Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dole decides to return to Duomeng City after advancing to the intermediate stage of being a wizard apprentice.
• Bal accompanies Dole back to the city.
• Dole finds the city gates heavily guarded due to a newly discovered magic crystal mine.
• Dole sells his gathered herbs to Old Mi at Future Pharmacy and exchanges them for beginner strength and agility potions.
• Dole secretly meets with Harley, his former employer, revealing his face and seeking employment again after being presumed dead.

Character Developments

• Dole has improved his mental power, enhancing his potion-brewing skills but not his combat strength.
• Dole decides to reveal his identity as a beginner wizard to Old Mi, indicating a growing confidence in his abilities.
• Harley, though initially surprised, agrees to help Dole, showing loyalty and understanding towards his former employee.

Significant Themes

• The value of mental power and its application in potion-brewing.
• The importance of secrecy and discretion in the world of wizards.
• Loyalty and trust between Dole and Harley.

Character Interactions

• Dole and Bal: Despite their initial differences, they develop a working relationship, with Bal choosing to accompany Dole back to the city.
• Dole and Old Mi: They engage in a business transaction, with Old Mi recognizing Dole's potential and offering him a long-term partnership.
• Dole and Harley: They secretly reunite, with Harley agreeing to help Dole despite the risks involved.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dole, having escaped from the police station, visits Harley for help in finding work.
• Dole reveals his intention to take revenge on those who wronged him (Dis, Carmen, Fele, Aoduo, and his son).
• Dole surveils Sam and Aoduo, learning their daily routine and home address.
• Dole infiltrates Sam's house, hiding in the storeroom until nightfall.

Character Developments

• Dole's character has hardened and become more indifferent after his ordeal.
• Dole's determination for revenge has grown stronger.

Significant Themes

• Revenge: Dole's primary motivation throughout the chapter.
• Patience and Planning: Dole meticulously investigates his targets and plans his revenge.
• Survival: Dole's focus on safety and careful planning reflects his desire to survive and thrive.

Character Interactions

• Harley and Dole: Harley offers Dole work, and Dole seeks Harley's understanding and support.
• Dole and Sam/Aoduo: Dole observes Sam and Aoduo from a distance, learning their routine and preparing for his revenge.
• Dole and the slaves: Dole uses the slaves' routine to his advantage, slipping into the kitchen unnoticed.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dole poisons Aoduo's family, leading to their deaths.
• Dole seeks a job from Supervisor Harley.
• Dole starts working at Montuo Smithy as a first-grade blacksmith under the name Lin Rui.

Character Developments

• Dole demonstrates his cunning and ruthlessness by poisoning Aoduo's family.
• Dole shows adaptability and skill in blacksmithing, despite his new identity as Lin Rui.
• Supervisor Harley displays his wealth and influence by owning properties and being the manager of Montuo Smithy.

Significant Themes

• Survival and adaptability: Dole must adapt to his new identity and job to survive in the city.
• Wealth and power: The mining rights and the wealth they bring highlight the power dynamics between the Link Family, other families, and the Ability Society.

Character Interactions

• Dole and Supervisor Harley: Harley introduces Dole to Montuo Smithy and rents him a house, showing a level of trust and friendship.
• Dole and Uncle Red: Uncle Red assigns Dole to work at the smithy and keeps an eye on him, showing a mix of caution and acceptance.
• Dole and Anderson: Anderson assists Dole at the smithy, showing curiosity and envy towards Dole's skill and status as a first-grade blacksmith.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Carmen investigates the deaths of Aoduo and his son, concluding it was accidental drug overdose.
• Dole moves into a residence in the eastern district, provided by Ha.
• Dole drinks the Strength Potion and Agility Potion.

Character Developments

• Dole shows determination to pursue revenge and cultivate battle aura.
• Ha expresses concern for Dole's safety and encourages him to save money for cultivation methods.
• Carmen feels relieved about Aoduo's death, seeing it as a resolution to potential future issues.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and its consequences.
• The pursuit of power and cultivation.
• The upper class's access to rare and dangerous substances.

Character Interactions

• Dole and Ha's relationship deepens, with Ha showing concern and guidance.
• Dole and Carmen's paths cross again, with Carmen unknowingly involved in Dole's revenge plot.
• Dole and Bal's living arrangement is established, with Bal having more freedom in the safer eastern district.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dole purchases strength and agility potions from Potioncraft, enabling him to advance to the intermediate warrior apprentice stage.
• Dole begins practicing basic sword arts and continues his blacksmith training.
• Bal watches Dole's progress and decides to stay in Duomeng City to guide him.
• Ability Society learns about Dole's potioncraft skills and suspects a connection to the magic crystal mine incident.
• Construction of the road to Magic Crystal Mountain is progressing, and Ability Society members are motivated by the prospect of magic crystal shares.

Character Developments

• Dole advances to an intermediate warrior apprentice, demonstrating his dedication and hard work.
• Bal shows interest in Dole's growth and decides to mentor him, revealing his steady and patient nature.
• Mosade, the leader of Ability Society, displays his strategic thinking and ability to motivate his students.

Significant Themes

• The power of potions and the wealth gap in accessing advanced techniques and resources.
• The struggle of ordinary people against the powerful and wealthy.
• The importance of hard work and dedication in achieving one's goals.

Character Interactions

• Dole and Bal's relationship deepens as Bal takes an interest in Dole's progress.
• Mosade interacts with his students, motivating them and setting clear goals for their future.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dole, now working at Montuo Smithy, improves his strength and agility using potions.
• Kadiya, a transcendent swordsman and combat-sword expert, visits the smithy and recognizes Dole despite his disguise.
• Kadiya asks Dole to repair his sword and later invites him for a drink.
• Kadiya reveals that he knows about Dole's involvement in Sam's family's matter and offers him a way to make more money.

Character Developments

• Dole: Becomes stronger and more skilled as a smith, maintains his disguise, and remains cautious around Kadiya.
• Kadiya: Reveals his interest in Dole's abilities and offers him a secretive opportunity to make money.

Significant Themes

• The struggle of commoner warriors to improve their skills and obtain resources.
• The dual nature of Kadiya's profession and his interest in Dole's abilities.
• The dark and secretive atmosphere of the Venn Tavern.

Character Interactions

• Dole and Kadiya: Kadiya recognizes Dole and offers him a secretive opportunity, while Dole remains cautious and interested in Kadiya's proposal.
• Dole and his apprentices: Dole dismisses his apprentices and tidies up the smithy before leaving with Kadiya.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dole and Kadiya visit the Assassin Guild's base, a seemingly ordinary tavern.
• Dole accepts his first assassination mission: eliminating Fele, a city gate guard captain, for two gold coins.
• Dole learns about the Assassin Guild's various services, including intelligence gathering, money laundering, and selling cultivation methods.

Character Developments

• Dole: Realizes the dark nature of the Assassin Guild and the value of human lives in the underground world. Accepts his first assassination mission.
• Kadiya: Reveals his dual identity as an assassin and expresses interest in forming a team with Dole in the future.

Significant Themes

• The dark side of the underground world and the value of human lives.
• The dual nature of Kadiya, representing the potential duality of allies in the story.

Character Interactions

• Dole and Doug (Assassin Guild's middle-aged man): Doug tests Dole's resolve and provides him with intelligence on Fele.
• Dole and Kadiya: Kadiya introduces Dole to the Assassin Guild and expresses his interest in forming a team with him in the future.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dole is stopped by a patrol and questioned, but he answers honestly and is let go.
• Dole learns about Fele's daily routine and decides to assassinate him on his way to the soldiers' bar.
• Dole visits the Future Pharmacy to exchange potions for materials and money.

Character Developments

• Dole demonstrates his honesty and calmness under pressure when questioned by the patrol.
• Dole shows strategic thinking and patience in planning Fele's assassination.
• Old Mi, the apothecary, remains discreet and professional in his dealings with Dole.

Significant Themes

• The depth and complexity of Duomeng City's power dynamics.
• The importance of gathering and analyzing information for successful assassination.
• The value of honesty and discretion in various situations.

Character Interactions

• Dole interacts with the patrol, showing no signs of nervousness or deceit.
• Dole and Old Mi conduct a smooth and professional transaction at the Future Pharmacy.
• Dole observes Fele at the soldiers' bar, gathering crucial information for his assassination plan.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dole purchases ingredients from Old Mi, planning to create a custom potion for Fele.
• Fele is found drunk and unconscious at his doorstep by Dole, who seizes the opportunity to poison him.
• Dis orders Carmen to handle Fele's death as usual, finding a scapegoat and making it look like murder.

Character Developments

• Dole: Becomes more determined to eliminate Fele, Carmen, and Dis to clear his mind and advance his mental power cultivation. He demonstrates cunning and patience in poisoning Fele.
• Fele: Dies in a humiliating manner, highlighting the corrupt and careless nature of the military administration.
• Dis: Shows indifference to Fele's death and orders Carmen to handle it in the usual corrupt manner, indicating his lack of moral integrity.

Significant Themes

• Corruption and moral decay within the military administration and police station.
• Dole's resentment and desire for revenge against those who have wronged him.
• The power dynamics between different social classes and institutions.

Character Interactions

• Dole and Old Mi: Engage in a business transaction, with Dole hiding his true capabilities.
• Dole and Fele: Dole poisons Fele, leading to his death.
• Dis and Carmen: Dis orders Carmen to handle Fele's death, highlighting their corrupt relationship.
• Dole and the Assassin Guild: Dole enters the guild's bar to take on missions, indicating his growing involvement in the criminal underworld.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dole completes his first mission (assassinating Fele) and visits the Assassin Guild to collect his reward.
• He meets Doug, the guild's leader, who is impressed by Dole's work.
• Dole is approached by a hooded woman with a Level Two mission, offering to team up.
• Dole is also invited by a burly man to join his team, but declines.

Character Developments

• Dole: Shows confidence and caution in his decisions, demonstrating his growth as an assassin. He's wary of potential traps and doesn't easily trust others.
• Doug: Recognizes Dole's potential and is intrigued by him.
• The Hooded Woman: Initially secretive and cautious, she eventually shows willingness to cooperate with Dole after seeing his capabilities.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Caution: Dole is cautious about teaming up with others, highlighting the importance of trust in partnerships.
• Growth and Progression: Dole's first mission and subsequent interactions with the guild members show his growth as an assassin and his eagerness to take on more challenging tasks.

Character Interactions

• Dole and Doug: Doug congratulates Dole on his first mission, showing respect for his work.
• Dole and the Hooded Woman: They initially have a tense negotiation, but the woman eventually decides to trust Dole after seeing his capabilities.
• Dole and the Burly Man: The man tries to recruit Dole but is put off by Dole's strong presence and killing intent.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dole (Ado) and Lily meet at the Assassin Guild and decide to work together on a mission to assassinate a noble named Bondi.
• Dole agrees to scout the target's residence with Lily, and they plan to meet at a specific address.
• Dole continues to work at the smithy, advancing to a second-level smith and experiencing difficulties in meditation due to his increased blood and vitality.

Character Developments

• Dole: He is cautious and strategic, choosing to work with Lily despite knowing the risks of the Assassin Guild. He reveals that he is a wizard apprentice to Lily.
• Lily: She is also a wizard apprentice, seeking to become a first-level wizard. She trusts Dole more after learning he is a fellow wizard.

Significant Themes

• Trust and deception: Both characters are wary of each other at first but gradually build trust by revealing their true identities as wizard apprentices.
• The struggle to advance: Dole faces challenges in his meditation practice due to his increased blood and vitality, while Lily seeks a way to become a first-level wizard.

Character Interactions

• Dole and Lily: They establish a partnership based on mutual trust and shared goals. They exchange information about their backgrounds and aspirations, fostering a sense of camaraderie.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Dole and Lily meet to discuss their plan to assassinate Bondi.
• They decide to investigate separately for five days and then meet again to discuss their findings.
• Dole gives Lily two jars of disguise potion, showing his potion-making skill.
• Dole conducts reconnaissance around Bondi's estate, finding it heavily guarded.
• Five days later, they meet again, and Lily shares that Bondi's patrols are dense, making him difficult to kill.

Character Developments

• Dole: Shows his skill in potion-making and his strategic thinking in planning the assassination.
• Lily: Reveals her experience in creating chaos to facilitate assassinations.

Significant Themes

• The difficulty of advancement for wizards, especially those not from noble families.
• The challenges faced by unaffiliated wizards in avoiding discovery.
• The complexity of assassinating a target in a heavily guarded area.

Character Interactions

• Dole and Lily establish a working relationship, sharing information and planning their next steps.
• Dole shows kindness by giving Lily disguise potion, creating a debt of favor.
• Lily acknowledges Dole's skill in potion-making, hinting at a potential future transaction.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dole and Lily, two intermediate wizard apprentices, plan to assassinate Bondi, a corrupt noble.
• Dole acquires a crossbow, and they decide to use it for the assassination.
• Bondi attends a viscount's birthday banquet and returns home late at night.
• His carriage horses suddenly go mad, causing the carriage to speed out of control.
• Bondi jumps out of the carriage and survives, while the patrol guards chase after the runaway carriage.

Character Developments

• Dole shows initiative and resourcefulness in acquiring a crossbow for their mission.
• Lily's confidence in their plan grows as they discuss their strategy.
• Bondi's greed and lust are further emphasized as he attends the banquet to meet noblewomen.

Significant Themes

• Greed and corruption among the nobility.
• The power dynamics between nobles and commoners.
• The desperation of intermediate apprentices who take on dangerous jobs for money.

Character Interactions

• Dole and Lily work together to plan Bondi's assassination, demonstrating mutual trust and reliance.
• Bondi's interaction with the coachman and patrol guards shows his authoritative and demanding nature as a noble.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bondi, a noble, is assassinated on his way home, made to look like a robbery gone wrong.
• Dole, an assassin, executes the plan with Lily's help, staging the scene flawlessly.
• Dis, the detective, is called to investigate and finds the scene suspicious but inconclusive.
• Bondi's death causes a sensation among the nobility and leads to a city-wide search.

Character Developments

• Dole demonstrates his skill and professionalism as an assassin, impressing Bal.
• Dis shows his competence as a detective, noticing inconsistencies in the crime scene.
• Bal offers to find Dole books on assassin self-cultivation, acknowledging his dedication.

Significant Themes

• Dignity and Social Status: Nobles value their dignity and social standing above all else. Bondi's death is seen as a loss of substance due to the humiliation it brings to his family.
• Appearance vs. Reality: The staged robbery is meant to mislead investigators, highlighting the disparity between appearances and the truth.
• Professionalism: Both Dole and Dis exhibit dedication to their respective crafts, with Dole's skill as an assassin and Dis's keen observations as a detective.

Character Interactions

• Dole and Lily: They work together seamlessly, with Lily planning and Dole executing the assassination.
• Dole and Bal: Dole's actions impress Bal, leading to an offer of assistance in Dole's assassin training.
• Dis and the Captain: Dis is summoned to investigate but is met with arrogance from the captain, reflecting the power dynamics between commoners and nobles.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dole accepts Lily's request to brew mental power potions in exchange for herbs.
• Dole learns Lily works for the Lake Family and has a formula for mental power potions.
• Dole and Lily agree to collaborate on potion brewing, keeping it secret from the Ability Society.
• Dole trades with Old Mi at Future Pharmacy and learns about the Lake Family's ties to the Ability Society.
• Dole decides to target Carmen, a detective who frequents a bar called Firefly, which is under the control of the Butcher Organization.

Character Developments

• Dole: Shows understanding and trust in Lily, admits to knowing potion-making, and expresses envy of Lily's impending ability to cast spells.
• Lily: Reveals her work for the Lake Family, her formula for mental power potions, and her desire to advance to a high-level wizard apprentice.
• Old Mi: Shows delight in Dole's potion trading but maintains composure, reveals information about the Lake Family's ties to the Ability Society.

Significant Themes

• Trust and collaboration: Dole and Lily build trust and agree to work together secretly.
• Power dynamics: The Ability Society's control over wizards, the Lake Family's influence, and the Butcher Organization's presence in the eastern district.
• Ambition: Dole's envy of Lily's potential to cast spells, Lily's desire to advance in her magical abilities.

Character Interactions

• Dole and Lily: They establish a business partnership, with Dole brewing potions and Lily providing herbs.
• Dole and Old Mi: They continue their potion trading, with Old Mi providing Dole with information about the Lake Family.
• Carmen and the Butcher Organization: They jointly manage a part of the eastern district, with Carmen frequenting the Firefly bar.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dole gathers information in a bar, observing a transaction between Carmen (a detective) and a dark-skinned man (an underling of the Butcher, a criminal lord).
• Dole learns Carmen's address and family details, planning to poison him.
• Dole brews mental power potions at home, aiming to advance his cultivation.
• Kadiya visits Dole at Montuo Smithy, asking him to repair his sword and offering to teach him battle swordsmanship.

Character Developments

• Dole demonstrates his intelligence and cunning, planning to poison Carmen and showing no remorse for innocent lives.
• Dole's cultivation advances steadily with the aid of mental power potions.
• Kadiya reveals his financial situation and offers to teach Dole battle swordsmanship, showing a desire to mentor the younger man.

Significant Themes

• The corrupt relationship between officials and criminals, as seen in the exchange between Carmen and the dark-skinned man.
• The value placed on different lives, with ordinary lives being considered cheap and noble lives carrying more worth.
• The danger and rewards of battle swordsmanship, as discussed between Dole and Kadiya.

Character Interactions

• Dole observes Carmen and the dark-skinned man, learning about their collusion and planning to use this information to his advantage.
• Dole interacts with Kadiya, who offers to teach him battle swordsmanship, showing a mentoring interest in the younger man.
• Dole's interactions with the blacksmiths at Montuo Smithy are brief and professional, with no significant developments in their relationships.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dole, a blacksmith apprentice, discusses his progress with Kadiya, a customer.
• Dole repairs Kadiya's sword and gives him advice on a better dueling sword.
• Kadiya gives Dole a slip of paper containing intelligence on Carmen.
• Dole meets Lily in the slums, a contact for trading potions.
• Dole begins refining spiritual power potions and plans to create a Hallucinogenic Potion.

Character Developments

• Dole shows proficiency in blacksmithing, surpassing mid-level blacksmiths due to his spiritual power.
• Dole's hatred for Carmen and Dis grows as he learns more about them.
• Dole's determination to advance to a high-level apprentice increases, as it will allow him to study alchemy and magic.

Significant Themes

• The importance of spiritual power in craftsmanship and magic.
• The value of human life and the disregard for it among the powerful.
• The need for secrecy in Dole's plans to take revenge on Carmen and Dis.

Character Interactions

• Dole and Kadiya discuss sword crafting and Dole's progress as a blacksmith.
• Dole and Lily maintain a brief, business-like exchange when trading potions.
• Dole's relationship with Bal, his pet, is briefly mentioned, showing Dole's concern for him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dole, an intermediate warrior apprentice, plans to assassinate Carmen, a detective, using a potent hallucinogenic potion.
• Kadiya, a mysterious figure, follows Dole and witnesses the event, intrigued by Dole's methods.
• Dole's plan succeeds, and he kills Carmen without raising an alarm.
• Lily, a fellow wizard apprentice, discovers Dole's secret and offers to help him in the future, on the condition that she becomes an advanced apprentice first.

Character Developments

• Dole: Shows meticulous planning and execution in his assassination attempt, demonstrating his cunning and patience. He also displays trust in Lily, revealing his true intentions to her.
• Kadiya: Reveals his observational and analytical skills, deducing Dole's methods and motives. He also shows caution, not interfering directly in Dole's plan.
• Lily: Shows loyalty and courage by following Dole and offering to help him in the future. She also demonstrates her knowledge of local politics and power dynamics.

Significant Themes

• Cunning and Patience: Dole's successful assassination of Carmen highlights the importance of careful planning and patience in achieving one's goals.
• Loyalty and Trust: Lily's actions show her loyalty to Dole and her trust in his abilities, while Dole's revelation of his true intentions to Lily demonstrates his trust in her.
• Power Dynamics: The interactions between Dole, Carmen, Dis, and Lily illustrate the complex power dynamics within the city, with each character vying for influence and control.

Character Interactions

• Dole and Lily: Their interaction reveals their mutual trust and loyalty, as well as their shared secrets. Lily's offer to help Dole in the future strengthens their bond.
• Dole and Kadiya: Though they do not interact directly, Kadiya's observation of Dole's actions provides insight into Dole's character and methods, hinting at a potential future conflict or alliance between them.
• Carmen and Dole: Their indirect conflict highlights the power struggle within the city, with Carmen representing the established order and Dole challenging it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Carmen's body is discovered, with Dis suspecting a connection to the recent deaths of Aoduo, his son, Fele, and others.
• Dole returns home after killing Carmen, learns that Kadiya knows about his actions, and decides to visualize one more copper coin.
• Mosade receives a report about the progress of the magic crystal mine construction and learns that Huo Li is arriving from Chris County.
• Dis seeks help from Bichi of the Ability Society regarding the unsolved murder cases.

Character Developments

• Dis: Becomes more suspicious about the recent deaths and decides to involve the Ability Society.
• Dole: Feels more relaxed after killing Carmen and decides to advance his spiritual power.
• Mosade: Waits for reinforcements from Chris County while overseeing the mine construction.
• Bichi: Agrees to help Dis investigate the murder cases.

Significant Themes

• The supernatural and its involvement in the murder cases.
• The responsibilities of the Ability Society in coordinating supernatural matters.
• The struggle of commoners (Bichi and the other senior apprentice) in earning money for experiments and buying materials.

Character Interactions

• Dis and Bichi: Dis seeks Bichi's help in investigating the murder cases.
• Dole and Bal: Dole learns that Kadiya knows about his actions and decides to advance his spiritual power.
• Mosade and Huo Li: Mosade awaits Huo Li's arrival from Chris County.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bichi, an advanced wizard apprentice, performs autopsies on the five victims (Aoduo's family, Fele, and Carmen) and discovers they were killed by a potent hallucinogen, suggesting a rogue wizard is involved.
• Dis reveals that four of the five victims offended the same person who has now disappeared, implying Dole's involvement.
• Bichi warns Dis to be careful, as the rogue wizard might target him next.
• Dole decides to lie low, while Dis seeks help from the Ability Society.
• In October, the road to Duomeng City's magic crystal mine is finally opened, attracting a squad of soldiers.

Character Developments

• Bichi demonstrates his expertise in potions and his concern for the safety of Duomeng City.
• Dis shows remorse for his actions and fears retribution from Dole.
• Dole maintains a low profile, continuing to develop his spiritual power by controlling sixty copper coins in his consciousness, each representing a separate stream of consciousness.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of potions and magic crystals.
• The consequences of one's actions and the potential for revenge.
• The struggle for resources and control, as seen in the opening of the magic crystal mine.

Character Interactions

• Bichi and Dis interact professionally, with Bichi providing information and warnings, and Dis sharing relevant details about the case.
• Dole's thoughts reveal his caution and determination to improve his spiritual power, as well as his consideration of Kadiya's motives.
• Dole and Lily meet discreetly, with Lily showing signs of advancement in her abilities.