Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bael, after backstabbing Zariel, has been acting as the temporary Lord of Avernus, never leaving the Bronze Citadel's central fortress.
• Pirza, a devil, explains that Bael's actions are not considered a crime by Avernus' laws, thus he can temporarily hold the Lord's position.
• Huo Ling, a Dark Demon General, seeks to replace Bael but faces the challenge of Bael's heavily guarded fortress and the potential backlash from Avernus' devils if he attacks openly.

Character Developments

• Bael: Once a valiant general, now seen as a cowardly devil lord due to his reclusive behavior.
• Huo Ling: Struggles with the political and strategic complexities of replacing Bael without causing an all-out war or losing his chance to become Lord.
• Pirza: Demonstrates strategic thinking and understanding of Avernus' laws, but admits he has no solution to Huo Ling's problem.
• Colin: Implied to have valuable intelligence but has not yet provided any solutions.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and succession in Avernus' hierarchy.
• The complexity of political maneuvers and the consequences of rebellion.
• The importance of intelligence and strategic planning in achieving goals.

Character Interactions

• Huo Ling seeks advice from Pirza and Colin on how to replace Bael without causing widespread conflict.
• Pirza provides insight into Avernus' laws and the challenges Huo Ling faces but offers no solutions.
• Colin is acknowledged as a valuable source of intelligence but has not yet provided any useful information.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Colin shares intelligence about Archduke Bael with Huo Ling and other Dark Demon generals.
• Colin reveals Bael's strength: Legendary Level 24 with the Archduke's authority.
• Colin explains how Bael Backstabbed Archduke Zariel with the help of two powerful Abyssal beings.

Character Developments

• Huo Ling shows magnanimity and trust in his allies by allowing Colin to share sensitive information.
• Colin demonstrates his intelligence-gathering skills and knowledge of past events.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and alliances within the demon hierarchy.
• The value of intelligence and strategic planning in warfare.
• The consequences of underestimating one's enemies.

Character Interactions

• Huo Ling and Colin: Huo Ling expresses trust in Colin, while Colin feels fortunate to have pledged allegiance to Huo Ling.
• Colin and the Dark Demon generals: Colin shares his knowledge, leaving the generals thoughtful and impressed.
• The Dark Demon generals among themselves: They discuss and react to Colin's revelations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Colin reveals that Bael, an Archduke, has been leaking intelligence to demons, a grave taboo in the Blood War.
• Colin provides Huo Ling with a deployment map of Bael's central fortress, showing its defensive arrangements and elite troops stationed there (Hellfire Guard).
• Huo Ling acknowledges the map's usefulness but realizes it doesn't fully resolve his current strategic dilemma.

Character Developments

• Huo Ling: Recognizes Colin's exceptional intelligence-gathering abilities and seeks his help in eroding the Bronze Citadel's authority.
• Colin: Demonstrates his extensive intelligence network and strategic thinking, offering to help place Huo Ling's devils in key positions.

Significant Themes

• Intelligence and espionage: Colin's network and the deployment map highlight the importance of intelligence in warfare.
• Trust and alliances: Huo Ling's reliance on Colin shows the formation of an uneasy alliance based on mutual benefit.

Character Interactions

• Huo Ling and Colin: Their interaction shows mutual respect and understanding, with Huo Ling acknowledging Colin's abilities and Colin offering his assistance.
• Huo Ling and the other Dark Demon Generals: Though not detailed in this chapter, their shock at Bael's actions hints at potential political tensions within the devil hierarchy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huo Ling tasks Colin with infiltrating the Bronze Citadel to gather intelligence and disrupt Bael's plans.
• Huo Ling decides to seek advice from Tiamat on how to usurp Bael's throne, despite his wariness of her.
• Huo Ling pilots the Floating City towards Tiamat's divine realm, passing the besieged Bronze Citadel and reinforcing his alliance with Abishalon Devils.

Character Developments

• Huo Ling demonstrates strategic thinking and political acumen by tasking Colin and seeking Tiamat's advice.
• Colin shows loyalty and competence in accepting his mission.
• Balzefen surprises Huo Ling by offering advice, showing a shift in his attitude.
• Tiamat is revealed to be aware of Huo Ling's approach and welcomes him to her divine realm.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political maneuvering among the devil lords.
• The complex relationship between Huo Ling and Tiamat, with Huo Ling's dragon-blooded lineage causing him to mistrust her.
• The importance of alliances and the display of power in maintaining them.

Character Interactions

• Huo Ling and Colin: Huo Ling tasks Colin with a crucial mission, showing trust in his abilities.
• Huo Ling and Balzefen: Balzefen offers unsolicited advice to Huo Ling, indicating a change in their relationship.
• Huo Ling and Tiamat: Huo Ling visits Tiamat's divine realm, acknowledging her power and seeking her counsel.
• Huo Ling and Abishalon Devils: Huo Ling reinforces his alliance with the Abishalon Devils, displaying his power and claiming allegiance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huo Ling, ignoring the guards, enters Tiamat's divine kingdom with a legendary red dragon following him.
• Huo Ling reveals his true red dragon form, growing to over 300 meters in length, causing a stir in the divine kingdom.
• Escorted by red dragons, Huo Ling arrives at Tiamat's palace and greets her.
• Tiamat, surprised by Huo Ling's power, asks about his rapid growth and the Floating City's presence.
• Huo Ling asks Tiamat about the authority of the Lord of Avernus in Purgatory.

Character Developments

• Huo Ling demonstrates his immense power and confidence, showing no fear of Tiamat.
• Tiamat shows interest and amusement in Huo Ling's growth and ambition.

Significant Themes

• Power and Ambition: Huo Ling's rapid growth and desire for the Lord of Avernus' position highlight his ambition and power.
• Freedom of Faith: Huo Ling's support for the Evil Dragon Scions' freedom of faith is a departure from traditional divine rule.

Character Interactions

• Huo Ling and Tiamat engage in a tense yet respectful conversation, with Huo Ling showing deference but also assertiveness.
• The legendary red dragon shows deference to Huo Ling, acknowledging his power.
• The guards in Tiamat's palace bow to Huo Ling as he passes, indicating his growing reputation and influence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tiamat senses Huo Ling's red dragon aura and considers devouring him for increased strength.
• Tiamat offers Huo Ling information on the Lord of Avernus' authority and help in controlling the Bronze Citadel.
• Huo Ling agrees to help Tiamat deal with Bahamut, the Platinum Dragon God, in exchange for Tiamat's assistance.
• Tiamat and Huo Ling sign a Purgatory Contract, forming a stable alliance.

Character Developments

• Tiamat: Reveals her greedy and cunning nature, willing to form an alliance to further her goals against Bahamut.
• Huo Ling: Demonstrates caution and strategic thinking, understanding the risks and benefits of allying with Tiamat and negotiating the contract terms.

Significant Themes

• Greed and ambition: Both Tiamat and Huo Ling exhibit these traits, driving their actions and decisions.
• Power dynamics: The characters' strengths and alliances shape their interactions and negotiations.
• Alliances and contracts: The importance of formal agreements and shared interests in maintaining relationships.

Character Interactions

• Tiamat and Huo Ling: They engage in a calculated negotiation, each aware of the other's strengths and intentions. They form an alliance based on mutual benefit, with Huo Ling successfully revising the contract terms to protect his interests.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huo Ling and Tiamat form an alliance with detailed contractual obligations.
• Tiamat reveals that the Lord of Avernus' authority greatly enhances combat power, with Bael potentially reaching the 25th tier of Legend within the Bronze Citadel.
• Tiamat informs Huo Ling that Zariel is imprisoned beneath Bael's central fortress in the Bronze Citadel.

Character Developments

• Huo Ling: Shows strategic planning by subduing other Dark Generals before confronting Bael, and demonstrates his strength and confidence in facing Bael.
• Tiamat: Reveals her involvement in Bael's Backstab of Zariel and provides crucial information to Huo Ling, displaying her political maneuvering and knowledge of Purgatory's power dynamics.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and alliances in Purgatory.
• The importance of contractual obligations and their consequences.
• The strategic value of information and intelligence gathering.

Character Interactions

• Huo Ling and Tiamat: Their alliance is built on mutual benefit, with each side providing valuable information and assistance to the other.
• Huo Ling and Bael: Their impending conflict is foretold, with Huo Ling seeking to challenge Bael's rule over Avernus and free Zariel.
• Tiamat and Bael: Tiamat's past involvement in Bael's rise to power is revealed, suggesting a complex relationship between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tiamat, the former Lord of Avernus, reveals she helped Bael torment Zariel out of spite for her successor.
• Bael is slowly devouring Zariel's power, causing her immense pain and suffering.
• Huo Ling learns about Zariel's torture and plans to deal with Bael soon to prevent further power gain.
• Bael notices Huo Ling's Floating City leaving Tiamat's domain and becomes contemplative.
• Zariel is imprisoned and tortured in the Bronze Citadel, with a Pit Fiend marquis overseeing her torment.

Character Developments

• Tiamat: Shows her malicious nature and lack of remorse for Zariel's suffering.
• Bael: Gains power by torturing and devouring Zariel, becomes more cautious after Huo Ling's visit.
• Zariel: Endures immense pain and suffering, remains defiant despite her circumstances.
• Huo Ling: Becomes more determined to deal with Bael after learning about Zariel's torture.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and spite (Tiamat's motivation)
• Power and its corrupting influence (Bael's actions)
• Endurance and defiance in the face of adversity (Zariel's situation)
• The consequences of one's actions (Tiamat and Bael's actions affecting others)

Character Interactions

• Tiamat and Huo Ling: Tiamat shares information with Huo Ling, who then decides to act against Bael.
• Bael and the Pleasure Demon: Bael receives his daily "delicacy" from Zariel, showing his enjoyment of her suffering.
• Bael and the Pit Fiend Marquis: The marquis tortures Zariel under Bael's orders, highlighting Bael's cruelty.
• Zariel and the Pit Fiend Marquis: Zariel's hatred for her tormentor is evident, despite her weakened state.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huo Ling returns to the military camp and decides to proceed with his original plan to weaken Bael and the Bronze Citadel.
• He tasks Intelligence General Colin with recruiting war zone commanders, while he focuses on fighting in the Blood Wars and providing greater devils for the erosion plan.
• Huo Ling subtly erodes the authority of the Bronze Citadel by placing greater devils within it, including marquises.
• Huo Ling participates in numerous Blood Wars, increasing his undead army's numbers and strength.

Character Developments

• Huo Ling becomes more hands-off, delegating tasks to other Dark Generals while focusing on fighting and providing greater devils.
• Colin successfully recruits war zone commanders, expanding Huo Ling's influence within the Bronze Citadel.
• Huo Ling's undead army grows significantly, with four Skeleton Planes and multiple Death World Trees providing a steady supply of soldiers.

Significant Themes

• Patience and strategic planning: Huo Ling takes a long-term approach to weakening Bael and the Bronze Citadel.
• Power dynamics: Huo Ling's alliance with other Dark Generals shifts the balance of power within the Abyss.
• Resource management: Huo Ling balances his responsibilities as a shopkeeper and a warrior, delegating tasks and focusing on areas where he can make the most impact.

Character Interactions

• Huo Ling and Colin: Huo Ling delegates the task of recruiting war zone commanders to Colin, trusting him to carry out the mission successfully.
• Huo Ling and other Dark Generals: Huo Ling's alliance with other Dark Generals ensures their safety and loyalty, while they provide him with greater devils for his plan.
• Huo Ling and the Abyssal Will: Huo Ling's killing of Abyssal lords provokes the Abyssal Will, setting the stage for future conflicts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Abyssal Will, the power behind the Abyssal Lords, grows more aggressive due to Huo Ling's involvement in the Blood War.
• The intensity of the war increases, with more Abyssal Worlds sending demons to besiege the Bronze Citadel, straining the defenders' resources.
• A Pit Fiend duke from the Bronze Citadel visits Huo Ling's palace to purchase undead troops, revealing the dire situation of his war zone.
• Huo Ling agrees to provide reinforcements on the condition that the duke signs an alliance pact, placing his war zone under Huo Ling's command.

Character Developments

• Huo Ling: Shows strategic prowess by exacerbating the war to force the demons to seek his aid, further expanding his influence and power.
• Pit Fiend Duke: Demonstrates desperation and pragmatism in seeking Huo Ling's help to save his war zone, despite knowing the cost of allying with him.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and alliances: Characters align themselves based on self-interest and necessity, reflecting the shifting power balance in the war.
• Resource management and strategy: The war's intensity and the strain on resources highlight the importance of strategic decision-making and resource allocation.

Character Interactions

• Huo Ling and the Pit Fiend Duke: Their interaction showcases Huo Ling's manipulation and the duke's desperation, leading to an alliance that benefits Huo Ling more than the duke.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A desperate duke from a struggling war zone seeks Huo Ling's aid against demon attacks.
• Huo Ling meets with Colin, the intelligence general, to discuss their progress in winning over war zone commanders.
• Huo Ling decides to make a move against Bael and plans to spread rumors about Bael's collusion with Abyssal demons and Zariel's imprisonment in the Bronze Citadel.

Character Developments

• Huo Ling demonstrates strategic thinking and cunning, showing his ability to manipulate situations to his advantage.
• Colin exhibits his expertise in intelligence analysis and his confidence in spreading rumors.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and deception: Huo Ling uses rumors to sway public opinion and weaken Bael's position.
• Alliances and power dynamics: Huo Ling's alliances with war zone commanders give him leverage against Bael.
• Information control: Colin's ability to analyze and spread information is a crucial asset to Huo Ling's plans.

Character Interactions

• Huo Ling and Colin discuss their progress and plans, with Huo Ling giving orders and Colin providing insights and executing tasks.
• Huo Ling's interaction with the desperate duke highlights the dire situation of some war zones and the potential for Huo Ling to gain allies.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Rumors of Bael colluding with Abyssal demons start circulating in the Bronze Citadel and spread rapidly.
• The rumors become increasingly lurid and absurd as they pass from one devil to another, reaching the inner cities and outer territories.
• The news weakens Bael's support among the devils and signals Dark General Huo Ling's impending move against Bael.

Character Developments

• Bael's reputation is severely damaged due to the rumors, which could lead to a loss of support and potentially his position as the acting Lord.
• Dark General Huo Ling is shown to be strategically manipulating the situation to his advantage.

Significant Themes

• The power of rumors and gossip in shaping public opinion and influencing political dynamics.
• The devils' hatred for demons and their commitment to the Blood War.
• The consequences of a leader's actions on their reputation and support.

Character Interactions

• The devils in the tavern discuss and spread the rumors, reflecting their varied reactions and emotions (envy, anger, indifference).
• Colin's Snake-Insect Brotherhood spies and informants play a role in spreading the rumors across Avernus, indicating their loyalty to their master and their influence in the devil hierarchy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bael's reputation is tarnished due to rumors of cowardice and devouring Zariel's power, leading to dwindling support from other devils.
• Bael suspects Huo Ling plans to challenge him and considers summoning Huo Ling to the Bronze Citadel.
• Bael sends an envoy to Tiamat, revealing Huo Ling as a human who devoured red dragon bloodlines, aiming to sow discord.
• Huo Ling gathers his generals to discuss Bael's treachery and decides to raise an army to challenge Bael's rule.

Character Developments

• Bael: Struggles with his reputation and considers Huo Ling a threat, resorting to divisive tactics.
• Huo Ling: Gains support from his generals, decides to challenge Bael's rule, and shows concern for the devils' plight.

Significant Themes

• Reputation and its impact on power dynamics.
• Divide and conquer strategy.
• Uprising against a corrupt ruler.

Character Interactions

• Bael and his loyal subordinate: Bael vents his frustration, and the subordinate advises him on dealing with Huo Ling.
• Huo Ling and his generals: Huo Ling listens to their views, and they unanimously support his decision to challenge Bael.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The war between Huo Ling and Bael begins.
• Huo Ling commands his Dark Generals to defend the Bronze Citadel from Abyssal legions and accompanies three generals to confront Bael.
• Huo Ling's Floating City deploys undead legions, including powerful Sanctuary-level undead, marching towards the Bronze Citadel.
• Huo Ling's declaration of war is projected throughout the Bronze Citadel, listing Bael's crimes and calling for devils to join him against Bael.

Character Developments

• Huo Ling demonstrates his strategic prowess and determination to challenge Bael's rule.
• Bael shows signs of desperation and anger as he struggles to counter Huo Ling's declaration.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political intrigue within Purgatory.
• The consequences of betrayal and rebellion.
• The use of propaganda and public declarations to sway opinion and rally support.

Character Interactions

• Huo Ling issues commands to his Dark Generals, displaying confidence in their abilities.
• Bael interacts with his Legendary spellcasters, expressing frustration at their inability to dispel Huo Ling's magical projection.
• The devils within the Bronze Citadel react to Huo Ling's declaration, with some expressing support for his cause.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bael, the Lord of Avernus, feels fear and concern as Huo Ling, his former subordinate, launches a surprise attack on the Bronze Citadel.
• Bael realizes he has underestimated Huo Ling's strength and growth during his own seclusion.
• Bael appears outside the central fortress for the first time in hundreds of years, drawing the attention of the devils.
• Huo Ling projects a message demanding Bael's surrender and Zariel's release. Bael refuses and calls Huo Ling a usurper.
• Huo Ling's vast army, including an enormous Floating City, arrives outside the Bronze Citadel, instilling fear in the defenders.
• Huo Ling proposes a decisive duel to Bael to avoid a destructive civil war, but Bael is hesitant.

Character Developments

• Bael: Realizes his mistake in underestimating Huo Ling and the outside world during his seclusion. Shows concern for the devils under his command.
• Huo Ling: Demonstrates strategic thinking and concern for the well-being of the devils in the Bronze Citadel by proposing a duel to minimize casualties.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the consequences of underestimating one's enemies.
• The impact of seclusion and isolation on one's understanding of the changing world.
• The responsibility of leaders towards their subordinates and the greater good.

Character Interactions

• Bael and Huo Ling: Their interaction highlights their differing views on power and responsibility, with Huo Ling showing more concern for the well-being of the devils, while Bael is more focused on maintaining his authority.
• Bael and the devils of the Bronze Citadel: Bael's appearance and use of the brass horn rally the devils, but their fear of Huo Ling's army shows their lack of confidence in Bael's leadership.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bael challenges Huo Ling to a battle, accepting his request but not committing to an all-out war.
• Huo Ling uses powerful Solar Legendary spells like 'Smite Evil', 'Demonic Beast Immobilization Spell', and 'Heavenly Strike' against Bael.
• Bael draws power from the Bronze Citadel and its legions, temporarily increasing his strength to the 25th stage of Legend.
• Bael attempts to suppress Huo Ling with the power of a divine kingdom, but Huo Ling sends him flying with a single wand strike.

Character Developments

• Bael underestimates Huo Ling's power initially but realizes his mistake as the battle progresses.
• Huo Ling demonstrates his immense strength and versatility as a spellcaster and close-combat fighter.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the consequences of underestimating one's opponent.
• The use of magical and divine powers in battle.

Character Interactions

• Bael and Huo Ling engage in a fierce, one-on-one battle, testing each other's limits and powers.
• Huo Ling's power and tactics force Bael to adapt and strategize throughout the fight.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huo Ling and Bael engage in a fierce battle, drawing upon the power of the Bronze Citadel.
• Huo Ling uses powerful spells like Flame Storm and Eye of Mourning, while Bael uses his spell-like abilities like Greater Illusion and Meteor Explosion.
• The battle results in widespread destruction within the Bronze Citadel, with many devils suffering from the heavenly fire and Bael's attacks.

Character Developments

• Huo Ling demonstrates his prowess as a Solar Legendary spellcaster, using a variety of spells and defensive measures to counter Bael's attacks.
• Bael reveals his ability to cast spell-like abilities, showing his versatility in both melee combat and spellcasting.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of high-level spellcasters are highlighted, as Huo Ling and Bael's battle causes widespread destruction.
• The theme of resilience is shown as both characters refuse to back down despite severe attacks.

Character Interactions

• Huo Ling and Bael engage in a intense battle, each trying to outdo the other with their powerful abilities.
• Their interaction showcases their competitive nature and unwillingness to yield, leading to a destructive clash.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bael unleashes a powerful Meteor Explosion, which Huo Ling avoids by entering unstable planes.
• Huo Ling detonates an unstable plane, injuring Bael and causing him to crash into the Bronze Citadel, destroying buildings and killing devils.
• Huo Ling empowers himself with multiple Sun Legends, increasing his size, strength, and unleashing a Fear Aura.
• Bael blows the Brass Horn, rallying the Demon Army and initiating a full-scale attack on Huo Ling.

Character Developments

• Huo Ling demonstrates his powerful abilities and strategic thinking, using unstable planes to evade Bael's attack and turning Bael's own power against him.
• Bael shows his fearlessness and determination, refusing to surrender and rallying his troops despite knowing he's no match for Huo Ling.

Significant Themes

• Power and its consequences: Huo Ling's immense power terrifies Bael and the devils, but it also draws their attacks, highlighting the double-edged nature of power.
• Courage and fear: Bael's fearlessness in the face of Huo Ling's power contrasts with the fear experienced by the other devils, exploring the theme of courage in the face of overwhelming odds.

Character Interactions

• Huo Ling and Bael: Their interaction is marked by hostility, with Huo Ling demanding Bael's surrender and Bael refusing, leading to a full-scale battle.
• Bael and the Demon Army: Bael's use of the Brass Horn shows his ability to inspire and command his troops, while also highlighting the devils' fear and willingness to fight despite the odds.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huo Ling, with his Radiant Sun Legendary-grade magic furnace, maintains a powerful stance against Bael's attacks.
• The Floating City's main cannons bombard the Bronze Citadel, causing massive destruction and casualties.
• Huo Ling deploys his spell domain, amplifying his side's power and suppressing the enemies.
• Huo Ling's undead army, including Radiant Moon and Sanctuary-level beings, invades the Bronze Citadel, routing the devil forces.
• Huo Ling battles Bael with the help of two other Radiant Sun undead, while his army takes control of the city.

Character Developments

• Huo Ling demonstrates his immense power and strategic prowess, turning the tide of battle in his favor.
• Bael's confidence wanes as he realizes the extent of Huo Ling's power and the lack of support from his own forces.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: Huo Ling's overwhelming power instills fear and submission in the devils, turning them against Bael.
• Loyalty and betrayal: Bael's followers abandon him, choosing to side with the victorious Huo Ling to ensure their own survival.

Character Interactions

• Huo Ling and Bael: Their battle intensifies, with Huo Ling gaining the upper hand due to his strategic use of undead forces and spell domain.
• Huo Ling and his undead army: They work together to swiftly take control of the Bronze Citadel, routing the devil forces with ease.
• Bael and his followers: Bael's followers abandon him, choosing to surrender to Huo Ling rather than fight against him, reflecting their fear of Huo Ling's power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bael retreats to his central fortress after sustaining heavy injuries, confident in its defenses.
• Huo Ling, with knowledge of the fortress's layout, brings the Floating City to bombard it.
• The fortress's defenses hold initially but begin to weaken under sustained attacks from Huo Ling's forces and the approaching demon army.
• Huo Ling faces a dilemma: capture Bael or intercept the demon army.
• Huo Ling decides to launch a powerful Sunlight Legendary spell, "Polar Star Annihilation," to destroy the central fortress and Bael.

Character Developments

• Bael's confidence in his fortress's defenses wanes as attacks intensify.
• Huo Ling demonstrates strategic thinking and decisiveness in choosing the most effective course of action.

Significant Themes

• The futility of relying solely on defensive strategies against overwhelming force.
• The importance of adaptability and decisive action in the face of changing circumstances.

Character Interactions

• Bael and Huo Ling engage in a battle of attrition, with Bael's forces struggling to hold out against Huo Ling's relentless assault.
• Huo Ling considers the needs of his demon armies facing the approaching demon army, demonstrating concern for his subordinates' well-being.