Summary: Chapter 361 — Rock Crisis (Part 2)

Key Plot Points

• Diya confronts Mad Snake and Money Rat in a room, claiming he is not their enemy and that he only came to find Adam's father
• Mad Snake tests Diya with a lightning-fast attack, but Diya easily dodges, demonstrating overwhelming superiority
• Mad Snake and Money Rat escape through a hidden underground passage after setting off a smoke bomb and revealing they believe Diya's group "kidnapped the captain's father"
• Diya pursues them through an underground maze but is delayed when five unknown experts block his path, claiming their "master" invites him
• Diya defeats one attacker (an emperor-rank expert) and escapes, but the delay costs him; Mad Snake and Money Rat get away

Key Events

• Diya reveals his name: "Diya"
• Mad Snake reveals his belief: the captain's father has been kidnapped (implying the Rock Mercenary Group is already in crisis)
• The mysterious invitation is revealed to be unrelated to the Rock crisis—a coincidence, but one that allows Mad Snake and Money Rat to escape

Character Developments

• Diya: Shown as extremely powerful (sovereign-rank level, able to defeat upper emperor-rank with one blow), but also somewhat naive in letting enemies escape. He is impatient and focused on finding Adam's father, showing a personal connection to Adam.
• Mad Snake: Fiercely loyal to the Rock Mercenary Group, highly skilled despite lower rank, cunning (uses smoke bombs and secret passages), and protective—declines Money Rat's offer to join the group during the crisis to avoid endangering him.
• Money Rat: Pragmatic, regretful over lost loot, skilled in evasion, respects Mad Snake's loyalty.

Significant Themes

• Misunderstanding and mistrust: Diya's genuine non-hostile intentions are met with violence due to the Rock group's current crisis mentality
• Loyalty and self-sacrifice: Mad Snake's devotion to his captain and refusal to recruit others during a crisis
• Overconfidence as a flaw: Diya's casual attitude and underestimation of his enemies allows their escape
• A world of hidden complexity: Secret passages, hidden experts, and mysterious invitation-makers suggest layered political intrigue

Character Interactions

• Diya ↔ Mad Snake: Tense confrontation ending in Mad Snake's escape; Mad Snake launches two attacks, Diya dodges both without retaliating, clearly demonstrating power disparity.
• Mad Snake ↔ Money Rat: A bond of trust; Mad Snake values Money Rat's friendship but refuses to risk him in the current crisis.
• Diya ↔ Five Unknown Experts: Confrontation born of coincidence; Diya neutralizes one attacker and flees rather than fight, prioritizing his pursuit.
• Bottom line: Diya loses track of Mad Snake and Money Rat, the mystery of the Rock crisis deepens, and Adam's father's whereabouts remain unknown.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The story takes place in Tianbadu's Confusion Zone, a labyrinthine district originally built for wartime confusion.
• Mad Snake and Money Rat, seeking refuge, arrive at the hideout of Adam, leader of the Rock Mercenary Group.
• Adam's father, Uncle Fu, has been kidnapped. Two mysterious men, the Pale-Faced Man and the Black-Faced Man, demand a 'Power Fragment' in exchange for Uncle Fu's release.
• Adam produces the fragment, but the men still intend to kill him and his group. The Pale-Faced Man reveals he must kill daily to maintain his well-being.

Character Developments

• Adam: Initially sorrowful and desperate, Adam becomes furious upon learning the fragment's history and his father's past ordeals. He decides to protect his group and resist the mysterious men.
• Mad Snake: He remains loyal and helpful, introducing Money Rat to Adam and relaying crucial information about Diya.
• Money Rat: Despite his love for money, Money Rat displays loyalty and sincerity, offering to join the Rock Mercenary Group in their time of crisis.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty vs. Betrayal: Money Rat's loyalty contrasts with the mysterious men's betrayal, who despite receiving the fragment, still intend to kill Adam and his group.
• The Price of Power: The Power Fragment brings harm rather than benefit, highlighting the potential dangers of pursuing power.

Character Interactions

• Adam and Mad Snake: Their brotherly bond is strengthened as Mad Snake aids Adam and brings news of Diya.
• Adam and Money Rat: Adam appreciates Money Rat's sincerity and offers him a place in the Rock Mercenary Group.
• Adam and the Mysterious Men: Adam's initial cooperation turns to defiance as he learns the fragment's history and the men's true intentions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Diya arrives just in time to save Uncle Fu and Adam from White Snake (the pale-faced man) and Black Snake (the dark-faced man).
• White Snake and Black Snake are members of the Wandering Souls, a group Diya is looking for.
• Diya effortlessly kills White Snake, Black Snake, and the other man using his Flick Sword and soul power.
• Diya retrieves the Hell Fragment from White Snake's body.

Character Developments

• Adam and Uncle Fu: Adam is injured and his hands are crippled, but he is saved by Diya's timely arrival. Uncle Fu is overjoyed to see Diya and is eager to talk to him.
• White Snake (the pale-faced man): He is a powerful and cruel opponent who toys with his enemies before killing them. He is killed by Diya.
• Black Snake (the dark-faced man): He is impatient and spoils White Snake's fun. He is also killed by Diya.
• Diya: He demonstrates his powerful soul power and Flick Sword technique, easily defeating the Wandering Souls members. He is calm, confident, and shows no mercy to his enemies.

Significant Themes

• Power and Weakness: The power dynamics shift dramatically when Diya arrives, turning the tables on White Snake and Black Snake.
• Redemption: Diya's timely arrival allows him to save Uncle Fu and Adam, potentially redeeming himself in their eyes after being abandoned earlier.
• The Unknown: Diya's true power and identity are revealed to the Wandering Souls members, who are shocked and unable to react in time.

Character Interactions

• Diya and Uncle Fu: Diya's arrival brings joy to Uncle Fu, who is eager to talk to him and hear his story.
• Diya and the Wandering Souls: Diya's calm and confident demeanor unnerves the Wandering Souls members, who are unable to react effectively to his attacks.
• Adam and Uncle Fu: Adam is injured and desperate to protect Uncle Fu, while Uncle Fu is willing to sacrifice himself for Adam.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Diya saves the mercenaries, including Adam, from a dangerous situation.
• Adam becomes resentful and blames Diya and his father for their current predicament.
• Adam learns that Diya, despite being unable to cultivate until age 15, has become incredibly strong in just over two years.
• Adam demands compensation from Diya for the danger they faced, which was connected to Diya's family.
• Diya agrees to heal Adam's hands and offers compensation to the mercenaries.

Character Developments

• Diya: Shows maturity and understanding, not reacting to Adam's resentment. He provokes Adam to make him confront his feelings and take responsibility.
• Adam: Struggles with resentment and blame, but eventually decides to ask Diya for compensation directly, showing a degree of honesty.
• Uncle Fu: Feels deep gratitude towards Diya for his growth and is angry at Adam's treatment of him and Diya.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility: Adam struggles with blame and resentment, while Diya takes responsibility for his family's past actions.
• Growth and Change: Diya's rapid growth in strength serves as a stark contrast to Adam's stagnation and eventual crippling.
• Honesty and Directness: Adam's directness in expressing his thoughts earns him a degree of respect from Diya.

Character Interactions

• Diya and Adam: Their interaction is tense, with Adam blaming Diya and Diya provoking Adam to make him confront his feelings.
• Adam and Uncle Fu: Adam's resentment towards Diya and his father extends to Uncle Fu, who cared for Diya for fifteen years.
• Mercenaries and Diya: The mercenaries are grateful to Diya for saving them and ask him to heal Adam's hands, but Adam initially rejects their support.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Diya finally learns about the events fifteen years ago from Uncle Fu.
• Uncle Fu reveals that Diya's father died due to a fragment he obtained, which is now with Diya.
• The Apollo Merchant Guild, once led by Diya's father, is now led by Hoick, who may be connected to Diya's father's death.
• Diya decides to investigate the matter and visit Tax Imperial City.

Character Developments

• Diya: Shows maturity and determination in avenging his father and uncovering the truth.
• Uncle Fu: Reveals his loyalty and dedication to Diya and his family, providing crucial information.
• Adam: Struggles with his prejudice against Diya, missing an opportunity to join his group.

Significant Themes

• Family legacy and responsibility: Diya feels the weight of his family's past and his duty to uphold it.
• Trust and prejudice: Adam's prejudice against Diya clouds his judgment, leading him to miss an opportunity.

Character Interactions

• Diya and Uncle Fu: Their bond deepens as Uncle Fu shares the truth about the past, and Diya reassures him of his plans.
• Diya and Adam: Despite their initial conflict, Diya shows no ill will towards Adam, while Adam struggles with his feelings towards Diya.
• Uncle Fu and Adam: Uncle Fu expresses disappointment in Adam's refusal to join Diya's group, highlighting the generational gap in their understanding.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter introduces Drunken God Tower, an ancient and prestigious restaurant in Tianbadu Imperial City with a mysterious backing.
• Diya, accompanied by Uncle Fu and a group of mercenaries, enters Drunken God Tower to dine.
• The group is initially mistaken for trouble-makers due to their appearance and the size of their party.
• Diya orders a lavish meal and wine for everyone, causing a stir among the patrons.

Character Developments

• Diya demonstrates his composure and indifference to the stares and whispers of the other patrons, showing his maturity and confidence.
• Uncle Fu feels uncomfortable and suggests leaving, revealing his humble background and lack of experience in high society.
• Adam and the other mercenaries initially feel embarrassed and out of place, but Diya's words encourage them to be more at ease.

Significant Themes

• Social Class and Perception: The mercenaries are judged by their appearance and treated with disdain by the noble patrons, highlighting the societal divide between the two groups.
• Wealth and Status: Diya's ability to spend money freely and without concern for the cost showcases his wealth and status, earning him respect from his companions and fear from the other patrons.
• Confidence and Self-assurance: Diya's confidence allows him to ignore the stares and whispers of the other patrons, while his words encourage his companions to do the same.

Character Interactions

• Diya interacts with the waiter, ordering food and wine for his group without hesitation or concern for the cost.
• Diya's companions, particularly Adam and Uncle Fu, react to the stares and whispers of the other patrons, feeling embarrassed and out of place.
• Diya's words encourage his companions to be more at ease and enjoy their meal without caring about the opinions of others.
• The other patrons initially treat the mercenaries with disdain and contempt, but Diya's display of wealth and status causes them to fall silent and leave without finishing their meals.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Diya and his mercenary group cause a stir at Drunken God Tower due to their ravenous eating and drinking.
• A waiter reprimands them, leading to a confrontation with Diya.
• Aio Xiate, the eldest young master of Tianbadu's foremost family, intervenes and joins their table.
• Another young man, seemingly a rival of Aio Xiate, arrives and provokes him.
• Diya pays the bill with a purple-gold card, revealing his high status.
• The Prince's representatives and Aio Xiate invite Diya to meet them.

Character Developments

• Diya: Shows his high status and indifference to the power dynamics of Tianbadu.
• Aio Xiate: Reveals his upper-tier master-level battle qi and eccentric personality.
• Diya's mercenary group: Display their nervousness and awe around powerful figures.

Significant Themes

• Status and wealth: Diya's purple-gold card and Aio Xiate's invitation highlight the importance of status and wealth in Tianbadu.
• Power dynamics: The interactions between Diya, Aio Xiate, and the Prince's representatives illustrate the complex power dynamics in the city.

Character Interactions

• Diya and the waiter: Diya stands up to the waiter, challenging Drunken God Tower's authority.
• Diya and Aio Xiate: They bond over their shared disregard for refinement and etiquette.
• Aio Xiate and the rival young man: Their interaction showcases Aio Xiate's pride and disregard for his rival.
• Diya and Uncle Fu: Diya considers Uncle Fu's feelings when deciding to meet the Prince.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Diya meets the Rafael Family, the most powerful family in Tianbadu, led by a prince who is also a Saint-level expert.
• The prince invites Diya to his residence, expressing admiration for Diya's strength and wishing to befriend him.
• Diya reveals he is only seventeen years old and at the low-ranked Emperor level.
• The prince asks about Diya's teacher, but Diya gives an ambiguous response.
• The prince invites his granddaughter to meet Diya.

Character Developments

• Diya: Remains calm and composed in the face of the prince's admiration and invitation, revealing only what he deems necessary about his age and strength. He is cautious and guarded in his interactions with the prince.
• The Prince: Shows genuine admiration for Diya's strength and talent, expressing a desire to befriend him. He is open and direct in his communication, but also curious and probing about Diya's background.
• Aio Xiate: Initially appears jealous of Diya's talent but later shows camaraderie and respect. He acts as a mediator and is more relaxed and friendly towards Diya.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political intrigue within the imperial family and the Rafael Family.
• The importance of caution and vigilance in forming alliances and friendships, as seen through Diya's guarded responses to the prince's invitations.
• The admiration and awe inspired by Diya's youth and strength, which highlights the theme of exceptional talent and potential.

Character Interactions

• Diya and the Prince: Their interaction is cautious but polite, with the prince expressing admiration and a desire to befriend Diya, while Diya remains guarded and non-committal.
• Diya and Aio Xiate: They share a friendly rivalry, with Aio Xiate initially feeling jealous of Diya's talent but later showing respect and camaraderie.
• The Prince and Aio Xiate: They have a warm and affectionate grandfather-grandson relationship, with the prince showing concern for Aio Xiate's feelings and inviting him to meet Diya.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Diya encounters the Tianpula Dynasty's prince, Aio Xiate, and his granddaughters, Meisha and Molly.
• Molly recognizes Diya as the one who bullied her and nearly killed her during their previous encounter.
• The prince invites Diya to stay for dinner and a drinking contest with Aio Xiate.
• Molly asks to travel with Diya to Tax, with Meisha and the prince's encouragement.
• Diya reluctantly agrees, and they prepare to set out after dinner.

Character Developments

• Diya: Maintains his calm and composed demeanor despite the unexpected encounter and Molly's accusations. He shows reluctance to be involved with the Tianpula Dynasty's affairs but agrees to their requests.
• Molly: Reveals her spoiled and willful nature, trying to manipulate Diya and her grandfather to take revenge on him. She is determined to join Diya's journey to Tax.
• Meisha: Shows curiosity and apologies towards Diya. She supports her sister's decision to go to Tax and seems to have a good relationship with Diya.
• The Prince: Eager to please Diya and make amends for Molly's behavior. He encourages Molly and Meisha to travel with Diya to Tax.

Significant Themes

• Trouble and unwanted entanglements: Diya's journey is repeatedly interrupted by unexpected encounters and responsibilities, reflecting the theme of trouble coming knocking.
• Power dynamics: Diya's strength and status are recognized by the prince and Aio Xiate, who try to please him and involve him in their affairs.
• Manipulation and deception: Molly tries to manipulate her grandfather and Diya to achieve her goals, while Diya remains calm and unyielding.

Character Interactions

• Diya and Molly: Their interaction is tense, with Molly trying to paint Diya as a villain and Diya remaining calm and unyielding.
• Diya and the Prince/Aio Xiate: They interact cordially, with the prince and Aio Xiate trying to please Diya and involve him in their affairs.
• Meisha and Diya: They have a polite and curious interaction, with Meisha showing support for Molly's decision to travel with Diya.
• Molly and the Prince: Their interaction shows the prince's sternness and Molly's fear of him, as well as her determination to get her way.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Rafael Family's convoy departs from Tianbadu's imperial capital, causing a stir among the locals.
• Diya travels in a luxurious carriage, reflecting on his past and the arranged marriage.
• Meisha and Molly discuss their plans to visit Uncle Hoick in Tax, with Meisha warning Molly against provoking Diya.

Character Developments

• Diya reflects on his past, showing determination to settle his affairs.
• Meisha demonstrates maturity, intelligence, and a cold, calculating side, while Molly shows impulsiveness and naivety.
• Meisha reveals that she has sent people to investigate Diya's background.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the influence of family names.
• Revenge and its consequences.
• The complexity of Meisha's character.

Character Interactions

• Meisha and Molly discuss their plans to visit Uncle Hoick, with Meisha warning Molly against provoking Diya.
• Diya remains unaware of Meisha and Molly's plans, dismissing them as insignificant.
• Meisha shows concern for Molly's well-being, despite her own plans to deal with Diya.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A violent storm hits, and the Rafael Family sets up tents with magical barriers for protection.
• Diya fuses all nine Hell Fragments, strengthening his body and soul.
• Diya travels to Kurast Docks and finds a woman, Asheara, in a state of suspended animation.
• Diya awakens Asheara, who remembers her name but not her past.

Character Developments

• Diya: Fuses all Hell Fragments, enhancing his power. He also demonstrates his ability to awaken and communicate with souls.
• Asheara: Awakened by Diya, she remembers her name but has no recollection of her past.

Significant Themes

• Power and growth: Diya's fusion of Hell Fragments signifies his increasing strength.
• Memory and identity: Asheara's amnesia raises questions about her past and identity.

Character Interactions

• Diya and Asheara: Diya awakens Asheara, and they have a brief interaction. Asheara addresses Diya as "Master," suggesting a potential connection between them.
• Molly and Meisha: They discuss Diya, with Molly wanting to bother him and Meisha advising caution.

Key Plot Points

• Asheara receives lightning magic inheritance from Diya.
• Diya takes Asheara to meet Flavia and Vinitica.
• Assassins attack the Rafael Family convoy on a rainy night.

Character Developments

• Asheara becomes more playful and seductive after receiving her inheritance.
• Diya feels overwhelmed by Asheara's change in behavior.
• Meisha and Molly are targeted by the assassins.

Significant Themes

• Power and its consequences (Asheara's change after receiving her inheritance).
• Betrayal and trust (Diya's possible desertion of the convoy).

Character Interactions

• Asheara and Diya: Asheara becomes more affectionate and flirtatious with Diya, causing him discomfort.
• Meisha and Molly: Meisha tries to protect Molly and escape the assassins' attack.
• Gore and the assassins: Gore fights against the assassins but is outmatched and unable to protect his subordinates.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Diya's convoy is attacked by black-clad assassins, who are revealed to be from the Wandering Soul and targeting Diya.
• Diya effortlessly freezes and kills dozens of assassins using his aura, demonstrating his overwhelming strength.
• The convoy continues to be attacked by increasingly powerful assassins over several days.
• A Saint-ranked expert blocks the road and confronts Diya, revealing that the Wandering Soul has been pursuing him for two years.
• Diya and the Saint-ranked expert enter the forest to fight, while Meisha and the others continue on their way to Tax.

Character Developments

• Diya: Shows immense power and confidence, revealing that he has been cultivating rapidly and is now a Saint-ranked expert.
• Meisha: Begins to suspect that Diya is the target of the assassins and becomes curious about his background.
• The Saint-ranked expert: Remains calm and focused on his mission, showing no signs of anger or emotion.

Significant Themes

• The relentless pursuit of power and the consequences it brings.
• The disparity in strength between cultivators and the danger it poses to those around them.
• The curiosity and intrigue that Diya's past and true identity generate in others.

Character Interactions

• Diya and the Saint-ranked expert: Engage in a tense standoff before agreeing to fight in the forest, revealing their mutual understanding of each other's strength and determination.
• Diya and Meisha: Share a moment of understanding as Meisha realizes that Diya is the target of the assassins and decides to continue on her way to Tax without him.
• Meisha and her guards: Discuss the recent attacks and Diya's true identity, expressing their fear and curiosity about him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A convoy of carriages, including Meisha and Molly, flee from a Saint-rank expert, leaving Diya behind to face him.
• Diya engages in a battle with the Saint-rank expert, who uses a Holy Domain to restrain Diya.
• Diya uses his Force to resist the Holy Domain, surprising the expert.

Character Developments

• Meisha demonstrates strategic thinking and understanding of the political landscape, deciding to leave Diya behind to face the expert.
• Diya shows remarkable strength and resilience, contending with a Saint-rank expert's Holy Domain using his Force.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between different ranks of cultivators, with the Holy Domain being a significant advantage for Saint-rank experts.
• The importance of strategy and understanding one's opponents in combat and political situations.

Character Interactions

• Meisha and Gore discuss the situation, with Meisha deciding to leave Diya behind to face the expert.
• Diya and the Saint-rank expert engage in a battle, with the expert attempting to recruit Diya into Wandering Soul.
• Diya uses his Force to resist the expert's Holy Domain, surprising and intriguing the expert.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Diya faces a Sanctuary powerhouse who compresses his Momentum back into his body.
• Diya experiences a sudden surge of power, transforming physically and mentally.
• Diya breaks through the Sanctuary and strikes the powerhouse, sending him flying.
• The powerhouse uses a Sacred Skill, "Setting Sun Earth Annihilation," against Diya.

Character Developments

• Diya: Demonstrates immense growth in power, transforming into a more powerful and terrifying form. He shows admiration for the powerhouse's mental fortitude.
• The Powerhouse (Big Man): Initially confident, he becomes alarmed and uses a Sacred Skill when Diya's power exceeds his expectations.

Significant Themes

• Power and Transformation: Diya's sudden surge of power leads to a physical and mental transformation, highlighting the theme of power and its consequences.
• Mental Fortitude: The powerhouse's ability to maintain composure despite Diya's overwhelming power underscores the importance of mental strength.

Character Interactions

• Diya and the Powerhouse: Their interaction is marked by Diya's growing power and the powerhouse's escalating alarm, culminating in the use of a Sacred Skill.
• Diya and the Caravan: Though not directly interacting, the caravan witnesses Diya's battle, highlighting his growing reputation and influence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Diya faces off against a burly Saint-level warrior, who summons a massive fireball. Diya, seemingly unharmed, bursts out of the fireball and kills the warrior, absorbing his blood and life force.
• Diya's body transforms, and he gains a significant boost in combat strength, potentially rivaling an upper Saint-level warrior.
• Diya returns to the Taskro Empire and heads to Tax, the imperial capital, to find Hoick and Nataya.
• Upon arrival, Diya visits the Mercenary Guild to inquire about Robes, the noble who had taken care of Nataya.

Character Developments

• Diya's power and confidence grow as he defeats a Saint-level warrior and absorbs his strength.
• Diya's determination to find Hoick and Nataya remains steadfast.

Significant Themes

• Power and growth: Diya's continuous increase in strength and abilities.
• Determination and pursuit of truth: Diya's resolve to uncover the truth about his father's death and find Nataya.

Character Interactions

• Diya encounters a local man who initially shows hostility but later complies with Diya's request to guide him to the Mercenary Guild, demonstrating Diya's growing intimidating presence.
• Diya interacts with the Mercenary Guild receptionist, posting a mission to find Robes, showcasing his resourcefulness and determination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Diya visits the Mercenary Guild in Tax, seeking information about Robes.
• He learns that Robes is a viscount from the Kaplodke Family and gets directions to their estate.
• Upon arrival, Diya finds the estate damaged and empty, with the steward revealing that the Kaplodke Family is finished.
• The steward recounts that Robes's hobby of stealing treasures led to his family's downfall: his father was killed on a mission, and the family was stripped of their titles and honors after being accused of theft.

Character Developments

• Diya: Shows determination in finding Robes and concern for his well-being.
• Robes: Revealed to be the notorious Phantom Thief Jeanne, his habit of stealing treasures causes his family's ruin.
• The old steward: Initially guarded, he opens up to Diya after learning he's a friend of Robes, revealing his loyalty and grief over the family's fate.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of one's actions: Robes's habit of stealing treasures ultimately leads to his family's downfall.
• Loyalty: The old steward remains loyal to the Kaplodke Family despite their misfortunes.

Character Interactions

• Diya interacts with mercenaries at the guild, who help him find Robes but withhold information about the Kaplodke Family's fate.
• Diya meets the old steward, who reveals the truth about the Kaplodke Family and expresses his grief over their situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

+ The Kaplodke Family is destroyed, and Robes is taken away, possibly made into a slave.
+ The Dekla Family, led by Hoick, is set to take over the Kaplodke estate.
+ Diya learns about Robes's hobby of collecting treasures and its connection to his family's downfall.
+ Diya decides to find Robes and Nataya, posting a mission at the Mercenary Guild for information on Robes.

Character Developments

+ Diya shows determination to find Robes and Nataya, demonstrating his resourcefulness and resolve.
+ The old steward, Uncle Fu, remains loyal to the Kaplodke Family and is desperate to find Robes.
+ Hoick's ambition and ruthlessness are further revealed, connecting him to the Boro Family's destruction and Diya's past.

Significant Themes

+ The destructive power of ambition and greed, as seen through Hoick's actions.
+ The importance of loyalty and family, as shown by Uncle Fu's dedication to the Kaplodke Family.
+ The consequences of one's actions, with Robes's hobby leading to his family's downfall.

Character Interactions

+ Diya and the old steward form a temporary alliance, with Diya agreeing to help find Robes.
+ Diya interacts with the Mercenary Guild receptionist, using her knowledge of Robes to his advantage.
+ Diya's past and present enemies, Hoick and the Dekla Family, are further connected, setting the stage for future confrontations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Diya decides to try entering Tax Academy as an instructor to find Nataya and shelter from Hoick.
• He learns about the academy's recruitment of instructors and decides to apply.
• Diya observes the academy's gate and its surroundings, noting its grandeur and security.
• He joins a crowd of applicants and enters the academy, encountering two instructors, Nina and Greina.

Character Developments

• Diya demonstrates adaptability and resourcefulness by considering the academy as a potential solution to his problems.
• Nina shows kindness and patience, while Greina displays a fiery and judgmental personality.

Significant Themes

• Appearance vs. Reality: Greina judges Diya based on his appearance, assuming he's too young and inexperienced to be an instructor.
• Power Dynamics: The middle-aged man at the gate holds power over the applicants, enjoying their deference.
• Order and Discipline: The academy values rules and order, as shown by the applicants' need to line up properly.

Character Interactions

• Diya briefly interacts with an applicant who directs him to the academy gate.
• Diya encounters Nina and Greina, who misjudge him due to his youthful appearance.
• Nina and Greina have a brief exchange, showing their contrasting personalities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Diya arrives at Tax Academy to apply for a teaching position.
• He witnesses hundreds of applicants failing their tests within seconds.
• Diya enters the building and meets four tutors who test him.
• The Swordsman tutor challenges Diya to a sword fight without using Battle Qi.
• Diya defeats the Swordsman tutor with a single move, using only sword technique.

Character Developments

• Diya remains calm and confident throughout the process, revealing his mid King Grade Battle Qi and exceptional sword skills.
• The Swordsman tutor initially underestimates Diya but is shocked by his defeat and acknowledges Diya's skill.

Significant Themes

• Age and appearance do not reflect one's true abilities or potential.
• True skill and mastery can be demonstrated without relying on powerful auras or Battle Qi.

Character Interactions

• Diya interacts with the four tutors, who initially underestimate him due to his youthful appearance.
• The Swordsman tutor challenges Diya to a sword fight, leading to his swift defeat and recognition of Diya's skill.
• The mage tutor records Diya's information and informs him that the academy will notify him of his rank in three days.