Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The ghost, now possessing the bird's corpse, attacks Benjamin.
• Benjamin traps the ghost using an Ice Wall, Anti-Magic Bubble, and Water of Life.
• The ghost is forced out of the bird's corpse and trapped in a glass cover.
• The bird's corpse is handed over to an old man for research.

Character Developments

• Benjamin demonstrates his strategic thinking and adaptability in handling the ghost.
• The old man shows keen interest in studying the bird's corpse.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between life and death, and the ghost's fear of vitality.
• The importance of research and discovery in the story's world.

Character Interactions

• Benjamin and the old man work together to contain and study the ghost.
• Benjamin and the system have a brief, humorous exchange.
• The surrounding mages assist Benjamin in containing the ghost.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mages struggle to study the ghost, deciding to starve it and observe changes.
• Benjamin summons the two Mind Arts siblings to study the ghost.
• The siblings reveal their tribe's practice of preserving elders' souls as ghosts.
• The girl attempts to communicate with the ghost, but it's difficult due to the ghost's confusion and fear.
• The siblings explain that ghosts can be commanded but lose their illusory abilities when tamed.
• They warn that starving the ghost could cause it to go berserk, destroying its surroundings before dispersing.

Character Developments

• Benjamin shows curiosity and interest in the ghost and its potential uses.
• The siblings display knowledge about ghosts and their tribe's practices, showing respect for their ancestors' souls.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of ghosts, and the potential to control them.
• The connection between the ghost and the Overseas Sect's practices.
• The consequences of neglecting or mistreating powerful entities.

Character Interactions

• Benjamin interacts with the siblings, learning about their tribe's ghost-related practices.
• The siblings communicate with the ghost, attempting to understand and control it.
• The ghost interacts with the bird, demonstrating its ability to possess and control other creatures.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Benjamin encounters a ghost in the Academy that resembles an ancestor spirit from a book.
• He allows two students to study the ghost to learn its 'Ancestor Spirit Taming' method.
• The Academy temporarily settles down, with various research projects underway, including undead and Mind Arts.
• An unexpected priest visits Benjamin, claiming to be sent by the Pope. He seeks an important item lost by The Church, suspected to be in Benjamin's possession.
• Benjamin reveals he knows the significance of the item, a key to another world and The Church's inheritance.

Character Developments

• Benjamin: Shows provocation and amusement in dealing with the priest, revealing his knowledge of the key's importance and The Church's secrets.
• The Priest: Struggles to maintain composure and professionalism in the face of Benjamin's mockery and reveals the key's significance to him.

Significant Themes

• Power and Knowledge: Benjamin's possession of the key gives him leverage over The Church, demonstrating the power of knowledge and secrets.
• Faith and Betrayal: The priest's mission highlights the struggle between his faith and the necessity of dealing with a 'demon' (Benjamin) to retrieve the key.

Character Interactions

• Benjamin and the Priest: Their interaction is tense and filled with hidden meanings, with Benjamin provoking and mocking the priest while revealing his knowledge of The Church's secrets.
• Benjamin and the Students: Benjamin allows the students to study the ghost, showing trust in their abilities and a willingness to share knowledge.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Benjamin, the headmaster of the Magic Academy, meets with a priest from The Church to discuss a potential alliance, but the priest's unyielding faith and refusal to compromise lead to a failed negotiation.
• Benjamin decides to form a secret army to protect the academy and its interests, given The Church's growing threat and the academy's financial stability.

Character Developments

• Benjamin: Shows diplomatic prowess and strategic thinking, understanding the academy's position and the need for self-defense against The Church's growing power.
• The Priest: Demonstrates unyielding faith and loyalty to The Church, even in the face of Benjamin's attempts to expose its hypocrisies and corruption.

Significant Themes

• Faith vs. Pragmatism: The priest's unwavering faith contrasts with Benjamin's practical approach to diplomacy and self-preservation.
• Power Dynamics: The negotiation highlights the shifting balance of power between The Church and the Magic Academy, with Benjamin now able to stand on equal footing with The Church.

Character Interactions

• Benjamin and the Priest: Their interaction showcases the vast differences in their worldviews and priorities, leading to a failed negotiation.
• Benjamin and Wallis: They discuss the possibility of forming a secret army, with Wallis expressing concerns about the political implications and the feasibility of such a force.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Maurice develops a magic necklace that allows ordinary people to hover in midair for short durations, bridging the gap between spellcasters and non-spellcasters.
• Benjamin realizes the potential of these new magic items in creating an army capable of fighting spellcasters and begins preparations for a secret army.
• Benjamin decides to sell strategic magic items, including the Holy Light Cannon, to other nations to help them defend against The Church's potential invasion.
• News arrives of suspicious troop movements and mobilization of provisions in the Hori Kingdom, suggesting an impending war with The Church.

Character Developments

• Maurice: Shows dedication to his work and innovation in creating magic items that can be used by ordinary people.
• Benjamin: Demonstrates strategic thinking and foresight in preparing for war with The Church and helping other nations defend against it.
• General Stewart: Shows concern for the potential threat from The Church and provides valuable intelligence on their movements.

Significant Themes

• The power imbalance between spellcasters and non-spellcasters, and the efforts to bridge this gap.
• The threat posed by The Church and the need for unity among other nations to defend against it.
• The role of strategic weapons and their impact on the balance of power between nations.

Character Interactions

• Maurice and Benjamin: Maurice presents his new invention to Benjamin, who recognizes its potential military applications.
• Benjamin and General Stewart: They discuss the potential threat from The Church and share intelligence on their movements.
• Benjamin, King Caritas, and the President: They discuss the allocation of Holy Light Cannons among their nations to prepare for The Church's potential invasion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Church plans to attack the Magic Academy within a month, accelerating their timeline.
• Benjamin proposes to intercept and destroy the Hori Kingdom's grain supply convoy to delay the Church's advance.
• Benjamin sets off on his mission, entering the Hori Kingdom through the Ghost Abyss and contacting General Stewart's informants for information on the supply convoy's route.

Character Developments

• Benjamin demonstrates his decisiveness and willingness to take risks for the sake of the Magic Academy.
• The Academy's leaders express concern for Benjamin's safety, highlighting their trust in his abilities and their reliance on him.

Significant Themes

• The theme of sacrifice for a greater cause is evident as Benjamin puts himself in harm's way to protect the Magic Academy.
• The importance of intelligence and information gathering is shown through General Stewart's informants and their crucial role in Benjamin's mission.

Character Interactions

• Benjamin interacts with the Academy's leaders, discussing the Church's plans and his proposed solution.
• He meets with one of General Stewart's informants, a town mayor, who provides him with vital information about the supply convoy's route.
• Benjamin's conversation with the System reveals his confidence in his abilities and his determination to complete his mission.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A grain convoy of roughly a thousand men is transporting grain along the Norman River Valley.
• The commander expresses concern about potential raiders, and Father Kariel confirms that they are being watched.
• The commander suspects that the grain convoy might be bait, but Father Kariel denies it.
• The grain ships are loaded, and the commander hopes to reach Cru Town safely.
• One of the ships suddenly starts sinking, despite no visible leaks, causing panic among the crew and soldiers.
• The ship sinks completely, and no one emerges from the water.
• After the ship's disappearance, Father Kariel reveals himself to be the Pope and uses his powers to vanish, leaving the commander and others in shock.

Character Developments

• The commander starts as concerned about potential threats but becomes increasingly fearful and desperate as the situation worsens.
• Father Kariel is initially portrayed as a calm and collected priest but is later revealed to be the Pope, displaying divine powers.

Significant Themes

• Fear and desperation in the face of an unknown and powerful enemy.
• The revelation of a high-ranking cleric's true identity and powers.
• The use of a grain convoy as a potential trap or bait.

Character Interactions

• The commander and Father Kariel discuss the potential threat and the commander's fears.
• The commander lashes out at the soldiers to increase their work efficiency.
• The crew and soldiers panic as the ship sinks, while the commander and Father Kariel watch helplessly.
• The commander realizes Father Kariel's true identity after he uses his powers to vanish.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Grant senses the key and demands its return, but no response comes.
• Grant discovers a mocking scarecrow in the river, which Benjamin reveals as a trap.
• Grant and Benjamin engage in a battle of Holy Light vs. Water Magic.
• Grant uses his powerful "Ultimate Light Thread" attack, which Benjamin barely dodges.
• Benjamin uses "Elemental Command: Defense" to protect himself, but Grant's attack pierces through.
• Benjamin heals his wound underwater, but Grant's next attack is imminent.

Character Developments

• Grant: Shows his powerful and aggressive nature, using his "Ultimate Light Thread" attack without hesitation.
• Benjamin: Demonstrates his strategic thinking by setting a trap with the scarecrow, but struggles to keep up with Grant's powerful attacks.

Significant Themes

• The power of element control: Both Grant and Benjamin exhibit exceptional control over their respective elements, Holy Light and Water.
• The consequences of straying from one's path: Grant believes Benjamin has strayed onto the wrong path and is determined to put him to death.

Character Interactions

• Grant and Benjamin: Their interaction is hostile and aggressive, with both parties determined to gain the upper hand in their battle.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Grant misses his initial attack on Benjamin.
• Benjamin freezes the entire river and throws it at Grant as a counterattack.
• Grant blocks Benjamin's attack using a divine spell of light, causing an explosion of burning snowflakes.
• Benjamin realizes the battle is intense and draining.

Character Developments

• Grant: Shows immense power and fighting spirit, using a divine spell to block Benjamin's attack.
• Benjamin: Demonstrates incredible strength by freezing and throwing an entire river, but also feels pressure and strain from the battle.

Significant Themes

• The clash between light (Grant) and water (Benjamin) elements.
• The limits of human power and the strain of intense battles.

Character Interactions

• Grant and Benjamin engage in a fierce, high-stakes battle, each pushing the other to their limits.
• The commander and his soldiers witness the battle from afar, feeling its immense power and fleeing in terror.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Benjamin, with his power fully unleashed, creates a gigantic water dragon and an army of frost constructs to attack Grant.
• Grant counters with a net of Holy Light, destroying most of Benjamin's constructs and the water dragon.
• Benjamin then summons an elemental storm, but Grant halts its expansion with a golden cross.
• Benjamin crosses the elemental storm and pulls out a crystal ball, threatening Grant with its unknown power.

Character Developments

• Benjamin demonstrates his enhanced elemental control and offensive capabilities.
• Grant shows adaptability and power, handling Benjamin's attacks with ease.
• The commander and soldiers witness the battle, realizing its scale and danger, leading the commander to call for reinforcements.

Significant Themes

• Power and its limits: Both Benjamin and Grant push their powers to new extremes, but neither can definitively overpower the other.
• Impulsiveness vs. Caution: Grant is criticized for being impulsive, while Benjamin is more calculated and prepared.
• Fear and Instinct: The commander and soldiers feel instinctive terror at the sight of the elemental storm, highlighting the power imbalance.

Character Interactions

• Benjamin and Grant engage in a battle of wits and power, each trying to outmaneuver the other.
• The commander and soldiers watch the battle, feeling helpless and small in comparison to the powerful beings above.
• Benjamin's actions and words show his confidence and provocation, while Grant remains calm and collected.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Benjamin uses his Elemental Command: Destruction to create a massive elemental storm, which Grant initially suppresses with a golden halo.
• Benjamin adds more Water Element Crystals to the storm, causing it to grow out of control.
• Grant sends his Holy Light Cross into the storm, and Benjamin throws in all his remaining Water Element Crystals, causing a series of explosions.
• Grant uses a golden pendant to emit a white beam, suppressing the storm. Benjamin then controls the storm towards Grant.
• Benjamin activates and throws the real crystal ball into the storm.

Character Developments

• Benjamin shows recklessness and desperation in his actions, willing to risk destruction to gain an advantage.
• Grant reveals more of his power and resources, using a precious item to suppress the storm, showing his determination to defeat Benjamin.

Significant Themes

• Power and Control: Both characters struggle to control the elemental storm, representing their desire for power and dominance.
• Sacrifice: Grant is willing to sacrifice a precious item to suppress the storm, while Benjamin risks destroying the unique crystal ball to turn the tide.
• Recklessness vs. Caution: Benjamin acts impulsively, while Grant remains calm and calculated.

Character Interactions

• Benjamin and Grant engage in a battle of wits and power, each trying to outmaneuver the other.
• Benjamin's actions push Grant to reveal more of his capabilities, increasing the stakes of their conflict.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Benjamin triggers an elemental storm and throws in a crystal ball, causing a massive explosion.
• Grant, unable to control the storm, is overwhelmed and retreats.
• Benjamin escapes but finds himself in a vast, cleared area surrounded by The Church's forces, including Paladins, bishops, and a defensive barrier.
• He discovers that the barrier extends underground, forming a complete sphere, with no immediate escape route.

Character Developments

• Benjamin shows strategic thinking by using the elemental storm to escape, but is now cornered and desperate.
• Grant demonstrates his power and resourcefulness by setting up an encirclement and using a crystal ball to trigger the storm's explosion.

Significant Themes

• Trap and Counter-trap: Both Benjamin and Grant set traps for each other, with Benjamin ultimately falling into Grant's trap.
• Power and Resourcefulness: Both characters show their ability to adapt and use their resources effectively in battle.

Character Interactions

• Benjamin and Grant's indirect interaction is marked by tension and mutual anticipation of each other's moves.
• Benjamin interacts with the System, showing frustration and weariness at his current situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Benjamin hides in a hollowed-out tree to evade Church knights searching for him.
• The Church's search is meticulous, using special crosses to detect Benjamin's presence.
• Benjamin decides to escape the forest, with the System guiding him through the knights' patrol routes.
• A commotion occurs on the other side of the forest, drawing away some knights, presenting an opportunity for Benjamin to escape.

Character Developments

• Benjamin: Realizes the gravity of the situation and the Church's determination to capture him. He becomes more cautious and strategic in his plans.
• System: Calculates a safe route for Benjamin to escape the forest and provides guidance during his escape attempt.

Significant Themes

• Pursuit and evasion: Benjamin's struggle to escape the Church's relentless pursuit.
• Opportunity and timing: Benjamin's attempt to capitalize on the commotion in the forest to make his escape.
• Resourcefulness: Benjamin's use of his surroundings and the System's guidance to evade detection.

Character Interactions

• Benjamin and the System: They work together, with the System providing crucial information and guidance to help Benjamin escape.
• Benjamin and the Church knights: Benjamin avoids direct confrontation with the knights, using stealth and caution to evade them.
• Benjamin and the two mages from Silent Academy: Benjamin discovers them hidden under a rock, but their interaction is not detailed in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Benjamin finds two mages hiding behind a boulder near his encirclement.
• The mages reveal they've come to save Benjamin.
• Benjamin learns that Miles has the Pope tied up, creating an opportunity for escape.
• Benjamin breaks through the encirclement with the mages' help.
• Grant, pursuing Benjamin, encounters an unknown, fast, and powerful adversary.

Character Developments

• Benjamin: Shows hesitation but ultimately decides to take the risk and escape.
• The two mages: Display confidence and pride in their ability to save Benjamin.
• Grant: Struggles against the unknown adversary, eventually realizing the other's extraordinary abilities.

Significant Themes

• Opportunity and risk: Benjamin weighs the risks and decides to seize the chance to escape.
• Unknown adversaries: Both Benjamin and Grant face unknown, powerful opponents.

Character Interactions

• Benjamin and the two mages: They work together, with the mages expressing confidence in their ability to save Benjamin.
• Grant and the unknown adversary: Grant struggles to keep up with and counter the mysterious, fast opponent.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A mysterious figure, later revealed to be a mercenary, confronts Grant (the Pope) mid-air, preventing him from pursuing Benjamin.
• The mercenary, immune to divine arts due to the Abyss Trial, attacks Grant relentlessly, damaging his Holy Light Armor.
• Grant attempts to subdue the mercenary with the help of knights, but the mercenary evades capture and escapes, tearing through a barrier.
• Grant discovers that Benjamin has escaped their blockade, and he pursues him, only to find several bishops killed in the process.

Character Developments

• Grant: Realizes the power of the Abyss Trial and the limits of his divine arts against it. Becomes more determined to capture Benjamin.
• The Mercenary: Demonstrates exceptional combat skills, agility, and resilience. Reveals a nonchalant and mocking attitude towards Grant and the Church.

Significant Themes

• The limitations of divine power and the Church's authority.
• The power of the Abyss Trial and its immunity to magic and divine arts.
• The struggle between the Church and Benjamin, with the mercenary as a significant obstacle.

Character Interactions

• Grant vs. The Mercenary: A tense and unequal fight, with the mercenary having the upper hand due to his immunity to divine arts.
• Grant and the Knights/Bishops: Grant directs the knights and bishops to capture the mercenary, but they fail, leading to the bishops' deaths.
• Grant and the Priests: Grant learns from the priests that Benjamin has escaped, fueling his determination to pursue him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Benjamin, along with two mages, reaches a remote town where they're to meet Elizabeth and Miles.
• They confirm they've evaded The Church's pursuit and are safe.
• Benjamin, the two mages, Elizabeth, and Miles reunite at a dilapidated inn.
• Benjamin learns that Miles and Elizabeth have known each other since childhood, and Miles overheard Benjamin's plan, leading to their rescue.
• Benjamin discovers that the Wood Family has become powerful in the Hori Kingdom, facilitating Elizabeth's group's entry.
• Benjamin agrees to help Elizabeth's group escape the Hori Kingdom.
• Elizabeth expresses regret for not being able to trade the favor of saving Benjamin for the Rune Meditation Method, but Benjamin gifts it to her anyway.
• They leave the Hori Kingdom through the Skyver Mountains, witnessing the world of ghosts and undead beneath the abyss.

Character Developments

• Benjamin shows gratitude and understanding towards Miles and Elizabeth for their rescue.
• Miles reveals his desire to explore the world of ghosts and undead beneath the abyss.
• Elizabeth shows regret for not being able to trade favors with Benjamin.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and alliance: Benjamin, Miles, and Elizabeth's past connections lead to their current alliance.
• Power dynamics: The Wood Family's rise to power in the Hori Kingdom is revealed.
• Trust and reciprocity: Benjamin gifts the Rune Meditation Method to Elizabeth without expecting anything in return.

Character Interactions

• Benjamin, Miles, and Elizabeth reunite, discussing their past and current plans.
• Benjamin and Miles's relationship evolves from initial hostility to mutual respect and understanding.
• Benjamin and Elizabeth's interactions remain somewhat awkward due to their past, but they maintain a friendly rapport.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Miles, intrigued by his magic-immune constitution, jumps into a ghost-infested area, breaking the soundproof barrier.
• Benjamin and the group rush to rescue Miles, but ghosts envelop him. Miles appears unaffected, and the ghosts eventually die trying to feed on him.
• Miles wakes up unharmed, and Benjamin speculates that Miles might have no life force left, explaining his immunity to ghosts and short lifespan.
• Miles asks if his life force can be replenished, but Benjamin's healing spell fails to work on him.

Character Developments

• Miles: Shows reckless bravery, willing to risk his life to test his magic-immune constitution. He appears dejected after learning his life force might be irreparable.
• Benjamin: Demonstrates concern and frustration towards Miles' reckless actions. He shows empathy and tries to help Miles understand his condition.

Significant Themes

• Curiosity and Recklessness: Miles' curiosity about his magic-immune constitution leads him to act recklessly, putting himself and the group in danger.
• Life Force and Mortality: The chapter explores the concept of life force and its connection to one's existence and mortality, as seen through Miles' unique condition.

Character Interactions

• Benjamin and Miles: Benjamin is frustrated with Miles' reckless behavior but shows concern and empathy towards his condition. Miles apologizes for causing trouble and accepts Benjamin's help.
• Miles and the Group: Miles' actions put the group in danger, causing them to worry and glare at him upon his return.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Benjamin and his group return to the Magic Academy after their journey.
• Benjamin inquires about the progress of their secret force.
• Wallis leads Benjamin to a hidden camp outside Akademi Town, where the secret force is being trained.
• Benjamin inspects the camp and meets Lance, the training instructor.
• Benjamin learns that the army will not be ready for battle in half a year.
• Benjamin uses healing magic to improve the soldiers' physical condition.

Character Developments

• Benjamin shows concern for the soldiers' well-being and uses his magic to boost their physical condition.
• Lance demonstrates his dedication and discipline as a military instructor.

Significant Themes

• The importance of secrecy in building the secret force.
• The need for patience and time in building an army.
• The transformative power of military training and discipline.

Character Interactions

• Benjamin and Wallis: Wallis acts as a guide and assistant to Benjamin.
• Benjamin and Lance: Lance shows respect and deference to Benjamin, while Benjamin entrusts him with an important duty.
• Benjamin and the soldiers: The soldiers show awe and gratitude towards Benjamin for his support and healing magic.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The nations' military conference discusses The Church's recent activities.
• The Church has been transferring personnel southward, away from the border with Ikor.
• Benjamin and the others suspect The Church's sudden inactivity might be due to the Overseas Sect causing trouble in the Hori Kingdom.
• Ikor's border defense is reinforced with an army of fifty thousand.

Character Developments

• Benjamin shows strategic thinking and caution in handling potential threats from The Church.
• The siblings demonstrate their dedication to researching the ancestral spirit, even facing significant risks.

Significant Themes

• The tension and uncertainty surrounding The Church's intentions and actions.
• The potential for cooperation or conflict between Ikor and the Overseas Sect against The Church.
• The risks and rewards of exploring and utilizing the power of the ancestral spirit.

Character Interactions

• Benjamin interacts with the conference attendees, discussing strategies and sharing information.
• Benjamin consults the siblings about their sect's attitude towards The Church and their progress in taming the ancestral spirit.
• The siblings express their determination to tame the ancestral spirit, despite the risks involved.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Benjamin helps a girl tame a ghost into a "Ghost Sparrow" using Mind Arts.
• The Ghost Sparrow can shoot shadow missiles, but its power is mediocre.
• Benjamin learns that Mind Arts casters can only tame one ghost, dampening his plans for a ghost army.
• Benjamin decides to continue studying and developing ghost taming, seeing it as a new path for Mind Arts.
• Riots break out in Hori Kingdom's port cities, and The Church transfers forces there. The Academy's Dark Division reports this to Benjamin.

Character Developments

• The girl successfully tames a ghost, boosting her confidence and excitement.
• Benjamin realizes the potential of ghost taming for Mind Arts casters and decides to pursue it further.
• Miles is willing to help Benjamin investigate the Hori Kingdom's sudden change in plans.

Significant Themes

• The power of Mind Arts and its potential when combined with ghost taming.
• The threat of The Church and the need for Benjamin to protect the Academy.
• The importance of intuition and caution in decision-making.

Character Interactions

• Benjamin guides the girl in taming the ghost, showing patience and encouragement.
• The girl and Benjamin discuss the capabilities and limitations of the Ghost Sparrow.
• Benjamin asks Miles to investigate the Hori Kingdom's sudden change in plans, showing trust in Miles' abilities.