Progression Time

Book Recap

Cradle

Book 7 Recap· Released

TL;DR

At the Uncrowned King Tournament in Ninecloud Court, Lindon, Yerin, Mercy and Eithan all reach the top sixteen. Lindon is pitted against Yerin in the top eight draw, and Yerin touches the Sword Icon to win, while the Abidan announce the tournament's prize, the weapon Penance.

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I · The Main Plot

Where We Start

Makiel's Hound brings the weapon Penance to the tournament. Lindon trains with the Akura clan, dueling family members who underestimate him. Yerin trains with Eithan and Naru Saeya as a budding Sage. The Angler has stolen copies of Ozriel's Scythe and traded them for a worldseed.

Major Plot Points & Spoilers

  1. The Angler, Iri, steals copies of Ozriel's Scythe from Makiel and trades them to the Mad King for a worldseed. Makiel instructs the Abidan to begin recruiting.
  2. Lindon proves his worth to the Akura clan and is sent to the tournament with Akura Pride and Akura Grace.
  3. On the way to Ninecloud Court, Sopharanatoth disables Yerin's cloudship; the Winter Sage rescues them and they arrive in time for the opening ceremony.
  4. Lindon, Yerin, Mercy and Eithan all reach the top sixteen. Northstrider matches Lindon against Yerin. After overcoming his reluctance, Lindon fights fully, but Yerin uses her master's Archlord sword binding and touches the Sword Icon, which gives her the edge.
  5. Northstrider notices Dross and takes an interest in Lindon.

Where the Book Leaves Off

The Abidan present the winner's prize: Penance, a weapon that can kill any one being without error. Lindon realises he must tell his friends that one of the competing figures is a Monarch (Sha Miara). Northstrider intercepts him and asks: who is Dross?

II · Characters & Personal Progression

Romantic & Personal Status

Lindon is hurt by losing to Yerin, his first loss since leaving Sacred Valley. Nothing romantic is stated in our sources.

Inner Circle Check-In

  • Yerin: Wins the duel with the Sword Icon; the Winter Sage wants to tutor her.
  • Mercy: Reaches the top sixteen.
  • Eithan: Reaches the top sixteen and talks Lindon through the loss.
  • Dross: Called out by Yerin during the duel; Northstrider takes notice.

Key New Faces & Factions

Northstriderneutral

Monarch who matches Lindon and Yerin and asks about Dross.

Kiuranneutral

Makiel's Hound who brings Penance.

The Winter Sageally

Min Shuei, who rescues the cloudship and wants to tutor Yerin.

Sopharaenemy

Disables Yerin's cloudship.

Akura Pride and Graceally

Akura relatives who accompany Lindon.

III · End-of-Book Stats & Power Gains

Current Rank / Grade

Lindon: Underlord. Yerin: Underlord who briefly touches the Sword Icon, the mark of a Sage. Ranks of Mercy and Eithan are not given in our sources.

Dao / Path / Class Evolution

Lindon's Void Dragon's Dance and a new layered technique, the Dragon Descends. Yerin's Final Sword technique.

Major Skill & Body Gains

  • Yerin touches the Sword Icon.
  • Lindon's Dragon Descends technique.
  • Lindon's reputation among the Akura.

IV · Extras: Empire, Gear & World State

Territory & Faction Upgrades

No territory.

Signature Gear & Vessels

  • Yerin's master's Archlord sword (binding)
  • Lindon's hunger arm used to absorb the sword's icy madra
  • Penance (the tournament prize, not yet won)

Ticking Clocks

  • Penance will go to the winner, and some Monarch may be forced to ascend.
  • A Monarch is among the competitors.
  • Northstrider is curious about Dross.