Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wain meets Tina, a white-haired girl with a peculiar demeanor, who notices Wain's two Little Ashis.
• A parchment containing a wraith from the Third Era is opened in the office, releasing a dangerous spirit.
• Lacy and Marco work together to dispel the wraith using a potion from Marco's flintlock.

Character Developments

• Wain: Shows interest in Lacy's fight with Marco and is initially intimidated by Tina's stare.
• Tina: Reveals her ability to sense the supernatural by noticing Wain's Little Ashis and remains calm during the wraith incident.
• Lacy: Demonstrates her combat skills and leadership by taking charge against the wraith.
• Marco: Shows his expertise in handling relics and uses a potion to dispel the wraith.

Significant Themes

• The power of contamination from relics of the past eras.
• The danger and unpredictability of supernatural entities.
• The importance of teamwork and communication in handling dangerous situations.

Character Interactions

• Wain and Tina: Wain is initially unnerved by Tina's stare, while Tina is curious about Wain's Little Ashis.
• Lacy and Marco: They work together to combat the wraith, showing a level of trust and understanding between them.
• Marco and Wain: Marco tries to befriend Wain but is interrupted by Lacy and the wraith incident.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tina resists a Wraith's mental attack, earning Wei En an assist and 2 Survival Points.
• Minister Yegor Payne arrives due to the commotion, warns Wei En about Rogeret's matter, and leaves after threatening Lacy and Marco.
• Marco and Wei En repair the office door while Marco explains the seven Magic Potions used by the Investigation Department.
• Lacy begins a briefing on a disappearance case in the slums.

Character Developments

• Wei En demonstrates his ability to resist mental attacks, earning him recognition and Survival Points.
• Minister Yegor Payne is revealed to be a formidable and violent figure, despite his lazy demeanor.
• Marco shows his fear of Minister Yegor and provides valuable information about the Magic Potions to Wei En.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and varieties of supernatural creatures (Wraiths, Transcendents, Blood Beasts).
• The brutal and violent methods used by some figures in the Investigation Department (Minister Yegor's use of No. 4 Magic Potion on Rogeret).
• The importance of teamwork and communication in the face of threats (Wei En's assist in resisting the Wraith's attack).

Character Interactions

• Lacy, Marco, and Wei En work together to repair the office door after Minister Yegor's visit.
• Marco shares information about the Magic Potions with Wei En, demonstrating a level of trust and camaraderie.
• Lacy begins a case briefing, indicating her role as the team leader and Wei En's integration into the team.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The team investigates a missing persons case where 300 people vanished simultaneously in the Laos District.
• A parchment is found using Tina's spiritual vision, which Wei En offers to translate.
• The parchment reveals that the Church of Dawn used a taboo object, the Resurrection Coffin, to resurrect an archbishop, absorbing the spirits and blood of 3,000 heretics from the Eternal Life Society.

Character Developments

• Wei En demonstrates his knowledge of the Gonzalez Language, potentially saving the department significant translation fees.
• Tina expresses a liking for Wei En and a desire to be friends with him, causing Marco discomfort and jealousy.
• Lacy shows concern for Tina's well-being and tries to prevent her from harming Marco.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and politics within the Secret Investigation Bureau, with budget constraints and the need for specialized knowledge (like translating the Gonzalez Language) being highlighted.
• The potential danger and taboo nature of the investigation, involving a high-ranking transcendent or a taboo object.
• The complex relationships and dynamics between team members, with Tina's unusual behavior and Marco's jealousy adding tension.

Character Interactions

• Lacy, Marco, and Tina discuss the case and the parchment's contents.
• Tina expresses her dislike for Marco and a desire to "eat" him, causing Marco distress and leading Lacy to intervene.
• Lacy and Marco discuss Tina's behavior and decide to have Marco teach Wei En more, potentially leading to Wei En teaming up with Tina in the future.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei En translates a Third Era Relic parchment in record time, detailing the history of Taboo Object 0-34, Resurrection Coffin.
• The parchment reveals that the Resurrection Coffin is sealed in Crimson Cathedral, and its use led to the capture of thousands of believers and a war between factions.
• Lacy, Marco, and Wei En discuss the implications of the parchment, wondering why the abductor left it behind.

Character Developments

• Wei En demonstrates his exceptional language skills by quickly translating the ancient Gonzalez Language text.
• Lacy shows her leadership by taking charge of the situation and considering how to report their findings to Minister Yegor.
• Marco displays his carefree and impulsive nature, initially doubting Wei En's translation skills and suggesting implausible explanations.
• Tina, the white-haired girl, exhibits her mysterious ability to confirm the truth of Wei En's translation.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of forbidden objects, such as the Resurrection Coffin, which can resurrect the dead but requires human sacrifices to offset its negative effects.
• The struggle for power and resources between different factions, as seen in the war between the Church of Dawn and the Twilight Knight Legion.
• The importance of evidence and logical thinking in investigations, as Wei En suggests two directions for further inquiry.

Character Interactions

• Lacy and Marco initially doubt Wei En's translation skills but eventually accept his findings with Tina's confirmation.
• Wei En shares his thoughts on the case, offering suggestions for further investigation despite being a newcomer.
• Lacy seeks Wei En's opinion on how to proceed, showing respect for his insights.
• Marco and Lacy have a playful, sibling-like dynamic, with Marco teasing Lacy and Lacy hitting him in response.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei En impresses Lacy and Marco with his translation skills and investigation insights.
• They discuss the Resurrection Coffin's price of 3,000 spirits and blood, with only 300 people currently missing.
• Lacy decides to report to Yegor with Wei En's input, and Wei En asks for his translation funds.
• Lacy gives Wei En two gold pounds, and he promises to help with future translations.
• Marco invites Wei En to Never-Night City, revealing Lacy's previous deception about nightlife experiences.

Character Developments

• Wei En demonstrates his intelligence and investigation skills, earning Lacy's respect.
• Lacy shows a more vulnerable side, feeling the pressure of the case and regretting her previous deception.
• Marco reveals his simple-minded nature and his willingness to deceive Lacy for personal gain.

Significant Themes

• The importance of intelligence and investigation skills in solving cases.
• The pressure of work and the vulnerability of even the most capable individuals.
• The theme of deception and its consequences, as seen in Lacy's and Marco's actions.

Character Interactions

• Lacy and Wei En: Lacy comes to respect Wei En's abilities, while Wei En is honest about his intentions and needs.
• Wei En and Marco: They bond over their shared knowledge of detective novels and plans to visit Never-Night City.
• Lacy and Marco: Marco deceives Lacy about their previous nightlife experience, and she suspects their current conversation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lacy confronts Marco for deceiving her and punishes him.
• Ariana, captain of Investigation Division Two, arrives and is ordered by Lacy to join the case.
• The team is headed to the Laos District to investigate further.

Character Developments

• Lacy: Shows her stern and unyielding side when dealing with Marco's deceit.
• Marco: Loses face and is humiliated but learns his lesson.
• Ariana: Initially eager to work with Lacy but later shows reluctance.
• Wain: Starts his job at the Secret Investigation Bureau and joins the case.

Significant Themes

• Trust and betrayal: Marco's deceit and Lacy's reaction highlight the importance of trust in their line of work.
• Power dynamics: Lacy's authority is evident in her interactions with Marco and Ariana.

Character Interactions

• Lacy and Marco: Their interaction shows Lacy's no-nonsense attitude and Marco's fear of her.
• Lacy and Ariana: Their interaction reveals Lacy's authority and Ariana's initial eagerness and later reluctance.
• Wain and Lacy: Wain follows Lacy's orders without question, showing his professionalism.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei En discovers that the progress bar for the "Forbidden Object 0-34 Resurrection Coffin" has increased to 20%.
• Tina, a Calamity Species, forms a Partner Contract with Wei En, enhancing his physique and granting him healing abilities.
• Wei En, Marco, and Lacy set off together, with Marco revealing his innate ability to create a small tornado.

Character Developments

• Wei En remains calm and composed despite the sudden revelation about Tina and the Partner Contract.
• Marco shows concern for Wei En's well-being and provides him with food.
• Lacy is anxious about Wei En's safety and asks him if he feels any changes.

Significant Themes

• The mysterious and dangerous nature of Calamity Species and Forbidden Objects.
• The importance of trust and friendship among colleagues, as seen in Wei En's acceptance of Tina's friendship and Marco's concern for him.

Character Interactions

• Wei En and Tina form an unlikely friendship, with Tina expressing her affection for him.
• Marco and Lacy are worried about Wei En's safety and have a secret they're hesitant to reveal.
• Wei En, Marco, and Lacy set off together, with Marco showing off his innate ability.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei En encounters a Calamity Species, Tina, and forms a contract with her.
• The group sets out to investigate a case in Laos District, with Wei En's mission details kept secret from Ariana.
• Wei En learns about the different levels of mutants and the severity of Tina's condition.

Character Developments

• Wei En becomes more cautious and concerned about Tina's true nature.
• Lacy reveals more about Tina's condition and the dangers of Calamity Species.
• Ariana shows frustration with the secrecy of the mission.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and mysteries of Calamity Species and mutants.
• The importance of information control and secrecy in investigations.
• The consequences of forming contracts with Calamity Species.

Character Interactions

• Wei En and Lacy discuss Tina's condition and the contract.
• Ariana expresses frustration with Lacy's secrecy regarding the mission.
• Marco remains supportive of Wei En, offering to share more about Tina later.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lacy, Marco, and Wei En (disguised as Ariana) are assigned to investigate missing persons in the Laos District.
• They bypass the central district due to the Church of Dawn's restrictions, causing Ariana to complain about the Church's overbearingness.
• Upon reaching the Laos District, they find it filthy and impoverished, with no immediate signs of the missing persons.

Character Developments

• Lacy demonstrates her stern and serious demeanor, prioritizing the investigation's urgency over Ariana's complaints.
• Ariana shows off his knowledge about the Church of Dawn, trying to impress the group but ultimately revealing little useful information.
• Wei En, despite his disdain for the area, remains focused on the task at hand and his hidden objective.

Significant Themes

• Social Inequality: The stark contrast between the Laos District and other districts highlights the social inequality in Kaster City-State.
• Religious Power: The Church of Dawn's influence and restrictions on the city emphasize the power held by religious institutions.

Character Interactions

• Lacy and Ariana's tense relationship continues, with Ariana trying to assert his knowledge while Lacy remains unimpressed.
• Marco acts as a catalyst for conversation, provoking Ariana to share information about the Saint-Favored.
• Wei En remains mostly silent, observing and listening to the others, occasionally glaring at Ariana when he becomes annoying.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei En, Lacy, Tina, Ariana, and Marco enter the Laos District slums to investigate the missing people.
• They encounter members of the Eternal Life Society, who have been turning people into "servants."
• A battle ensues, during which Ariana transforms into a monster-like form, and Lacy uses her axe and Tina's spiritual vision to fight the enemies.
• The Eternal Life Society members, revealed to be puppets, retreat, leaving behind a message that they will retrieve the Era Relic.

Character Developments

• Wei En: Shows concern for Tina's safety and willingness to protect her. He also demonstrates his understanding of the situation and the enemies' abilities.
• Lacy: Reveals her serious and grave side when facing danger. She shows strategic thinking and quick decision-making during the battle.
• Ariana: Initially arrogant and dismissive of the Basques, he later shows concern for Lacy's safety and agrees to withdraw until backup arrives. His transformation into a monster-like form is revealed to be a family ability.
• Tina: Remains calm and collected throughout the encounter, using her spiritual vision without any visible emotional reaction.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between the Eternal Life Society and the Alders, with the Eternal Life Society being portrayed as a malicious and powerful force.
• The contrast between the clean and neat appearance of the Alders and the ragged, desperate appearance of the Basques, highlighting the social divide.
• The theme of transformation and mutation, seen in Ariana's ability and the Eternal Life Society's puppets.

Character Interactions

• Wei En and Tina: Wei En shields Tina during the battle, showing concern for her safety. Tina remains calm and collected, not relying on Wei En for emotional support.
• Lacy and Ariana: Lacy shows concern for Ariana's safety but is determined to complete the mission. Ariana initially argues with Lacy but later agrees to withdraw until backup arrives.
• Lacy and the Eternal Life Society: Lacy shows hatred and determination when facing the Eternal Life Society, revealing a personal grudge.
• Ariana and the Eternal Life Society: Ariana shows contempt and hostility towards the Eternal Life Society, calling them "trash" and "sons of bitches."

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wain, Lacy, Ariana, Marco, and Wei En arrive at the Eternal Life Society's preaching ground in Laos District.
• They encounter a shadowy figure, which Wain later realizes is Claire, a dangerous member of the Eternal Life Society.
• They discover a hidden house with a strange aura, which turns out to be a Sanctuary of Faith belonging to an unknown existence.
• A black aura, the Power of Despair, emerges from the sanctuary and targets Wei En and Tina.

Character Developments

• Wain learns about Tina's talent, self-healing, and her unique vision.
• Marco reveals his staff weapon and expresses his disdain for Ariana's appearance when using his ability.
• Wei En gains a better understanding of the Eternal Life Society and its threat.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of eternal life and its consequences.
• The corruption and danger of unknown powers.
• The importance of knowledge and understanding in facing the unknown.

Character Interactions

• Wain and Lacy discuss their plans and observations.
• Marco and Wei En share information about the Eternal Life Society and its members.
• Ariana uses his ability to search for the Eternal Life Society's gathering place, revealing his unique appearance and causing discomfort to Marco and Wei En.
• Lacy, Ariana, Marco, and Wei En work together to investigate the hidden house and face the Power of Despair.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei En is enveloped by a black aura and transported to a dark, empty space.
• He encounters a giant, distorted eyeball with a sinister aura, representing the Lord of Despair, Gulaier.
• After enduring the despair, Wei En receives a panel notification, revealing Gulaier's name and increasing his Spirit and Tenacity levels.
• Gulaier attempts to drag Wei En into its realm, but he resists and escapes back to reality.

Character Developments

• Wei En demonstrates resilience and courage in facing his fears and enduring Gulaier's despair.
• Wain Loft, Wei En's real identity, regains consciousness after being slammed awake by Marco.
• Wain experiences confusion and fear upon seeing his tentacled appearance, but remains determined to continue his mission.

Significant Themes

• Despair and Fear: Gulaier's power is based on instilling fear and despair, reflecting the theme of facing and overcoming one's fears.
• Resilience: Wei En's ability to endure and resist Gulaier's influence highlights the theme of resilience in the face of adversity.
• Identity: Wain's confusion upon waking up and seeing his transformed appearance raises questions about identity and self-perception.

Character Interactions

• Wei En and Gulaier: Their interaction is one-sided, with Gulaier attempting to control and consume Wei En, who ultimately resists.
• Wain and the Team: Wain's team members, Marco, Lacy, Ariana, and Tina, work together to ensure Wain's safety and well-being, demonstrating camaraderie and support.
• Wain and Himself: Wain struggles with his perception of his transformed appearance, reflecting an internal conflict with his own identity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei En joins Lacy and Ariana on the mission to investigate the disappearances.
• They discover a room filled with dried, ritualistically posed corpses, each marked with a red eye pattern.
• The scene is a result of a despair cult's sacrificial ritual, with a statue of a ferocious eye at the center.
• Lacy plans to sell the corpses and the statue for profit, with each team member receiving a share.

Character Developments

• Wei En shows concern and empathy for the victims, but also becomes excited about the potential profit from the mission.
• Lacy is revealed to be more interested in the financial gains of the mission than the emotional impact of the victims.
• Ariana is more concerned with his share of the profits than the case itself.

Significant Themes

• Greed and materialism, as the team members discuss the financial gains of the mission while standing among the victims.
• The desensitization to violence and death, shown by the team's casual reaction to the horrifying scene.

Character Interactions

• Wei En and Lacy have a brief moment of understanding, as Wei En tries to comfort Lacy, but she reveals she was only thinking about the profit.
• Ariana and Marco bicker over the distribution of the profits.
• The city guards discuss attending Marco's reception and try to bribe Giuseppe to take them along.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Marco kills the last City Guard, revealing his desire for eternal life.
• Claire, a member of the Eternal Life Society, appears and fights Marco and Lacy.
• Wei En kills Claire's puppet with a gunshot, earning rewards for his first kill.
• The group returns to the Secret Investigation Bureau, and Lacy confronts Yegor.

Character Developments

• Marco: Shows his desire for eternal life and faces Claire, revealing his strength and bravery.
• Claire: Demonstrates her power and cunning, using illusions and transformations to deceive her enemies.
• Wei En: Kills an enemy for the first time, gaining rewards and experiencing the consequences of taking a life.
• Lacy: Shows her calm and collected demeanor during the fight but later reveals her anger towards Yegor.

Significant Themes

• Desire for eternal life and the consequences of pursuing it.
• The struggle between good and evil, as represented by the Secret Investigation Bureau and the Eternal Life Society.
• The numbness and anger that result from witnessing and experiencing violence and tragedy.

Character Interactions

• Marco and Claire: Engage in a battle of wits and strength, with Claire using illusions to deceive Marco.
• Wei En and Claire: Wei En kills Claire's puppet, earning rewards and experiencing the consequences of taking a life.
• Lacy and Yegor: Lacy confronts Yegor, revealing her anger towards him and the situation in the slums.
• Wei En and Marco: The two bond over their shared experiences and the danger they face.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei En completes his first mission with the Secret Investigation Bureau, involving the Eternal Life Society and a Forbidden Object.
• He is tasked with infiltrating Crimson Cathedral, disguised as a believer of the Church of Dawn, to locate the Resurrection Coffin.
• He accepts the mission, with the reward being a choice of commendations, including gold pounds, Era Relics, or weapons.

Character Developments

• Wei En demonstrates adaptability and courage in his first mission, showing potential as a valuable member of the Secret Investigation Bureau.
• Tina, Wei En's partner, is initially clingy but gradually accepts their contract.
• Marco, another bureau member, is shown to be flirtatious and confident in his abilities.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Acceptance: Wei En learns to trust his new colleagues and accepts Tina as his partner.
• Risk and Reward: Wei En understands that high-risk missions come with high rewards.
• Disguise and Deception: Wei En's mission requires him to infiltrate a hostile environment under false pretenses.

Character Interactions

• Wei En interacts with Lacy, his chief, who is strict but fair, and Marco, his colleague, who is flirtatious and confident.
• Wei En's relationship with Tina, his partner, improves as they spend more time together.
• Wei En also interacts with Yuan, the clinic doctor, who is protective of Kali, his daughter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei En studies the process of branding the Soul-Devouring Rune, using mental power to draw it in midair.
• He successfully brands the rune onto two 'Origin Sub-entities' (Little Ashis), consuming nearly ninety percent of his mental power.
• After branding, the runes shift to the Little Ashis' foreheads, and Wei En experiences intense pain and a mysterious voice.
• He discovers he can control the Little Ashis like extensions of his body.

Character Developments

• Wei En demonstrates his understanding and skill in branding the Soul-Devouring Rune, showing his dedication and capability.
• The Little Ashis show signs of increased intelligence after the runes are branded.

Significant Themes

• The power and consequences of the Soul-Devouring Rune are explored, including the pain Wei En experiences after branding it.
• The connection between Wei En and the Little Ashis is strengthened, highlighting the theme of control and extension of self.

Character Interactions

• Wei En interacts with the Little Ashis, initially playing with his newfound control over them, and later acknowledging their presence in his life.
• The Little Ashis show resentment towards Wei En's control, responding with "Ada" (Get lost) when he expresses his intention to rely on them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei En discovers the true function of the Soul-Devouring Rune and has the Little Ashis continue meditating.
• He learns that the Little Ashis' swallowing devours specific elements, which are transformed into mental power.
• Wei En checks the panel and finds that his origin characteristic has mutated again, likely due to origin corrosion.
• He learns the Spirit Devouring spell and tests it on a quill, with the Little Ashis performing the spell in a surprising manner.
• Wei En decides to raise the level of Spirit Devouring and improves his Basic Marksmanship.
• He plans to improve his potionology knowledge with his remaining survival points.

Character Developments

• Wei En becomes more accepting of his mutations and the unusual methods of his spells.
• He shows determination to improve his skills and knowledge, prioritizing his needs and resources.

Significant Themes

• Acceptance of change and the unusual, both in one's own body and in the methods of magic.
• Prioritization and resource management in skill and knowledge improvement.

Character Interactions

• Wei En interacts with the Little Ashis, who assist him in using the Spirit Devouring spell.
• Wei En's internal monologue reveals his thought processes and decisions, showing his determination and resourcefulness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei En learns about the five branches of potionology: material science, pharmacology, compatibility science, alchemy, and toxicology.
• He discovers the expensive equipment and materials required for potion-making, realizing the high costs involved.
• Wei En completes the study of basic potionology knowledge and unlocks the Potionology Knowledge Tree.
• He decides to focus on intelligence upload work to earn more money due to his financial constraints.

Character Developments

• Wei En becomes more aware of the financial aspects and challenges of potion-making.
• He expresses envy towards wizard apprentices who can use school potion laboratories.
• Wei En demonstrates caution by not revealing all information in his intelligence reports.

Significant Themes

• The financial aspect of potionology and the challenges faced by aspiring potion-makers.
• Wei En's growing awareness of the real-world implications of his actions and the information he possesses.

Character Interactions

• Wei En interacts with the liaison officer through his intelligence reports, attempting to negotiate for more time to investigate the Saint-Favored case.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wain receives a new mission from his liaison officer via the "Telephone" device.
• The liaison officer asks Wain to verify details about Claire and the Despair Cult's ritual site.
• Wain is ordered to gather intelligence on the Eternal Life Society, Claire, and the Despair Cult, including their presence in Kaster.
• Wain is rewarded for his previous mission but feels disrespected by the liaison officer's arrogance.

Character Developments

• Wain has advanced to an intermediate wizard apprentice, feeling more confident and less intimidated by the liaison officer.
• The liaison officer maintains her cold and arrogant demeanor, emphasizing Wain's duty as an intelligence officer over his personal ambitions.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The liaison officer's arrogance highlights the power imbalance between her and Wain, reflecting the hierarchical structure within the Specter School.
• Duty vs. Ambition: The liaison officer reminds Wain that his primary responsibility is to be a qualified intelligence officer, not just to pursue becoming an official wizard.
• The Struggle for Resources: Wain laments the difficulty of becoming a formal wizard as an intelligence officer, emphasizing the scarcity of resources available to him.

Character Interactions

• Wain and the liaison officer maintain a formal, tense relationship. The liaison officer's cold and demanding attitude contrasts with Wain's more respectful and cautious demeanor.
• Wain feels disrespected and stung by the liaison officer's words, fueling his determination to become a formal wizard and gain more power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei En decides to learn more about the Arcane Wizard system and strengthen his "Origin Sub-entities" instead of learning offensive spells.
• Wei En has a nightmare about the Lord of Despair, Gulaier, due to emotional wavering caused by the liaison officer's arrogance.
• Tina appears in Wei En's room through their Partner Contract due to intense feelings of longing.

Character Developments

• Wei En: Realizes the importance of staying calm and unshaken to survive in the transcendent world. Loses 1 Spirit Level temporarily due to despair contamination.
• Tina: Understands the difference between living and sleeping together, and uses her Partner Contract to appear in Wei En's room.

Significant Themes

• The dangers of emotional wavering and arrogance in the transcendent world.
• The importance of staying calm and unshaken for survival.
• The power of the Partner Contract and the God of Contracts' rewards.

Character Interactions

• Wei En and Tina: Tina's intense feelings for Wei En allow her to appear in his room, showing a deepening of their partnership despite the initial contract's restrictions.