Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Pala gives Gilan a True Film Reel, "Silver Bottle," to learn alchemy and mysticism.
• Pala explains the origins of True Film Reels and the role of Hera Nibal, the "continuity assistant."
• Gilan prepares to watch the film, following Pala's instructions to find Hera Nibal and extend his stay.

Character Developments

• Gilan shows eagerness and respect for his teacher, Pala.
• Pala demonstrates his knowledge and wisdom, revealing secrets about True Film Reels and their origins.

Significant Themes

• The power and mystery of True Film Reels.
• The relationship between Long-Lived Ones and True Film Reels.
• The role of Hera Nibal, the "continuity assistant," in maintaining the films' rules.

Character Interactions

• Gilan and Pala: Gilan receives guidance and a True Film Reel from Pala.
• Gilan and Lainis: Gilan shares his findings about Flora Lotito and invites Lainis to lunch.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gilan, a young transmigrator, watches the film "Silver Bottle" using a special projector and meets Hera Nibal, the "Script Supervisor Assistant," who agrees to let him extend his time in the film in exchange for candied hawthorns and gold coins.
• Gilan enters the film and finds himself in the matriarchal Sakya Kingdom, where he is approached by two women who want to sell him to a noble lady.

Character Developments

• Gilan: Shows adaptability and resourcefulness in navigating the rules of the film world and interacting with Hera Nibal. He maintains his composure and politeness despite unexpected situations.
• Hera Nibal: Initially cold and strict, she shows a nostalgic side when tasting the candied hawthorns and reveals a softer demeanor, hinting at a complex character.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between men and women in society, as depicted in the matriarchal Sakya Kingdom.
• The rules and limitations of the film world, as enforced by Hera Nibal and the "Director."
• The consequences of breaking rules and the potential danger of interference from higher powers.

Character Interactions

• Gilan and Hera Nibal: Their interaction is polite yet tense, with Gilan trying to bribe Hera, who initially refuses but eventually agrees, showing a hint of vulnerability.
• Gilan and the two women in the film: Their brief interaction hints at the potential dangers and power dynamics Gilan will face in the film world.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gilan is taken by Lady Macara, a noblewoman and renowned alchemist, to her residence.
• Gilan uses Vivi to steal Lady Macara's memories and learns about an apprentice selection event.
• Gilan leaves Lady Macara's carriage, erasing the memories of those present, and prepares for the apprentice selection event.
• He stays at an inn where he faces harassment from women but defends himself using Vivi's magic.
• Gilan attends the apprentice selection event at Queen's Square, north of Andeya.

Character Developments

• Gilan demonstrates his calm and strategic thinking, using Vivi's abilities to his advantage.
• Lady Macara is portrayed as a powerful and influential figure, but also manipulative and dismissive of commoners.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The theme of power and its misuse is evident in Lady Macara's treatment of Gilan and the commoners' struggle against the nobles' control.
• Social Inequality: The disparity between nobles and commoners is highlighted, with nobles exploiting their power to maintain their status.

Character Interactions

• Gilan interacts with Lady Macara, initially as a captive but later using her to gather information.
• Gilan faces harassment from women at the inn but handles it non-violently, using Vivi's magic to defend himself.
• Gilan interacts with commoners at the apprentice selection event, witnessing their struggle against the nobles' control.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gilan infiltrates the apprentice assessment, drawing attention and disdain from the nobles and guards.
• The assessment consists of three rounds: solving a mathematical riddle based on a poem, annotating ancient Romei characters, and identifying three mysterious materials.
• Gilan successfully passes all three rounds, along with a commoner named Galken and a noblewoman named Lemei.

Character Developments

• Gilan demonstrates his intelligence and quick thinking, solving complex problems with ease.
• Lemei, a noblewoman, shows proficiency in ancient Romei and passes two out of three rounds.
• Galken, a commoner, passes the final round, surprising the nobles with his knowledge.

Significant Themes

• Class divisions: Nobles vs. commoners, with nobles initially dismissive of commoners' abilities.
• Intelligence and education: The assessment tests literacy and problem-solving skills, highlighting the importance of knowledge and critical thinking.

Character Interactions

• Gilan remains calm and confident throughout the assessment, drawing the attention of Madam Macara.
• Lemei and Galken interact briefly after passing their respective rounds, with Lemei showing curiosity toward Gilan.
• Madam Macara, the future "Snow Lady," assesses the candidates impartially, focusing on their abilities rather than their backgrounds.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gilan passes the assessment by identifying and explaining various rare materials to Mrs. McCalla.
• Mrs. McCalla accepts Gilan, Lemei, and Garken as her apprentices.
• Gilan, Lemei, and Garken arrive at Mrs. McCalla's residence and have their first lesson on alchemy arrays.

Character Developments

• Gilan demonstrates his extensive knowledge of rare materials, impressing Mrs. McCalla.
• Lemei shows arrogance and superiority towards Gilan and Garken due to her noble background.
• Garken is submissive and respectful towards Lemei and Mrs. McCalla.

Significant Themes

• The cycle of energy and matter in alchemy.
• The principle of equivalent exchange in alchemy, governed by Snow Lady, the Hour-God of September.

Character Interactions

• Gilan and Mrs. McCalla: Gilan impresses Mrs. McCalla with his knowledge, and she accepts him as her apprentice.
• Lemei and Gilan/Garken: Lemei treats Gilan and Garken with arrogance and expects them to respect her as their senior sister.
• Gilan and Garken: They share a cabin and are not shown interacting much, but Garken is submissive towards Lemei.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The three apprentices, Gilan, Lemei, and Garken, spend ten days in the wooden cabin, learning alchemy from Madam Macara.
• Gilan demonstrates exceptional talent, mastering basic alchemical arrays and even developing four more complex ones on his own.
• Madam Macara teaches them about the practical application of alchemical arrays, including transforming materials and creating objects.
• Gilan shares his ambition to learn more from his teacher, Paracelsus, after the viewing.

Character Developments

• Gilan: Proves his genius in alchemy, showing rapid progress and a strong desire to learn more.
• Lemei: Struggles with her noble arrogance and spoiled temper, trying to assert her authority over Gilan and Garken.
• Garken: Remains submissive and obedient to Lemei, but shows some envy of Gilan's skills.

Significant Themes

• The importance of a solid foundation in learning.
• The power and complexity of alchemy.
• The struggle between talent (Gilan) and privilege (Lemei) in learning and growth.

Character Interactions

• Gilan and Lemei: Gilan remains indifferent to Lemei's attempts to assert her authority, while Lemei grows frustrated with Gilan's lack of deference.
• Gilan and Garken: Gilan shows some envy of Gilan's skills, but remains submissive to Lemei.
• Madam Macara and the apprentices: Madam Macara praises Gilan's progress and encourages all three apprentices in their learning.

Summary of Chapter VI, "Silver Bottle"

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gilan and Lemei have a tense interaction, with Lemei trying to learn alchemy from Gilan, but Gilan insisting she act like a proper apprentice.
• A group of apprentices from the "Red Duke" challenge Gilan, Lemei, and Garken, sending their alchemical creations to fight them.
• Gilan easily defeats the creations using a "mud club" formed from compressed soil and an alchemy array.

Character Developments

• Lemei: Struggles with her pride and nobility, but shows dedication to learning alchemy, eventually asking Gilan to teach her.
• Gilan: Demonstrates exceptional strength and skill in alchemy, showing no fear or hesitation in facing the "Red Duke" apprentices' creations.
• Garken: Remains in the background, fearful and hesitant, but follows Gilan and Lemei.

Significant Themes

• Pride and humility: Lemei's struggle with her noble upbringing and Gilan's lack of concern for social status.
• Strength and skill: Gilan's display of physical prowess and alchemical expertise.
• Competition and rivalry: The "Red Duke" apprentices' challenge and Gilan's response.

Character Interactions

• Gilan and Lemei: Their interactions show Gilan's indifference to Lemei's noble status and his insistence on proper apprenticeship, while Lemei struggles with her pride but shows a desire to learn.
• Gilan and the "Red Duke" apprentices: Gilan shows no fear or hesitation in facing their creations, easily defeating them and demonstrating his skill and strength.
• Lemei and Garken: Lemei follows Gilan, while Garken follows both of them, showing less initiative but remaining present.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gilan uses pre-prepared alchemical arrays to defeat a group of apprentices from the Red Duke.
• The Red Duke, Borol Dup, visits Madam Maikala, revealing his ambition to refine the Philosopher's Stone.
• Gilan overhears their conversation, learning that Borol is the leader of Midnight Rose.
• Over a month, Gilan's progress in alchemy far outpaces Lemei and Garken.
• Gilan studies a stitched monster but gains little understanding of its creation.
• Madam Macara teaches the apprentices about the four cosmic elements and the three special substances in alchemy.
• She demonstrates turning lead into gold using alchemy.

Character Developments

• Gilan continues to display exceptional talent and skill in alchemy, leaving his peers behind.
• Lemei begins to admire and revere Gilan's abilities.
• Garken shows interest in studying stitched creatures and demonstrates a thirst for knowledge.
• Madam Macara is impressed by Gilan's progress and adjusts her teaching to suit him.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of knowledge and power through alchemy.
• The consequences and dangers of seeking the Philosopher's Stone.
• The importance of balance and equilibrium in alchemy, symbolized by the four cosmic elements and the three special substances.

Character Interactions

• Gilan and Lemei grow closer as they study together, with Lemei coming to respect Gilan's abilities.
• Gilan and Garken share an interest in studying the stitched monster, fostering a silent bond between them.
• Madam Macara interacts primarily with Gilan, adjusting her teaching to challenge and guide him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Madam Macara teaches the apprentices about 'metal alchemy,' 'human-body alchemy,' and 'soul alchemy.'
• She warns them about the forbidden branch of 'life alchemy.'
• The apprentices are tasked with performing a 'Magnetic Cleansing Ritual' on Andeya's residents.
• Gilan discovers Garken has been cursed while trying out his magnetic cleansing water.

Character Developments

• Madam Macara demonstrates her extensive alchemical knowledge and patience in teaching the apprentices.
• Gilan shows concern for Garken's well-being and uses his magnetic cleansing water to help him.
• Garken gains confidence in his alchemical abilities after successfully refining a potion.
• Lemei displays her talent in alchemy, with her magnetic cleansing water having better effects than Garken's.

Significant Themes

• The dangers of pursuing forbidden knowledge and power.
• The importance of equivalent exchange in alchemy.
• The role of alchemy in improving one's spiritual state and health.

Character Interactions

• Madam Macara imparts her knowledge to the apprentices with patience and care.
• Gilan, Garken, and Lemei practice their magnetic cleansing rituals on each other, fostering a sense of camaraderie.
• Gilan discovers Garken's curse, leading to a moment of concern and urgency.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Garken is revealed to have been cursed, which Gilan removes using the Magnetic Cleansing Ritual.
• Gilan, Lemei, and Garken go to Andeya to perform magnetic cleansing on residents.
• Garken secretly meets with a cloaked figure from the Grafting School at night, revealing his alliance with them.
• Gilan follows Garken and discovers his betrayal, obtaining a secret formula and cultivation medicine from the Grafting School.

Character Developments

• Garken: Revealed to be dishonest and ambitious, joining the Grafting School for power and status.
• Gilan: Shows his cunning and investigative skills by following Garken and uncovering his secret alliance.

Significant Themes

• Betrayal and deception: Garken's secret alliance with the Grafting School highlights the theme of betrayal and deception within the story.
• Power and ambition: Garken's desire for power and status drives him to join the Grafting School, illustrating the corrupting influence of ambition.

Character Interactions

• Gilan and Garken: Gilan's suspicion of Garken leads to him following the young man and discovering his betrayal, highlighting the tense relationship between the two.
• Garken and the cloaked figure: Their secret meeting reveals Garken's alliance with the Grafting School and his eagerness to obtain power and status.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gilan discovers a recipe for a unique metal used in alchemical catalysts by the Grafting School.
• A cloaked figure, later revealed to be an apprentice of Madam Macara and a member of Midnight Rose, is followed by Gilan.
• Gilan confronts and captures the woman, learning about the Grafting School and Midnight Rose's connection to the Red Duke.
• Gilan decides to let the woman go and starts hunting members of the Grafting School in Andeya, accumulating Mystery Points.

Character Developments

• Gilan demonstrates his immense strength and alchemical prowess, revealing his true power to the captured woman.
• The captured woman, despite her modified body and strength, is no match for Gilan, highlighting his superior abilities.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of forbidden knowledge and power, as seen in the Grafting School's human alchemy and Midnight Rose's secretive nature.
• The consequences of defying societal norms and ethical boundaries, as seen in the fear and panic caused by the disappearances in Andeya.

Character Interactions

• Gilan and the cloaked woman: Gilan's calm and dominant demeanor contrasts with the woman's growing fear and desperation.
• Gilan and the Grafting School members: Gilan's nightly hunts reveal his single-minded pursuit of power and knowledge, with little regard for the lives of his targets.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gilan is summoned by Lady Macara at night to her attic.
• Lady Macara reveals she knows Gilan is not an ordinary person and that she is aware of his involvement in the Andeya disappearance cases.
• Lady Macara tells Gilan she knows about Mr. Garken's situation and Borol Dup's obsession with the Philosopher's Stone but chooses not to interfere for now.
• Gilan stops going out hunting and focuses on learning mysticism and alchemy from Lady Macara.
• Over half a year, Gilan's progress in alchemy is remarkable, and he starts assisting Lady Macara and handling royal commissions.
• Gilan, Lemei, and Garken work together on an alchemical experiment, with Gilan using his self-developed "Three Kings' Elixir" as a catalyst.

Character Developments

• Gilan: Shows dedication to learning alchemy and mysticism, becomes proficient enough to assist Lady Macara and handle royal commissions. He also develops his own alchemical catalyst, the "Three Kings' Elixir."
• Lady Macara: Reveals she is aware of Gilan's true nature and his actions in Andeya. She also shows knowledge of the larger political situation involving Borol Dup and the Philosopher's Stone. She mentors Gilan and helps him advance in alchemy.

Significant Themes

• Knowledge and Learning: Gilan's dedication to learning alchemy and mysticism is a central theme. His progress highlights the importance of hard work and dedication in mastering complex subjects.
• Power and Awareness: Lady Macara's awareness of Gilan's true nature and her knowledge of the larger political situation emphasize the theme of power and awareness. She chooses not to interfere in certain matters, showing a level of detachment and wisdom.

Character Interactions

• Gilan and Lady Macara: Their interaction reveals Lady Macara's awareness of Gilan's true nature and her willingness to mentor him despite this. Gilan, in turn, shows respect and dedication to learning from her.
• Gilan, Lemei, and Garken: The three apprentices work together on an alchemical experiment, with Gilan taking the lead. This interaction highlights Gilan's expertise and the others' respect for his skills.

Key Plot Points and Events

+ Gilan successfully refines three alchemical products for the Sakya royal family.
+ Madam Macara praises Gilan and grants him time off.
+ Lemei shares gossip about the royal family's recruitment of alchemists.
+ Gilan secretly leaves the cabin to hunt Grafting School members in Andeya.

Character Developments

+ Gilan demonstrates his alchemical prowess, earning Madam Macara's approval and freedom.
+ Lemei grows more attached to Gilan, while he maintains a distant attitude.
+ Trish, a Grafting School member, is about to encounter Gilan.

Significant Themes

+ Gilan's pursuit of power and his desire to hunt down Grafting School members.
+ The growing attachment between Lemei and Gilan, despite his attempts to keep her at arm's length.
+ The ongoing conflict between the Grafting School and the Sakya royal family.

Character Interactions

+ Gilan and Madam Macara: Gilan earns Madam Macara's praise and freedom.
+ Gilan and Lemei: Lemei grows more attached to Gilan, while he remains distant.
+ Gilan and Trish: Gilan prepares to confront Trish, a Grafting School member.
+ Trish and the other Grafting School members: They discuss their plans to hinder the Grand Alchemists.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gilan infiltrates the Grafting School, disguised as a servant.
• He kills the school's leader, Fried, and all its members.
• Fried, a fourth-tier Long-Lived One, uses alchemy and his "Judge" power in a futile attempt to defeat Gilan.
• Gilan pursues Fried after he tries to escape.

Character Developments

• Gilan demonstrates his immense strength and brutality, easily overpowering Fried and the other members of the Grafting School.
• Fried shows desperation and fear as he realizes he cannot defeat Gilan, resorting to fleeing and seeking help from his adoptive father or the Midnight Rose.

Significant Themes

• Power and brutality: Gilan's strength and willingness to use violence are emphasized.
• Fear and desperation: Fried's reactions highlight the terror and panic caused by Gilan's actions.
• Betrayal and revenge: The Grafting School's destruction can be seen as a form of retribution for their past actions.

Character Interactions

• Gilan and Fried: Their fight showcases Gilan's overwhelming power and Fried's futile attempts to resist.
• Gilan and the Grafting School members: Gilan's casual disposal of the other members demonstrates his disregard for their lives.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fried, the founder of the Grafting School and a senior member of Midnight Rose, is severely wounded and pursued by Gilan.
• Fried flees to Chessboard Manor, where he is confronted by Gilan, who also has a Knight Chess piece.
• Gilan kills Fried and absorbs his Mystic Energy and Kingdom Brand.
• Three more Midnight Rose members arrive, and Gilan prepares to fight them.

Character Developments

• Fried, despite his strength and pride, is ultimately no match for Gilan and meets his end.
• Gilan demonstrates his ability to corrupt Long-Lived Ones and absorb their power, further solidifying his strength.
• The three new Midnight Rose members show caution and unity in the face of Gilan's threat.

Significant Themes

• The theme of power and its consequences continues, with Fried's downfall serving as a stark reminder of the dangers of underestimating one's opponents.
• The theme of corruption and absorption of power is further explored, with Gilan's ability to absorb Kingdom Brands and Mystic Energy.

Character Interactions

• Gilan and Fried: The chase and final confrontation between the two highlight Gilan's relentless pursuit of power and Fried's eventual demise.
• Gilan and the three Midnight Rose members: The impending confrontation showcases Gilan's growing threat and the members' caution and unity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gilan, disguised as a stone-and-bone sculpture, invades Chessboard Manor and defeats four Long-Lived Ones, including Baron Fried Dup.
• He escapes using a Knight Chess piece and returns to the wooden cabin.
• Lemei learns about the recent disappearances and plague outbreak in Andeya from her family's butler.

Character Developments

• Gilan: Proves his strength and cunning by defeating four Long-Lived Ones single-handedly. Gains four Kingdom Brands and a significant number of Mystery Points.
• Lemei: Shows concern for her mother's health and is determined to inform Macara about the plague outbreak.

Significant Themes

• Power and Strength: Gilan's display of power and the consequences of underestimating him.
• Plague and Disease: The outbreak in Andeya serves as a new plot development and potential threat.

Character Interactions

• Gilan and the Long-Lived Ones: Gilan's one-sided battle against the Long-Lived Ones, showcasing his superior strength and strategy.
• Lemei and the Housekeeper: Lemei learns about the recent events in Andeya and decides to inform Macara.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lemei relays a message to Maikala, who reveals that she senses danger approaching, possibly from the royal family.
• Gilan and Maikala discuss the danger, which involves an enormous alchemical array in Andeya for refining the Philosopher's Stone.
• The royal army approaches the wooden house, and Maikala sends Gilan, Lemei, and Garken away.
• Gilan leads them away but encounters the royal army blocking their path. They are saved when Maikala engages and delays the army with her alchemical constructs.

Character Developments

• Maikala shows her calm and strategic side, revealing her knowledge of the impending danger and her plan to protect Andeya's residents.
• Gilan demonstrates his loyalty and bravery, promising to keep Lemei and Garken safe and acting swiftly to protect them.
• Lemei shows concern for her safety and the situation but follows Gilan's lead.
• Garken remains silent and mysterious, hinting at some unknown knowledge or connection.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and its consequences: The royal family's desire for immortality leads them to sacrifice Andeya's residents, highlighting the dangers of unchecked ambition.
• The power of knowledge: Maikala's alchemical prowess and Gilan's understanding of alchemy enable them to navigate the dangerous situation and protect others.
• Loyalty and protection: Both Gilan and Maikala show unwavering loyalty to their principles and a strong desire to protect the innocent.

Character Interactions

• Maikala and Gilan: They share a teacher-student relationship, with Maikala trusting Gilan to keep Lemei and Garken safe. They work together to understand and counteract the impending danger.
• Gilan and Lemei: Gilan takes on the role of protector, leading Lemei away from danger and reassuring her despite the dire situation.
• Gilan and Garken: Gilan protects Garken without explanation, hinting at a bond between them. Garken remains silent but follows Gilan's lead, suggesting a level of trust.

Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Gilan, Lemei, and Garken flee the battlefield, evading the enemy's encirclement.
• They encounter an ambush set by the Red Duke's disciples at a crossroads.
• Garken betrays Lemei and Gilan, revealing his secret alchemical enhancements and attacking Gilan with a parasitic creature.

Character Developments

• Gilan: Remains calm and composed even in dangerous situations. Shows concern for Lemei's safety by giving her a protective parchment.
• Lemei: Struggles with guilt for her past treatment of Garken but remains loyal to her teacher, Madam Macara.
• Garken: Reveals his resentment towards Lemei and his desire for power, leading to his betrayal.

Significant Themes

• Betrayal and its consequences.
• The struggle for power and status.
• The dangers of secret research and enhancements.

Character Interactions

• Gilan and Lemei: Gilan shows concern for Lemei's safety, while Lemei relies on Gilan for protection.
• Lemei and Garken: Their past dynamic is revealed, with Lemei feeling guilty for her past actions and Garken harboring resentment towards her.
• Gilan and Garken: Gilan expresses disappointment in Garken's actions and choices.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gilan reveals his true power, easily defeating Garken and his alchemical creature.
• Gilan uses his alchemical arrays to control the earth, creating mud pythons and a rain of stone shards, defeating the seven red-robed alchemists.
• The one-eyed woman uses her Origin Ability and alchemy combined technique, "Mind Birds," but Gilan disappears before it hits him.
• Gilan decapitates the one-eyed woman with his cross sword, absorbing her Kingdom Brand.

Character Developments

• Gilan: Proves his formidable alchemical skills and mental strength, absorbing multiple Kingdom Brands.
• Garken: Dies after underestimating Gilan.
• Lemei: Realizes Gilan's power and is shocked by his actions.
• The red-robed alchemists: Defeated and absorbed by Gilan.

Significant Themes

• The power of alchemy and mental strength.
• The importance of underestimating one's enemies.
• The absorption of Kingdom Brands and their significance.

Character Interactions

• Gilan vs. Garken: Gilan effortlessly defeats Garken, proving his superiority.
• Gilan vs. the red-robed alchemists: Gilan uses his alchemical arrays to defeat the group, showcasing his power and strategy.
• Gilan vs. the one-eyed woman: Gilan disappears before her attack and counterattacks, killing her and absorbing her Kingdom Brand.

Plot Points and Events

• Gilan and Lemei witness Madam Macara's battle with the Red Duke from afar.
• Madam Macara ascends to the Land of Gods after defeating the Red Duke.
• Gilan decides to leave Andeya to seek the mysteries of alchemy.
• Lemei asks Gilan to take her with him, but he refuses.
• The film ends with Lemei standing on a hill, gazing into the distance.

Character Developments

• Gilan: He has grown stronger and more confident in his alchemical abilities after studying under Madam Macara. He decides to leave Andeya to continue his journey of discovery.
• Lemei: She has developed feelings for Gilan and wants to accompany him on his journey. She is determined to work hard and reach the step of ascension to see him and Madam Macara again.

Significant Themes

• The principle of equivalent exchange: To gain something, one must first lose something. This principle is reflected in Iridescence's mechanism and Gilan's journey of self-discovery.
• The importance of knowledge and learning: Both Gilan and Lemei value the knowledge they have gained and are eager to continue learning and growing.

Character Interactions

• Gilan and Lemei: Their bond has deepened throughout the film. They share a moment of understanding and mutual respect before parting ways.
• Madam Macara and Gilan: Madam Macara's ascension leaves a lasting impact on Gilan, inspiring him to continue his alchemical journey.
• Lemei and Madam Macara: Although they do not interact directly in this chapter, Lemei's determination to reach the step of ascension is fueled by her desire to see Madam Macara again.