Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Aaron modifies the "Carnivore's Satchel" to hold non-organic items using the "Spirit of Void."
• He creates human-skin masks to change identities, anticipating the Investigation Bureau's pursuit.
• Aaron reveals he has advanced to the Third Primordial in just six months.

Character Developments

• Aaron demonstrates his craftsmanship skills and rapid advancement in the mysterious world.
• Bruce shows understanding and respect for Aaron's secrets.

Significant Themes

• The power of purification in Aaron's path of "Yao."
• The accumulation of spirituality and the influence of madness in advancing Primordials.
• The wealth and resources Aaron acquired from the Bone Worship Society's demise.

Character Interactions

• Aaron and Bruce discuss Aaron's recent advancements and Bruce congratulates him on finding a school.
• Aaron keeps his true origins and powers hidden from Bruce, following the principles of the mysterious world.

In this chapter, Aaron and Bruce arrive in Plymouth, the largest city on the continent, with a population of five million. Aaron's plan to use the 'Power of Secret Source' to advance to the Fourth Primordial is risky, as it will draw the attention of the Age Controllers. They meet Clark's student, Connelly Earse, a 'Druid' with a prosthetic metal hand, who greets them in his workshop.

Key Points

• Aaron and Bruce arrive in Plymouth.
• Aaron's plan to advance to the Fourth Primordial is risky.
• They meet Connelly Earse, a 'Druid' and Clark's student.
• The chapter ends with Connelly greeting them in his workshop.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Connelly Earse, a Druid, meets Bruce and Aaron.
• Bruce shows Connelly the 'Eye of Ancient Meng' necklace given by his late teacher.
• Connelly reveals that Bruce's teacher wanted him to complete a 'Historical Retrospection' ritual and join the Eye of Ancient Meng School.
• Connelly shares about the Druid sect's beliefs and their relationship with the hidden existence, Mother Nature.

Character Developments

• Bruce is determined to complete the ritual and join the Eye of Ancient Meng School.
• Aaron is curious about the hidden existence, Mother Nature, and its dual aspects of 'Crimson' and 'Chrysalis'.
• Connelly Earse is fervent in his beliefs and enjoys preaching about Mother Nature.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for power and influence within secret societies.
• The dual nature of hidden existences and their interpretations.
• The fusion of technology and nature, as seen in the Druid sect's modifications.

Character Interactions

• Connelly invites Bruce and Aaron to sit and discusses their backgrounds.
• Bruce and Aaron listen to Connelly's preaching about Mother Nature.
• Aaron and Connelly discuss their beliefs and Aaron expresses interest in learning more about Mother Nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Aaron and Bruce visit Connelly Ers' shop, where they find a Secret Lore book titled "Secrets of Nature" with an illustration of a hidden existence on the title page.
• Aaron, despite his caution, looks at the illustration and is shocked to see that the goddess depicted has two faces, resembling Lin and Olivia.
• Aaron speculates about the possibility of Lin and Olivia becoming hidden existences and surviving until the present day.
• Aaron decides to keep his distance from this 'Mother Nature' in the future and maintains his composure, asking Connelly for advice on local Beyonder circles in Plymouth.

Character Developments

• Aaron: Realizes the potential of Lin and Olivia becoming great existences, feels gratified but also cautious about the possibility of their betrayal. Maintains his composure despite the revelation.
• Bruce: Shows caution and fear when faced with the illustration of the hidden existence, demonstrating his awareness of its power and danger.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of hidden existences and their representations.
• The possibility of mortals advancing into great existences.
• The importance of caution and maintaining composure in the face of unexpected revelations.

Character Interactions

• Aaron and Bruce: Aaron shows more caution than Bruce when facing the illustration, demonstrating his experience and wisdom. Bruce follows Aaron's lead and does not look at the illustration.
• Aaron and Connelly Ers: Aaron asks Connelly for advice on local Beyonder circles, showing his respect for Connelly's knowledge and experience. Connelly responds with concern and willingness to help.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Aaron leaves Plymouth with a new identity and anti-divination measures.
• He arrives in Plymouth and plans his next steps, including finding accommodation and investigating Transcendent circles.
• He considers joining the Craftsman Brotherhood, the Sunset School, or the Investigation General Bureau for clues about Age Controllers or Yao talismans.

Character Developments

• Aaron demonstrates his resourcefulness and caution in creating a new identity and planning his actions in Plymouth.
• Bruce shows his reluctance to part with Aaron, indicating their growing bond.

Significant Themes

• The stark class divisions in Plymouth, with the poor living in Lower City and Ruined City, and the wealthy in the Queen and Black Gold districts.
• The influence of Aaron's past actions on the world's development, including scientific progress driven by mystics impersonating him.
• The subtle relationship between the Sodoma royal family and Age Controllers like "Dawnbreak" or "Unmelting Ice."

Character Interactions

• Aaron and Bruce part ways, with Bruce showing reluctance to let Aaron go.
• Aaron interacts with the staff at Cat's Eye Cafe, although this is not detailed in the summary.
• Aaron's thoughts reveal his plans and considerations regarding various organizations and individuals in Plymouth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Aaron arrives in Plymouth, witnessing the city's prosperity and the stark contrast of homeless vagabonds.
• He enters the Hunter Bar, noticing wanted posters for bounty hunters, and decides this profession suits him despite his initial reluctance.
• In the bar's washroom, he uses a mysterious symbol to access the Black Queen District, a secret gathering of extraordinary individuals.

Character Developments

• Aaron, despite his initial reluctance, considers becoming a bounty hunter due to his unique abilities and the potential danger involved.
• He demonstrates his divination ability by assessing the power of the 'Halsey's Moving Castle' Strange Object.

Significant Themes

• The stark contrast between wealth and poverty in Plymouth, reflecting the city's rapid growth and lack of social support for the marginalized.
• The allure and danger of the mysterious and extraordinary, represented by the Black Queen District and the bounty hunters.

Character Interactions

• Aaron interacts with a short man wearing a black iron mask, who welcomes him to the Black Queen District.
• Aaron's internal monologue reveals his thoughts and considerations about becoming a bounty hunter and his assessment of the 'Halsey's Moving Castle.'

Key Plot Points and Events

• Aaron arrives at the castle and explores its main hall, finding wanted posters of Beyonders with high bounties.
• He browses various stalls selling spiritual materials, talismans, and books, but finds no bargains.
• He decides to buy contaminated materials from two sisters, Lily and Jesita, to replenish his Filth Bullets.

Character Developments

• Aaron shows restraint in not revealing his ability to identify bargains and maintains a low profile.
• Lily and Jesita display cunning in trying to sell their goods at a higher price, taking advantage of Aaron's apparent wealth.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and pitfalls of the mysterious world, where even seemingly beneficial items may have hidden consequences.
• The importance of maintaining a low profile and not drawing unwanted attention.

Character Interactions

• Aaron interacts with Lily and Jesita, buying contaminated materials from them while also purchasing ordinary materials to avoid suspicion.
• The sisters attempt to charm Aaron, with Lily being more overt and Jesita more subtle.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Aaron rents a stall in Halsey's Moving Castle to sell magical items.
• He sells an Extraordinary-grade magical item, Scarlet One's Offering, for 2,000 pounds.
• Master Gantis, an Extraordinary with appraisal abilities, confirms the item's authenticity.
• Aaron showcases two more magical items: Sun Medal and Shadow Cloak.

Character Developments

• Aaron demonstrates his business acumen and knowledge of the magical item market.
• The black-clad man shows eagerness and impulsiveness in purchasing Scarlet One's Offering.
• Master Gantis displays expertise in appraising magical items and cautiousness in considering purchases.

Significant Themes

• The value and allure of magical items in the mysterious world.
• The risks and benefits of using magical items, highlighted by their negative effects.
• The importance of appraisal abilities in the magical item market.

Character Interactions

• Aaron interacts with the black-clad man and Master Gantis, showcasing his salesmanship and knowledge.
• The black-clad man and Master Gantis interact, with the former seeking the latter's expertise in appraising the magical items.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Aaron showcases magical items crafted by him, attracting attention and admiration.
• Gantis, the castle's Craftsman, invites Aaron to exchange experiences with the master who crafted the items.
• Tasha, a representative of Vulture McG, approaches Aaron, expressing interest in buying items but lacks money.
• Aaron refuses to sell on credit and instead offers to accept crafting commissions using materials as payment.

Character Developments

• Aaron maintains his disguise as a young man and demonstrates his crafting skills, attracting attention and potential danger.
• Tasha uses her charm to try and persuade Aaron to accept a commission, hinting at potential trouble.

Significant Themes

• The value and allure of magical items in the mysterious world.
• The potential dangers and greed that can arise from displaying such items.
• The importance of proper channels and experience in navigating the mysterious world.

Character Interactions

• Aaron interacts with Gantis, who invites him to exchange experiences with the master behind him.
• Aaron meets Tasha, who tries to persuade him to accept a crafting commission using materials as payment.
• Lily and Jesita discuss the potential dangers Aaron faces and decide to leave, with Lily warning Jesita not to get involved.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Aaron commissions Tasha to create a dagger from a cursed spiritual material, paying a deposit of 1,000 pounds.
• Aaron stays at Lockdo Inn, a quiet and spacious room with an electric lamp.
• Aaron examines the cursed spiritual material, identifying it as a remnant of 'Crimson' mixed with a 'darkness' curse.

Character Developments

• Aaron demonstrates his caution and business acumen by not signing a mystical contract and negotiating a fair price for the material.
• Tasha is revealed to have ill intent, as the material she provided is cursed.
• The innkeeper at Lockdo Inn is portrayed as practical and business-savvy, accepting Aaron's payment without identification.

Significant Themes

• The theme of caution and vigilance is emphasized, as Aaron avoids signing a mystical contract and later identifies the curse in the material.
• The theme of the prosperity of Plymouth is highlighted, with the use of an electric lamp in the inn room.

Character Interactions

• Aaron interacts with Tasha, negotiating the commission and showing his Material Identification ability.
• Aaron interacts with the innkeeper at Lockdo Inn, paying for a room without identification.
• Tasha interacts with her accomplice, revealing their plan to trap Aaron with the cursed material.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Aaron decides to craft a mystical item, using a withered claw and obsidian-like crystals.
• He forges a dagger and performs a ritual to infuse it with spirituality from the claw.
• A curse from the claw attempts to contaminate Aaron, but he resists and incorporates it into the dagger.
• Aaron names the dagger 'Crying Blade' and creates a scouting web using magic insects to anticipate Tasha's pursuit.

Character Developments

• Aaron demonstrates his skills as a Forge-Maker, absorbing spirituality and gaining understanding during forging.
• He shows resilience against the curse, indicating his mental stability despite being in the Third Primordial.
• Aaron's knowledge of mysticism and curses deepens as he gains a fragmentary Secret Lore.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and benefits of forging mystical items, especially in the Third Primordial.
• The power of curses and their potential uses in crafting.
• The importance of knowledge and understanding in mysticism.

Character Interactions

• Aaron's thoughts briefly reference Clark, indicating a past friendship and knowledge exchange.
• Tasha is mentioned as a potential pursuer, setting up future conflict.
• Aaron interacts with the Spirit of Void to purify the curse and incorporate it into the dagger.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Aaron goes on a stroll, inspecting property listings and talking to real estate merchants.
• He has dinner at a restaurant, then enters a secluded alley where Tasha, a member of the Vulture organization, confronts him.
• Aaron reveals a cursed dagger, the Crying Blade, which he offers to Tasha. The dagger has the ability to cause wounds that won't heal and bleed endlessly.
• Tasha attempts to stab Aaron but is instead cut by the dagger herself due to its reflection curse. She flees, leaving behind blood that Aaron collects to track her.
• Tasha returns to the Vulture headquarters, injured and seeking help from McG, the organization's leader.

Character Developments

• Aaron: Displayed cunning and resourcefulness by setting up Tasha with the cursed dagger and using her blood to track her.
• Tasha: Showed recklessness and underestimation of Aaron, leading to her injury. Her fear of the curse was evident.
• McG: Demonstrated concern for Tasha's injury and a ruthless past dealing with a similar curse.

Significant Themes

• Curses and their consequences: The curse on the dagger and the one that affected McG's organization highlight the dangerous and unpredictable nature of curses.
• Deception and manipulation: Aaron's deception of Tasha and her underestimation of him led to her injury and the Vulture organization's disadvantage.
• Power dynamics: The interaction between Aaron and Tasha, as well as McG's concern for Tasha, reflect the power dynamics within the mysterious world and the Vulture organization.

Character Interactions

• Aaron and Tasha: Their interaction was tense and manipulative, with Aaron outsmarting Tasha and leaving her injured.
• Tasha and McG: Tasha sought help from McG after being injured, showing his importance within the Vulture organization. McG was concerned about Tasha's injury and the potential threat posed by Aaron's teacher.

Key Plot Points

• McG and his gang, 'Vulture,' are afflicted by a curse that causes wounds to appear and bleed endlessly, spreading through contact and sight.
• Tasha, a member of 'Vulture,' is suspected of betrayal but is killed by McG before she can confirm or deny it.
• The curse is revealed to have been created by Aaron, using a curse power within the withered palm, and is intended to wipe out 'Vulture.'
• All members of 'Vulture' die from the curse, and Aaron plans to have Auclair clean up the scene.

Character Developments

• McG's brutal and savage nature is further emphasized as he suspects and kills Tasha.
• Aaron demonstrates his ruthlessness and strategic thinking in creating and deploying the curse.

Significant Themes

• Betrayal and its consequences (Tasha's suspected betrayal leading to her death).
• The power of curses and their potential for destruction (the curse wiping out 'Vulture').
• The theme of contamination and infection (the curse spreading through contact and sight).

Character Interactions

• McG's interaction with Tasha shows his brutal and paranoid nature.
• Aaron's interaction with the curse demonstrates his ruthless and calculating side.
• The interactions among 'Vulture' members highlight their desperation and panic as they try to deal with the curse.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Aaron, possessing the ghost of Auclair, infiltrates Vulture's headquarters and finds it filled with corpses and blood.
• He collects spiritual remnants, opens a safe containing valuables, and uses Carnivore's Satchel to store the loot.
• Vulture's headquarters is later discovered and burns down, attracting the attention of the Investigation General Bureau.

Character Developments

• Aaron demonstrates his power and cunning by easily breaching Vulture's defenses and acquiring their treasures.
• McG, the leader of Vulture, is found dead, along with other Beyonders.
• Aaron shows interest in Lily and Jesita, the sisters running a stall in Halsey's Moving Castle.

Significant Themes

• The power of ancient curses and the dangers of meddling with the past.
• The ruthlessness and consequences of betrayal, as seen in Vulture's downfall.
• The allure of wealth and the temptation it presents, as shown by Aaron's acquisition of Vulture's treasures.

Character Interactions

• Aaron interacts with Jesita and Lily, revealing his interest in them and showing off his magical item, the Crying Blade.
• Lily and Jesita discuss Aaron's misfortune with Vulture, with Lily expressing a hint of jealousy or annoyance.
• Aaron teases Jesita and Lily, using the Crying Blade to cause them temporary discomfort and pleasure, respectively.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Aaron meets Jesita and Lily again at a high-end gathering in Halsey's castle.
• Aaron uses his charm to 'happy' Lily, causing Jesita to misunderstand and fear him.
• Aaron meets Gantis, who invites him to a more exclusive gathering.
• At the gathering, Aaron meets Langley Tannis and Professor, who shows interest in the Blade Secret Rite.
• Aaron learns about tensions between the Investigation Bureau's Secret Police and the Oak Ring of the Druid sect.

Character Developments

• Aaron's reputation grows after the incident with Vulture, making others cautious around him.
• Lily and Jesita are shown to be close sisters, with Lily being more knowledgeable about the mysterious world.
• Gantis is revealed to be part of a more exclusive gathering, suggesting he has higher status or influence.
• Professor is introduced as an elderly Beyonder with knowledge of ancient religious rites.

Significant Themes

• The power of Aaron's charm and its potential dangers are further explored.
• The mysterious world's hierarchy and exclusivity are emphasized through the high-end gathering and the more exclusive gathering.
• The tension between secret organizations and the Investigation Bureau is highlighted.

Character Interactions

• Aaron interacts with Jesita and Lily, causing Jesita to fear him due to a misunderstanding.
• Aaron meets Gantis, who invites him to a more exclusive gathering, suggesting a potential alliance or friendship.
• Aaron meets Langley Tannis and Professor at the gathering, with Professor showing interest in trading for the Blade Secret Rite.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Aaron attends a gathering of Beyonders in Plymouth, seeking a safe Spirit Realm positioning technique.
• He agrees to join 'Professor's' team to explore the Fallen City, Diat, in exchange for the positioning technique.
• Aaron becomes the owner of Hunter Bar and purchases a villa in Jeston District for his residence.

Character Developments

• Aaron shows interest in exploring the Fallen City, Diat, possibly due to its connection to his past.
• Aaron demonstrates his strategic thinking by becoming the owner of Hunter Bar and securing a quiet residence for himself.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of knowledge and mystery, as seen in 'Professor's' determination to explore the Fallen City.
• The dangers and risks associated with dream exploration and the Spirit Realm.
• The importance of safety and protection in the Spirit Realm, as highlighted by 'Professor.'

Character Interactions

• Aaron interacts with 'Professor,' Gantis, and other Beyonders at the gathering, showcasing his negotiation skills and determination.
• Aaron's interactions with Balkin, the bartender at Hunter Bar, demonstrate his newfound status as the bar's owner.
• Aaron's purchase of the villa in Jeston District shows his independence and self-sufficiency.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Aaron purchases and deciphers 'Dreamseeker Solon's Notes' about exploring the Spirit Realm.
• He discovers a positioning technique to navigate the Spirit Realm using a fixed reference point, likening it to a 'lighthouse.'
• Aaron decides to use the Spirit Realm region corresponding to Yanan Town as his 'lighthouse' due to its high status and stability.
• He enters the Spirit Realm using Auclair's body, disguised as Green Potter, to avoid detection as an evil spirit.

Character Developments

• Aaron demonstrates his ability to decipher complex mystical texts and his understanding of the Spirit Realm's intricacies.
• He shows caution and strategic thinking in planning his entry into the Spirit Realm.

Significant Themes

• The exploration of the Spirit Realm and the dangers it poses.
• The importance of fixed reference points (lighthouses) for navigation within the Spirit Realm.
• The distinction between Aaron's spirit body and his physical body.

Character Interactions

• Aaron interacts with no other characters in this chapter, as it focuses solely on his preparations and entry into the Spirit Realm.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Aaron enters the Spirit Realm and finds himself in a wetland.
• He encounters a young Transcendental boy named Martin, who can transform into a sparrow using 'Shadow' path magic.
• Martin's teacher, a hawk Transcendental, warns Aaron about the dangers of the Spirit Realm and other Transcendents.
• Aaron travels through the Spirit Realm, encountering a sea of sunflowers and a desert with black pyramids.

Character Developments

• Aaron demonstrates his knowledge and experience in the Spirit Realm, showing he's not a novice.
• Martin shows off his abilities and wants to be treated as an adult, revealing his eagerness to learn and grow.
• Martin's teacher displays caution and protectiveness towards his student.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and resources of the Spirit Realm.
• The importance of caution and preparedness when dealing with other Transcendents.
• The desire to grow and learn, as seen in Martin.

Character Interactions

• Aaron interacts with Martin and his teacher, showcasing his understanding of the Spirit Realm and its dangers.
• Martin and his teacher demonstrate their bond and the teacher's protective nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Aaron encounters Martin and his teacher, Eagle Falcon, in the Spirit Realm.
• Eagle Falcon is severely wounded by black-robed priests using a stone weapon.
• Aaron offers to help Martin in exchange for knowledge about the Spirit Realm.
• Aaron activates his Fourth Primordial and defeats the black-robed priests.

Character Developments

• Martin shows concern for his teacher and desperation to save him.
• Aaron demonstrates his power and willingness to help, but also his cunning in demanding an exchange.

Significant Themes

• The danger and unpredictability of the Spirit Realm.
• The importance of knowledge and information in the hidden world.
• The power dynamics between Beyonders and Spirit Realm creatures.

Character Interactions

• Martin and Aaron: Martin pleads for help, and Aaron agrees in exchange for knowledge.
• Aaron and the black-robed priests: Aaron demonstrates his superiority and defeats them easily.
• Martin and Eagle Falcon: Martin is desperate to save his teacher, but Eagle Falcon is unconscious and severely wounded.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Aaron helps Martin and his unconscious teacher escape the Dream Realm by destroying a black-gold pyramid.
• Aaron reveals his name to Martin before leaving.
• Aaron returns to his world and finds it dawn the next day. He decides to hire new staff for the bar.

Character Developments

• Aaron demonstrates his power and willingness to help, earning Martin's respect and gratitude.
• Aaron shows his casual and relaxed side while enjoying a meal at the bar, contrasting with his powerful actions in the Dream Realm.
• Isabet and William, the new applicants, show determination and confidence in their interviews with Aaron.

Significant Themes

• Power and Responsibility: Aaron's actions in the Dream Realm showcase his power and his decision to use it responsibly by helping Martin and his teacher.
• Trust and Loyalty: Aaron's hiring process hints at his desire for trustworthy employees, reflecting the importance of loyalty in his world.
• Risk and Reward: The allure of the Spirit Realm, despite its dangers, mirrors the theme of risk and reward in Aaron's world.

Character Interactions

• Aaron and Martin: Aaron's interaction with Martin shows his willingness to help and his lack of ego, as he doesn't claim the victory over the pyramid as his own.
• Aaron and the Applicants: Aaron's interview with Isabet and William reveals his no-nonsense attitude and his willingness to give opportunities to those who show determination and confidence.