Chapter Summaries

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li draws a Holy Mark and gives it to Iruka.
• Iruka studies the Holy Mark with great interest, neglecting his duties and losing track of time.
• Li receives a bill with unexpected proceeds from the sale of a Holy Mark, amounting to one million two hundred thousand gold coins.

Character Developments

• Iruka: Revealed to be a level-seventeen Magister, Ankhseram's devout follower, and extremely stingy. He shows unusual interest and dedication to studying Li's Holy Mark.
• Li: Shows surprise and disbelief upon receiving the bill, indicating his lack of knowledge about the true value of his Holy Marks.

Significant Themes

• The value and demand for Holy Marks in the world.
• Iruka's dedication and obsession with his work for Ankhseram.
• Li's naivety and lack of understanding regarding the true worth of his creations.

Character Interactions

• Iruka and Li: Although they interact indirectly through the Holy Mark, their relationship is not explored in this chapter. However, Iruka's actions hint at a potential future interaction or revelation regarding the Holy Mark's sale.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li's patience grows due to crafting Holy Marks, which is crucial for becoming stronger.
• Li's Holy Mark increases speed by 33%, surpassing previous records (30%) and making it the finest low-grade speed Holy Mark.
• The Holy Mark is highly compatible with others, saving Holy Mark capacity space, and can be overlaid onto other Holy Marks.
• Li's Holy Mark sells for 12 million at auction, with Iruka pocketing over 10 million in profits.
• Li completes basic Holy Marks and accumulates points, but finds no desire to exchange them.
• Li feels ready to create low-grade Holy Marks and senses an impending event.

Character Developments

• Li: Becomes more patient, improves his Holy Mark crafting skills, and grows stronger. He also develops a sense of fate and a desire to escape it by becoming a Saint.
• Iruka: Shows attention and care towards Li by learning his preferences and including them in his meals. He also demonstrates his business acumen by profiting from Li's Holy Mark.

Significant Themes

• Patience: Li's patience grows through crafting Holy Marks, which is essential for becoming stronger.
• Fate: Li feels that some events are inevitable and can only be avoided by becoming stronger, ultimately becoming a Saint.
• Value of Holy Marks: Li's Holy Mark is highly valued due to its effectiveness and practicality, with significant financial implications.

Character Interactions

• Li and Iruka: Li discovers Iruka's attention towards him through the meals, but neither discusses it. Iruka profits from Li's Holy Mark but doesn't force him to create more.
• Li and the System: Li communicates with the system, which informs him about his progress and hints at an upcoming event.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zeref arrives at the temple to take Li back.
• Li acknowledges that he cannot kill Zeref yet.
• Zeref reveals that Li's purpose was to learn the Holy Mark and become Ankhseram's emotional anchor.
• Li returns to the school with Zeref.
• Li decides to continue using August's body and stay in the country for a while.
• Layla, Li's undead pet, evolves into a skeletal general.

Character Developments

• Li gains a deeper understanding of Zeref's intentions and Ankhseram's situation.
• Li chooses to maintain his current identity and lifestyle, rejecting the offer of becoming a patron's inheritor.
• Layla evolves, showing growth as an undead creature.

Significant Themes

• The power of hope and emotional anchors in preventing despair (Ankhseram's situation).
• The struggle between identity and societal expectations (Li's decision).
• The potential for growth and change (Layla's evolution).

Character Interactions

• Li and Zeref: Li gains insight into Zeref's motivations, and they part ways with Li understanding his role better.
• Li and Velita: They exchange a few words before Li leaves, with Velita showing understanding and respect for Li's decision.
• Li and Layla: Li is surprised and pleased by Layla's evolution, showing a connection between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li opens a weapons workshop, the Giant God Soldier Workshop, with borrowed money.
• The workshop specializes in high-end equipment, targeting noble customers.
• Li sets up his alchemy hall and magic laboratory in a separate, quiet house.

Character Developments

• Li, now using August's body, has reached the power of a level-ten mage.
• Li borrows money from the principal and partners with Akil to establish the workshop.
• Li is annoyed by the system's prompts but follows them due to the promise of a favorable future.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and status, as Li aims to create high-end equipment for nobles.
• The influence of the system on Li's actions, hinting at a predetermined future.
• The exploitation of mercenaries and mages by equipment manufacturers.

Character Interactions

• Li interacts with Akil and his friends, who help establish and run the workshop.
• Li's relationship with the principal is not explored in this chapter.
• Li's interaction with customers and potential customers is implied but not detailed.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li uses the power of the Holy Mark to create high temperatures for tempering equipment.
• He duplicates the process to create multiple weapons and armor pieces, using mana recovery potions to replenish his spent mana.
• Li discovers that the Yordles have impressive craftsmanship skills and decides to use them to enhance his equipment.

Character Developments

• Li demonstrates his genius by creating a way to use the Holy Mark's power for tempering.
• Li shows extravagance by using mana recovery potions for ordinary spellcasting.
• Fu Jiayi, the Yordle master craftsman, is revealed to be stubborn and initially refuses to follow Li's orders.

Significant Themes

• The value of money and wealth, as Li views it as merely a number.
• The importance of craftsmanship and skill, as demonstrated by the Yordles.
• The extravagance and wastefulness of using mana recovery potions for ordinary spellcasting.

Character Interactions

• Li interacts with Fu Jiayi, giving him orders to enhance the tempered equipment.
• Li expresses frustration with Fu Jiayi's initial refusal to follow his orders.
• Li discovers the unique customs and rules of the Yordle race, including their abstinence from alcohol and the practice of wives biting off their husbands' penises upon pregnancy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li insists on adding gold or silver to the armor to cater to noble customers, despite Fu Jiayi's protests about the softness of gold.
• Li's strategy is to focus on expensive, flashy equipment for young masters, not practical pieces for adventurers.
• The Giant God Soldier Workshop gains popularity, selling four expensive items in the first month, recouping investments and distributing profit.
• Angel and Akil join the cavalry squad, using their connections to transform it into an inspection unit for protected rare magical beasts, providing materials for the workshop.
• Val invents protective measures for the workshop and Li's laboratory, becoming increasingly black-hearted under Li's influence.
• Li appears at the Giant God Soldier Workshop to deal with a group of mercenary customers, as Invel is not comfortable negotiating with them.

Character Developments

• Li: Shows his business acumen and long-term vision, aiming to turn the workshop into a luxury brand. He also demonstrates his skill in dealing with diverse customers.
• Fu Jiayi: Stands his ground against Li's ideas but ultimately compromises, showing his loyalty and willingness to adapt.
• Angel and Akil: Use their connections and wealth to secure positions in the cavalry squad, showing their influence and playboy nature.
• Val: Becomes more black-hearted and invents protective measures for the workshop, showing his genius and adaptability.

Significant Themes

• Business Acumen vs. Practicality: Li's focus on expensive, flashy equipment over practical pieces for adventurers highlights his understanding of the market and customer base.
• Long-term Vision: Li's goal to turn the workshop into a luxury brand shows his strategic thinking and ambition.
• Adaptability: Characters like Fu Jiayi and Val show their ability to adapt to Li's influence and changing circumstances.

Character Interactions

• Li and Fu Jiayi: Li's insistence and Fu Jiayi's protests show their differing views on business strategy, but ultimately, they compromise, demonstrating their working relationship.
• Angel and Akil: Their interaction with the cavalry squad members shows their ability to connect with people of similar age and background, using their wealth and connections to secure positions.
• Li and the Mercenaries: Li's interaction with the mercenary customers shows his ability to deal with diverse customers and assess their needs, even if he's not initially interested in their business.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li inspects and buys goods from a mercenary squad, making a significant profit.
• Bradman and his group arrive, revealing they want to invest in the weapons workshop.
• Bradman presents a map of northern Nanbula and offers a dangerous mission.

Character Developments

• Li shows his business acumen and negotiation skills.
• Bradman reveals his true intentions and the extent of his power.
• Invel remains cautious and serious.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and negotiation.
• The consequences of accepting dangerous missions.
• The value of lives versus material wealth.

Character Interactions

• Li haggles with the mercenary squad, showing his business prowess.
• Li and Bradman engage in a tense conversation, with Li directly addressing Bradman's intentions.
• Invel and Li exchange glances, indicating their understanding and shared caution.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li, using August's body, is approached by Bradman, who asks him to join the Mercenary Association and accept a Double-S-rank mission.
• Li and Invel visit the Mercenary Association to register as a team.
• The chapter ends with Li and Invel preparing to register as a team.

Character Developments

• Li shows reluctance and frustration at being drawn into a mission but ultimately agrees to it.
• Invel shows curiosity and a desire to uncover August's secrets, leading him to accompany Li.

Significant Themes

• The hierarchy and structure of the Mercenary Association, with ranks ranging from E to S.
• The power dynamics between mercenaries, with higher-ranked mercenaries having more influence and access to dangerous missions.

Character Interactions

• Li and Bradman: Li is annoyed by Bradman's vague instructions and lack of information about the mission.
• Li and Invel: Li is surprised by Invel's decision to accompany him, while Invel is driven by curiosity about August's abilities.
• Li and the Mercenary Association staff: Li interacts with a middle-aged man at the registration counter, who shows some disdain towards Li's appearance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li and Invel register as mercenaries at the Mercenary Association.
• Li learns that becoming a mercenary is dangerous and the association charges nobles higher fees to ensure their safety.
• Li and Invel are advised to get Li's mage rank certified at the Mages' Association before registering.

Character Developments

• Li shows awareness of the dangers of being a mercenary and the association's protection of nobles.
• Li realizes he needs to get his mage rank certified.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and risks of being a mercenary.
• The Mercenary Association's protection of nobles.
• The importance of mage rank certification.

Character Interactions

• Li interacts with a middle-aged man at the Mercenary Association who explains the fees and process.
• Li is approached by a young mercenary who offers his services.
• Li interacts with a girl at the Mages' Association to inquire about mage rank assessment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li obtains mage certification from the Magic Association, recognized as a level 10 mage.
• Li and Invel register as mercenaries at the Mercenary Association, both starting at G-rank.
• Li names their mercenary group "Shadow of Konoha."

Character Developments

• Li demonstrates his power and knowledge, impressing the Magic Association clerk.
• Invel shows a rare sense of humor but ultimately defers to Li's decision.

Significant Themes

• The relationship between the Mages' Guild, the Magic Association, and the Mercenary Association is complex and political.
• Li's past experiences and connections (like Zeref) influence his actions and decisions.

Character Interactions

• Li and the Magic Association clerk: Li impresses her with his skills, but she is more interested in his money.
• Li and Invel: They work together to register as mercenaries, with Li making the final decision on their group's name.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li and Invel join the Mercenary Association and receive their mercenary notebooks.
• They visit the association to find missions, but most G-rank jobs have already been taken.
• The only available missions are low-paying and low-risk: finding two missing sheep (6 gold coins) or driving thirty cows to a ranch (6 gold coins deposit of 300 gold coins).
• Li expresses disinterest in these missions, seeking more challenging work.

Character Developments

• Li demonstrates his ambition and impatience, seeking higher-risk, higher-reward missions despite being a G-rank mercenary.
• Invel shows mild disdain for Li's eagerness to learn and grow as a mercenary.

Significant Themes

• The hierarchy and ranking system within the mercenary world.
• The grind of low-rank missions to gain experience and rise in rank.
• Li's ambition and impatience, contrasting with the typical mercenary progression.

Character Interactions

• Li and Invel interact with a middle-aged man and a young girl at the Mercenary Association.
• Li and Invel discuss the available missions, with Li showing disinterest in low-rank jobs and Invel expressing mild disapproval.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li learns about the mercenary promotion rules from a young girl at the Mercenary Association.
• An SSS-Rank Mission, a high-level emergency task, is issued by the Imperial Branch President of the Mitra Empire.
• The branch president of Nanbula's Mercenary Association returns from a meeting with an anxious expression, carrying the SSS-Rank Mission scroll.

Character Developments

• Li shows interest in understanding the mercenary ranking system and its rules.
• The young girl at the Mercenary Association demonstrates her knowledge of the rules and her concern for the branch's mercenaries.
• The branch president reveals his anxiety and helplessness regarding the SSS-Rank Mission, indicating his responsibility and the potential consequences for his branch.

Significant Themes

• The strict ranking system in the mercenary world, with its rules and consequences.
• The high risk and danger involved in mercenary work, especially at higher ranks.
• The competition and pressure between different branches of the Mercenary Association.

Character Interactions

• Li interacts with the young girl, asking questions and learning about the mercenary rules.
• The young girl and the branch president discuss the SSS-Rank Mission, expressing their concern and the potential impact on their branch.
• The branch president's anxious return from the meeting hints at the tension between him and the young girl, possibly due to their differing roles and responsibilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li accepts an SSS-Rank mission, "Exterminate an Unknown Monster," from the Nanbula Mercenary Association.
• The mission is extremely dangerous, with many mercenary teams losing contact after attempting it.
• The military will intervene if no one completes the mission within a month.

Character Developments

• Li shows concern for the lives of other mercenaries, taking the mission to prevent them from dying needlessly.
• The branch president of the Nanbula Mercenary Association shows reluctance to let Li accept the mission but ultimately allows it to maintain the association's honor.

Significant Themes

• Sacrifice for wealth and the consequences of greed.
• The importance of one's life and the value of human dignity.
• The responsibility of leaders to protect their people.

Character Interactions

• Li interacts with the young girl and the branch president, convincing them to let him accept the mission.
• Li shows understanding and consideration for the branch president's position, making him comply with Li's request.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li accepts a mission from the Mercenary Association to investigate and eliminate a magical beast boss.
• Li and Invel head to the gathering point, discovering an inn deep within the forest.
• They learn that the inn is a popular resting spot for mercenaries due to its proximity to the mission site.

Character Developments

• Li shows concern for the mission's success and hopes other mercenaries can handle it.
• Invel reveals his knowledge of political tensions between the military and the Mercenary Association.

Significant Themes

• The power struggle between the military and the Mercenary Association.
• The importance of the inn's location for mercenaries and adventurers.

Character Interactions

• Li and Invel discuss the mission and the political climate.
• Li interacts with the innkeeper, a charming woman, and learns about the inn's popularity among mercenaries.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li and Invel arrive at an inn that was originally a Mercenary Association outpost.
• The inn is filled with mercenaries who have taken on an SSS-ranked mission.
• A group of mountain folk warriors, led by a burly man, provoke Li and Invel.

Character Developments

• Li maintains his calm and observant demeanor, assessing the situation and the opponents.
• Invel displays unexpected self-control and diplomacy, engaging with the mountain folk warriors without escalating the situation.

Significant Themes

• The harsh reality of mercenary life, where survival is uncertain, and danger is constant.
• The discrimination and prejudice faced by newcomers and less powerful individuals in the mercenary world.

Character Interactions

• Li and Invel present a united front, with Li observing and Invel engaging with the mountain folk warriors.
• The mountain folk warriors display arrogance and disdain towards Li and Invel, underestimating their abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li (using August's body) and Invel enter a mercenary inn, where they encounter a warrior leader and an old knight.
• The warrior leader underestimates Li and Invel, guessing their ranks as D or C, but Li teases him by revealing they're even higher.
• An old knight intervenes, mentioning that there are only 15 S-rank mercenaries worldwide, and none are as young as Li and Invel.
• Li and Invel reveal they're actually G-rank newcomers, angering the warrior leader who attacks them.
• A group of magic swordsmen intervene, inviting Li and Invel to join them.

Character Developments

• Li: Shows cunning and teasing behavior, hinting at his high rank while being a newcomer.
• Invel: Supports Li's teasing and reveals their true rank when necessary.
• Warrior Leader: Underestimates Li and Invel, leading to anger and an attack.
• Old Knight: Intervenes to calm the situation, showing knowledge of S-rank mercenaries.
• Magic Swordsmen: Revealed to be a rare profession, they invite Li and Invel to join them.

Significant Themes

• Underestimation and its consequences.
• The rarity and power of S-rank mercenaries.
• The extinction of certain professions (magic swordsmen).

Character Interactions

• Li and Warrior Leader: Li teases the warrior leader, leading to anger and an attack.
• Li and Old Knight: Li engages in a verbal sparring match with the old knight.
• Li and Magic Swordsmen: Li and Invel are invited to join the magic swordsmen, hinting at potential alliances or conflicts.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Li senses magical fluctuations, confirming his suspicion about the white-robed mage's importance.
• White Turtledove, an A-rank mercenary, is ignored by the warrior leader.
• Li reveals a spatial ring to change the perception of his group's strength.
• The warrior leader attacks Li, but White Turtledove intervenes.
• The warrior leader reveals a unique eye ability and attacks White Turtledove.

Character Developments

• Li demonstrates strategic thinking by revealing the spatial ring to change his group's status.
• White Turtledove shows his composure and expertise in swordsmanship.
• The warrior leader displays strength and speed but lacks awareness of his limitations.

Significant Themes

• The importance of reputation and status in the mercenary world.
• The power dynamics and hierarchies among mercenaries.
• The strategic use of wealth and resources (spatial rings) to gain advantage.

Character Interactions

• Li and Invel's dynamic changes as Li reveals the spatial ring.
• White Turtledove's intervention protects Li and highlights his skill and reputation.
• The warrior leader's overconfidence leads to a clash with White Turtledove.

Key Plot Points and Events

• White Turtledove, an A-rank mercenary, spars with a warrior leader and his group, demonstrating his superior skill and control.
• White Turtledove defeats the group without causing serious harm, showing restraint.
• A young man recognizes White Turtledove and reveals his A-rank status, causing the group to retreat.
• White Turtledove proposes cooperation for their mission, suggesting they work together or form separate raiding parties.

Character Developments

• White Turtledove: Shows exceptional skill, control, and amiability, even after a fight. He values cooperation and is open to discussion.
• Warrior Leader: Initially aggressive, he shows reason and retreats when faced with superior power. He values his group's survival.
• Young Man: Recognizes White Turtledove and reveals his A-rank status, showing knowledge of mercenary rankings.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: White Turtledove's strength and control dictate the situation, causing the warrior leader's group to retreat.
• Cooperation vs. competition: White Turtledove suggests cooperation for their mission, while also allowing for separate raiding parties.
• Restraint: White Turtledove shows restraint in his fight, not causing serious harm to his opponents.

Character Interactions

• White Turtledove vs. Warrior Leader's Group: White Turtledove demonstrates his superior skill and control, defeating the group without serious harm.
• White Turtledove and the Young Man: The young man recognizes White Turtledove and reveals his A-rank status, causing the warrior leader's group to retreat.
• White Turtledove and the Warrior Leader: After the fight, White Turtledove proposes cooperation for their mission, showing amiability and a willingness to discuss terms.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Silver Hand Mercenary Corps (Uther, Arthas, Antonidas, Jaina) arrives, seeking to join the operation against the Heavenly Wolf.
• The Blade Iron Cavalry (C-rank mercenaries) and Ironblood War God Mercenary Corps (B-rank mercenaries) also express interest in joining.
• A G-rank mercenary group led by Li is present, along with a mysterious figure, Andrew.
• A golden-haired man (A-rank mercenary) and a beautiful woman (A-rank mercenary) enter the inn.
• Tensions rise, with Rifan (warrior leader) challenging Invel, and Andrew revealing his interest in finding the Heavenly Wolf.

Character Developments

• Uther: Established as a respected and formidable A-rank mercenary.
• Arthas: Introduced as Uther's disciple and the son of the Silver Hand's commander.
• Antonidas & Jaina: A-rank and B-rank mages respectively, part of the Silver Hand.
• Andrew: An A-rank mercenary with a mysterious interest in the Heavenly Wolf.
• Golden-haired man & Beautiful woman: Both A-rank mercenaries, with unknown backgrounds and motives.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and hierarchies among mercenaries.
• The allure and danger of high-reward missions (SSS-rank).
• The importance of reputation and past deeds in the mercenary world.

Character Interactions

• Uther asserts dominance over Rifan, demonstrating the Silver Hand's power and influence.
• Li reveals the identities of Andrew and the golden-haired couple, showing his knowledge of the mercenary world.
• Tensions build between various mercenary groups, hinting at potential alliances or conflicts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A group of A-rank mages gather in an inn, discussing a mission involving a magical beast called the Sky Wolf.
• A young girl dressed in black enters the inn, displaying immense power and killing an A-rank mage without warning or hesitation.
• The girl states she's not interested in the Sky Wolf but wants to compete with some of the present mages for an unknown reason.

Character Developments

• The blond man and Andrew, two A-rank mages, display rivalry and tension between them.
• Red Sun, another A-rank mage, shows fear and willingness to retreat when faced with the girl's power.
• The girl's actions and demeanor reveal her as a formidable and unpredictable force.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the fear it instills.
• The unknown and unpredictable nature of the mission and the girl's intentions.
• Competition and rivalry among the mages.

Character Interactions

• The blond man and Andrew engage in a verbal spat, hinting at a past conflict.
• Red Sun shows deference to the girl's power, surrendering without a fight.
• The girl interacts with the mages, displaying a calm and collected demeanor despite her young age and the gravity of her actions.