Recaps

Sylutia and Iona fought through the night as Iona’s superior strength was undone by exhaustion and Sylutia’s Breathing Technique breakthrough. As Iona faced defeat, fear and memories overwhelmed her, and her eyes lost their light beneath the dusky red moon.

• Sylutia and Iona clashed repeatedly in the forest until their swords were battered and both were exhausted.
• Iona recognized Sylutia’s bracelet and guessed she came from a great noble family, then pressed her attack while insisting Sylutia could not win.
• Sylutia ate a Blood-Colored Berry, replenished her strength, and advanced her Breathing Technique to its fourth stage.
• Iona’s final charge pierced Sylutia’s left arm but failed to defeat her, and Iona’s attacks weakened as Sylutia gained the advantage.
• Iona’s fear of losing the assessment and memories of her family’s ruin overwhelmed her, and her eyes gradually lost their light.

Melinsa told Scholar Heide and Viscount Xuefeng that two students had completed the Woodland’s objectives and were fighting for the final victory. As Sylutia faced an exhausted Iona in the forest, Iona used a Black Calamity Gem to begin the Eclipse of the Black Sun ritual, which threatened to twist her Blazing Sun Aspect into Nightmare.

• Melinsa explained that she had come to test new students and that two students in Scorched Stone City had completed all three objectives but were still fighting.
• Melinsa told Viscount Xuefeng that Iona had a rival, while privately noting the rival’s unusual qualities.
• Sylutia paused when Iona staggered and murmured that she would not give up, but Iona tore open her pendant and revealed a Black Calamity Gem.
• Iona pressed the gemstone into her eye as thirteen night birds watched, and its Distortion power warped Sylutia’s perception of the forest.
• Sylutia recognized the Eclipse of the Black Sun ritual as Iona’s eyes turned black and the Blazing Sun twisted before her.

After the Eclipse of the Black Sun ritual transformed Iona into an unstable Nightmare, she fought Sylutia with increased speed and corrupted power. As their final duel continued beneath the moon, Sylutia understood how to draw on moonlight and created the Moonlight Breathing Technique.

• Iona regained consciousness after the ritual, discovered her Blazing Sun path was gone, and resolved to seek knowledge in the Secret Forest.
• Iona's altered speed and swordplay pierced Sylutia's defenses, while her appearance and Fate Disk showed signs of corruption.
• Iona transformed her fingers into tentacles and pursued Sylutia after Sylutia knocked her black sword away.
• Sylutia stopped retreating and faced Iona in a clearing, adjusting her Breathing Technique as they fought.
• Moonlight helped Sylutia understand the legacy of Melancholy Praying in the Lake, and she created the Moonlight Breathing Technique.

Sylutia defeated Iona, but the Distortion Aspect Power had already consumed Iona, and she died in Sylutia’s arms. Sylutia returned with the Blood Alien Flower, while Melinsa told Viscount Xuefeng and Scholar Heide that the black-haired girl had lost without revealing the winner.

• Sylutia pierced Iona with her silver-lit sword and dispelled some of the Distortion Aspect Power, but Iona said her body had already been consumed.
• Iona apologized to Sylutia and spoke of her loneliness and fear before dissolving into black sludge.
• Sylutia revived the bonfire, then met Mick, Comia, and the others while descending the mountain with the Blood Alien Flower; she told them Iona was dead.
• At the campsite, Melinsa told Viscount Xuefeng and Scholar Heide that the battle had ended and the black-haired girl had lost.

Sylutia returned from the trial and was named its winner, receiving a badge and an invitation to join Melinsa’s Night Dream Tea Party. As Sylutia entered the witch’s carriage to learn about the organization, Scholar Heide questioned Mick and the others about what had happened during the trial.

• Students at the camp speculated that Iona would win, while they learned Solin had been eliminated and Baron had returned without completing the second objective.
• Mick and Ray presented the heads of two ogres, while Comia and Tia returned safely to Scholar Heide.
• Melinsa appeared before Sylutia, recognized her connection to an outer organization affiliated with the Four Seasons Alliance, and awarded her a Woodland Badge.
• Melinsa invited Sylutia to join the Night Dream Tea Party with her first three years of obligations waived, and Sylutia followed her into the carriage.
• The students and instructors realized Sylutia had been chosen instead of Iona, and Scholar Heide asked Mick to explain what had happened during the trial.

Melinsa explained that Sylutia would leave for the Woodland in about a week and gave her an inscribed gem containing a Nightmare Aspect secret art. After returning home, Sylutia learned from Lady Falan that the gift could draw her toward the Nightmare organization, and discovered it held the Black Dream Meditation Technique.

• Melinsa told Sylutia that no one would pursue Iona’s death and that she should prepare for at least three years in the Woodland.
• Melinsa gave Sylutia an octagonal purple gem and invited her to visit the Night Dream Tea Party if she reached the third tier.
• Sylutia returned with the students, attracting attention because of her silver hair and changed appearance.
• Viscount Xuefeng declared Iona’s death an accident, and no one challenged his explanation.
• Lady Falan examined the gem, warned Sylutia that learning its art could incline her toward the Nightmare Aspect, and identified it as the Black Dream Meditation Technique.

Lady Falan explained to Sylutia how the Secret Forest trained recruits for powerful organizations, and warned her that its opportunities came with danger and debt. Sylutia learned that going there could let her join the Four Seasons Alliance as an apprentice candidate, while Lady Falan's earlier plan would take years longer.

• Sylutia woke around noon, dressed, and joined Lady Falan, who said Lining was preparing lunch.
• Lady Falan explained that the Secret Forest consisted of outposts in Worlds of Shadows where organizations trained young recruits, and told Sylutia how her talented companion had disappeared while seeking a Scarlet Monkey.
• Lady Falan described the dangers and costs of Secret Forest training, the protection and resources organizations offered, and how difficult it was to earn trust without an affiliation.
• Sylutia asked whether she could study outside the Secret Forest, and Lady Falan explained that joining an organization that way would take years and require building trust and connections.
• Lady Falan compared her earlier plan to recommend Sylutia to an affiliate after two years with the chance to join the Four Seasons Alliance directly as an apprentice candidate after excelling in three years at the Secret Forest.
• Lady Falan outlined the Four Seasons Potions and other organizations Sylutia could choose from, noting that organizations recognized achievements earned in the Secret Forest.

Sylutia met with Comia, Mick, Ray, and Karen as they discussed their plans after leaving Scorched Stone City. The friends agreed to reunite in five years, while Sylutia had two days left before her own departure.

• Sylutia welcomed Comia and the others to her manor, where they shared Snow Orchid Tea and discussed what to do with their Ogre leather.
• Comia planned to study at a witch organization near Meteor Lake, Ray continued learning blacksmithing, and Karen planned to go to Valley City.
• Mick decided to travel north to seek opportunities, while Sylutia confirmed that she would soon leave Scorched Stone City.
• The friends gathered for dinner, shared their plans, and agreed to return to Scorched Stone City in five years after spring began.
• The group parted ways, leaving Sylutia with two days before her departure.

Sylutia attended a farewell banquet at Viscount Xuefeng's castle before preparing to leave for the Woodland. Lady Falan gave her travel money, an introduction to the Four Seasons Alliance, and final advice, and Sylutia was set to say goodbye to Scholar Heide before departing.

• Sylutia attended Viscount Xuefeng's banquet, where the guests welcomed her and Baron Quade gave her a Winter Bear Blanket.
• Viscount Xuefeng praised Sylutia before the guests, and Lady Cali said Lady Falan regarded her as a successor.
• After the banquet, Viscount Xuefeng's wife comforted Sylutia and told her that her children in White Cliff City looked forward to meeting her.
• Sylutia packed clothes, keepsakes, books, notes, and supernatural items for her journey to the Woodland.
• Lady Falan gave Sylutia 200 gold coins and a letter of introduction to the Four Seasons Alliance, and advised her to wear her Woodland Badge and avoid rushing recklessly.
• Lady Falan told Sylutia to say goodbye to Scholar Heide before leaving, and Sylutia fell asleep late that night.

Mick and Solin fought to a draw at the Scorched Stone City Training Ground before Solin revealed he was leaving for the northern battlefield. They parted with hopes of meeting again after pursuing their different ambitions.

• Mick and Solin met at the training ground and began a fierce sword match, drawing the guards’ attention.
• The two exhausted fighters broke their practice swords at the same time and agreed that the bout was another draw.
• At sunset, Solin told Mick he was going to the northern battlefield because he loved the intensity of combat.
• Solin explained that Tia had saved him after a venomous snake bite during the assessment, and that the experience had clarified his desire to fight.
• Mick told Solin he valued what fighting allowed him to protect and accomplish, and Solin said he believed Mick would become a powerful Knight.
• Solin and Mick said goodbye, promising to meet again for another match.

Sylutia left Scorched Stone City and learned from Sir Morick about the dangers and purpose of the world beneath the continent. At the mountain oath site, a colossal camel carrying a tower arrived and lifted her aboard before disappearing into the mist.

• Scholar Heide gave Sylutia his farewell and urged her to stay strong and seek her future.
• Sylutia said goodbye to Lady Falan, Winnie, Talia, Ray, Mick, and the others, then left Scorched Stone City by carriage.
• Sir Morick brought Sylutia to the oath site and explained the history of King Regard's knights and the dangers of the Twilight Sea and Abyss.
• Sir Morick left Sylutia alone on the mountaintop as a gigantic camel carrying a bell-covered tower emerged from the mist.
• A tower door opened and an invisible force lifted Sylutia and her trunk inside before the camel departed.

Sylutia entered the Camel Tower, learned about its students and facilities, and discovered that her Woodland Badge earned her special treatment. She reached the third-floor stairwell with Tuoya and his companions, where two Tall Armored Golems blocked the way because they lacked badges.

• A Castle Aspect man checked Sylutia's name and Woodland Badge, gave her a room key, and directed her to the upper floors.
• Sylutia crossed a crowded hall and overheard students discussing the Camel Tower's route and the thousands of new students aboard.
• A girl in a dark red dress bumped into Sylutia, and Tuoya apologized after noticing her badge; his companions also apologized when they realized her status.
• Tuoya and another student carried Sylutia's suitcase upstairs and explained the tower's dormitories, restaurants, and facilities.
• Two Tall Armored Golems stopped Sylutia and her companions at the third-floor stairwell, saying that anyone without a badge could not go upstairs.

Xilu Tia moved into her private dormitory at the Woodland and learned that her badge gave her free meals. After exploring the dining hall, she entered the Moon Rabbit Village Restaurant, where a rabbit-eared maid welcomed her.

• Tuoya and the other students watched as Xilu Tia passed the Golems guarding the third floor with her glowing Woodland Badge.
• Xilu Tia chose a quiet, spacious dormitory, placed her Swan Orchid in the bedroom, and read the room’s instructions.
• Xilu Tia used a strange key to lock her door, then headed downstairs to eat before the meal period ended.
• Xilu Tia explored the dining halls and found a woodland-themed restaurant frequented mostly by Elves.
• A rabbit-eared maid welcomed Xilu Tia to the Moon Rabbit Village Restaurant and confirmed that her badge made her meal free.

Sylutia ate at a Moon Rabbit restaurant and learned more about Elves and their paths to long life. An Elf named Florella offered her a homemade cake and introduced herself, and Sylutia replied with her name.

• Sylutia learned about the Moon Rabbits and ordered Bamboo Fragrance Mixed Rice, pan-fried fish, and Breeze Moon Dew Juice.
• While waiting for her food, Sylutia overheard Elves discussing organizations in the Woodland and how Elves could become High Fairies.
• Sylutia enjoyed her rice and reflected on her past and present life.
• Florella sent Sylutia a piece of homemade Osmanthus Flowing Heart Flower Cake through the waitress.
• Florella asked Sylutia’s name in a note, and Sylutia wrote back that her name was Sylutia.

Sylutia received an Ice Chalice Flower from Florella and was shown around the academy by Adqin. Their tour ended at a dispute over a Snake Blood Orb, where Adqin confronted the Lizardman and unleashed his Winter Slumber Aspect Power.

• Florella sent Sylutia an Ice Chalice Flower, and Sylutia offered to give her a Fireglow Orchid in return.
• Sylutia paid for her meal and returned to her room, where Adqin was waiting to show her around.
• Adqin took Sylutia through the library, trading hall, and sparring arena as he explained the floors.
• A student told Adqin that a Lizardman had injured a new student and taken his Snake Blood Orb after forcing him into a duel.
• Adqin stepped up to the Lizardman, and his Winter Slumber Aspect Power spread ice across the ground.

Sylutia watched Adqin demonstrate his strength and learned about the Secret Forest’s talent rankings and point system as he showed her around the Camel Tower. After returning to her room, she headed to meet Florella with the Fireglow Orchid Flower.

• Adqin froze and subdued three Lizardmen, then returned a student's Snake Blood Orb.
• Sylutia overheard that the Secret Forest ranked students by talent and learned how those rankings related to their expected progress.
• Adqin explained how students earned and spent points, including exchanging them for courses and supplies.
• Adqin showed Sylutia around the Camel Tower and told her when she could find him in Room 16.
• Sylutia rested, ate dinner, and went to Florella's room carrying the Fireglow Orchid Flower.

Sylutia visited Florella, and the two bonded over their origins and shared love of gardening before arranging to meet again the next morning. After tending to an Ice Chalice Flower and going to sleep, Sylutia returned to Florella the next day, and they went downstairs together.

• Sylutia visited Florella and explained how she had cultivated the Fireglow Orchid she gave her.
• Florella told Sylutia about her home in the Fragrant Wind Forest and her journey to the continent, and shared that she cultivated the [Emerald Nectar] Aspect Power.
• Sylutia and Florella talked about gardening until midnight, then agreed to meet at ten the next morning.
• Sylutia planted the Ice Chalice Flower in soil and made a note to ask Florella how to care for it.
• After sleeping in and getting ready, Sylutia met Florella in the corridor, and they walked downstairs together.

Sylutia explored the eighth-floor garden with Florella, who confirmed that cornflowers existed on the distant continents. On the ninth floor, Sylutia became interested in Eyeball Fruit seeds after a student demonstrated the plant’s combat potential, though most onlookers dismissed it as impractical for First Order students.

• Sylutia asked Florella about cornflowers, and Florella recalled seeing one brought back from the First Continent and said an elder on the Second Continent might have seeds.
• Sylutia decided she would search for cornflowers on the Second and First Continents after reaching the Third Order, while Florella planned to ask her elder to send seeds.
• Sylutia and Florella visited the ninth floor, where new students sold goods at temporary stalls.
• A vendor demonstrated how her Eyeball Fruit plant fired a beam that charred a plank and explained that the Blossom Method could greatly increase its power.
• The students discussed the difficulty of learning the Blossom Method at First Order, and most left without buying seeds.

Sylutia and Florella investigated a suspicious Eyeball Fruit seed stall and exposed how its seller had faked the fruit’s First Order Aspect Power with an insect. They left with the seller agreeing to refund her customers, and Sylutia accepted a bag of seeds and cultivation instructions.

• The stall owner sold Eyeball Fruit seeds to several students, while Sylutia sensed that the fruit’s Aspect Power was unnatural and stopped Florella from buying any.
• Sylutia asked to test the fruit with her second-stage Blossom Method, but the seller accused her of causing trouble and threatened to report her.
• Florella revealed her Woodland Badge and confirmed that she had mastered the second stage, causing the onlookers to leave and the seller to back down.
• Sylutia discovered a First Order Emerald Nectar Fire-Line Cicada inside the unfinished fruit, and the seller admitted she had used it to imitate a genuine Eyeball Fruit.
• Sylutia told the seller to post a notice and refund the students who bought seeds, then accepted the last bag of seeds and a booklet after the seller offered them.

Sylutia and Florella toured the stalls, comparing the secret arts for sale and finding little suited to Sylutia. Florella offered to teach Sylutia Aromatherapy, a healing ability, as they left the market without choosing a new art.

• Sylutia and Florella observed that goods in The Woodland were especially costly when they could increase strength or provide comfort.
• Sylutia examined the Flame Sphere Technique, Ice Chill Technique, and Lasha Court Swordsmanship, but decided the arts on offer did not suit her needs.
• Florella explained that her Lineage held stronger Winter Slumber Aspect Power arts, though she had focused on Emerald Nectar instead.
• Florella offered to teach Sylutia Aromatherapy, which could detoxify, heal, and restore stamina, without charging her because they were friends.
• Sylutia considered the limits of healing abilities below Fifth Order and recalled that the Silver Radiance Church’s remedies had been lost after its destruction.

Sylutia learned Aromatherapy from Florella and prepared for the Camel Tower’s journey to the Woodland. After reviewing three possible bases, she chose the peaceful Golden Radiance Plain for her first assignment.

• Sylutia decided to learn Aromatherapy from Florella, mastered its basics within days, and kept her progress quiet.
• Adqin suggested that Sylutia buy regional seeds, and she gave him fifty gold coins to arrange a set through the local Gardener Guild.
• The Camel Tower stopped at a mountain city beside Meteor Lake, where students received supplies before the tower resumed its journey.
• The students gathered as a black-clad middle-aged man explained that they would be assigned to different Woodland bases and presented options suited to Sylutia.
• Sylutia chose the Golden Radiance Plain as her first base, planning to gain experience there before visiting other bases after reaching Second Order.

Sylutia chose Golden Radiance Plain for her assignment and agreed to help Agren commission a new blade in exchange for learning his technique. After training with him, she grasped the Nameless Blade Technique and promised to find him a blacksmith.

• Sylutia chose Golden Radiance Plain, while Florella chose Forest Spring Orchard and the Corolla Lily organization.
• Agren asked Sylutia to commission a blade for him in Golden Radiance Plain, offering a Tier 2 Black Goat Horn and lessons in his blade technique.
• Agren taught Sylutia the technique’s moves and battlefield tactics at the third-floor Training Ground.
• Sylutia followed Agren’s increasingly fluid demonstrations and showed that she had grasped the technique.
• Agren praised Sylutia’s understanding and asked her to find a good blacksmith to make his blade as repayment.

Sylutia traveled through the lake to Golden Radiance Plain and registered at the Woodland Association in White Tower Citadel. She accepted a remote farming assignment and signed a contract to cultivate the valley plain, leaving her to begin her new life as a farmer.

• Sylutia boarded a Crescent Boat and crossed the lake into the World of Shadows, arriving with the other students at Golden Radiance Plain.
• A senior guided the new students to White Tower Citadel and the Woodland Association, where they began registering for assignments.
• Sylutia chose to manage a recently opened valley plain twenty li from the city, despite the risks and distance.
• The Association explained wheat grades, prices, and the six-month cultivation targets, including the requirement to produce 5,000 jin of high-quality wheat for a perfect rating.
• Sylutia signed the farming contract and wondered whether she could grow perfect-quality golden wheat.

Bede explained how Woodland newcomers could plan their work and advancement by choosing a Third Order Class and preparing its abilities in the right sequence. Sylutia learned about the Wheat Field Warden path and wondered whether her [Stars] talent could store her existing abilities as cards.

• Bede advised the students to perform their assigned work and raise their strength, then explained how abilities were combined and trials formed a Fate Class.
• Bede told the students that the Holy White Knight Hall, the Forged Gold Hammer, and the Four Seasons Alliance offered established Class templates.
• Sylutia learned that most newcomers in the group planned to pursue knight or artisan paths, while one had chosen the Golden Radiance Plain for safety.
• Sylutia asked about gardener Classes, and Bede described the Wheat Field Warden, Orchard Pruner, and Rose Gardener templates.
• Bede explained that the Wheat Field Warden was a Blazing Sun Class requiring [Harvest Scythe], [Sun-Radiant Fertile Soil], and [Hot Poisonous Wind].
• Sylutia considered whether her [Stars] talent could temporarily seal her abilities and store them as cards.

Sylutia explored White Stone Citadel, learned how residents could earn money, and negotiated over the contaminated well at her assigned valley farm. The Patrol Cavalrymen escorted her and her belongings out of the city toward the valley, where she dozed on the cart.

• Sylutia listened to a pair of vendors play bagpipes and zither in the market, then explored the citadel and its shops.
• Teacher Bede explained how the newcomers could earn money and advised them to trade at the market on the third day of each month.
• An Association guard told Sylutia that her valley had been prepared, including a cottage and a well contaminated with Distortion Aspect Power.
• Sylutia asked for extra compensation because purifying the well water could hinder her crops, and the guard agreed to report her request.
• Four Patrol Cavalrymen escorted Sylutia and her belongings from White Stone Citadel toward the valley, and she fell asleep on the cart.