Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Maria, a human, meets Sui, a Great Beast, who is much larger than ordinary Great Beasts.
• Sui reveals she has been watching humans for years and finds them weak but interesting.
• Maria and Sui have a conversation about human potential and tools, with Maria believing humans would challenge Great Beasts if they had the power.
• Sui reveals there are more than thirty Great Beasts in the region, divided into three factions, and they settle disputes through fights.

Character Developments

• Maria: Stands up for humanity's potential and resilience, believes humans would challenge Great Beasts if they had the power.
• Sui: Initially dismissive of humans, becomes intrigued by Maria's perspective on human potential and their desire for power.

Significant Themes

• Human potential and resilience vs. Great Beast power and indifference.
• The desire for power and control.
• The consequences of unchecked power.

Character Interactions

• Maria and Sui: Initially cautious, they engage in a candid conversation about humans and Great Beasts, with Sui becoming more interested in Maria's perspective.
• Sui and the other Great Beast (not named): They have a history of fighting, with Sui not minding the challenges.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Maria, a powerful Great Beast, meets Sui, another Great Beast, and they engage in a battle.
• Sui, intrigued by Maria's calm demeanor and respect for humans, asks Maria to take her to meet humans.
• Maria agrees, and they set out together, leaving the village where Maria had previously resolved a problem.

Character Developments

• Maria: She remains calm and collected, showing respect for human life and understanding of their potential. She agrees to take Sui to meet humans to broaden her perspective.
• Sui: Sui, initially arrogant and dismissive of humans, becomes curious about them after meeting Maria. She shows childlike innocence and eagerness to learn, despite her immense power.

Significant Themes

• Power and Responsibility: Both Maria and Sui possess immense power, but Maria understands the responsibility that comes with it, while Sui does not.
• Understanding and Respect: Maria's understanding and respect for humans contrast with Sui's initial disregard, highlighting the importance of these qualities.
• Growth and Learning: Sui's eagerness to learn about humans shows her potential for growth and change.

Character Interactions

• Maria and Sui: Their interaction is marked by curiosity and mutual respect. Maria's calm demeanor and understanding of humans intrigue Sui, leading her to ask Maria to take her to meet humans.
• Maria and the Village Chief: Maria reassures the village chief that no further strange events will occur in their village, showing her consideration for the villagers' well-being.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sui and Maria encounter a rocking horse mechanism, fascinating Sui.
• They sense an unstable presence in the forest, hinting at a Great Beast.
• A group of guards approaches, searching for a missing child (the young lord).
• The guards ask Maria and Sui if they've seen anything unusual, but they haven't.

Character Developments

• Sui shows curiosity and fascination with simple mechanisms.
• Maria remains calm and collected, showing no interest in saving the humans.
• The guards are desperate and worried about the missing young lord.

Significant Themes

• The curiosity and wonder of discovery (Sui's fascination with the rocking horse).
• The contrast between human and beast perspectives (Maria and Sui's indifference to human troubles).

Character Interactions

• Sui and Maria interact briefly, with Sui expecting Maria to save the humans, but Maria shows no intention to do so.
• The guards interact among themselves, showing worry and helplessness about the missing young lord.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A group of guards, led by their captain, search for their young master who ran off into the wilderness after an argument with the city lord.
• They decide to return at dawn if they find no clues by nightfall.
• At night, the guards feel an ominous presence in the forest, and one guard sees their young master's figure in the darkness.
• The guards begin to act strangely, drawn towards the black mist, and one by one, they shatter.
• The captain wakes up in the training yard, realizing it was all a dream.

Character Developments

• The young master is revealed to be the target of the guards' search, and his status and actions are discussed.
• The guard captain shows determination and concern for his fellow guards, trying to protect them from the unknown threat.
• The guards display loyalty to their young master and concern for each other, but they are also vulnerable to the mysterious influence in the forest.

Significant Themes

• The power of the mind and imagination, as the captain's dream reflects his fears and concerns.
• The dangers of the unknown and the wilderness.
• The importance of unity and communication among a group facing adversity.

Character Interactions

• The guards interact with each other, displaying camaraderie and concern for one another's well-being.
• The guard captain interacts with his subordinates, giving orders and trying to protect them from the mysterious threat.
• The young master is mentioned but not present, serving as a catalyst for the guards' actions and fears.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Changchun, a hunter, enters a dreamlike state where he kills his benefactor and is about to kill the young lord. He's stopped by his comrades, but a woman's voice snaps him out of it.
• Changchun and his group encounter Maria and Sui, who help them defeat a Great Beast. They're brought to South River City, where the city lord, Li Zhenfang, thanks Maria.
• Li Zhenfang expresses regret for his son's upbringing, as he was neglected due to the city's reconstruction needs after a Great Beast attack.

Character Developments

• Changchun: Struggles with the reality of his actions in his dream and the possible consequences.
• Maria: Shows compassion and understanding towards Li Zhenfang's son's aspirations.
• Li Zhenfang: Expresses remorse for his son's upbringing and the city's past struggles.

Significant Themes

• Reality vs. Illusion: Changchun's struggle to discern what's real and what's an illusion.
• Consequences of Actions: Changchun's potential actions and their consequences, as well as Li Zhenfang's regret for his past decisions.
• Parenthood and Responsibility: Li Zhenfang's feelings of guilt for his son's upbringing.

Character Interactions

• Changchun and his comrades: They restrain Changchun from killing the young lord, showing loyalty and concern for his well-being.
• Maria and Sui: They help Changchun and his group defeat the Great Beast, showing Maria's compassion and Sui's indifference to the beast's pleas.
• Li Zhenfang and Maria: Li Zhenfang thanks Maria for saving his son, expressing gratitude and regret for his son's upbringing.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Maria and Sui meet Li Zhenfang, the local governor, who reveals that his son has joined the Shanhai Assembly, a cult worshipping Great Beasts and aiming to lure them into cities.
• Maria and Sui decide to stay in the city until the next merchant caravan to Hundred Stoves, Yan's capital, departs.
• Maria and Sui explore the city, with Sui working at blacksmith shops to earn money and forge weapons.

Character Developments

• Li Zhenfang: Struggles with his son's involvement in the Shanhai Assembly, showing concern for the city's safety and willingness to help Maria and Sui.
• Maria: Determined to eliminate the Shanhai Assembly, believes in humanity's ability to defeat Great Beasts but is uncertain about their methods.
• Sui: Shows curiosity in human-made objects and toys, finds joy in working and forging weapons, displays her exceptional skill to attract blacksmith masters.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between humanity and Great Beasts, with the Shanhai Assembly representing those who submit to Great Beast power.
• Maria's faith in humanity's ability to defeat Great Beasts, despite not knowing the specific methods they will employ.
• Sui's curiosity and adaptability in the human world, finding value in work and human-made objects.

Character Interactions

• Maria and Li Zhenfang: Exchange information about the Shanhai Assembly and the governor's son, leading to Maria's decision to stay in the city.
• Sui and Blacksmiths: Sui works at blacksmith shops, earning money and forging weapons, attracting the attention of skilled blacksmiths in the city.
• Maria and Sui: Maria and Sui discuss the Shanhai Assembly, with Maria deciding to eliminate them and Sui questioning how humans will solve the problem without her intervention.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sui's unique forging techniques baffle other craftsmen.
• Sui's unconventional requests for payment (like candied fruits or toys) confuse people.
• Maria decides to close the forge temporarily due to growing threats from other blacksmiths.
• Li Chang, the eldest son of the Li Family, invites Maria and Sui to a banquet, revealing he's also a beast (member of the Shanhai Assembly).
• Maria and Sui attend the banquet at an old tavern, leading to the rooftop pavilion where Li Zhenfang and his sons await.

Character Developments

• Sui enjoys forging and gains admiration for her skills, but her unconventional behavior puzzles others.
• Maria shows concern for Sui's safety and understands the potential threat from other blacksmiths.
• Li Chang is revealed to be a beast, hinting at the Li Family's true nature.
• Li Zhenfang appears more humble and genuine than his brother Li Chang.

Significant Themes

• The clash between Sui's unique abilities and human norms.
• The hidden nature of the Li Family and the Shanhai Assembly.
• The potential threat and jealousy from others facing Sui's extraordinary skills.

Character Interactions

• Sui and Maria's partnership continues, with Maria protecting Sui and understanding her eccentricities.
• Maria and Li Chang interact, with Li Chang inviting them to the banquet, hinting at his family's true nature.
• Li Zhenfang interacts with Maria and Sui, showing a more genuine side compared to his brother.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Maria saves a young man (Li Zhenfang's son) from a Great Beast, and he expresses his gratitude in a formal, scripted manner.
• Li Zhenfang hosts a banquet to entertain Maria and Sui, but Maria struggles with the local customs and dining etiquette.
• Li Chang tries to probe Maria about the Great Beast incident, but she deflects his questions and offers him philosophical advice instead.

Character Developments

• Li Chang: Realizes Maria's strength and is unsettled by her demeanor. He becomes more guarded around her.
• Maria: Shows understanding and patience towards Li Zhenfang's family, despite their cultural differences. She subtly tries to guide Li Chang.

Significant Themes

• Cultural differences and misunderstandings
• The value of strength and effort
• The nature of Great Beasts and their perception by humans

Character Interactions

• Maria and Li Zhenfang: They show mutual respect and understanding, with Li Zhenfang being proud of his children and Maria offering him blessings.
• Maria and Li Chang: Tension builds as Li Chang probes Maria about the Great Beast, and she subtly tries to guide him, making him uncomfortable.
• Maria and Sui: They share a silent understanding, with Sui translating Maria's words when needed and teasing her about her confusion with local customs.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Maria, a powerful hunter, is targeted by the Shanhai Assembly, led by Li Zhenfang's eldest son, Li Chang.
• Li Chang's younger brother attempts to assassinate Maria, but she easily disarms him and defeats the attackers.
• Li Chang holds Li Zhenfang hostage, threatening to kill him if anyone approaches.
• Maria questions Li Chang about the Shanhai Assembly's goals, leading to a tense standoff.
• Li Zhenfang orders an assassin to kill Li Chang, revealing his true colors and shocking everyone present.

Character Developments

• Maria: Shows exceptional combat skills and calm demeanor under pressure. She questions the Shanhai Assembly's ideology and shows no fear in the face of danger.
• Li Zhenfang: Reveals his ruthless side by ordering the assassination of his eldest son. He is conflicted between his loyalty to his family and his duty as a leader.
• Li Chang: Believes in the Shanhai Assembly's cause but underestimates Maria's abilities. His actions lead to his own demise.
• Li Zhenfang's younger son: Witnesses the betrayal and murder of his brother, leading to a potential shift in his loyalties.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: The struggle for power and control is evident between Maria, the Shanhai Assembly, and Li Zhenfang's family.
• Ideology vs. reality: The Shanhai Assembly's ideology is challenged by Maria, leading to a confrontation between their beliefs and the reality of their situation.
• Betrayal and loyalty: Li Zhenfang's actions betray his family, while Maria's loyalty to her companions is evident.

Character Interactions

• Maria and Li Chang: Their interaction highlights the ideological clash between Maria's pragmatic approach to survival and Li Chang's fanatical beliefs.
• Li Zhenfang and Li Chang: Their relationship is strained due to Li Chang's extremist views and Li Zhenfang's struggle between family loyalty and duty.
• Li Zhenfang and his younger son: The younger son's loyalty is tested after witnessing Li Zhenfang's actions, potentially leading to a shift in their relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A Great Beast is expected to attack South River City in a few days, lured by the remnants of the Shanhai Assembly.
• City Lord Li Zhenfang requests Maria and Sui's help to forge high-quality refined iron and precision machinery for defense against the Great Beast.
• Sui agrees to help, demonstrating her extraordinary smithing abilities.

Character Developments

• Li Zhenfang: Despite his grief over his child's death, he prioritizes the safety of the city and its people, seeking help from Maria and Sui.
• Sui: She reveals her exceptional smithing skills and agrees to help forge materials for the city's defense, showing curiosity about humanity's capabilities against Great Beasts.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for survival against overwhelming odds.
• Human resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
• The power of cooperation and unity.

Character Interactions

• Li Zhenfang and Sui: Li Zhenfang seeks Sui's help, and she agrees, showing her unique abilities and interest in humanity's fight against Great Beasts.
• Maria and Sui: Maria remains quiet, while Sui teases her about humans' ability to resist Great Beasts, hinting at their different perspectives on the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sui, a powerful Originium Arts user, effortlessly forges weapons for South River City to defend against the incoming Great Beast.
• The city prepares for the beast's arrival, entering a state of martial law.
• A secret society, the Shanhai Assembly, tries to infiltrate and manipulate the city's defenses to create panic and reveal their existence.

Character Developments

• Sui: Shows her immense power and curiosity about humans' plans. She begins to question her views on humans after interacting with Maria.
• Maria: Reveals her past struggles and lack of understanding of abstract concepts like 'spirit'. She remains steadfast in her belief that Sui will change her opinion of humans.

Significant Themes

• The power of 'spirit' or determination in driving one's strength and growth.
• The consequences of overestimating one's abilities and underestimating opponents.
• The manipulation of events for personal gain, versus the protection of the greater good.

Character Interactions

• Sui and Maria: They discuss their views on humans, with Sui sharing her theory about 'spirit' being a catalyst for strength, while Maria expresses her confusion about such concepts.
• The Shanhai Assembly members: They discuss their failed plan to manipulate Li Zhenfang and his family, showing their desperation and frustration.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The crowd is troubled by Li Zhenfang's actions, unsure if he can truly stop the Great Beast's advance.
• An intelligence gatherer suggests targeting the source (the artisan forging materials for South River City's defenses) instead of finding out Li Zhenfang's plans.
• Maria can't sleep, reflecting on her past actions and the Deep Sea Hunters Project.
• A group of Shanhai Assembly attackers, believing Maria to be a key member of South River City's defense, infiltrate the inn to capture her.

Character Developments

• Li Zhenfang's decisiveness in choosing South River City over his son impresses Maria.
• Maria struggles with understanding her past actions and the emotions of others, particularly her role in the Deep Sea Hunters Project.
• The Shanhai Assembly attackers show determination and caution, but also display fear and uncertainty.

Significant Themes

• Decisiveness vs. Hesitation: Li Zhenfang's decisiveness contrasts with Maria's hesitation, reflecting on the consequences of their choices.
• The Past and Its Consequences: Maria grapples with her past actions and their impact on others, questioning her motivations and state of mind at the time.
• Courage and Fear: The Shanhai Assembly attackers display courage in their mission, but also fear and uncertainty, highlighting the complex nature of human emotions.

Character Interactions

• Maria reflects on Li Zhenfang's actions, admiring his decisiveness.
• Maria observes the Shanhai Assembly attackers, understanding their plan but not interfering yet.
• The Shanhai Assembly attackers interact, expressing their concerns and fears about the mission.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Shanhai Assembly attempts a nighttime assassination on Maria and Sui.
• Maria easily defeats the assassins using her immense strength and Hunting Ground ability.
• The leader of the assassins reveals his organization's belief in the rule of Great Beasts and their impending arrival.
• Sui reveals herself as a Great Beast, terrifying the leader.

Character Developments

• Maria demonstrates her formidable strength and calm demeanor under pressure.
• Sui shows her true form as a Great Beast, displaying her fearsome aura and power.

Significant Themes

• The relationship between humans and Great Beasts, exploring fear, worship, and ignorance.
• The struggle for power and dominance between different factions.

Character Interactions

• Maria and Sui work together to subdue the assassins, demonstrating their bond and trust.
• The Shanhai Assembly leader's fear and defiance highlight the tension between humans and Great Beasts.
• Sui's revelation to the leader shows the stark contrast between her adorable appearance and her true nature as a Great Beast.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A Great Beast, disguised as a human (Maria), arrives in the city.
• The city's guards and the Shanhai Assembly are initially hostile towards Maria but are quickly subdued and left unconscious.
• Maria learns from the guards that a Great Beast attack is imminent and requests an audience with the city lord.
• The city's inhabitants receive the news of the impending attack and begin evacuating and preparing for defense.
• A tornado, signifying the approaching Great Beast, is spotted in the distance.

Character Developments

• Maria: Remains calm and composed, displaying her strength and intelligence. She shows concern for the city's inhabitants and their well-being.
• Sui: Initially carefree and dismissive of humans, she begins to question her views as she witnesses the city's response to the crisis.
• The City Lord (Li Zhenfang): Not directly present but shown to have established a well-organized and disciplined society, as the city responds efficiently to the crisis.

Significant Themes

• Human Resilience and Unity: Despite the threat of the Great Beast, the city's inhabitants come together, showing courage and determination to face the danger.
• The Power of Organization: The city's efficient response to the crisis highlights the importance of structure and leadership in times of adversity.
• Perception of Great Beasts: Maria's true nature challenges the city dwellers' preconceived notions about Great Beasts, forcing them to reevaluate their understanding.

Character Interactions

• Maria and Sui: Their dynamic shifts as Sui begins to question her initial disregard for human capabilities, while Maria remains confident in humanity's potential.
• Maria and the Guards: Maria's calm demeanor and knowledge of the impending attack earn her the guards' respect and cooperation.
• The City Lord and the Citizens: Though not directly interacting, the city lord's leadership is evident in the citizens' organized response to the crisis.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Great Beast attacks South River City again, causing panic and chaos among the citizens.
• The city guards, led by their captain, fight back using experimental heavy cannons, temporarily slowing down the storm.
• An accident occurs when one of the cannons explodes, causing hesitation among the guards.
• City Lord Li Zhenfang climbs onto the city wall, rallying the guards and urging them to continue fighting.

Character Developments

• Sui, the Great Beast, is curious about human behavior and makes a bet with Maria about the humans' chances of survival.
• Maria watches the humans' struggle with concern but does not intervene.
• City Lord Li Zhenfang shows determination and courage, putting aside his personal grief to lead the guards in defending the city.

Significant Themes

• Courage and determination in the face of adversity.
• The human spirit and will to survive.
• The consequences of past actions and the need to face them (as seen in Li Zhenfang's struggle with his past decisions).

Character Interactions

• Sui and Maria discuss the humans' chances of survival and make a bet.
• Li Zhenfang interacts with the guards, rallying them and urging them to continue fighting despite the setback.
• The guards support each other, working together to defend the city despite the overwhelming odds.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Zhenfang, the commander, prepares for the battle against the Great Beast, deciding to spend his family's wealth to care for the soldiers' families after the war.
• The city's defenses include cannons, which are fragile but powerful, and a trap using Originium Arts to seal the Great Beast.
• The Great Beast, a giant tiger, enters the city and is temporarily trapped.

Character Developments

• Li Zhenfang: He becomes more determined to protect his city and people, showing his leadership and resolve.
• Sui: She begins to appreciate and respect humans' potential and ingenuity, showing excitement and admiration for their efforts.
• Maria: She remains calm and observant, guiding Sui and the humans strategically.

Significant Themes

• Human resilience and ingenuity in the face of overwhelming odds.
• The potential for understanding and cooperation between humans and Great Ones.
• The power of unity and collective effort.

Character Interactions

• Li Zhenfang inspires his soldiers, boosting their morale and determination.
• Sui and Maria discuss the humans' capabilities and strategies, with Sui showing newfound respect for humans.
• The humans work together to set traps and defend their city, demonstrating their unity and resolve.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An earthquake-like event triggers a sudden attack by a colossal Great Beast on South River City.
• The guards, led by Li Zhenfang, defend the city using bows, cannons, and traps, withstanding the beast's initial assault.
• The Shanhai Assembly betrays the city, attacking the guards from behind, causing chaos and confusion.
• The Great Beast adapts to the formations and launches a devastating counterattack, incapacitating many casters and guards.
• Li Zhenfang, despite being exhausted and injured, prepares for a final stand against the Great Beast and the Shanhai Assembly.

Character Developments

• Li Zhenfang: Displayed unwavering courage and determination, leading the guards in defending the city. Despite being pushed to his limits, he refuses to give up.
• Maria: Reveals her true power and influence, stepping in to intervene when the situation seems hopeless. She shows compassion towards Li Zhenfang and the guards.

Significant Themes

• Unity and perseverance in the face of adversity: The guards display unprecedented unity and courage, fighting against an overwhelming enemy.
• Betrayal and cowardice: The Shanhai Assembly's betrayal highlights the theme of cowardice and disloyalty, contrasting with the guards' bravery.
• The limits of human endurance: The guards reach their physical and mental limits, illustrating the boundaries of human resilience.

Character Interactions

• Li Zhenfang and the guards: They fight together, supporting each other against the Great Beast, displaying camaraderie and trust.
• Maria and Li Zhenfang: Maria shows concern for Li Zhenfang's well-being, stepping in to protect him when he is at his most vulnerable.
• The Shanhai Assembly and the guards: The Assembly betrays the guards, causing confusion and mistrust among the ranks, highlighting the theme of betrayal.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Maria recalls her past, where she witnessed a human warrior challenging her family, Cainhurst, and realized humans' power.
• Maria faces the Great Beast, defeating it with her sword and displaying her awe-inspiring strength.
• Humanity celebrates the victory, and Li Zhenfang is promoted but declines the honor, focusing on South River City's restoration instead.
• Maria and Sui prepare to leave for Hundred Stoves, with Maria refusing to acknowledge her role in the battle and Sui still hung up on their bet.

Character Developments

• Maria: Shows compassion for humanity, choosing to help them despite her power. She remains humble and does not seek recognition for her deeds.
• Sui: Struggles to accept Maria's intervention in their bet, still wanting to fight Maria at full strength.
• Li Zhenfang: Proves to be a dedicated and responsible leader, focusing on rebuilding South River City instead of personal gain.

Significant Themes

• Humanity's Strength: The chapter emphasizes the power and resilience of humans, as seen through the human warrior challenging Cainhurst and Maria's intervention in the battle against the Great Beast.
• Humility and Responsibility: Maria and Li Zhenfang both display these qualities, with Maria refusing recognition for her actions and Li Zhenfang prioritizing the city's restoration over personal accolades.

Character Interactions

• Maria and Sui: Their dynamic shifts as Sui becomes upset with Maria for interfering in their bet, while Maria remains calm and understanding.
• Maria and Li Zhenfang: They show mutual respect, with Li Zhenfang acknowledging Maria's role in the battle and preparing a convoy for her journey to Hundred Stoves.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Zhenfang expresses his gratitude to Maria for saving South River City from the Great Beast.
• Maria and her companions, including Sui, arrive in Hundred Stoves, the capital of Yan.
• They are greeted by Zuo Zheng, who efficiently processes their entry and accompanies them.
• Maria and Sui explore Hundred Stoves, with Sui's curiosity leading them to a local inn.
• They overhear locals discussing the Great Beast battle in South River City, with exaggerated accounts.

Character Developments

• Maria: She remains humble and grateful for her role in South River City's salvation. She is patient and understanding with Sui's curiosity and Zuo Zheng's arrangements.
• Sui: She displays childlike curiosity and impulsiveness, often leading Maria to accommodate her whims.
• Zuo Zheng: She is efficient and responsible in her duties, but she finds Maria and Sui challenging to manage due to their unique abilities and personalities.

Significant Themes

• Gratitude and Debt: Li Zhenfang's words highlight the debt South River City owes to Maria, emphasizing the theme of gratitude and repaying debts.
• Curiosity and Impulsiveness: Sui's behavior throughout the journey demonstrates the theme of curiosity leading to impulsive actions.
• Exaggeration and Truth: The locals' exaggerated accounts of the Great Beast battle contrast with the actual events, raising questions about the truth and its perception by the public.

Character Interactions

• Maria and Sui: Their dynamic is one of a mature, patient guardian (Maria) and an impulsive, curious child (Sui). Maria accommodates Sui's whims while also guiding her.
• Maria and Zuo Zheng: Their interaction is professional, with Zuo Zheng efficiently managing their entry into Hundred Stoves, while Maria is cooperative and understanding.
• Locals in Hundred Stoves: Their interactions with Maria and Sui are limited, but their discussions about the Great Beast battle reveal their fascination with and exaggeration of extraordinary events.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A heated argument between two men at a diner in Hundred Stoves escalates into a physical fight over the credibility of news about South River City's victory against a Great Beast.
• Maria and Sui, who are dining at the same establishment, get caught in the crossfire when the men's fight causes soup to splash into Sui's eyes.
• Guards arrive to investigate the incident, but Sui, infuriated by the men's behavior, wants to leave immediately. Maria follows her, and the guards try to stop them.
• A mysterious man with dragon horns and a dragon tail, addressed as "General," intervenes from the second floor, ordering the guards to let Maria and Sui go.

Character Developments

• Maria demonstrates her strength and calm demeanor by easily lifting and separating the fighting men, showing she could have ended the fight at any moment but chose not to.
• Sui, despite her fearsome reputation as a Great Beast, is shown to be sensitive and easily irritated by minor inconveniences in everyday life, unlike her stoic behavior in battle.
• The mysterious General shows authority and respect for Maria, hinting at a possible past connection or understanding between them.

Significant Themes

• The power of absolute strength, demonstrated by Maria's ability to control the situation without resorting to violence.
• The futility of arguments based on pride and stubbornness, as seen in the men's fight over the Great Beast's defeat.
• The contrast between Sui's fearsome reputation and her sensitive nature, highlighting the complexity of her character.

Character Interactions

• Maria and Sui's dynamic is shown to be that of a caring, protective mentor and a somewhat immature, easily irritated mentee.
• The General's interaction with Maria suggests a shared understanding or history between them, though the specifics are not yet clear.
• The guards' interactions with Maria and Sui highlight the power dynamics at play, with the guards initially trying to assert their authority but ultimately deferring to the General's orders.