Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Doctor arrives in Terra and is hired as an accountant by a bald, burly Feline man at a newspaper office.
• She completes the financial statements in record time and is given a key to her new dorm, which turns out to be luxurious.
• She reflects on her current situation and the New Year, feeling a mix of independence and loneliness.

Character Developments

• The Doctor: She demonstrates her efficiency and expertise in finance, securing a job quickly. She also shows vulnerability and longing for companionship, hinting at her past.
• The Bald Feline Boss: He is desperate to find an accountant, showing impulsiveness and determination. He appears unreliable but is grateful and appreciative of the Doctor's help.

Significant Themes

• Independence and Self-Reliance: The Doctor emphasizes her independence, but her longing for companionship and her past life suggests a struggle with this theme.
• New Beginnings: The New Year marks a fresh start for the Doctor, both in her job and living situation.
• Loneliness and Isolation: Despite her new job and accommodation, the Doctor feels lonely and isolated, especially on New Year's Eve.

Character Interactions

• The Doctor and the Bald Feline Boss: Their interaction is initially tense, with the Doctor kicking him twice. However, they establish a working relationship, and he shows gratitude towards her.
• The Doctor and Wraith: The Doctor tries to engage with Wraith, her other self, but receives no response, indicating a growing distance between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zuo Jian, a black-clothed humanoid, wakes up clearheaded in a research institute, despite drinking Originium Solution.
• He meets Narcissa, a Feline girl, who can't hear her "brothers" anymore.
• Zuo Jian reveals he recruited Narcissa's brothers as his subordinates and offers to reunite her with them if she works for him.
• They leave the institute unnoticed, and Zuo Jian teaches Narcissa about his evil plans, including robbing robbers to prove their superiority.
• They encounter two thugs, and Zuo Jian easily defeats them, returning a victim's wallet before leaving.

Character Developments

• Zuo Jian: Reveals his evil nature and plans, shows strength and confidence, and demonstrates a manipulative side by using Narcissa's desire to reunite with her brothers.
• Narcissa: Shows curiosity and willingness to learn from Zuo Jian, despite being scared. She agrees to work for him to see her brothers again.

Significant Themes

• Evil and morality: Zuo Jian's actions and teachings challenge traditional notions of good and evil, and he seeks to prove his superiority through his evil deeds.
• Manipulation and control: Zuo Jian manipulates Narcissa by offering to reunite her with her brothers if she works for him.

Character Interactions

• Zuo Jian and Narcissa: Zuo Jian takes Narcissa under his wing, teaching her about his evil plans and manipulating her to work for him. Narcissa, in turn, is curious and willing to learn from him.
• Zuo Jian and the thugs: Zuo Jian easily defeats the thugs, showing his strength and dominance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zuo Jian and Narcissa go out at night during New Year's.
• Zuo Jian teaches Narcissa about being a top-tier villain by making her watch happy family photos.
• They go to a McDonald's, where Zuo Jian orders a Happy Meal and demands to choose the toy himself, shocking the cashier.
• Zuo Jian gives Narcissa the meal and a Feline beast plushie, mocking her about being alone on New Year's.

Character Developments

• Narcissa begins to understand the concept of being a top-tier villain.
• Zuo Jian shows a softer side to Narcissa, despite his harsh words.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between happiness and despair, as shown through the family photos and Narcissa's situation.
• The idea of being a top-tier villain and living up to that status.

Character Interactions

• Zuo Jian and Narcissa's dynamic continues to develop, with Zuo Jian acting as a mentor figure to Narcissa.
• Zuo Jian's interaction with the McDonald's cashier highlights his unconventional approach to villainy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zuo Jian wakes up in a dream-like reality, questioning if it's a dream or not.
• He verifies it's reality by checking his bank account at a nearby bank.
• He returns to find Laurentina, who's upset about him spending money on another woman (Rosemary) without telling her.

Character Developments

• Zuo Jian: Shows concern for Rosemary, a child he saved, and is willing to take responsibility for her.
• Laurentina: Feels betrayed and jealous when she thinks Zuo Jian spent money on another woman, showing her possessive side.

Significant Themes

• Reality vs. Dreams: Zuo Jian's confusion between his dream and reality highlights this theme.
• Possessiveness and Jealousy: Laurentina's overreaction to Zuo Jian's actions shows her possessive and jealous nature.

Character Interactions

• Zuo Jian and Laurentina: Their interaction shows Laurentina's possessiveness and Zuo Jian's confusion and frustration with her reaction.
• Skadi's appearance at the end hints at potential tension between Laurentina and Skadi, as Laurentina seems to be taking out her frustration on Skadi.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Skadi, a young Orca, is in Terra, a Parasite, and witnesses a transformed Scale Beast.
• She misunderstands Laurentina's anger, thinking it's due to eating all the food the previous night.
• Skadi decides to buy breakfast to apologize but gets lost in Londinium's alleys.
• She stumbles upon a group of street thugs harassing a blonde girl and intervenes, defeating one of the thugs with ease.

Character Developments

• Skadi shows understanding and empathy towards Laurentina's feelings, trying to apologize despite not fully understanding the situation.
• Skadi demonstrates her combat prowess and quick thinking, handling the thug without her usual weapon case.

Significant Themes

• Misunderstandings and communication issues between characters.
• Skadi's growth in understanding and empathy, applying the captain's teachings.

Character Interactions

• Skadi and Laurentina's interaction shows Skadi's attempt to understand Laurentina's feelings, despite Laurentina's initial coldness.
• Skadi's interaction with the street thugs highlights her combat skills and quick thinking in a new environment.
• The blonde girl's warning to Skadi shows a moment of camaraderie amidst conflict.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Skadi is attacked by a group of thugs in an alley.
• She easily defeats them, demonstrating her strength and skill.
• One of the thugs, Rat, attempts a surprise attack from behind, but Skadi senses the danger and counterattacks.
• Rat tries to stab Skadi with a poisoned dagger, but she blocks it with her skin, then shifts her punch to avoid killing him.
• Skadi's punch, intended for Rat, hits a concrete wall instead, destroying it.
• The thugs, terrified by Skadi's power, flee the scene, leaving behind a blonde girl who was injured by an arrow.

Character Developments

• Skadi shows exceptional combat skills, strength, and reflexes, but also demonstrates restraint in not wanting to kill unnecessarily.
• The thugs display cowardice and lack of combat skills, relying on surprise attacks and poison to gain an advantage.
• The blonde girl is injured and weak, but her fate is left uncertain after she collapses.

Significant Themes

• Strength and power dynamics: Skadi's physical prowess allows her to dominate the fight, while the thugs rely on underhanded tactics and numbers.
• Fear and its consequences: The thugs' fear of Skadi leads them to flee, abandoning their injured accomplice.
• The theme of survival in a harsh environment: The city's underbelly is depicted as a dangerous place where violence and deception are common.

Character Interactions

• Skadi and the thugs: Skadi easily overpowers the thugs, demonstrating her dominance and causing them to flee in fear.
• Skadi and the blonde girl: Skadi shows concern for the girl's well-being, but the girl collapses before they can interact further.
• The thugs among themselves: They display a lack of loyalty and unity, fleeing the scene and abandoning their injured accomplice.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Duhkare, the Bloodfiend Great Lord of the Sarkaz, arrives in Victoria, causing panic among the locals.
• The Victorian duke, fearing Duhkare's reputation, sends an attendant to receive him, hoping to negotiate peacefully.
• Duhkare, known for his violent nature and disdain for non-Teekaz, is sent by Theresis to negotiate with the duke, who is unaware of Duhkare's true intentions.
• Duhkare encounters Aiden, who is being harassed by local thugs, and decides to intervene.

Character Developments

• Duhkare: Despite his fearsome reputation, Duhkare shows a moment of sympathy for Aiden, hinting at a more complex character than initially portrayed.
• The Victorian Duke: Terrified of Duhkare's reputation, the duke is willing to gamble on the possibility that the Sarkaz seek profit over violence.

Significant Themes

• Reputation and Perception: Duhkare's reputation precedes him, causing fear and panic among the Victorians. However, his actions in this chapter challenge the narrative of his violent nature.
• Stereotypes and Expectations: Both the Victorians and Manfred underestimate Duhkare due to their preconceived notions about the Sarkaz and Bloodfiends.

Character Interactions

• Duhkare and the Victorian Attendant: Duhkare toys with the attendant, using his fear to convey his demands to the duke.
• Duhkare and Aiden: Duhkare's intervention in Aiden's situation suggests a moment of empathy, setting up a potential future interaction between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist, a writer, is forced to spend time with relatives he barely knows, disrupting his work schedule.
• He decides to set a standard for himself, taking leave at most twice a month, and adding two extra chapters for each additional day off.
• Aiden, a character from the story the protagonist is writing, encounters Duhkare, a powerful martial artist, who saves him from thugs.
• Duhkare leaves Aiden, warning him to avoid him in the future.
• Aiden decides to find a job related to photography to support himself in Londinium.

Character Developments

• The protagonist struggles with balancing family time and work, leading him to set new rules for himself.
• Aiden shows gratitude and admiration towards Duhkare but is also confused by his warning.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between personal responsibilities (family, work) and personal aspirations (writing, independence).
• The power dynamics and consequences of Duhkare's actions, highlighting his fearsome capabilities.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist interacts with his relatives, expressing his frustration with their expectations and disruptions to his work.
• Aiden interacts with Duhkare, expressing gratitude and awe, while Duhkare remains enigmatic and somewhat ominous.
• Aiden reflects on his past and future, considering his options for survival in Londinium.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The newspaper company where the Doctor works is in dire straits, with only her and the boss remaining.
• Aiden, a potential new reporter, arrives at the company.
• Laurentina and Zuo Jian find a blonde woman (later revealed to be a Feline) outside their apartment, and Skadi brings her in.
• Laurentina is irritated by the presence of the blonde woman, fearing potential complications.

Character Developments

• The Doctor is overwhelmed by the state of her workplace but remains determined.
• Laurentina shows concern for her team and worry about potential risks, leading to her harsh words to Skadi.
• Skadi shows kindness by helping the blonde woman but feels guilty for upsetting Laurentina.
• Zuo Jian acts as a mediator, trying to smooth over tensions between Laurentina and Skadi.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility and Risk: Laurentina worries about the potential risks of bringing the blonde woman home, highlighting the theme of responsibility and the risks it entails.
• Team Dynamics: The interactions between Laurentina, Skadi, and Zuo Jian illustrate the dynamics of a team, with Laurentina as the leader, Skadi as the kind-hearted member, and Zuo Jian as the mediator.

Character Interactions

• The Doctor and Aiden: The Doctor is surprised and hopeful about Aiden's arrival as a potential new reporter.
• Laurentina and Skadi: Laurentina scolds Skadi for bringing the blonde woman home, causing tension between them.
• Laurentina and Zuo Jian: They discuss the blonde woman's identity and potential risks, with Zuo Jian trying to reassure Laurentina.
• Laurentina, Skadi, and Zuo Jian: The three of them discuss the blonde woman's condition and potential threats, with Zuo Jian acting as a mediator.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Laurentina realizes that Vina, the girl they saved, is not an ordinary Feline but possibly from the royal family of Victoria.
• Zuo Jian confirms his suspicion by recalling an old guidebook mentioning Aslan and Drak, the races of lions and red dragons, ruling Victoria.
• Skadi is sent to buy ingredients for lunch.
• Vina wakes up and is cautious about revealing her background until Zuo Jian and Laurentina share their story as bounty hunters from Iberia.

Character Developments

• Laurentina shows signs of jealousy and competitiveness towards Vina.
• Zuo Jian displays a parental-like affection towards Laurentina.
• Vina demonstrates caution and wariness, suggesting a difficult past.

Significant Themes

• Trust and caution in revealing personal backgrounds.
• The consequences of past actions (bounty hunting) and the desire for a new life.
• Jealousy and competition among women.

Character Interactions

• Zuo Jian and Laurentina: Zuo Jian shows affection towards Laurentina, which makes her uncomfortable and jealous.
• Laurentina and Vina: Laurentina is initially displeased with Vina but doesn't interact much with her.
• Zuo Jian and Vina: Zuo Jian tries to put Vina at ease by sharing his and Laurentina's background first.
• Skadi and the group: Skadi is sent on an errand and doesn't interact much with the others in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Vina meets two people who claim to be bounty hunters, but they don't seem like it.
• Vina receives a call from Hannah, who's under attack by multiple gangs.
• Vina decides to help Hannah but is still weakened by the poison.
• Zuo Jian, despite being retired, decides to help Vina and confront the gangs.

Character Developments

• Vina shows concern and loyalty towards her friends in the Glasgow Gang, despite her initial reluctance to get involved.
• Zuo Jian reveals his disdain for gangs and their illegal activities, particularly drug trafficking and human trafficking. He decides to help Vina, showing his moral compass and willingness to act despite his retirement.

Significant Themes

• The dark underbelly of society, represented by gangs and their illegal activities.
• The contrast between the glamorous surface and the filthy reality hidden beneath.
• The struggle between morality and personal beliefs versus the reality of the world.

Character Interactions

• Vina and Zuo Jian: Initially, Vina is surprised and grateful for Zuo Jian's help. However, she becomes upset when he refuses to help her, leading to a heated exchange. Ultimately, Zuo Jian decides to help Vina, showing understanding and empathy towards her situation.
• Vina and Hannah: Vina's concern for Hannah and the Glasgow Gang highlights her loyalty and care for her friends, despite her initial reluctance to get involved.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zuo Jian and Laurentina intervene in a gang conflict between the Glasgow Gang and other gangs in Londinium.
• Zuo Jian, using his monster abilities, quickly incapacitates the opposing gang members, infecting them in the process.
• The Glasgow Gang, led by Hannah, is saved, but Zuo Jian mysteriously disappears after the fight.

Character Developments

• Zuo Jian: Shows his monster side, using his abilities to efficiently handle the opposing gangs. He also displays a desire to eradicate scum and pests, hinting at his darker nature.
• Laurentina: Demonstrates her formidable combat skills, using a blood-based weapon to incapacitate enemies without killing them, as per Zuo Jian's request.
• Hannah (Indra): Shows leadership and sharp observation skills, noticing Vina's weakness and the unusual nature of Zuo Jian and Laurentina's help.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between human and monster nature, as seen in Zuo Jian's actions.
• The consequences of one's actions, as the opposing gangs face infection and potential hellish outcomes.
• The power dynamics in the underworld, with different gangs clashing and the Glasgow Gang receiving unexpected help.

Character Interactions

• Zuo Jian and Laurentina: Work together to handle the opposing gangs, with Zuo Jian giving Laurentina specific instructions.
• Vina and Hannah: Vina brings help (Zuo Jian and Laurentina) to the Glasgow Gang, while Hannah is initially wary but grateful for their assistance.
• Zuo Jian and the opposing gangs: Zuo Jian efficiently incapacitates the opposing gang members, infecting them in the process, hinting at his dark methods of problem-solving.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zuo Jian, a parasite, disappears from a fight, leaving Laurentina to handle the situation.
• Laurentina cooks a meal for Skadi, but it's inedible due to her lack of cooking skills.
• Doctor and Aiden start their new jobs at the newspaper, with Aiden assigned to interview a former mistress.

Character Developments

• Laurentina shows concern for Skadi's well-being and tries to cook for her, revealing her desire to adapt and learn new skills.
• Aiden accepts his first assignment at the newspaper, displaying eagerness and professionalism despite the task's nature.
• Doctor is irritable and distracted, possibly due to her new job and the strange circumstances surrounding her.

Significant Themes

• Adaptation and learning new skills (Laurentina trying to cook)
• Professionalism and responsibility (Aiden accepting his assignment)
• Irritability and distraction (Doctor's mood)

Character Interactions

• Laurentina and Skadi: Laurentina tries to teach Skadi how to cook, but Skadi is more interested in the cooking process than the result.
• Doctor and Aiden: Doctor is irritable with Aiden, but Aiden remains enthusiastic and eager to learn.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Aiden and Doctor are sent to cover a story at a Londinium hotel.
• They discover a Victoria Gang in the hotel and decide to investigate.
• Doctor and Aiden crawl through a ventilation duct to spy on the Gang.
• Unbeknownst to them, the Gang's leader, Zuo Jian, is aware of their presence and seals the underground garage.

Character Developments

• Doctor shows reluctance to get involved in dangerous situations but ultimately does so, indicating a soft heart beneath her icy exterior.
• Aiden demonstrates courage and initiative in wanting to expose the Gang's illegal activities, showing growth beyond his initial naive and inexperienced self.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between personal safety and moral responsibility.
• The consequences of curiosity and involvement in matters beyond one's understanding.

Character Interactions

• Doctor and Aiden's dynamic shifts as they work together, with Doctor acting as a mentor figure to Aiden.
• Doctor's cold demeanor contrasts with her eventual decision to help Aiden, revealing her hidden compassion.
• Aiden's admiration for Doctor grows as he sees her expertise and experience.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gang members are gathered in an underground garage by an unknown force.
• The gang leader arrives, sensing something amiss.
• The garage's doors and elevator are found to be inoperable.
• Lights go out, and a gang member, Gordon, disappears.
• Two gang members, Richard and Charles, merge into a grotesque flesh tumor.
• The gang leader uses Originium Arts to burn the tumor but finds it still moving.
• The leader orders his men to check the emergency exit while he keeps watch.

Character Developments

• The gang leader demonstrates his resourcefulness and decisiveness in responding to the bizarre situation.
• Richard and Charles are revealed to be pawns in an unknown entity's game.

Significant Themes

• The unknown and supernatural forces at play.
• The gang leader's struggle to maintain control in an unprecedented situation.
• The fragility of human understanding and power in the face of the unknown.

Character Interactions

• The gang leader interacts with his men, giving orders and trying to maintain control.
• Richard and Charles interact briefly before merging into the flesh tumor.
• The gang members interact with each other, expressing confusion, fear, and compliance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zuo Jian, a parasite, is revealed to be behind the strange occurrences in the basement.
• The Gang members are killed and reanimated by Zuo Jian, who absorbs their memories and consciousnesses.
• Zuo Jian takes on the appearance of the Gang leader and plans to use the reanimated bodies as extensions of himself.
• Aiden and the Doctor, who had been exploring the pipes, finally find an exit leading to an underground storage room.

Character Developments

• Zuo Jian: Reflects on his past actions and motivations, deciding to intervene more actively in the world's affairs. He absorbs and redistributes the consciousnesses of the dead Gang members, gaining control over their reanimated bodies.
• Aiden and the Doctor: Continue exploring the underground tunnels, eventually finding an exit. The Doctor senses something amiss about their surroundings.

Significant Themes

• Self-awareness and responsibility: Zuo Jian grapples with his role in the world and the extent of his influence.
• Power and control: Zuo Jian demonstrates his ability to manipulate and control the reanimated bodies, highlighting the theme of power and its consequences.
• Manipulation and deception: Zuo Jian's actions suggest a larger plan involving manipulation and deception, hinting at future conflicts and revelations.

Character Interactions

• Zuo Jian interacts with the reanimated bodies, demonstrating his control over them.
• Aiden and the Doctor continue to work together, with the Doctor displaying caution and perceptiveness about their surroundings.
• Zuo Jian's internal monologue reveals his introspection and decision-making process, providing insight into his character and motivations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Doctor and Aiden find themselves trapped in an underground storage room.
• They encounter a burly man who reveals himself to be Zuo Jian, an old acquaintance of the Doctor.
• Zuo Jian leads the Doctor through the hotel's secret passages and elevators.
• The Doctor learns that Zuo Jian has taken control of the local Gang, absorbing their members' souls and bodies to help them atone for their past actions.

Character Developments

• The Doctor shows unexpected concern for Aiden's safety, prioritizing his escape over her own.
• Zuo Jian reveals his desire to change Victoria for the better, starting with Londinium.
• The Doctor demonstrates her quick thinking and resourcefulness in dangerous situations.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between appearances and reality in Victoria.
• The potential for redemption and atonement, as shown through Zuo Jian's actions with the Gang members.
• The Doctor's growing awareness of her role and responsibilities in this new world.

Character Interactions

• The Doctor and Zuo Jian reunite, with Zuo Jian expressing admiration for the Doctor's protective actions toward Aiden.
• The Doctor and Aiden's dynamic shifts as Aiden becomes more aware of the harsh realities of Victoria.
• The Doctor and the receptionist at the hotel front desk, who acknowledges Zuo Jian as the "Boss."

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zuo Jian kills the receptionist at the clinic to prevent any information leaks.
• He reveals his intention to control the future of various factions in Victoria, including gangs and possibly the government.
• Zuo Jian asks the Doctor for help in his plans, but she refuses.

Character Developments

• Zuo Jian: Shows ruthlessness in killing the receptionist and reveals his ambition to control Victoria's future.
• The Doctor: Refuses to get involved in Zuo Jian's plans due to her past experiences and fear of losing more people she cares about.

Significant Themes

• Ambition vs. Caution: Zuo Jian's ambition to control Victoria's future is met with the Doctor's caution and reluctance to get involved.
• The Dark Side of Power: Zuo Jian's actions, such as killing the receptionist, highlight the dark side of power and the consequences of pursuing it.

Character Interactions

• Zuo Jian and The Doctor: Zuo Jian seeks the Doctor's help, but she refuses due to her past experiences and fear of losing more people. Their interaction highlights the tension between ambition and caution.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Doctor and Zuo Jian meet and discuss their potential cooperation.
• Zuo Jian reveals his current situation and commitments, including his responsibility towards Laurentina and the Feline girl.
• The Doctor offers to help resolve the Feline girl's issue in exchange for a future favor from Zuo Jian.

Character Developments

• The Doctor: She shows a more assertive and strategic side, revealing her intelligence and resourcefulness. She also displays a hint of emotional investment in Zuo Jian, feeling displeased when he mentions returning to Laurentina.
• Zuo Jian: He demonstrates his commitment to his responsibilities, even when faced with the Doctor's logical arguments. He shows trust in the Doctor by accepting her offer to help with the Feline girl's issue.

Significant Themes

• Cooperation and Partnership: The Doctor and Zuo Jian explore the possibility of working together, highlighting the importance of understanding and compromise in such relationships.
• Responsibility and Priorities: Both characters grapple with their responsibilities and the need to prioritize tasks, illustrating the challenges of managing multiple commitments.

Character Interactions

• The Doctor and Zuo Jian: Their interaction is marked by a mix of tension, mutual respect, and a growing rapport. The Doctor's initial appraisal of Zuo Jian leads to a more open and honest conversation between them.
• The Doctor and the Wraith: The Doctor's internal struggle with the Wraith's influence is hinted at, suggesting a complex relationship between the two entities sharing the Doctor's body.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Doctor contacts Aiden, who's frustrated by the police's inaction. She decides to help him.
• The Doctor meets a Sarkaz (non-Infected) who seems to have a grudge against her and is looking for the Doctor (implying they're different individuals).

Character Developments

• Aiden: Becomes more determined to help his colleague after the police's refusal.
• The Doctor: Shows concern for Aiden's safety and decides to help him despite her initial reluctance.
• The Sarkaz: Reveals a deep resentment towards the Doctor, suggesting a past conflict.

Significant Themes

• The struggle against corruption and inefficiency in authorities (police).
• The Doctor's complex relationships with other characters, hinting at her past.

Character Interactions

• The Doctor and Aiden: The Doctor reassures Aiden and decides to help him, showing a protective side.
• The Doctor and the Sarkaz: The Doctor acts as a messenger between the Wraith and the Sarkaz, revealing a tense and mysterious relationship.