interactions in this chapter.