Chapter Sixty: Aeri’s Relic Hunt and the Fate of King Joon
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
Aeri, Royo, Mikail, and a small team ride to the Port of Charm under the last monsoon moon. Aeri feels no regret about killing her father—only cold resolve. They plan to assassinate King Joon by boarding his ship stealthily. However, Mikail does not know which of the ninety‑five Weian warships Joon commands. Aeri urges him to abandon the plan, but Mikail is stubborn, driven by the Water Scepter’s pull and his need for vengeance. Desperate to save Royo, Aeri tries to sense the other Dragon Lord relics—the Immortal Crown and Flaming Sword—using her etherum connection. She nearly walks off the dock in a trance but recovers. Mikail realizes she can guide them to Joon’s ship, and they set out in a rowboat. Aeri focuses again, feeling the crown as a beating red pulse, and points the way. The group rows toward the fleet.
Key Events
- Aeri and Royo ride to the Port of Charm with Mikail, Teo, Calier, Fremo, and six other men.
- Aeri reflects that she feels nothing about killing her father; she prioritizes the lives of her loved ones.
- At the port, Mikail reveals he does not know which of the ninety‑five warships belongs to King Joon.
- Aeri pleads for a new plan, citing the one‑in‑hundred chance of hitting the right ship.
- Mikail insists on proceeding that night, blinded by the Water Scepter’s influence and his desire for vengeance.
- Aeri closes her eyes and uses her etherum sensitivity to locate the other relics; she experiences a sudden pull and almost walks off the dock into the water.
- Royo and Mikail pull her back; Mikail deduces she can sense the relics and can guide them to Joon.
- The group boards a rowboat, and Aeri, sitting at the bow, tries again. She detects the Immortal Crown as a red, heart‑like beat and directs the rowers.
Character Development
- Aeri: She steels herself for patricide without hesitation, showing her growth from vulnerability to ruthless pragmatism. Her ability to sense relics sharpens, but it nearly overwhelms her—hinting at the dangerous lure of etherum. She remains protective of Royo, willing to challenge Mikail’s judgment.
- Mikail: The toll of the Water Scepter and his need for revenge cloud his reasoning. He ignores Aeri’s valid objections, acting impulsively and risking the entire group. His earlier confidence is revealed as guesswork, and his reliance on Aeri’s relic sense shows a growing desperation.
- Royo: He offers quiet support and trust in Aeri, never questioning her. His physical presence and calm faith anchor Aeri during her dizzying relic trance.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Relic Lust: The Water Scepter’s pull distorts Mikail’s judgment, echoing how relics corrupt their wielders. Aeri herself feels a fierce urge to snatch the scepter, underscoring the addictive nature of etherum.
- The Price of Power: Aeri must kill her father to protect her friends—a choice forced by the prophecy (amarth) and her father’s past indifference. The theme of sacrificing one love for another is central.
- Mortality and Memory: Aeri notes that the drowned archers left no trace. “Mortals are but shadows and reflections” is a thought that does not seem to come from her—hinting at an external voice or the relics influencing her mind.
- Stealth vs. Brute Force: Mikail’s shift from running a ship aground to a silent infiltration reflects a tactical (though flawed) desire to minimize casualties.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter Sixty marks the point of no return: Aeri commits to killing her father and the assault on the Weian fleet begins. It deepens the mystery of Aeri’s connection to the relics, especially the voice in her head, and shows her unique ability to sense distant etherum objects. This skill will likely be crucial for the climax. The chapter also exposes Mikail’s growing instability under the Water Scepter’s influence, setting up potential conflict between him and Aeri.
Study Questions and Answers
Question 1: Why does Aeri feel no regret about killing her father?
Answer: Aeri’s father was willing to let his brother rape, murder, or kill her. She has severed all emotional attachment, viewing her father as an obstacle to the safety of her loved ones. Her only regret is that she must be the one to do the deed, but the choice between him and Royo or others is easy.
Question 2: What is causing Mikail to act rashly in this chapter?
Answer: The Water Scepter’s relic lust and his own thirst for vengeance impair his reasoning. He refuses to delay the mission even after realizing he does not know which ship Joon commands. Aeri explicitly notes that the scepter and his ambition are muddling his mind.
Question 3: How does Aeri use her relic sense to guide the group?
Answer: Aeri closes her eyes, filters out the strong pull of the Water Scepter, and casts her senses toward the fleet. She feels the Immortal Crown as a red, pulsing presence and points her arm in that direction. Mikail orders the rowers to follow her exact indication.