Chapter Summaries

Xu Yi let Elder Lysania take Anise back to the Moon Shadow Tribe, then discussed Stille’s work developing magic illusion entertainment and proposed training more people in the field. He brought Stille to the Magic Research Institute to discuss new requirements for the Mana Illusion Projector, where Akali privately asked whether Stille had finally sensed the crisis.

• Elder Lysania took Anise back to the Moon Shadow Tribe after Elder Elusia agreed that she needed to return for her safety.
• Xu Yi learned that Stille could stay only three or four days because the City Fantasy Entertainment System was at a critical stage.
• Xu Yi proposed creating a Magic Audio-Visual Program at Xinfei Magic Industry College to train magic illusion researchers and instructors, and Stille welcomed the idea.
• Stille told Xu Yi that thirty-seven merchant guilds had contracted to air advertisements, worth thirty thousand gold coins in total.
• Xu Yi took Stille to the Xinfei Merchant Guild Magic Research Institute to meet with Mana Illusion Projector researchers.
• Akali pulled Stille aside and asked whether she had finally sensed the crisis.

After Stille left for the Lampari Kingdom, Xu Yi dealt with delays in expanding the Magic Communication Network across the Stantin Duchy. He ordered Guards Corps support for the construction crews and prioritized completing the network in the duchy before expanding elsewhere.

• Stille left the Stantin Duchy after helping Xu Yi set requirements for the next generation of Mana Illusion Projectors.
• Dago Wampes reported that nobles in the Stantin Duchy were covertly obstructing the installation of Mana Signal Towers.
• Xu Yi instructed Wampes to coordinate with Kennard and Captain Hart, authorizing the Guards Corps to use any means necessary against further interference as long as civilians were not harmed.
• Wampes said construction was progressing more smoothly in the Lampari Kingdom, while work in the Rulson Kingdom awaited approval and support from the Magic Research Institute.
• Xu Yi made completion of the Magic Communication Network in the Stantin Duchy the first priority, followed by the Lampari Kingdom, and warned that he would confront the obstructive nobles.

Riley supervised the rapid construction of the Xinfei Magic Industry College, which relied on new machinery from the Xinfei Merchant Guild and a large crew from the Amli Merchant Guild. After Vito delivered cold drinks and warned Riley not to overwork the workers, he revealed that the college’s construction might not continue, leaving Riley confused.

• Riley considered giving the workers a break after two had suffered heatstroke the previous day.
• Five Large Mana Construction Vehicles arrived at the site, carrying Vito and a shipment of Vanilla Cold Drink for the workers.
• Vito told Riley that President Xu valued the workers’ safety more than rushing the college’s construction.
• Vito privately warned Riley that it was uncertain whether construction of the Xinfei Magic Industry College could continue.
• Riley wondered why the project might stop after President Xu had invested at least six hundred thousand gold coins.

Riley gave the construction workers extra midday rest despite their concerns about reduced wages, then learned why Vito had warned that the Magic Industry College might not be completed. Xu Yi explained that Mages' Guild Headquarters representatives had arrived to review the project, leaving him wary of their unspoken demands.

• Riley gave the workers two additional hours of rest at noon, reducing their monthly wages from twenty-five gold coins to twenty-two despite their objections.
• Xu Yi arrived at the construction site with Vito, Great Mage Ferguson, and a group of mages to tour the college project.
• Great Mage Ferguson challenged Xu Yi for beginning construction without headquarters' approval and warned that the council might reject the proposal.
• Xu Yi told Riley that Mages' Guild Headquarters could obstruct the college by using its influence over mages, even if it would not openly ban them from studying there.
• Xu Yi suggested that Ferguson's representatives had a particular objective, though they had not yet stated it.

Xu Yi explained how he negotiated the Mages' Guild Headquarters into recognizing the Xinfei Merchant Guild while delaying its access to their technologies, and why the guild chose magic air conditioner technology first. He then presented Servini with a proposal for joint investment in the Malo Empire, leaving her to consider how much influence the Lampari Kingdom could exert there.

• Xu Yi told Servini that he had agreed to share one Xinfei technology each year with the Mages' Guild Headquarters, and that it had selected magic air conditioner technology first for its commercial value.
• Xu Yi explained that recognition as the headquarters' partner merchant guild could help him recruit mages beyond Lampari, especially in the Malo Empire.
• Xu Yi handed Servini a proposal for the Lampari Kingdom and the Xinfei Merchant Guild to invest jointly in the Malo Empire.
• Servini questioned whether the Malo Empire would accept Lampari investments, and Xu Yi said Marquis Southgate supported the plan on behalf of a group of imperial nobles.
• Servini acknowledged that the Lampari Kingdom would not dare expel the Xinfei Merchant Guild, illustrating its limited ability to interfere with the proposed investment.

Mentis urged Laien to join him in investing in the Malo Empire, arguing that their component-processing businesses could supply merchant guilds there. As Laien weighed the risk, Kowach, Vice President of the Ireland United Merchant Guild, arrived and asked for him.

• Mentis visited Laien's factory and discussed how the Xinfei Merchant Guild's support had transformed their former blacksmith businesses into successful component factories.
• Mentis asked Laien to invest with him in the Malo Empire, but Laien worried about the risks and their limited resources.
• Mentis argued that their components could fill a supply gap for merchant guilds already operating in the Malo Empire, and Laien began considering the opportunity.
• A Mana Sedan stopped outside, and Kowach of the Ireland United Merchant Guild entered and asked which man was President Laien.

Freeman proposed consolidating the component-processing industry through shared standards and asked Xu Yi to certify the Ireland United Merchant Guild. Xu Yi agreed in principle, pending a strict inspection of the guild.

• Freeman explained that a shipment of Ireland United Merchant Guild screws had been rejected because another guild's machinery used nonstandard specifications.
• Freeman proposed publishing clear component standards and helping other guilds adjust their machines and train workers.
• Freeman asked Xu Yi to grant the Ireland United Merchant Guild special certification for its component-processing standards.
• Xu Yi agreed to consider certification after inspecting the guild, and Freeman said his guild was ready for assessment.

Xu Yi met Russell and representatives from the Candel Empire to discuss cooperation, while wondering why the aloof Chimera Chamber of Commerce had sent a delegate. After lunch, the delegate, Thoer Ottoff, spoke to Xu Yi in private, leaving him stunned.

• Xu Yi reflected on the Xinfei Merchant Guild's restructuring and its record profits across the magic industry and other businesses.
• Twisti informed Xu Yi that Russell and the Candel Empire guests had arrived, and Xu Yi went to meet them.
• Russell introduced Thoer Ottoff as the Pompey City branch manager of the Chimera Chamber of Commerce, surprising Xu Yi.
• Xu Yi held friendly preliminary talks with Candel Empire naval officers and Pompey City merchant guild representatives about household magic machinery, while Ottoff remained silent.
• After lunch, Ottoff met Xu Yi privately with Russell and said something that froze Xu Yi.

Xu Yi rejected the Chimera Chamber of Commerce’s offer to buy the Xinfei Merchant Guild for seventy-six million gold coins. After Ottoff left, Russell discussed the Candel Empire Navy’s Guard Frigates and asked to tour the shipyard, leaving Xu Yi suspicious about the purpose of the visit.

• Ottoff offered to acquire the Xinfei Merchant Guild wholesale for seventy-six million gold coins, but Xu Yi refused to sell it.
• Russell urged Xu Yi to consider the offer, and Ottoff warned that he had one month to change his mind before leaving.
• Xu Yi questioned Russell about his real business, and Russell said the navy wanted to equip its three Guard Frigates with additional military magic machinery.
• Russell offered two hundred thousand gold coins per ship for the equipment, but Xu Yi refused the price, and Russell dropped the argument.
• Russell asked Xu Yi to show him the shipyard, while Xu Yi wondered what the Candel Empire was planning.

Xu Yi agreed to make a limited investment in Pompey Harbor while reflecting on the obstacles the Xinfei Merchant Guild faced in the Candel Empire. Billier then brought Prince Frank’s proposal to organize official racing competitions and establish a magic locomotive factory, leaving Xu Yi to prepare terms for Prince Frank to consider.

• Xu Yi agreed to invest one million gold coins for a ten-percent stake in the development of Pompey Harbor, prioritizing reliable access to the port.
• Xu Yi considered the Candel Empire’s obstructive treatment of the Xinfei Merchant Guild and the Amli Merchant Guild despite his resolve to keep pursuing its market.
• Billier returned from the Candel Empire and told Xu Yi that Prince Frank wanted to bring the Xinfei Merchant Guild’s racing competition into the empire as an official event.
• Billier explained that Prince Frank also wanted the Xinfei Merchant Guild’s magic locomotive technology and researchers to help establish a factory and develop faster mana racing cars.
• Xu Yi asked for a detailed proposal, then offered to draft one for Billier to take back to Prince Frank and warned that he would not cooperate if Prince Frank rejected reasonable concessions.

Stille supervised the New Moon Merchant Guild’s screening of the third episode of Sains in Laiwuka City and dealt with Madam Wolucci’s request for a private showing. Watching a family in the crowd left Stille thinking about how little time she and Xu Yi spent together.

• Thousands of Laiwuka City residents gathered to watch the third episode of Sains: A Tale of Feuds and Vengeance.
• Stille checked the preparations and ordered her staff to begin the screening on schedule.
• Madam Wolucci asked Stille to arrange a separate screening venue, then decided to buy a home-use Mana Illusion Projector and Illusion Storage Boxes.
• Stille explained that the stored episode would not be available before the public screening, angering Madam Wolucci, who still demanded prompt delivery of the projector.
• Stille reflected on the difficulties of running the guild and, after seeing a young couple and their child, considered how little time she and Xu Yi spent together.

After Akali was captured by Count Duoer while working on the Mana Communication Network, Xu Yi and Avita mobilized a large rescue force and flew south to the Stantin Duchy. Xu Yi suspected Count Duoer had powerful backing and vowed to make him regret the kidnapping.

• Avita learned that Akali had been captured and urged Xu Yi to tell her what had happened.
• Xu Yi agreed to bring Avita along, and Hart led five hundred guards aboard ten Mana Airships toward the south.
• Xu Yi explained that Count Duoer’s Private Guard had arrested Akali and the entire Xinfei Merchant Guild work team at their construction site.
• Avita and Xu Yi wondered how Count Duoer had captured a Level Seven Mage without resistance and concluded he must have strong backing.
• Xu Yi vowed to make Count Duoer regret taking Akali and the workers hostage.

Xu Yi confronted Count Duoer over the captured Xinfei Merchant Guild employees, but Duchess Windsor’s arrival led him to withdraw without a fight. Duchess Windsor and Count Duoer mistook his retreat for fear and planned to exploit his airships and other technology.

• Xu Yi arrived at Count Duoer’s manor with ten Mana Airships and demanded the release of the guild’s personnel.
• Count Duoer denied holding the employees until Duchess Windsor exposed that he had captured them and ordered Xu Yi to leave.
• Count Duoer identified his aunt as Duchess Windsor, a powerful noble of the Candel Empire’s Southern Province.
• Xu Yi bowed to Duchess Windsor and returned to his Mana Airship, leaving with Avita, Hart, and the guards.
• Duchess Windsor warned Count Duoer to be cautious of Xu Yi, but they concluded he had been frightened and discussed obtaining his technology.

Xu Yi went to Count Duoer’s manor to negotiate the release of Akali and the captured Xinfei Merchant Guild employees. When Duoer demanded the return of his private fief, Xu Yi immediately refused.

• Xu Yi sent Avita back with a sealed letter for Archmage Camilla and instructions for Kennard while he stayed behind to prepare a response.
• The next morning, Xu Yi arrived alone at Count Duoer’s manor and was invited inside after waiting at the gate.
• Xu Yi entered the manor’s central hall and asked whether Count Duoer had the authority to negotiate without the duchess.
• Xu Yi asked what it would take to free the captives, and Count Duoer demanded the return of his private fief.
• Xu Yi cut Count Duoer off and declared the demand impossible.

Xu Yi rejected Count Duoer’s demand to restore the nobles’ private fiefs and left without securing his subordinates’ release. He then gathered information from Akali’s covert messages and his guards’ survey, preparing to rescue the captives once reinforcements arrived.

• Xu Yi refused Count Duoer’s first condition, ended the negotiations, and left despite Count Duoer asking whether he would abandon his subordinates.
• The Duchess of Windsor ordered Count Duoer to hold firm and use sympathetic newspapers to pressure Xu Yi, while warning him to guard against a rescue attempt.
• Xu Yi used Teleportation Magic to reach a grove where Captain Hart and fifty Xinfei Merchant Guild guards were waiting.
• Xu Yi learned from Akali’s intermittent messages that the captives were unharmed and being held in a cellar inside Count Duoer’s manor.
• Hart showed Xu Yi a detailed map locating the likely cellar entrance and reported that fewer than fifty guards were visible nearby.
• Xu Yi ordered the rescue operation to begin once reinforcements arrived.

Great Mage Randy guarded the Xinfei Merchant Guild prisoners while dismissing Akali’s faint mana signals and enjoying a magic air conditioner. A blue-robed Great Mage attacked and entered the dungeon as Steel Beasts appeared around Randy, leaving him surrounded by a second, powerful assault.

• Great Mage Randy watched over the captured Xinfei Merchant Guild members and privately fixated on Akali, while Count Duoer’s men set up a Cabinet-Style Magic Air Conditioner beside him.
• Great Mage Randy sensed Akali emitting faint mana fluctuations but dismissed them as harmless.
• A blue-robed Great Mage attacked Randy with an Explosive Flame Ball, then swooped toward the dungeon entrance.
• Randy raised his Magic Barrier against another powerful explosion but could not stop the blue-robed mage from entering the dungeon.
• Randy turned to face the attacker behind the second blast and saw ten Steel Beasts surrounding him in the sky.

Hart commanded ten Mana Airships as they overwhelmed Great Mage Randy with coordinated attacks that anticipated his Spatial Teleportation. After exhausting much of his mana and failing to counterattack, Randy fled a kilometer from the battle.

• Hart ordered the Mana Airships to fire ten powerful spheres at Great Mage Randy, forcing him to expend mana on his Magic Barrier.
• Randy used Spatial Teleportation, but Hart's crew predicted where he would reappear and struck him with another coordinated volley, injuring him.
• Randy teleported again and evaded the next attack, while the Mana Airships switched tactics and launched a dense barrage of smaller spheres.
• Randy struggled to dodge and block the repeated attacks as his mana rapidly drained and he found no opening to fight back.
• Randy gathered his remaining mana and teleported a kilometer away from the battle to escape.

Xu Yi rescued Akali and the other Xinfei Merchant Guild employees from Count Duoer’s dungeon, then brought the guards out alive and headed for the manor hall. Duchess Windsor learned that the guild had multiple Great Mages just as Xu Yi arrived, and she prepared to face him.

• Xu Yi insisted on rescuing the dungeon guards as well as the captives, while Rena went outside to check on the battle.
• Akali led the rescued employees to a waiting Mana Airship, and Xu Yi used Life Detection Magic to confirm no one remained hidden in the dungeon.
• Xu Yi carried the unconscious guards outside and found that Hart’s forces and the Mana Airships had already departed after the battle with Great Mage Randy.
• Count Duoer begged Duchess Windsor to protect him, and she confronted him about concealing that the Xinfei Merchant Guild had multiple Great Mages.
• A guard announced that Xu Yi was approaching, and Duchess Windsor told him to show Xu Yi in.

Xu Yi confronted Duchess Windsor over the rescue of his subordinates and froze Count Duoer, declaring that the count would face trial for breaking the duchy's laws. He left Duchess Windsor and her guards facing eviction, while inviting the mage Nunosisi to join the Xinfei Merchant Guild.

• Xu Yi rejected Duchess Windsor's claim that he had acted recklessly and said the real culprit, Count Duoer, still needed punishment.
• Xu Yi froze Count Duoer with the Ice Coffin Spell and revealed that he was a Great Mage.
• Xu Yi immobilized Duchess Windsor's soldiers and sent Count Duoer away inside the ice block.
• Nunosisi attacked Xu Yi with Hurricane Ring, but Xu Yi's water-magic shield absorbed the spell and Xu Yi praised Nunosisi's skill.
• Xu Yi said Count Duoer would face trial and ordered Duchess Windsor and her subordinates to leave the property.
• Xu Yi invited Nunosisi to join the Xinfei Merchant Guild and then vanished.

After rescuing his employees, Xu Yi expanded the Xinfei Merchant Guild’s guard force and military production while pushing forward communications and political changes in the Stantin Duchy. The chapter ended with Candel Empire Prince Frank publicly welcoming the guild’s Mana Sedan Race, opening a promising path into the empire.

• Xu Yi sent Count Duoer to stand trial and convened the Xinfei Merchant Guild’s senior executives after arranging care for the rescued employees.
• The guild announced recruitment for a thousand new guards, drawing attention from adventurers and neighboring countries concerned about its growing military strength.
• Count Duoer was sentenced to life imprisonment, stripped of his noble status, and had his property confiscated, after which opposition to Congress’s policies subsided.
• The first phase of the Stantin Duchy’s magic communication network was completed, while the guild quietly began building a large military magic machinery production base in the Black Rice Wasteland.
• Prince Frank de Boer publicly welcomed the Xinfei Merchant Guild to bring its Mana Sedan Race to the Candel Empire, prompting widespread excitement about the guild’s prospects there.