Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Xia and his team are hired to decipher a code created by famous writer Tachibana Goryu to win the publishing rights for his new book.
• The code is revealed at Tachibana's birthday party, and the editors scramble to find the hidden floppy disk containing the manuscript.
• No one deciphers the code the first night, and the editors continue their search the next morning.

Character Developments

• Jiang Xia shows his analytical skills by not immediately revealing the answer to the code, enjoying his time off from school.
• Editor Nonaka Tomomi tries to flirt with Tachibana Goryu to get a hint about the code but is unsuccessful.
• Vermouth, Jiang Xia's companion, uses her beauty as a distraction to deter Nonaka Tomomi from approaching Jiang Xia.

Significant Themes

• Competition and ambition in the publishing industry.
• The use of riddles and games as a form of power and control.
• The manipulation of others for personal gain.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Xia and Vermouth work together, with Vermouth supporting Jiang Xia's efforts to solve the case.
• Nonaka Tomomi attempts to use her charms to persuade Tachibana Goryu to give her a hint about the code.
• Tachibana Goryu enjoys the game of making the editors work for the manuscript, showing his arrogant and manipulative nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A banquet hosted by renowned nonfiction writer Tachibana Goryu ends with him beaten and humiliated.
• A memory bubble reveals a fabricated scene where Tachibana is later found murdered, with a student named Jiang Xia as the prime suspect.
• The real events show Tachibana alive but furious after an altercation, with Jiang Xia apologizing to him later that night.

Character Developments

• Tachibana Goryu: Revealed as arrogant and overbearing, with a lecherous nature.
• Jiang Xia: Initially suspected of murder, but later shown to be a normal high school student without extraordinary abilities.

Significant Themes

• Deception and truth: The memory bubble fabricates events, contrasting with the reality of the situation.
• Appearances vs. reality: Characters' true natures and intentions are not always apparent.

Character Interactions

• Tachibana Goryu and Jiang Xia: Their interaction leads to Tachibana's humiliation and Jiang Xia's apology.
• Gin and Jiang Xia: Gin watches the memory bubble and expresses contempt for Jiang Xia's actions within it.
• Jiang Xia and Vermouth: They share a moment of levity after watching the memory bubble, with Vermouth finding Jiang Xia's actions "cute."

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Xia, Gin, and Vermouth interrogate a man who reveals nothing new about the case.
• Gin realizes Vodka was absent from the memories and the police haven't mentioned him.
• Tachibana Goryu's murder by Jiang Xia becomes news, prompting the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department to pursue him.
• Vodka, now a Superintendent in the game, learns of Jiang Xia's actions and plans to capture him.

Character Developments

• Vodka: Now a Superintendent in the game, Vodka plans to use his new identity to capture Jiang Xia and potentially eliminate him, both in and out of the game.
• Jiang Xia: Becomes a murder suspect, causing the police to pursue him.

Significant Themes

• Identity and Appearance: Vodka's new appearance and identity in the game allow him to consider new strategies against Jiang Xia.
• Power Dynamics: Vodka's new position of power gives him an advantage over Jiang Xia.

Character Interactions

• Vodka and Jiang Xia: Vodka plans to use his new position to capture Jiang Xia, while Jiang Xia is unaware of Vodka's presence and plans.
• Vodka and Anonymous: Vodka hopes that Anonymous will punish Jiang Xia if he "dies" in the game.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Vodka, an elite police officer, leaves the crime scene, and Ghosts emerge from the walls.
• Gin and the others discuss Vodka's disappearance but decide not to pursue it.
• Gin asks Jiang Xia to identify the killer, and Jiang Xia outlines the case's basic parameters.
• Gin and Vermouth decide to split up: Gin will investigate the party guests, while Vermouth stays with Jiang Xia to teach him escape skills.

Character Developments

• Gin shows pragmatism and concern for the immediate problems at hand.
• Jiang Xia demonstrates clear thinking in analyzing the case but is suspected of being a fake detective by Gin.
• Vermouth shows concern for Jiang Xia's safety and offers to teach him escape skills.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of truth and justice vs. the pursuit of personal interests.
• The manipulation of information and evidence by both the police and the outlaws.
• The tension between cooperation and competition among the characters.

Character Interactions

• Gin and Jiang Xia: Gin is skeptical of Jiang Xia's abilities and suspects him of being a fake detective. Jiang Xia is calm and collected in analyzing the case but warns Gin not to kill all the suspects.
• Gin and Vermouth: They work well together, dividing tasks based on their strengths. Vermouth shows concern for Jiang Xia's safety.
• The party guests: They are initially hesitant to help Jiang Xia but eventually agree to gather information for Gin.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gin, a detective, is investigating the murder of Tachibana Goryu and the disappearance of two police officers.
• Gin manipulates the gathered guests into helping find evidence to clear Jiang Xia's name or prove his guilt, depending on the outcome.
• Jiang Xia calls Gin, revealing that the word puzzle left by Tachibana Goryu can be rearranged to 'Go ask Omura.'
• Gin and the guests find out that a man named Omura, president of Feiyue Publishing House, might be connected to the case.

Character Developments

• Gin demonstrates his manipulative and cunning nature, using the guests' fears and ambitions to persuade them to help in the investigation.
• Jiang Xia shows resourcefulness and deductive skills by deciphering the word puzzle.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and persuasion: Gin uses psychological tactics to convince the guests to assist in the investigation.
• Ambition vs. morality: Some guests are more concerned with personal gain than justice, while others are driven by a strong sense of justice.

Character Interactions

• Gin interacts with the guests, playing on their fears and ambitions to secure their cooperation.
• Jiang Xia interacts with Gin via phone, providing valuable information about the case.
• Nonaka Tomomi interacts with Gin, attempting to hide her recording of their conversation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gin discovers Nonaka Tomomi's recording device and lets her go but not before warning her.
• Gin retrieves the recorded tape, listens to it, and burns it. He decides to investigate further on his own.
• Vermouth attempts to disguise herself but fails to impress Jiang Xia. They decide to head to Tokyo to find Omura.
• Jiang Xia calls Omura, who is alive and answers the phone. They arrange to meet.

Character Developments

• Gin: Shows patience and restraint in dealing with Nonaka Tomomi. He decides to take the investigation into his own hands, demonstrating his determination and independence.
• Vermouth: Frustrated by her failed disguise, she maintains her composure and focuses on the task at hand. She shows adaptability in their investigation process.

Significant Themes

• Disguise and Identity: Vermouth's failed disguise highlights the theme of identity and the challenges of maintaining different personas. It also underscores the importance of observation and attention to detail in Gin's detection.
• Investigation and Control: The characters' varying approaches to investigation—Gin's independent pursuit, Vermouth and Jiang Xia's collaborative effort—reflect the theme of control and who holds it in the investigation process.

Character Interactions

• Gin and Nonaka Tomomi: Their interaction showcases Gin's ability to read people and situations, as well as his patience and control.
• Vermouth and Jiang Xia: Their interaction demonstrates their partnership and shared determination to solve the case. It also highlights Vermouth's adaptability and Jiang Xia's strategic thinking.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Xia calls President Omura, who reveals a clue from Tachibana before being killed.
• Jiang Xia and Vermouth witness a police car heading towards Omura's house.
• Jiang Xia tries to contact Gin for more information but receives no immediate response.

Character Developments

• President Omura's death confirms that the killer is still active and eliminating potential leads.
• Jiang Xia demonstrates his resourcefulness and adaptability in evading police.
• Vermouth shows concern for her team's safety and well-being, expressing frustration at the realistic fatigue from their tasks.

Significant Themes

• The relentless pursuit of information and clues to solve the case.
• The cat-and-mouse game between the Black Organization and the police.
• The realistic portrayal of investigative work, including its physical demands and frustrations.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Xia and Vermouth work together seamlessly, showing trust and understanding in their partnership.
• Gin's absence and lack of response create a sense of unease and uncertainty about his safety and whereabouts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Vermouth and Jiang Xia (disguised as Gin) enjoy a meal at the hotel while waiting for news from Gin.
• They learn about the murder of Omura Kon, the president of a publishing house, and see a news report suggesting Jiang Xia (as Gin) is the suspect due to an anonymous witness.
• Gin contacts them, revealing he's investigating guests at the birthday party who have connections to both the medical field and smuggling. He provides information about a person named Tokito who works at Kandagawa Publishing House.
• Jiang Xia decides their next destination is Kandagawa Publishing House.

Character Developments

• Vermouth shows enjoyment in this world's food and lack of concern for the generation gap between her and Jiang Xia.
• Jiang Xia demonstrates strategic thinking and calmness in handling the situation, even finding amusement in Gin's growing Killing Intent.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of enjoyment and pleasure in the face of danger and stress.
• The theme of investigation and deduction, as Gin works to uncover the truth behind the murders.

Character Interactions

• Vermouth and Jiang Xia work together, with Vermouth providing support and Jiang Xia making decisions based on the information they receive.
• Jiang Xia and Gin maintain their partnership, with Gin providing valuable information and Jiang Xia guiding the investigation.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Xia and Vermouth plan to lure Editor Tokito out to gather information about Anonymous.
• Jiang Xia discovers that the phone number for Kandagawa Publishing House is disconnected.
• Vermouth is targeted by the police, leading Jiang Xia to decide they can't wait passively.
• Jiang Xia sneaks towards Kandagawa Publishing House, while Vermouth drives to provide support.
• Editor Tokito leaves the publishing house alone, unaware of Jiang Xia's presence.

Character Developments

• Jiang Xia shows adaptability and decisiveness in changing plans.
• Vermouth demonstrates resourcefulness and initiative in supporting Jiang Xia.
• Editor Tokito shows worry and indecision, hinting at possible involvement or knowledge about Anonymous.

Significant Themes

• The theme of adaptability and improvisation in the face of changing circumstances.
• The theme of trust and reliance on allies, as seen in Jiang Xia and Vermouth's teamwork.
• The theme of the unknown and the dangers it poses, as represented by Anonymous and the police's actions.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Xia and Vermouth work together, with Jiang Xia making decisions and Vermouth supporting him.
• Jiang Xia and Editor Tokito are set up for an impending confrontation, with Jiang Xia planning to question Tokito.
• Vermouth and the police have a tense interaction, with Vermouth successfully evading them.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Jiang Xia follows Editor Tokito into a dark, deserted construction site.
• Tokito, believing Jiang Xia is the murderer, attacks him with a steel pipe.
• Jiang Xia disarms Tokito but spares him, asking about Tachibana Goryu's final words.
• Tokito reveals Tachibana told him to say "Ask Katsura and you'll know" if anyone asked about a message.
• An unknown assailant causes a stack of steel pipes to collapse, burying Tokito alive.
• Jiang Xia escapes the scene, meets Vermouth in a getaway car, and overhears police discussing his suspected involvement.

Character Developments

• Jiang Xia shows restraint and mercy, not killing Tokito despite having the chance.
• Vermouth demonstrates her strategic thinking and knowledge of police procedures.

Significant Themes

• Trust and deception: Tokito initially trusts Jiang Xia, leading him into a trap; Jiang Xia, however, does not trust Tokito and is wary of the situation.
• The unknown assailant's actions highlight the theme of manipulation and control.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Xia and Tokito: Their interaction is tense and hostile, with Tokito attacking Jiang Xia and Jiang Xia questioning Tokito.
• Jiang Xia and Vermouth: They reunite briefly, with Vermouth providing a safe escape and discussing the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Vermouth and Jiang Xia plan to escape through the police station, but Vodka, disguised as a high-ranking Superintendent, stops the police and orders them to search the area instead.
• Vermouth considers shooting an Inspector who might cause trouble, but Jiang Xia intervenes, suggesting they capture and interrogate the Superintendent (Vodka) instead.

Character Developments

• Vodka, disguised, shows confidence and strategic thinking, but his true identity remains hidden.
• Vermouth shows irritation towards Vodka's character, hinting at potential future conflict.
• Jiang Xia demonstrates caution and long-term planning, prioritizing information gathering over immediate action.

Significant Themes

• The cat-and-mouse game between detectives and criminals.
• The importance of adaptability and strategic thinking in both investigation and evasion.
• The tension between immediate action and long-term planning.

Character Interactions

• Vermouth and Jiang Xia work together, with Vermouth taking the lead in action and Jiang Xia providing strategic input.
• Vodka, in disguise, interacts with the police, showing his ability to blend in and manipulate situations.
• The dynamic between Vermouth and Vodka hints at potential future conflict or competition.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Vermouth and Jiang Xia evade police by changing vehicles.
• Vodka, frustrated with the lack of progress, decides to try again to capture Uzo (Jiang Xia).
• Jiang Xia receives a call from Sasaki, who offers to give him the Crime Scene Videotape.
• Jiang Xia and Vermouth plan to retrieve the Videotape, expecting a police trap.

Character Developments

• Vodka shows determination and strategic thinking in his pursuit of Uzo.
• Jiang Xia demonstrates quick thinking and adaptability in dealing with the situation.
• Sasaki shows loyalty and understanding by helping Jiang Xia despite knowing he's a "fugitive murderer."

Significant Themes

• Pursuit of justice and truth (Jiang Xia's quest to clear his name).
• The fine line between lawful and unethical actions (Vodka's use of his position to pursue personal goals).
• Trust and loyalty (Sasaki's help to Jiang Xia).

Character Interactions

• Jiang Xia and Vermouth work together, with Jiang Xia taking the lead in planning.
• Vodka and his subordinates follow Sasaki, expecting to trace Jiang Xia's location through the Videotape handoff.
• Jiang Xia and Sasaki communicate over the phone, with Jiang Xia instructing Sasaki on how to meet.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sasaki, an underclassman, carries a crucial videotape on his bicycle, unaware of being followed by the police.
• The police, led by Vodka, attempt to intercept the videotape but are tricked by Vermouth and her accomplice.
• Vodka mistakenly captures an innocent motorcyclist, believing him to be Uzo, but later realizes his error.
• Vermouth and Jiang Xia retrieve the videotape, discovering it has been tampered with. They pass it to Gin, who plans to use it as bait.

Character Developments

• Vodka: Shows determination and cleverness in his pursuit but also displays impulsiveness and overconfidence, leading to mistakes.
• Vermouth: Demonstrates her intelligence and cunning by outsmarting the police and successfully retrieving the videotape.
• Jiang Xia: Shows his analytical skills by quickly identifying the hidden transmitter in the videotape.
• Gin: Agrees to use the videotape as bait to catch the culprit, displaying his strategic thinking.

Significant Themes

• Deception and Counter-Deception: Both Vermouth and the police use deceptive tactics, with Vermouth ultimately outmaneuvering them.
• Pursuit of Information: The videotape is the key piece of information both parties are after, highlighting the importance of intelligence in their conflict.

Character Interactions

• Vermouth and Jiang Xia: Work together to retrieve the videotape, showcasing their trust and understanding of each other's abilities.
• Vodka and his subordinates: Despite his mistakes, Vodka maintains his authority, while his subordinates remain loyal and follow his orders.
• Vermouth and Gin: They briefly interact, with Gin agreeing to use the videotape as bait, implying a level of trust and cooperation between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Vodka uses a high-tech laptop to track two transmitters, one of which leads to Nishicho Art Hall, where a concert hosted by Katsura Yohei (a banquet attendee) is taking place.
• Vodka sets up an ambush, but finds Kurosawa (Gin) instead of Jiang Xia (Uzo). Uzo then confronts Vodka outside his car, holding him at gunpoint.

Character Developments

• Vodka: Realizes the danger he's in and tries to find a way to save himself, deciding to cooperate with Uzo temporarily.
• Uzo (Jiang Xia): Shows his adaptability and perceptiveness, outsmarting Vodka and capturing him.

Significant Themes

• The cat-and-mouse game between Vodka and Uzo, with Uzo consistently staying one step ahead.
• The theme of deception and trust, as Vodka's true intentions are revealed, and Uzo's true identity is discovered.

Character Interactions

• Vodka and Uzo: Their interaction is tense and dangerous, with Uzo holding Vodka at gunpoint, and Vodka trying to find a way out of the situation.
• Vodka and Gin (Kurosawa): Though not present in this chapter, their relationship is implied to be one of teammates, with Vodka hoping Gin can help him out of his predicament.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Vodka is kidnapped by Jiang Xia and taken to an Abandoned Villa, where Gin is also present.
• Jiang Xia force-feeds Vodka a box of chili, believing him to be an imposter.
• Gin arrives and plans to torture Vodka for information, but Jiang Xia intervenes.
• Jiang Xia reveals to Gin that he had suspected Vodka's true identity earlier.

Character Developments

• Vodka's true identity as an undercover agent is exposed.
• Jiang Xia's cunning and manipulative nature is further revealed.
• Gin's frustration and anger towards his teammates grow.

Significant Themes

• Trust and deception among teammates.
• The consequences of underestimating opponents.
• The struggle for survival and dominance within the group.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Xia toys with Vodka, enjoying his predicament.
• Gin's growing frustration with Jiang Xia and Vodka's actions.
• Vermouth remains mostly indifferent to the situation, focusing on her own needs.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Vodka, beaten by Vermouth, retrieves crucial evidence from the Nagano Prefectural Police.
• Katsura Yohei, a key witness, dies under mysterious circumstances.
• Jiang Xia deduces that Nonaka Tomomi is the next target and sends Vodka to find her.
• Nonaka Tomomi is lured to a woods behind a hotel in Karuizawa by a fake Kurosawa, who attempts to kill her.
• Jiang Xia and Gin intercept the assassin, revealing him to be an imposter. They capture him.
• Jiang Xia orders Vodka to take the imposter to the Villa where Tachibana Goryu is, signaling the climax of the game.

Character Developments

• Vodka proves useful despite his initial ineptitude, retrieving evidence and finding Nonaka Tomomi.
• Nonaka Tomomi shows courage and quick thinking when faced with danger.
• Jiang Xia demonstrates his intelligence and resourcefulness in deducing the next target and intercepting the assassin.

Significant Themes

• Trust and deception: The imposter Kurosawa exploits Nonaka Tomomi's trust, and the real Kurosawa's identity is questioned.
• The game's climax: The events in this chapter bring the game closer to its conclusion.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Xia and Gin work together to save Nonaka Tomomi and capture the imposter.
• Vodka, though initially reluctant, follows Jiang Xia's orders to find Nonaka Tomomi and transport the imposter.
• Nonaka Tomomi interacts with the imposter Kurosawa, initially trusting him before realizing his true intentions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group captures the murderer, but a face mask prevents identification.
• Jiang Xia deciphers the clue left by Tachibana Goryu, leading them to a floppy disk hidden in a grandfather clock.
• They realize the true culprit is among them, aiming to destroy evidence and frame Jiang Xia.
• Jiang Xia solves the locked-room mystery, revealing Tsuzuki Tetsuo as the murderer.
• The group returns to Anonymous's office, where they receive their reward.

Character Developments

• Gin: Realizes the true culprit was among them and expresses frustration at being misled.
• Jiang Xia: Solves the final puzzle, identifying Tsuzuki Tetsuo as the murderer.
• Tsuzuki Tetsuo: Confesses his involvement in organ smuggling to save his daughter.

Significant Themes

• Deception and manipulation: The true culprit manipulates events to frame Jiang Xia.
• Trust and betrayal: Tsuzuki Tetsuo betrays the group to save his daughter.
• The consequences of desperation: Tsuzuki Tetsuo's actions are driven by his desperation to save his daughter.

Character Interactions

• Gin and Jiang Xia work together to solve the final puzzle and capture the murderer.
• Tsuzuki Tetsuo's betrayal causes tension and mistrust among the group.
• Anonymous's Boss offers Jiang Xia a job, hinting at potential future interactions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Anonymous Organization's Boss attempts to recruit Jiang Xia (Uzo) during the Holographic Game.
• Uzo refuses the offer, stating that Anonymous needs to provide better terms.
• The Boss accepts Uzo's refusal and ends the game, stating they will welcome him if he changes his mind.

Character Developments

• Uzo: Shows interest in joining Anonymous but ultimately refuses, indicating he values his position in the Black Organization.
• The Boss: Demonstrates confidence in Anonymous' elite status and their shared goal, but accepts Uzo's refusal without pushing further.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and Belonging: Uzo's reluctance to leave the Black Organization suggests a sense of loyalty and belonging, despite its criminal nature.
• Recruitment and Persuasion: The Boss's attempt to recruit Uzo highlights the importance of persuasion and offering attractive terms in gaining new members.

Character Interactions

• Uzo and The Boss: Their interaction reveals Uzo's curiosity about Anonymous but also his commitment to the Black Organization. The Boss shows confidence in Anonymous' appeal but respects Uzo's refusal.
• Gin (Uzo) and Gin (Gin): Uzo's internal monologue reveals his disdain for Anonymous and his belief that the Black Organization is more suitable for him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gin exits the game without any interruption to his consciousness.
• He suspects Anonymous invited Uzo to poach him and that they might have monitored their residences.
• Gin discovers his safe house might have been infiltrated and decides to leave immediately.
• He sends an email to The Boss about the incident and plans to contact Jiang Xia, Vermouth, and Vodka.
• The Boss's reply is unusual and seems to misunderstand the content of Gin's email.

Character Developments

• Gin shows increased caution and concern for the organization's security after the incident.
• The Boss seems to misunderstand or misinterpret Gin's email, suggesting a possible change in their usual communication.

Significant Themes

• Security and surveillance: Gin's discovery of potential monitoring in their residences raises concerns about the organization's security.
• Communication and understanding: The Boss's unusual reply highlights the importance of clear communication, as misunderstandings can lead to confusion and missteps.

Character Interactions

• Gin and The Boss: Gin sends a detailed report to The Boss, but The Boss's reply seems to misunderstand or misinterpret the situation, leading to confusion.
• Gin and Jiang Xia: Gin tries to contact Jiang Xia but hangs up after receiving an email from The Boss. Jiang Xia speculates that Gin might have been contacting The Boss directly.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gin discovers an incoherent email he sent about high-tech glasses, hinting at his obsession with Sherry.
• He realizes he's unable to discuss the Holographic Game due to a 'User Confidentiality Clause' and that his teammates, Vodka and Vermouth, are also affected.
• Gin decides to meet at Heigesen Bar to discuss the issue but hangs up on Jiang Xia, who decides to join them.
• Jiang Xia meets Vermouth at the bar, and they decide to go to a Sushi Restaurant owned by the Organization instead.

Character Developments

• Gin: Struggles with his obsession over Sherry and realizes he's been influenced by a 'User Confidentiality Clause' preventing him from discussing the Holographic Game.
• Jiang Xia: Decides to join the meeting despite being underage and experiences a real-world bar atmosphere.

Significant Themes

• Obsession: Gin's fixation on Sherry and the Holographic Game leads to his current predicament.
• Confidentiality and Control: The 'User Confidentiality Clause' highlights the power dynamics and control within the Organization.

Character Interactions

• Gin and Jiang Xia: Gin hangs up on Jiang Xia, showing his frustration and urgency, while Jiang Xia decides to join the meeting despite Gin's abrupt behavior.
• Jiang Xia and Vermouth: They meet at the bar and decide to go to the Sushi Restaurant together, showing a level of trust and understanding between them.