Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sulu aims to advance to Tier 3 [Shadow Warrior] but lacks required Agility and Constitution.
• He uses experience points to level up Krav Maga Combat Arts, gaining attribute points but hitting a bottleneck at level 8 due to non-core class restrictions.
• Sulu arrives in Nia City, the site of a previous supernatural catastrophe, under disguise.

Character Developments

• Sulu demonstrates determination to advance quickly and impulsiveness with experience points.
• He shows caution and strategic thinking regarding attracting unwanted attention from powerful entities.
• Sulu's abilities and confidence grow, as he remains undetected by ordinary people despite increased security.

Significant Themes

• The struggle and limitations of advancing in power and abilities, both in terms of requirements and bottlenecks.
• The consequences of supernatural events on cities and their inhabitants, leaving behind trauma and sorrow.
• The dual nature of Sulu's powers, both empowering and potentially dangerous, requiring careful use.

Character Interactions

• Sulu interacts briefly with police officers during a ticket inspection, using his powers to remain undetected.
• There's no significant interaction with other characters in this chapter, as Sulu travels alone.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sulu visits the Victims Memorial Park in Nia City, reflecting on the lives lost and the conspiracy behind the creation of legendary professionals like Moran and Hexus.
• He encounters a young tycoon, Billy, who plans to seize control of Nia City's economic lifelines during the reconstruction.
• Sulu uses his Spirit Pressure and Psychic Thaumaturgy to freeze Billy's bodyguards and tamper with their memories, making them believe Sulu is Billy's close friend, Ron.

Character Developments

• Sulu shows growth in his use of Spirit Pressure and Psychic Thaumaturgy, demonstrating better control and skill.
• Billy is revealed to be a playboy with no real abilities, sent to Nia City by his father to acquire assets and boost his reputation.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of the 'Dawn of Transcendence' on the power dynamics of the Federation.
• The exploitation of disasters by wealthy individuals for personal gain.
• The ethical implications of memory tampering and manipulation.

Character Interactions

• Sulu interacts with Billy and his bodyguards, using his powers to manipulate them into accepting him as Billy's friend.
• Sulu's internal monologue reveals his disdain for those who exploit disasters for personal gain and his desire for revenge against Moran and Hexus.

Key Plot Points

• Sulu arrives at Billy's manor for dinner.
• Billy introduces Ian, his secretary (and a transcendent Apprentice sent by the Doliov Family).
• Sulu retreats to his room to craft Thaumaturgy Cards using transcendent materials.
• He successfully crafts several cards after upgrading his Wonder Item Crafting skill.

Character Developments

• Sulu demonstrates his cunning and lack of guilt in fleecing the tycoon.
• Billy shows off his wealth and connections by hosting a lavish dinner and having a transcendent Apprentice as a secretary.
• Ian, Billy's secretary, is revealed to be a transcendent Apprentice sent by the Doliov Family for protection.

Significant Themes

• The difficulty and dedication required to master transcendent professions.
• The value of transcendent materials and the crafting of wonder items.
• The display of wealth and power among the elite.

Character Interactions

• Sulu and Billy share a friendly toast at dinner.
• Sulu greets Ian, Billy's secretary, with a hint of challenge.
• Sulu crafts Thaumaturgy Cards in solitude, reflecting on the challenges and rewards of his profession.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ian, Billy's secretary, is working late and notices a mysterious figure outside his window.
• The figure, revealed to be Sulu, infiltrates Ian's mind and seals one of his abilities using a Thaumaturgy Card.
• Ian wakes up from his trance, feeling tired and forgetful, and decides to meditate.

Character Developments

• Ian: Shows professional dedication but is also affected by his dual role, leading to forgetfulness.
• Sulu: Demonstrates his ability to infiltrate minds and seal abilities, showing growth in his powers.

Significant Themes

• Power and Control: Sulu's actions showcase his desire for power and control over others, especially those who pose a threat to his plans.
• Identity and Dual Roles: Ian's dual role as a professional and Billy's secretary highlights the strain and confusion that can come from juggling multiple identities.

Character Interactions

• Ian and Sulu: Their interaction is indirect, with Sulu invading Ian's mind, leading to Ian's confusion and forgetfulness.
• Ian and Billy: Ian's thoughts about Billy and Ron show his loyalty and concern for Billy, but also his forgetfulness due to Sulu's influence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sulu, projecting his soul, gathers information about Nia City's power dynamics and searches for suitable targets for his 'Sealing Ability'.
• He discovers a gathering of extraordinary individuals at the 'Nia City Bodyguard and Detective Joint Agency', a business that has recently started in response to the city's security issues.
• Sulu meets Fatima Montari, a detective who is also an extraordinary individual, and hires her to help him connect with the 'Inner World' of extraordinary powers.

Character Developments

• Sulu shows his cunning and resourcefulness in gathering information and seeking out extraordinary individuals.
• Fatima Montari is revealed to be an extraordinary individual herself, and she shows interest in Sulu's offer, hinting at potential greed or ambition.

Significant Themes

• The existence and influence of extraordinary powers in Nia City, despite official denials.
• The allure and obsession with extraordinary powers, as seen in Sulu's character.
• The potential for corruption or exploitation within the extraordinary community, as hinted by Fatima's reaction to Sulu's offer.

Character Interactions

• Sulu and Fatima Montari meet for the first time since Sulu bought information from her previously. They engage in a cautious dance, with Sulu trying to probe Fatima's knowledge of the 'Inner World' and Fatima considering whether to exploit Sulu's interest for her own gain.
• Sulu's interaction with the coachman is brief but shows his disregard for the man's time and knowledge, highlighting Sulu's privileged and somewhat arrogant attitude.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fatima, a cunning fox, takes 10 Gold Dragons from Sulu for 'investigation expenses' and returns after three days with a report detailing hidden dangers in Nia City, including strange flesh monsters, supernatural incidents, and spiritual emptiness.
• Sulu decides to attend a private gathering of extraordinaries in the city on the night of the 15th to acquire more materials for crafting Thaumaturgy Cards.
• Sulu reads the Book of Nameless Necro-Spirits in Billy's mansion, gaining experience points and detecting various necromancy class information.

Character Developments

• Sulu demonstrates his interest in Fatima's intelligence report, showing his strategic and cautious nature.
• Sulu's determination to attend the gathering reveals his resourcefulness and adaptability.
• Sulu's reading of the necromancy book showcases his resilience and mental fortitude.

Significant Themes

• The theme of hidden dangers and the aftermath of the demon attack in Nia City is further explored.
• The power of knowledge and information is emphasized through Sulu's reading of the Book of Nameless Necro-Spirits.
• The struggle between curiosity and self-preservation is highlighted as Sulu pushes his limits while reading the book.

Character Interactions

• Sulu's interaction with Fatima is brief but shows his trust in her abilities and his willingness to invest in her services.
• Sulu's presence in Billy's mansion hints at their alliance, with Sulu using Billy's resources for his own purposes.
• Sulu's internal dialogue with the Book of Nameless Necro-Spirits illustrates his mental fortitude and determination to gain knowledge, even at great personal risk.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sulu, after depleting his Inspiration, gains information about the Spirit World's third layer and Tier 4 spirits.
• He experiences a loss of control over his spirit, leading to a distorted perception of reality.
• Sulu struggles to maintain his sanity and physical form, eventually regaining control.
• He decides not to read the Book of Nameless Necro-Spirits again without precautions, fearing its sinister nature.
• He ponders about the Anguskin Family and their possible connection to the book.

Character Developments

• Sulu's curiosity and ambition lead him to push his limits, resulting in a dangerous situation.
• He demonstrates resilience and self-control in regaining his composure and understanding the risks involved.
• Sulu starts to feel fear and caution towards the Book of Nameless Necro-Spirits and its potential consequences.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and risks associated with extraordinary powers and knowledge.
• The struggle between curiosity and caution.
• The potential consequences of pushing one's limits.

Character Interactions

• Sulu interacts with his reflection in the mirror, using it as a tool to maintain his sanity and physical form.
• His thoughts and internal dialogue reveal his fears, ambitions, and self-reflection, highlighting his character development.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sulu decides not to carry the Book of Nameless Necro-Spirits to avoid danger, considering hiding it in a bank or burying it.
• Sulu attends a secret gathering of professionals, where they exchange information and trade dangerous items.
• The Federation's plans to recall expeditionary teams from the World Edge are revealed, causing concern among the professionals.

Character Developments

• Sulu shows caution and resourcefulness in handling the Book of Nameless Necro-Spirits.
• Fatima, the organizer of the gathering, demonstrates professional ethics by warning Sulu about the risks and showing him the way once.

Significant Themes

• The increasing danger and uncertainty in the world, as seen in the growing monster threats and the Federation's recall of expeditionary teams.
• The tension between the need for cooperation (like the agency) and the desire for secrecy and autonomy among professionals.

Character Interactions

• Sulu and Fatima meet and travel together to the gathering, showing a level of trust.
• Professionals at the gathering exchange information and trade, highlighting their interdependence and shared risks.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A gathering of people interested in the supernatural takes place in Nia City.
• Various pieces of information about supernatural incidents and wanted figures are exchanged.
• Sulu seeks to purchase potions that permanently increase speed and stabilize mental state, as well as items enhancing constitution.
• A woman offers to treat mental issues, and Sulu agrees to pay a deposit for her services.

Character Developments

• Sulu shows his knowledge of the supernatural world, surprising Fatima.
• Sulu's concern for his friend's mental state is evident.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and allure of the supernatural world.
• The desire for power and protection in the face of uncertainty.
• The importance of mental health and stability.

Character Interactions

• Sulu and Fatima's dynamic changes as Fatima realizes Sulu is more knowledgeable about the supernatural than she thought.
• Sulu interacts with various people at the gathering, seeking information and help.
• The gathering attendees react with fear and suspicion to Sulu's description of his friend's mental state.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sulu attends a secret gathering of transcendent beings in an abandoned factory.
• He memorizes the auras of the attendees to track them later in the Mind World.
• Sulu pays Fatima, his scout, and returns home.
• At night, Sulu enters the second layer of the spirit world to target a Second Rank transcendent, Kings Patch.
• He successfully extracts and seals Kings' fire-based abilities using Psychic Thaumaturgy, creating five 'Spell Cards'.

Character Developments

• Sulu demonstrates his ability to recognize auras and his skill in Psychic Thaumaturgy.
• Fatima proves herself to be a reliable scout.
• Kings Patch is revealed to be a Tier 2 Elite with a [Unburnt] profession, specializing in fire magic.

Significant Themes

• The struggle and rarity of Tier 5 legacy professions.
• The connection between Sulu's [Medium] and [Necromancer] professions and the Spirit World.
• The risks and rewards of extracting abilities using Psychic Thaumaturgy.

Character Interactions

• Sulu interacts briefly with Fatima, paying her for her services.
• Sulu invades Kings Patch's Mind Secret Realm, extracting and sealing his abilities without direct interaction.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sulu successfully extracts fire-based abilities from a transcendent named Kings, adding them to his deck.
• He decides to continue hunting for more abilities in the Mind World.
• He encounters a major incident in the real world, where a Flesh Polluter, a third-tier transcendent-level monster, is causing chaos.
• Bureau 11 agents, including One-Eyed Dragon, are battling the monster and discussing the increasing monster activity in the East District.
• One-Eyed Dragon detects Sulu's spirit body spying on them and orders his subordinates to apprehend him.

Character Developments

• Sulu demonstrates his ability to extract abilities from other transcendents, showing growth in his power and confidence.
• One-Eyed Dragon exhibits his vigilance and determination in dealing with threats, both physical and spiritual.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for power and resources among transcendents.
• The increasing chaos and danger in Nia City, reflecting the theme of a world in crisis.
• The theme of vigilance and preparedness, as shown by One-Eyed Dragon.

Character Interactions

• Sulu interacts with Kings, extracting his abilities, but there's no direct confrontation.
• Sulu observes One-Eyed Dragon and his team, learning about the security situation in the East District.
• One-Eyed Dragon interacts with his subordinates, giving orders and threats to motivate them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sulu visits a private medical clinic run by Dr. Angie Ribby, where he discovers her reputation for miraculous healings.
• Angie throws out a disruptive patient, intimidating the rest of the waiting crowd.
• Sulu enters the clinic, and Angie recognizes him from a previous encounter in Posi Port.
• Sulu reveals he's not there for treatment but to buy mental healing potions.
• Angie shares that she's discovered an effective material for her 'Blood Therapy' in the East District, where sewer monsters frequently appear.

Character Developments

• Sulu: Shows curiosity about Angie's methods and willingness to prepare for future mental corruption.
• Angie: Reveals her expertise in 'Blood Therapy' and expresses interest in teaming up to gather more materials from the East District.

Significant Themes

• The power of will and determination in overcoming mental corruption (Sulu's recovery).
• The importance of trust in professional expertise (Angie's assurance about her methods).
• The allure and danger of unknown materials (the blood from the East District).

Character Interactions

• Sulu and Angie: They recognize each other from a previous encounter, and Angie is initially suspicious of Sulu's intentions. They discuss mental healing methods and materials, leading to a mutual understanding and respect for their respective professions.
• Angie and her patients: Angie's cold demeanor and directness intimidate her patients, but her reputation for successful treatments draws them to her clinic.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sulu suspects Angie Ribby's blood therapy is dangerous after seeing her retrieve two alluring blood bottles.
• He investigates Angie's Mind World and finds two secret realms: one for Angie and another for her sister Dora, who seems unwell.
• At night, Sulu enters the clinic and discovers Angie performing blood therapy on Dora, who is severely injured and appears unconscious.
• Sulu realizes Dora is dead, but her consciousness is being maintained by the blood therapy, which he finds disturbing.

Character Developments

• Sulu: He becomes more cautious and fearful after learning about Angie's blood therapy and Dora's condition.
• Angie Ribby: She is revealed to be trying to keep her sister alive through blood therapy, hinting at a deeper mental instability.
• Dora: She is shown to be severely injured and in a confused state, her consciousness maintained by Angie's blood therapy.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of meddling with life and death.
• The dangers of experimenting on one's own body.
• The lengths one will go to for a loved one.

Character Interactions

• Sulu observes Angie caring for Dora, highlighting Angie's devotion to her sister.
• Sulu's internal dialogue reveals his growing unease and horror at the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sulu, an occult expert, realizes the danger of "God's Blood" present in Nia City's East District, which can cause unimaginable consequences.
• Sulu decides to leave Nia City due to the high risk involved.
• In the East District sewers, a team led by Bishop Oliver Fells and Captain Theo encounters and defeats a Flesh Worm.
• They discover a wall of flesh with a living human figure embedded in it, who is still conscious but dreaming.

Character Developments

• Sulu: Realizes the severity of the situation in Nia City and decides to leave for his own safety.
• Oliver Fells: Demonstrates his power as a Tier 4 Bishop by easily defeating a Flesh Worm using a holy relic.
• Theo: Shows support for the Church's involvement and exhibits knowledge of various weapons and tools.

Significant Themes

• The danger and power of divine artifacts, such as "God's Blood" and the holy relic used by Oliver.
• The consequences of meddling with forces beyond human understanding.
• The tension between the Church and other factions, hinted at by Theo's thoughts on the Church's strength.

Character Interactions

• Sulu's internal monologue reveals his thoughts and decisions regarding the situation in Nia City.
• Oliver and Theo work together to clear the sewers and find the source of the contamination, showcasing their respective strengths and knowledge.
• Oliver tries to stop Theo from interacting with the figure embedded in the flesh wall, hinting at some understanding or danger related to the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A seven-colored orb of light, the power of the Spirit World, infiltrates Nia City, creating a seven-colored curtain that shrouds the entire city.
• The Federation establishes a Strategic Countermeasures Group to deal with the situation but finds it impossible to enter or exit the city.
• The Red-Robed Bishop, Lord Moore, reveals that the phenomenon is an accident caused by an ancient god's dream and that it must be resolved from within the city.
• The city descends into chaos, with citizens rioting, fortifying their homes, and attacking intruders. Strange spirits begin to appear throughout the city.

Character Developments

• Sulu: Realizes the severity of the situation and feels helpless against it. He understands that leaving Nia City will be difficult.
• Billy: Arrives at Doliv Manor with Ian, terrified by the situation. He relies on Ian for protection.
• Ian: Demonstrates his ability as a First-Rank professional by using a Lesser Fireball to dispel a Resentful Soul. He understands the gravity of the situation but tries to protect Billy.

Significant Themes

• The power of the Spirit World and its infiltration into reality.
• The fear and chaos caused by the unknown and the loss of control.
• The theme of protection and reliance on others for safety.

Character Interactions

• Sulu and Ian: Sulu senses Ian's fear and understands the danger of the situation. Ian tries to protect Billy but knows his limitations.
• Billy and Ian: Billy relies on Ian for protection, patting him on the shoulder in gratitude. Ian, however, remains grave about the situation.
• The citizens of Nia City: They react with fear, anger, and desperation, turning against each other and the Federation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sulu witnesses a black tiger monster, birthed from intense emotions, attack Billy and Ian.
• Sulu demonstrates his power, stopping the monster and saving the duo.
• Sulu discovers that Nia City is being isolated and dragged into the Spirit World.
• He learns that the isolation is intensifying and may soon reach a point where even his spirit can't pass through.
• Sulu decides to stay in Nia City and find a way to escape or be rescued before the city is fully integrated into the Spirit World.

Character Developments

• Sulu: Shows his immense power and knowledge about the Spirit World, demonstrating leadership and strategic thinking.
• Billy: Initially scared and helpless, he becomes more cooperative and follows Sulu's orders.
• Ian: Recognizes Sulu's strength and follows him, showing loyalty to his master, Billy.

Significant Themes

• The power of intense emotions and their consequences.
• The danger of the Spirit World and its integration with the real world.
• The importance of cooperation and unity in facing adversity.

Character Interactions

• Sulu saves Billy and Ian from the black tiger monster, establishing their alliance.
• Sulu orders Billy to leave a message for the manor's inhabitants, showing his authority.
• Sulu and Billy discuss contacting the Church and City Hall, demonstrating their need to work together.
• Sulu shares his plan with Billy, showing trust and inclusion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nia City is under attack by bizarre, regenerative monsters.
• Fatima, a detective, encounters these monsters and manages to escape with the help of a mysterious spirit body.
• She finds refuge in the Cathedral of Light, where thousands of refugees are gathered.
• Sulu and Billy arrive at the Cathedral, learning about the failed operation in the East District.
• Transcendents (professionals) are summoned to discuss the crisis.

Character Developments

• Fatima demonstrates her courage and resourcefulness in facing the monsters.
• Sulu shows concern for the situation but maintains a calm demeanor.
• Billy expresses worry about the dire circumstances.

Significant Themes

• Survival and resilience in the face of sudden, catastrophic events.
• The role of transcendents (professionals) in protecting the city and its people.
• The tension between the government's knowledge of transcendents and the public's right to information.

Character Interactions

• Fatima interacts with ordinary people and the mysterious spirit body.
• Sulu and Billy discuss the situation and decide to join the meeting of transcendents.
• The crowd interacts with the white-robed elder, demonstrating their fear, anger, and desperation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Transcendents gather in a church conference hall to discuss their situation.
• They learn that Nia City's reality is a dream, and they must find its source to escape.
• An agent from Bureau 11 reveals that Bishop Oliver and Captain Theo are trapped in the East District sewers.
• The group decides to rescue them, hoping to coordinate with two Tier 5 professionals outside the city for their escape.

Character Developments

• Sulu remains calm and composed despite the dire situation, indicating his strength of will and experience with professionals.
• Fatima feels increasingly unable to read Sulu, realizing he has more experience with professionals than she initially thought.
• Ian and Fatima are shown to be low-tier professionals, feeling overwhelmed by the danger they're in.

Significant Themes

• Survival and the will to live in the face of extreme danger.
• The importance of unity and cooperation among professionals to overcome challenges.
• The consequences of keeping secrets (the existence of professionals) and the need for recognition and protection from powerful factions.

Character Interactions

• Sulu, Ian, and Fatima stick together, seeking certainty and comfort in each other's company.
• Sulu interacts with various professionals, observing their reactions and preparing for the upcoming battle.
• The group's leader, Mithius, bows deeply to the professionals, expressing gratitude for their support and commitment to guiding them to the East District.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The team encounters various Nightmare Demons while navigating Nia City's misty streets.
• Sulu, posing as Ron, demonstrates exceptional detection abilities, warning the team of impending danger.
• The team arrives at the East District sewer entrance without major incidents.
• They find the sewer eerily peaceful and reach the final location where Bishop Oliver and others were found sleeping.
• The team discovers that the rescued individuals, including Bishop Oliver and Captain Theo, cannot be woken up.

Character Developments

• Sulu shows his strategic thinking and exceptional abilities, impressing Mithius.
• Mithius, Connie, and Freddy are revealed to be Tier 3 professionals, while Mithius is Tier 2.
• The rescued individuals are shown to be in a deep sleep from which they cannot be awakened.

Significant Themes

• The danger and rarity of Nightmare Demons.
• The power dynamics between factions in Nia City.
• The mysterious and terrifying nature of the Dream of the Ancient God.

Character Interactions

• Sulu demonstrates his value to the team by warning them of Nightmare Demons and leading them safely to the East District.
• Mithius praises Sulu for his detection abilities.
• The team works together to navigate the dangerous streets and sewers, highlighting their division of labor and cooperation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group, led by Mithius, is in a sewer, discussing their next move after the previous night's events.
• Moore, a powerful professional from the Goddess Church, appears and explains that the group is in a junction between illusion and reality, caused by a fragment of a fallen deity's dream.
• Moore removes a valuable lady's glove from Oliver and uses it to reveal a hidden door in the wall, which had devoured a man.

Character Developments

• Mithius: Struggles with the responsibilities of leading the group, showing initial indecision.
• Freddy: Initially aggressive and suspicious, he becomes polite and respectful upon Moore's arrival.
• Moore: Demonstrates his power and knowledge, revealing himself as a high-ranking professional and a key to their escape.

Significant Themes

• Power and Hierarchy: The arrival of Moore, a more powerful professional, shifts the dynamics of the group, with everyone showing him deference.
• Illusion vs. Reality: The chapter explores the blurring of these lines, with a dream fragment overlapping with reality.
• Danger and Oversight: The catastrophe affecting Nia City is traced back to a seemingly insignificant event, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the mysterious world.

Character Interactions

• Mithius and Freddy: Initially at odds, they both defer to Moore's authority.
• Moore and the Group: Moore's arrival brings a sense of relief and hope to the group, with everyone showing him respect.
• Sulu and the Group: Sulu observes the interactions, evaluating the strengths of the others and considering his own stance in case of a conflict.