Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hopes Wilde enrolls in the Void City Technical School, choosing to become an ore sorter.
• He meets a group of injured pigmen refugees under the Divine Tree, who were beaten for religious persecution.
• Hopes learns about the Northwest Republic's justice system, which punishes but also treats criminals.

Character Developments

• Hopes demonstrates determination and resilience in pursuing his goal of learning a trade.
• He shows curiosity and a willingness to learn about the world around him.

Significant Themes

• Resilience and Determination: Hopes' persistence in enrolling in the technical school despite his small stature and lack of skills.
• Justice and Mercy: The Northwest Republic's approach to punishment, which balances justice with mercy and care.

Character Interactions

• Hopes interacts with the clerk Sektery, who is understanding and helpful despite Hopes' lack of qualifications.
• He meets a plump man who initially teases him but later introduces him to his wife, Jane, who explains the situation with the pigmen refugees.
• Hopes observes the pigmen refugees and learns about the Republic's justice system through Jane's explanation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hops returns to the school after spending a few days living beneath the Divine Tree, feeling energetic and having improved his martial arts and magical abilities.
• He learns about the Church of Void Mask's public trials and punishments, which deter crime and protect citizens.
• He discovers that catfolk brothers Walter and his siblings found work in the underground Playground, earning well and improving their health.

Character Developments

• Hops becomes more confident and determined to stand on his own feet.
• Walter shows leadership and encouragement, helping Hops see the possibilities for mixed-blood individuals in the Northwest Republic.

Significant Themes

• The importance of self-belief and confidence.
• The impact of a fair and just society on individuals' lives and well-being.
• The value of hard work and perseverance.

Character Interactions

• Hops and Walter bond over their shared experiences and encouragement for each other.
• Hops interacts with the catfolk brothers, learning about their success in finding suitable work.
• Hops and Sekret discuss his admission into the ore-dressing program.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hops begins studying mineral processing at New Oriental Technical School.
• Half-orc students express curiosity about the grasslands and their ancestors' homeland.
• Half-orc refugees from the Orc Empire cause a stir in the Northwest Republic by requesting permission to build altars to the Orc Pantheon.
• Sui Xiong opposes the refugees' request, fearing the influence of the Orc Pantheon on the peaceful Republic.

Character Developments

• Hops becomes more attached to the Northwest Republic and considers settling there permanently.
• Sui Xiong reveals his concern for the Republic's peaceful society and its people, showing a protective side.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between the peaceful Northwest Republic and the harsh grasslands.
• The potential threat of the Orc Pantheon's influence on the Republic's society.
• The importance of cultural understanding and tolerance.

Character Interactions

• Hops interacts with half-orc students, sharing his experiences and warning them about the grasslands.
• Sui Xiong discusses the half-orc refugees' request with his high-level officials, revealing his protective stance towards the Republic's society.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Northwest Republic refuses to support the half-orc refugees' request to build altars to the Orc Pantheon, citing the need for permission from local churches.
• The half-orc refugees refuse to establish altars outside the Republic, despite it being an option.
• Sui Xiong and Easter discuss the Orc Empire's actions, with Easter believing it to be a scheme by the Orc Emperor rather than the Orc Pantheon.
• Sui Xiong observes half-orc refugees deciding to abandon their faith in the Orc Pantheon after being inspired by teachings from the Republic's Bureau of Religious Affairs.

Character Developments

• The half-orc refugees begin to question their faith in the Orc Pantheon after feeling abandoned and learn about different aspects of faith.
• Sui Xiong becomes wary of the Orc Empire's actions and increases his surveillance over the half-orc refugees.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between gods and their followers.
• The consequences of blind faith and the importance of questioning one's beliefs.
• The struggle of the half-orc refugees to adapt to a new life and find purpose beyond their faith.

Character Interactions

• Sui Xiong and Easter discuss the Orc Empire's actions and the nature of gods' involvement in worldly affairs.
• Half-orc refugees interact with each other, sharing their reasons for abandoning their faith and deciding to move forward with their lives.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Clito discovers a ratman attempting to poison relief food for refugees, leading to the unmasking of a pigman from the terrorist organization "Isis."
• Sui Xiong learns about Isis, their crimes, and their presence in the Northwest Republic.
• Sui Xiong decides to eliminate Isis thoroughly and seeks Renard's help to identify their members.
• The Republic's intelligence agency conducts large-scale searches, arresting around 350 Isis members and sympathizers.

Character Developments

• Sui Xiong demonstrates his ruthlessness and determination in dealing with threats to his country.
• Clito shows his improved skills and vigilance, catching the ratman and assisting in the investigation.
• Easter proves his efficiency in interrogation and intelligence gathering.

Significant Themes

• The dangers of extremist ideologies and their consequences.
• The importance of vigilance and swift action against threats to national security.
• The challenges of punishing sympathizers and the balance between justice and mercy.

Character Interactions

• Sui Xiong and Clito work together to uncover and deal with the Isis threat.
• Sui Xiong consults Renard for help in identifying Isis members.
• The Republic's upper ranks discuss how to handle the captured Isis members and sympathizers.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Renard visits Singer, his long-lost brother, to warn him about the impending danger from Isis and urge him to disassociate from the organization.
• Singer reveals he has ties with Isis, but cannot cut them off due to various reasons.
• Renard and Singer engage in a fierce battle in the void.
• The Orc Pantheon discusses the situation and decides not to interfere in Renard's conflict with Isis.

Character Developments

• Renard: Still haunted by his past and willing to take risks to protect those he cares about.
• Singer: Maintains his lawful alignment and loyalty to his brother, despite his ties with Isis.
• Lefeng (Devouring Sky Dog): Recognizes the power of knowledge and its importance, but remains a warrior at heart.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of past actions.
• The struggle between loyalty and duty.
• The power of knowledge and its potential for growth.

Character Interactions

• Renard and Singer: Brothers reunited after a long separation, with a complex history and differing views on how to handle the Isis situation.
• Lefeng and Singer: The chief god of the Orc Pantheon and Singer discuss the Isis issue, showing concern for Singer's well-being and the potential fallout from the conflict.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Renard meets Singer, who reveals that the Orc Pantheon has abandoned the "Isis" organization.
• Renard travels to the Orc Empire's capital to meet Emperor Yurnero and requests a detailed roster of the "Isis" organization.
• Yurnero provides the roster after a few days, but it's incomplete, aiming to protect high-ranking members.
• Renard brings the roster to Shelter, where Void Mask (Sui Xiong) plans to find and deal with the hidden members.

Character Developments

• Renard shows a more orderly and calculated approach to his actions, similar to an Orthodox God.
• Yurnero reveals his concern for the Empire's strength and his reluctance to purge the "Isis" organization due to potential losses.
• Void Mask shows a lenient but firm approach, willing to give people a chance to change but ready to punish those who refuse.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of past actions and the difficulty of changing one's ways.
• The struggle between order and chaos, with Renard representing a more ordered approach to power.
• The responsibility of leaders and the impact of their decisions on their people.

Character Interactions

• Renard and Yurnero: Renard pressures Yurnero to provide the roster, while Yurnero tries to protect high-ranking members of the "Isis" organization.
• Renard and Void Mask: They work together to deal with the "Isis" organization, with Void Mask planning to find and punish those who have been hidden.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Jellyfish God, Void Mask (Sui Xiong), declares war on the orc organization "Isis," vowing to exterminate them.
• He flies towards the Orc Empire at a leisurely pace, giving them time to decide whether to fight or surrender.
• Gods believe the Orc Pantheon will either fight or admit defeat, as they cannot protect their believers without losing face.
• Morani, a god with ties to both sides, feels awkward and uncomfortable about the situation.

Character Developments

• Void Mask: Shows determination and resolve in his mission to exterminate Isis.
• Morani: Struggles with his loyalty to both Void Mask and the Orc Pantheon, feeling uncomfortable about the impending conflict.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the consequences of using power.
• The struggle between religious beliefs and personal values.
• The tension between loyalty and personal beliefs.

Character Interactions

• Void Mask and the Orc Pantheon: Tension builds as Void Mask approaches the Orc Empire, with the Orc Pantheon considering their response.
• Morani and Void Mask: Morani feels caught between his loyalty to the Orc Pantheon and his friendship with Void Mask.
• Morani and the Orc Pantheon: Morani discusses the situation with the Orc Pantheon, who decide to abandon Isis to avoid a fight with Void Mask.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sui Xiong arrives at the Orc Empire's Western Wasteland.
• He plans to execute members of the Isis organization in the city's central plaza.
• The execution is carried out using guillotines, with Sui Xiong reading out the names and crimes of the condemned.

Character Developments

• Steel Gerten, Sui Xiong's subordinate, is revealed to have been involved in the death of the Orc Empire's powerful official, Belen Sera, decades ago.
• Sui Xiong shows no remorse or emotion while executing the Isis members, highlighting his cold and efficient nature.

Significant Themes

• The weakness of the Orc Empire's rule in the Western Wasteland due to the presence of adventurers and the lack of control over the area.
• The consequences of one's actions and the inevitability of facing them, as seen in the execution of the Isis members.

Character Interactions

• Sui Xiong interacts with the crowd, reading out the names and crimes of the condemned, but shows no emotional connection with the people or the events.
• Steel Gerten accompanies Sui Xiong but does not actively participate in the execution process.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mass executions of Isis members continue in Iron Sand City.
• Over three hundred people are beheaded in a single day.
• Sui Xiong decides to continue the trials and executions the next day.
• Many Isis members flee Iron Sand City after realizing they will be sent to Hell upon death.

Character Developments

• Sui Xiong remains resolute in his mission, unaffected by the scale of executions.
• Isis members, previously fearless of death, become terrified when they learn they will be sent to Hell.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of one's actions and the inescapability of justice.
• The fear of the unknown and the power of deterrence.
• The desperation of those facing imminent danger.

Character Interactions

• Sui Xiong and Steel discuss the executions, with Steel finding satisfaction in the killings.
• An unnamed priest and other Isis members attempt to resurrect a noble but fail, learning that his soul has already been claimed by Hell.
• Isis members panic and flee Iron Sand City after learning they will be sent to Hell upon death.
• Sui Xiong meets with Baron Palin, a judge from Hell, in the Underworld.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Baron Palin, the Chief Librarian of the Church of Void Mask and commander of the mage corps, is revealed to be the same mage who died following Sui Xiong's adventures and was later revived by Sui Xiong.
• Baron Palin, now an adjudicator of Hell, assists Sui Xiong in wiping out the evil cult Isis by ensuring that every soul of the executed cult members is sent to Hell without delay.
• Sui Xiong uses his guillotine blade, forged from the special metal Orichalcum, to execute cult members fleeing across the Main Plane.
• Sui Xiong plans to enshrine the guillotine blade in Void City after the execution, believing it might cultivate itself into a spirit over time.

Character Developments

• Baron Palin shows his dedication to justice and hatred towards evil, going as far as mobilizing Hell's forces to assist Sui Xiong.
• Sui Xiong demonstrates his commitment to justice and his desire to leave a lasting impact, as seen in his plans for the guillotine blade.

Significant Themes

• Justice and punishment for evil deeds.
• The consequences of one's actions and the inescapability of justice.
• The power of legendary items and the potential for them to gain sentience.

Character Interactions

• Sui Xiong and Baron Palin reunite and work together to bring justice to the cult members.
• Sui Xiong reflects on the guillotine blade's potential future as a legendary item, showcasing his foresight and planning.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The fleeing convoy's horses begin to tire and slow down, leading to the group's halt.
• People start to realize the futility of their escape, and some decide to commit suicide to avoid hell.
• A soul-reaping envoy from hell appears, taking the souls of the deceased, confirming that suicide won't save them from hell.
• Sui Xiong (Void Mask) continues to arrest and execute people, with hell taking their souls.
• The Orc Pantheon watches the events unfold but decides not to intervene due to potential conflict with hell.

Character Developments

• The fleeing people lose hope and morale as they realize their escape is pointless.
• Some characters decide to commit suicide rather than face hell, only to find that hell's envoys take their souls anyway.
• Lefeng, chief god of the Orc Pantheon, shows reluctance and resignation in the face of the situation.

Significant Themes

• Futility and Hopelessness: The characters face the harsh reality that their actions make no difference in their fate, leading to despair.
• Divine Indifference: The Orc Pantheon's inaction highlights the gods' lack of concern for their believers' suffering.
• The Inevitability of Fate: Despite the characters' attempts to change their circumstances, they ultimately cannot escape their predetermined fate.

Character Interactions

• The fleeing people interact with each other, sharing their thoughts and decisions, leading to a collective loss of hope and morale.
• Lefeng interacts with other deities in the Orc Pantheon, discussing their options and ultimately deciding not to intervene.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sui Xiong completes the first phase of his purge in Iron Sand City, leaving after ten days of executions.
• He announces his intention to continue the purge in the heartland of the Orc Empire, causing an uproar among the spectators.
• Sui Xiong's actions gain him support from various deities, increasing his reputation and goodwill.

Character Developments

• Sui Xiong demonstrates his resolve and determination to continue his purge, showing no signs of relenting.
• He reflects on his past experiences with the Orc Pantheon and the "Isis" organization, revealing his desire for revenge and justice.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of one's actions and the lack of innocence in the face of evil.
• The power dynamics between Sui Xiong and the Orc Pantheon, with Sui Xiong asserting his dominance.
• The importance of standing against evil and the need for justice, even when it's difficult or unpopular.

Character Interactions

• Sui Xiong interacts with the crowd, who are both awed and terrified by his actions.
• He reflects on his past experiences with the Orc Pantheon and the "Isis" organization, showing his resolve to continue his purge.
• Sui Xiong's actions gain him support from various deities, who see him as a force against evil.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter introduces the capital of the Orc Empire, Great Golden Tent, and its unique architecture and rules, particularly the "imperial road" reserved for the Orc Emperor.
• Sui Xiong and his subordinates enter the city, observing its layout and rules, with Sui Xiong planning to set up a guillotine in the Merchant Quarter's great square.

Character Developments

• Sui Xiong demonstrates his knowledge of the city's layout and rules, showing his meticulous planning and understanding of the Orc Empire's culture and politics.
• Steel shows curiosity and naivety about the Orc Empire's customs, contrasting with Sui Xiong's experience and wisdom.

Significant Themes

• Power and Authority: The Orc Empire's emphasis on "ritual propriety" and the imperial road showcases their desire to maintain power and control through symbolism and strict rules.
• Social Stratification: The differences in housing foundations and the prohibition of commoners from entering certain squares highlight the rigid social hierarchy in the Orc Empire.
• Consequences of Actions: Sui Xiong's consideration for the commoners' safety and well-being demonstrates his awareness of the potential repercussions of his actions on innocent people.

Character Interactions

• Sui Xiong and Steel interact, with Sui Xiong acting as a mentor figure, providing information and guidance to Steel, who asks curious and naive questions.
• The chapter does not feature any significant interactions between Sui Xiong and other characters, as it primarily focuses on his observations and plans.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sui Xiong begins public executions with the former Orc Emperor, Hog Bell, as the first criminal.
• Hog Bell's crimes and rise to power are revealed, including his brutal methods and support for the Isis organization.
• Despite the commotion, Sui Xiong easily suppresses the crowd and sentences Hog Bell to death.
• Hog Bell is executed by guillotine, with Steel overseeing the process.

Character Developments

• Hog Bell is revealed to be a brutal and cunning leader who rose to power through violence and intimidation.
• Sui Xiong demonstrates his power and control over the situation, showing no mercy to Hog Bell.
• Steel shows a more playful side, encouraging the executioners and making light of the situation.

Significant Themes

• Power and corruption: Hog Bell's rise to power and his brutal methods highlight the corrupting influence of power.
• Justice and retribution: Sui Xiong's actions show his commitment to justice and retribution for past crimes.
• The consequences of actions: Hog Bell's past actions catch up with him, leading to his execution.

Character Interactions

• Sui Xiong and the crowd: Sui Xiong easily controls the crowd, showing his dominance and power.
• Sui Xiong and Hog Bell: There is no interaction between them, as Hog Bell's power is sealed, and he is sentenced to death without a chance to speak.
• Steel and the executioners: Steel jokes with the executioners, lightening the mood and encouraging them to do their job well.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sui Xiong uses a famous movie line to mock Hog Bell's situation.
• Hog Bell's soul battles against hellish emissaries, who are empowered by two dukes of Hell.
• Sui Xiong continues to arrest and sentence leaders of the "Isis" organization.

Character Developments

• Sui Xiong admires Hell's judges for their firm stance and decisive actions.
• He considers strengthening cooperation between Hell and Jormungandr.
• Sui Xiong reflects on his past life, comparing the boiling frog experiment's results.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between different factions (Hell, Orc Pantheon, Jormungandr).
• The consequences of one's actions and the justice system.
• The comparison of two worlds and their differences.

Character Interactions

• Sui Xiong interacts with Hell's judges, admiring their professionalism.
• He considers communicating with Jormungandr to strengthen cooperation with Hell.
• Sui Xiong reflects on his past life, comparing it with his current situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hog Bell's soul is captured by hell messengers and taken away.
• Emperor Yurnero watches the executions secretly, relieved that no important nobles were targeted.
• Burton Tiger, a great noble and distant descendant of Yurnero, is arrested, tried, and executed.

Character Developments

• Hog Bell's defeat and capture show the power of the hell messengers and the consequences of his actions.
• Emperor Yurnero demonstrates his strategic thinking and lack of sentimentality in dealing with Burton Tiger.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between gods, demigods, and mortals.
• The consequences of ambition and shortsightedness, as seen in Burton Tiger's downfall.
• The importance of wisdom and strategy over brute force.

Character Interactions

• The hell messengers work together to capture Hog Bell, showing unity and teamwork.
• Emperor Yurnero's relationship with Burton Tiger is one of disappointment and lack of respect, leading to his decision to let Burton face the consequences of his actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sui Xiong executes high-ranking nobles and legendary powerhouses daily, aiming to create a spectacle.
• The audience grows, eager to see who will be executed next.
• The Orc Empire's struggles and the "Isis" organization's past actions are revealed, fueling resentment among the people.
• The execution of "Isis" leaders is met with cheers and celebrations from the audience.

Character Developments

• Sui Xiong regrets not executing Burton Tiger and Hog Bell earlier to create a bigger impact.
• Emperor Yurnero and Morani reflect on the past, acknowledging their mistakes in not addressing the "Isis" organization's actions earlier.

Significant Themes

• Resentment and revenge for past injustices.
• The consequences of inaction and delayed responses to wrongdoings.
• The passage of time and aging.

Character Interactions

• Sui Xiong's regret and dissatisfaction with his performance.
• Emperor Yurnero and Morani's conversation, reflecting on their past and the current situation.
• The audience's cheers and celebrations during the executions, revealing their pent-up resentment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sui Xiong continues his killing spree, targeting the "Isis" organization's higher-ups.
• He decides to cross the entire Orc Empire, executing Isis members along the way.
• After two months, they reach the eastern border, with around 20,000 Isis members still unexecuted.

Character Developments

• Sui Xiong shows his strategic thinking and concern for his subordinates' growth.
• Steel's power and wisdom have increased significantly, making her a formidable force.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of extreme evil and the necessity of justice.
• The path to Legend and the challenges it presents.
• The importance of patience and careful consideration in personal growth.

Character Interactions

• Sui Xiong advises his executioners on their path to Legend.
• Steel's power is acknowledged by Sui Xiong, who considers helping her become a new evil god.
• Sui Xiong and Steel work together, with Steel supporting Sui Xiong's actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sui Xiong faces a dilemma with the remaining 20,000 Isis members, as he finds it tiresome and unnecessary to kill them all.
• He consults his friends for advice on how to handle the situation.
• Jormungandr pleads for the lives of the remaining members, arguing that their crimes do not merit death.
• Sui Xiong decides to spare their lives but impose a living punishment instead, sending them to the Dwarf Kingdom for labor reform.

Character Developments

• Sui Xiong shows signs of fatigue and reluctance in continuing the executions, indicating a change in his initial resolve.
• Jormungandr demonstrates empathy and understanding, showing a more compassionate side to his character.

Significant Themes

• Justice and Its Limits: The chapter explores the concept of justice and its boundaries, questioning when and how far it should be applied.
• Consequences of Actions: Sui Xiong grapples with the consequences of his actions, highlighting the importance of considering the full extent of one's decisions.

Character Interactions

• Sui Xiong seeks advice from his friends, showing a willingness to listen to others' opinions.
• Jormungandr and Sui Xiong have a heart-to-heart conversation, revealing their differing views on justice and its application.