Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Forte and his group encounter Altes on a ship to Lutom Island. Altes wants to participate in the island's major concert but lacks an invitation.
• McBain reveals he once performed at Cavaro International Theater, leaving a legendary mark.
• Forte meets Edgar, Altes' master and a baker on the ship, who is also an old acquaintance of McBain.
• Edgar reveals that the wealthy merchant Li Xu, who owns Lutom Island, acquired it through unethical means, polluting the water supply and forcing islanders to relocate.

Character Developments

• McBain: Reveals his past musical achievements, showing pride in his skills but also regret for not staying at Cavaro International Theater.
• Edgar: Demonstrates compassion and strong moral principles when he shares the dark history of Lutom Island and Li Xu's unethical practices.

Significant Themes

• The Price of Ambition: Li Xu's wealth and influence come at the cost of the islanders' well-being and the environment.
• Friendship and Connections: McBain's past travels have led to numerous acquaintances, highlighting the importance of networks and shared history.

Character Interactions

• McBain and Edgar: They reunite and catch up, showing camaraderie and mutual respect.
• Forte and Edgar: Forte learns about Lutom Island's past from Edgar, fostering a newfound respect for the baker's principles.
• Altes and Forte: Altes expresses envy of Forte's opportunity to participate in the concert, showing his desire to prove himself on a larger stage.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Edgar reveals that he has a resonance stone given by Leonie, which he's willing to give to McBain if convinced of his cause.
• McBain and Uchiha Madara learn about Edgar's possession of a resonance stone and decide to prove their intentions on Lutom Island.
• Edgar introduces McBain, Uchiha Madara, and Altes to Elisa, a girl from Lutom Island who works at Edgar's shop.

Character Developments

• Edgar shows loyalty to Leonie's wishes but is open to being convinced.
• McBain demonstrates determination and intuition about the impending threat.
• Uchiha Madara displays a sense of urgency and helplessness regarding the unknown darkness.
• Altes shows eagerness to teach Memories of the Forest and Sea.
• Elisa expresses homesickness and longing for her island's past.

Significant Themes

• The power of music to connect people and preserve memories.
• The importance of trust and conviction in pursuing a cause.
• The looming threat of darkness and destruction.

Character Interactions

• Edgar and McBain discuss the resonance stones and Edgar's conditions for giving one to McBain.
• Uchiha Madara and McBain work together to convince Edgar of their intentions.
• Edgar introduces McBain's group to Elisa, sparking an emotional response in her regarding Lutom Island's past.
• McBain, Uchiha Madara, and Altes plan to learn and perform Memories of the Forest and Sea on Lutom Island.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Uchiha Madara arrives at Lutom Island and explores its northern side, finding a pristine beach and rock formations.
• He meets Roland, the head chef and former musician of the island, who is gazing at the sea with a somber expression.
• Roland shares the story of Lutom Island's past, its destruction, and his song "Memories of the Forest and Sea."
• Madara promises to help Roland find his beloved and restore Lutom Island.

Character Developments

• Uchiha Madara: Shows empathy and understanding towards Roland's plight, becoming determined to help him and restore Lutom Island.
• Roland: Initially resigned to his past, he finds renewed hope in Madara's promise.

Significant Themes

• Loss and Longing: The destruction of Lutom Island and Roland's separation from his beloved represent loss, while their shared longing for the past reflects the theme of nostalgia.
• Hope and Redemption: Madara's promise to help Roland and restore the island offers hope for a better future.

Character Interactions

• Uchiha Madara and Roland: They form a bond over their shared desire to restore Lutom Island, leading to a poignant embrace by the sea.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter introduces Lutom Island, a place of natural beauty and the setting of Roland's song, "Memories of the Forest and Sea."
• Roland sings the song, unaware that Elisa, his beloved, is also on the island singing the same tune.
• Una, a member of the McBain Band, meets Elisa and learns about her connection to Roland and the song.
• Una offers to help Elisa by performing "Memories of the Forest and Sea" at the upcoming concert, hoping it will reach Roland.
• Roland reveals to Uchiha Madara that there's a Resonance Stone in a nearby cave.

Character Developments

• Elisa: She has returned to Lutom Island after years in the city, regretful for losing touch with Roland. She's heartbroken about the island's state and Roland's presumed suffering.
• Roland: He's still deeply in love with Elisa, as shown by his continued singing of their shared song. He's also working under Li Xu, unaware of Elisa's presence on the island.
• Una: She's empathetic and kind, offering to help Elisa reconnect with Roland through their shared love for the song.

Significant Themes

• Love and Longing: The chapter explores the enduring love between Roland and Elisa, despite the years apart and the changes on Lutom Island.
• Memory and Nostalgia: The song "Memories of the Forest and Sea" represents the characters' longing for their past and their lost paradise.
• Hope and Reconciliation: Una's offer to help Elisa suggests that hope for reconciliation remains, even after so many years.

Character Interactions

• Elisa and Una: Their interaction leads to a plan to perform the song at the concert, hoping to reach Roland.
• Roland and Uchiha Madara: Their conversation reveals the presence of a Resonance Stone on the island, setting up a potential quest or conflict.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Uchiha Madara finds a Leonie Resonance Stone (Restraint) with Roland's help.
• Uchiha Madara promises to help Roland and Elisa reunite.
• Uchiha Madara shares the discovery of the Resonance Stone with his team.
• Evan and Mel report their findings about the concert venue and an underground casino.
• Una practices 'Memories of the Forest and Sea' and learns about Roland and Elisa's past.
• Roland and Elisa finally reunite at the concert venue.

Character Developments

• Uchiha Madara: Shows empathy and understanding towards Roland and Elisa's long-lost love.
• Roland: Reveals his past with Elisa and his feelings for her.
• Una: Shows emotional depth and empathy, moved by Roland and Elisa's story.
• Elisa: Remains off-screen but is central to the chapter's emotional narrative.

Significant Themes

• Love and longing: Roland and Elisa's enduring love is the core theme.
• Reunion: The joy and relief of finally reuniting after years apart.
• Empathy: Characters show understanding and compassion towards each other.

Character Interactions

• Uchiha Madara and Roland: Uchiha Madara gains Roland's trust and helps him find Elisa.
• Una and Uchiha Madara: Una shares her emotional connection to 'Memories of the Forest and Sea' with Uchiha Madara.
• Roland and Elisa: Their emotional reunion is the chapter's climax.
• The McBain Band: They support and share information with each other, working together towards their goals.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Uchiha Madara attends the Lutom Island concert as an audience member.
• Forte, Una, and McBain rehearse "Memories of the Forest and Sea" under Roland's guidance for the concert.
• Li Xu, the concert organizer, speaks on stage, trying to project a mild-mannered image despite audience displeasure.
• A wealthy man's son performs poorly on stage, while Wendy, a renowned songstress, captivates the audience with her powerful and emotional performance.

Character Developments

• Uchiha Madara remains observant and critical of Li Xu's true nature.
• McBain shows appreciation for Wendy's talent and becomes excited during her performance.
• Li Xu demonstrates his ability to project a caring image despite his questionable past actions.

Significant Themes

• The power of music to evoke memories and emotions.
• The contrast between wealth and genuine talent or worth.
• The struggle between the past and present of Lutom Island.

Character Interactions

• Uchiha Madara and McBain discuss Li Xu's true nature and their shared goal to reveal the truth about Lutom Island through their performance.
• McBain expresses admiration for Wendy's performance, showing his enthusiasm for talented musicians.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Una, inspired by Wendy's song, decides to perform at Cavaro's theater.
• Una invites Roland and Elisa, the original creators of "Memories of the Forest and Sea," to sing with her band at the music festival.
• The McBain Band shares the championship with Wendy, and Roland and Elisa leave Lutom Island.

Character Developments

• Una: Gains confidence in her singing and dreams of performing at Cavaro's theater. She also shows empathy and respect for Roland and Elisa's story, inviting them to perform with her.
• Roland and Elisa: Overcome their initial hesitation and perform on stage, fulfilling their dream of singing "Memories of the Forest and Sea" together.
• Forte and McBain: Support Una's decision to invite Roland and Elisa, showing understanding and flexibility.

Significant Themes

• Dreams and Aspirations: Una, Roland, and Elisa all have dreams they strive to achieve, and their stories intersect in the performance of "Memories of the Forest and Sea."
• Empathy and Understanding: Una's invitation to Roland and Elisa demonstrates her ability to connect with others' emotions and experiences.

Character Interactions

• Una and Roland/Elisa: Una reaches out to Roland and Elisa, inviting them to perform with her and recognizing their emotional connection to the song.
• Forte and McBain: The band members support Una's decision, showing unity and understanding.
• Roland and Elisa: Their shared history and love story are brought to life through their performance together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The champion team tours the luxurious cruise ship Banjette, with McBain's group planning to perform Travelers' Prelude.
• Ambassador Slade overhears wealthy merchant Li Xu's plot with Pirate King Ramon to hijack the ship and target Brodien's Ambassador Galeno.
• The Pirate King Ramon attacks the Banjette, but Uchiha Madara and his group intervene, exposing Li Xu's treachery.

Character Developments

• McBain's group demonstrates their loyalty and bravery by protecting the passengers and exposing Li Xu's plot.
• Uchiha Madara showcases his strength and cunning, becoming the hero of the situation.
• Wealthy merchant Li Xu is exposed as a traitor, losing the trust of the passengers.

Significant Themes

• Betrayal and trust: Li Xu's treachery highlights the importance of trust, while Uchiha Madara's actions restore it.
• Power dynamics: The struggle between the Pirate King Ramon, Li Xu, and Uchiha Madara's group illustrates the shifting balance of power.

Character Interactions

• McBain's group works together to protect the passengers and expose Li Xu's plot.
• Uchiha Madara confronts and outsmarts the Pirate King Ramon, turning the tables on Li Xu.
• Li Xu's interactions with the passengers change from one of trust to suspicion and eventual betrayal.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Pirate King Ramon escapes using the fast ship Black Dragon.
• Slade arranges for the Branetus II, the fastest ship in Witluna, to pick up Uchiha Madara, McBain, and the others.
• The group travels to Poka and parts ways with Slade.
• They head towards Cavaro, passing by a nameless village near a lake with a Resonance Stone.

Character Developments

• Slade demonstrates his resourcefulness and connections by arranging the Branetus II's assistance.
• Una shows her musical prowess and dedication by playing "Happy Little Bird" on her piccolo.

Significant Themes

• The power of connections and resources, as seen in Slade's ability to summon the Branetus II.
• The pursuit of musical dreams, evident in both Forte and Una's eagerness to reach Cavaro.

Character Interactions

• Uchiha Madara, McBain, and the others interact with Slade, leading to their journey on the Branetus II.
• Una plays her piccolo, captivating Forte and showcasing her musical talent.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Una's performance impresses everyone, including Uchiha Madara and Forte.
• The group finds Ambassador Slade injured and learns about the fake Ambassador Slade who saved them earlier.
• They encounter a village, Edel, with a strange wooden fragrance and no inhabitants.
• A horde of wooden soldiers attacks them, revealed to be self-replicating using a machine controlled by another wooden soldier.
• McBain destroys the machine, stopping the production of wooden soldiers.

Character Developments

• Forte shows humility and willingness to learn, acknowledging McBain's advice.
• Uchiha Madara demonstrates his medical knowledge and powerful Susanoo technique.
• McBain showcases his strength and agility, easily defeating the controlling wooden soldier and destroying the machine.

Significant Themes

• The power of music to bring people together and inspire.
• The consequences of advanced technology in the wrong hands (wooden soldiers' self-replication).
• The importance of humility and learning from others (Forte's response to McBain).

Character Interactions

• Forte and McBain's playful banter and mutual respect.
• Uchiha Madara's calm leadership and expertise in various situations.
• The group's collective effort in dealing with the wooden soldier threat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Uchiha Madara and his group find the villagers hiding in the forest, who reveal that the Wood Human soldiers were created by the Numenos Empire to start a war.
• They learn that Cavaro, the capital of Mehelos, is already half-occupied by Numenos soldiers.
• McBain reveals he was born in Mehelos, fueling his desire to protect his homeland.
• The villagers mention a mysterious woman who healed their fractures with her singing.
• The group continues their journey, facing magical beasts and searching for the Resonance Stone, only to find themselves delayed by a forest barrier.

Character Developments

• Uchiha Madara shows concern for the villagers' well-being and curiosity about the healing woman.
• McBain's Mehelos heritage is revealed, deepening his resolve to protect his homeland.
• Forte's bond with McBain grows as he supports his grandfather's desire to visit his old home.

Significant Themes

• The threat of war and imperialism, represented by the Numenos Empire.
• The power of music and its potential for healing, as demonstrated by the mysterious woman.
• The importance of heritage and roots, as seen through McBain's connection to Mehelos.

Character Interactions

• Uchiha Madara and the villagers: They express gratitude and awe towards Uchiha Madara for saving them from the Wood Human soldiers.
• McBain and Forte: Their bond strengthens as Forte supports McBain's desire to visit his old home in Mehelos.
• The villagers and the mysterious healing woman: The villagers express reverence and gratitude towards the woman who healed their injuries with her singing.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group hears a captivating song near a lake, sung by a mysterious black-haired girl.
• The girl reveals the location of the Resonance Stone, which allows Forte to learn a new magic.
• Uchiha Madara and the group travel to Cavaro, now controlled by Numelos, where they meet Wendy and other musicians.

Character Developments

• Uchiha Madara is deeply moved and captivated by the black-haired girl's beauty and voice.
• Forte learns a new Resonance Stone magic, 'Target,' enhancing his swordsmanship.
• McBain exposes Uchiha Madara's feelings for the black-haired girl, causing him embarrassment.

Significant Themes

• Beauty and Enchantment: The black-haired girl's beauty and voice captivate everyone, highlighting the power of enchantment.
• Pursuit of Power: Forte's acquisition of the Resonance Stone represents the group's ongoing quest for power and knowledge.
• Control and Freedom: Cavaro's occupation by Numelos contrasts with the group's desire for freedom and self-determination.

Character Interactions

• Uchiha Madara's infatuation with the black-haired girl leads to playful teasing from Una and McBain.
• Forte and Wendy's reunion is warm and friendly, showing their mutual respect and admiration.
• The group's interactions with Numelos soldiers highlight the tension between them and the occupying forces.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Forte decides to travel the world with Grandpa to find Leonie's Resonance Stone.
• Una auditions with Wendy and sings "My Dream," impressing Wendy.
• News arrives that Numenos soldiers have surrounded City Hall.
• Altes arrives in Cavaro and offers to replace Woff, the injured lead violinist of Stardust Chorus.

Character Developments

• Una gains confidence and expresses her dream of performing on the Cavaro stage.
• Altes demonstrates his violin skills and understanding of the Melody Beneath the Water story.

Significant Themes

• Pursuit of dreams and belief in one's abilities (Una, Wendy).
• The power of music to convey stories and emotions (Altes' performance).
• The seriousness of the impending conflict with Numenos.

Character Interactions

• Una and Wendy bond over their shared dream and passion for music.
• Forte and Altes reunite, and Altes offers to help Stardust Chorus.
• Woff tests Altes' skills and agrees to let him take his place in the performance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Uchiha Madara learns about Eliya, a girl whose singing can heal, and her connection to the mysterious Blue People.
• The group plans to use the Stardust Chorus performance to distract Numenos's soldiers and rescue Eliya.
• Wendy falls ill, and Una takes her place as the lead singer. Una excels in her role, delivering a powerful performance.
• Uchiha Madara and the others successfully rescue Eliya from City Hall, and they escape through Cavaro's elevated waterway.
• Eliya leads them to her home in the grasslands, using a song to open a hidden entrance. They follow her into an illusory world and eventually reach a garden in the sky.

Character Developments

• Una: She steps up to replace Wendy as the lead singer, showcasing her talent and determination. Her performance is a turning point in her career.
• Eliya: She is revealed to be connected to the Blue People and possesses healing abilities through her singing. She leads the group to her hidden home.
• Uchiha Madara: He becomes increasingly intrigued by Eliya and her potential connection to the Blue People and their secrets.

Significant Themes

• Destiny and Fate: The theme of controlling one's own fate is emphasized through Una's performance and the group's rescue mission.
• Healing and Redemption: Eliya's healing abilities and the group's mission to rescue her highlight the theme of redemption and the power of healing.
• Discovery and Exploration: The group's journey to Eliya's home and their entry into the illusory world emphasize the theme of discovery and exploration.

Character Interactions

• Uchiha Madara and Eliya: Madara's fascination with Eliya grows as he learns more about her and her connection to the Blue People.
• Una and Wendy: Wendy's illness and Una's subsequent performance strengthen their mentor-mentee bond.
• The Group: The group works together to rescue Eliya, showcasing their teamwork and camaraderie. Evan and Mel stay behind to ensure Una and Altes' safety, demonstrating their loyalty and trust in the group.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Uchiha Madara and his companions arrive at Secret Village Shaluf, an aerial garden village hidden high in the sky.
• They meet Eliya's younger sister, who reveals that Eliya is meditating in the village chief's house.
• Uchiha Madara and McBain explore the village and encounter Una, Altes, Evan, and Mel.
• Altes reveals he is Eliya's younger brother and brings the group to the village chief's house.
• The village chief reveals that Secret Village Shaluf has not had visitors in over nine hundred years and that they are descendants of the Blue People, also known as the People Beneath the Water.

Character Developments

• Uchiha Madara shows concern for Eliya's well-being when he learns she is meditating.
• Altes demonstrates his musical prowess by bringing Una, Evan, and Mel to the village.
• The village chief shows wisdom and understanding of the village's history and the world's past.

Significant Themes

• The power of music and its connection to the world's history and secrets.
• The consequences of humanity's past sins, as hinted at by the village chief.
• The importance of preserving and understanding history, as exemplified by the village's role as observers.

Character Interactions

• Uchiha Madara interacts with the little girl in the village, showing kindness and curiosity.
• Altes reunites with his sister Eliya, though she is meditating at the time.
• The group meets the village chief, who shares his knowledge of the village's history and the world's past with them.

Key Plot Points & Events

• The People Beneath the Water are descendants of the Blue People, scattered across Gagharv Continent, with the largest number in Witluna.
• Eliya, from Secret Village Shaluf, has inherited all their abilities.
• Uchiha Madara and his companions learn about the People Beneath the Water and their role in sensing and combating the world's darkness.
• The village chief reveals that negative human emotions accumulate to form darkness, threatening the world.
• The group learns about Melody Beneath the Water, a song that can destroy the world's darkness, but the complete score is lost.
• They witness the enormous rifts dividing the continent, a result of humanity's past sins.
• Mitchell joins the group, revealing the darkness' source in Ostan, McBain's hometown.

Character Developments

• Uchiha Madara: Shows determination to save the world and understanding of its past mistakes.
• Eliya: Confirmed as the inheritor of Secret Village Shaluf's abilities.
• McBain: Expresses shock and concern upon learning the darkness' source is in his hometown.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of humanity's actions (past and present) on the world.
• The importance of understanding and learning from the past to prevent future mistakes.
• The power of unity and cooperation to overcome challenges.

Character Interactions

• Uchiha Madara and the village chief: They discuss the world's fate and the role of Melody Beneath the Water in saving it.
• Uchiha Madara and Mitchell: They greet each other, and Mitchell reveals the darkness' source, joining forces to save the world.
• McBain and the group: McBain expresses shock and concern upon learning the darkness' source is in his hometown, showing his personal connection to the issue.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Eliya gives McBain a Resonance Stone ("Strength") before they depart from Shaluf.
• The group discovers another Resonance Stone ("Advance") hidden in a cave, which McBain uses to speed up their journey.
• They encounter wooden soldiers terrorizing a city and meet Ada, the daughter of McBain's friend, who controls puppets different from the wooden soldiers.

Character Developments

• Eliya shows maturity and wisdom in her interactions with the group and the village chief.
• McBain's eagerness to visit his friend reveals his kind and sociable nature.
• Uchiha Madara demonstrates his protective instincts and curiosity about Ada's puppets.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and Camaraderie: The group's dynamic shows their growing bond and support for each other.
• Power and Control: The wooden soldiers and Ada's puppets contrast in their purpose and control, reflecting the theme of power and its responsible use.

Character Interactions

• Eliya and Uchiha Madara share a silent, respectful moment before the group leaves Shaluf.
• McBain's reunion with Ada highlights their close friendship and Ada's affection for McBain.
• Uchiha Madara's interaction with Ada shows his curiosity and willingness to learn from others.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group travels to Rose's factory, a doll-making town north of Aegir.
• Forte meets Ada's grandfather, Rose, and learns about his finest doll, Kaburi.
• Ada and Uchiha Madara have a sparring match using Kaburi, with Madara demonstrating his immense strength.
• An attack by Wood Human soldiers disrupts the peaceful atmosphere, leading to a battle.

Character Developments

• Forte learns about the true value of Rose's dolls and meets Rose.
• Ada showcases her pride in Kaburi and her competitive nature.
• Uchiha Madara displays his incredible strength and patience with children (Ada).
• McBain, Forte, and Una accidentally discover that their Resonance Stone can also create powerful resonance attacks.

Significant Themes

• The power of unity and cooperation (through Resonance Magic).
• Pride and competition (Ada's pride in Kaburi).
• Strength and its responsible use (Uchiha Madara going easy on Ada).

Character Interactions

• Forte and Rose share a friendly interaction, with Forte expressing his admiration for Rose's dolls.
• Ada and Uchiha Madara have a playful sparring match, with Ada initially underestimating Madara's strength.
• McBain, Forte, and Una work together to defeat a Wood Human soldier using their Resonance Stone, demonstrating the power of teamwork.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Uchiha Madara and others suspect that Rose's puppet factory is the target of the wooden soldiers' attacks.
• McBain suggests leaving some people to defend Rose, but there are no suitable forces available.
• Evan and Mel volunteer to stay behind, and Ada insists on joining the group to find the Resonance Stones.
• The group heads to Thunder Shrine, a lightning-filled field where a Resonance Stone is located.
• McBain uses an iron spear to redirect the lightning, allowing the group to enter the field safely.
• Uchiha Madara enters the lightning field unharmed, demonstrating his immunity to lightning.

Character Developments

• Ada: Shows determination and curiosity, pestering McBain throughout the journey. She admires McBain but remains indifferent to Uchiha Madara.
• Uchiha Madara: Demonstrates his power and immunity to lightning, trying to impress Ada but failing.
• McBain: Shows strategic thinking and knowledge of magical phenomena, using an iron spear to redirect the lightning.

Significant Themes

• Power and Immunity: Uchiha Madara's immunity to lightning highlights the theme of power and its limits. McBain's use of the iron spear shows that intelligence and strategy can overcome raw power.
• Determination and Persistence: Ada's insistence on joining the group despite the dangers reflects her determination and persistence.

Character Interactions

• Ada and McBain: Ada pesters McBain throughout the journey, showing a close bond between them. McBain is patient and caring towards Ada.
• Ada and Uchiha Madara: Ada is indifferent to Uchiha Madara's attempts to impress her, showing a level of maturity and independence.
• McBain and Uchiha Madara: McBain and Uchiha Madara work together to overcome the challenges they face, showing a level of respect and cooperation between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Uchiha Madara retrieves the Thunder Resonance Stone by subduing the lightning beast guarding it.
• McBain, Forte, and Una test the power of their respective Resonance Stones, discovering their immense destructive potential.
• The group learns that the next Resonance Stone is moving and rushes to Gilaf Lighthouse to retrieve it.
• Upon arrival, they find Ambassador Brega and another man holding Rose captive and threatening to kill him if they approach.

Character Developments

• Uchiha Madara demonstrates his power and resourcefulness by summoning a wooden dragon to quickly traverse a large body of water.
• McBain and the others witness the devastating power of resonance magic, leading them to realize its potential dangers and decide to use it sparingly.
• Ada shows concern for Rose's safety, highlighting her attachment to him.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of resonance magic.
• The consequences of unchecked ambition, as seen through the actions of Ambassador Brega and the unknown man.

Character Interactions

• Uchiha Madara works together with McBain, Forte, and Una to retrieve the Resonance Stones and save Rose.
• Ada's distress at Rose's capture emphasizes her bond with him.
• Ambassador Brega and the unknown man display a ruthless disregard for others' well-being in their pursuit of power.