Winter’s Remains (Neoevolution Earth Vol. 2) Summary

Entry 1 Summary:

In the first journal entry of “Winter’s Remains,” Denis Mendel reflects on his manipulative plan involving the elite, or the Titans, as he calls them. He acknowledges his origins as a victim of the elite’s oppression and his transformation into one of them, a “Titan,” but maintains his enmity towards them. Mendel reveals that four of the ten Titans will betray his plan for Earth’s future, choosing to build their empires rather than join Astrea. These Titans include John Downver, who seeks recognition and will found Downver; Tomasz Novak, who desires security and will create biological countermeasures; Gladys Mainstone, whom Mendel respects for her broad vision; and Craig Winters, who personifies the worst of humanity and whose legacy will inadvertently lead to the rise of a matriarchal society of warriors. Mendel considers these betrayals as integral to his grand plan, viewing himself as a puppet master orchestrating events for humanity’s evolution and ascension.

Chapter 1: The Fall of Wintersvilla

Set in 2098, 1 year before the present day, this chapter begins with Shira’s contemplations and interactions within Wintersvilla, a matriarchal society. The environment is marked by a controlled climate with no harsh weather, thanks to the Nomads controlling the entire planet’s weather systems. Shira reflects on the city’s reliance on desalinated seawater and its uncertain future under Nomad dominance. The chapter highlights Shira’s concerns about the city’s vulnerability, particularly to the Rover King and his army.

The narrative shifts to a meeting of the Matriarch’s Inner Circle, where Shira, as the Chief of Logistics and General of War, struggles to convince the other leaders of the imminent threat posed by the Rover King and his Biofreak army. Despite her efforts, her warnings are dismissed, especially by Greta, the Chief of Slavery and Birthing. Tensions are evident in the dynamics within the leadership, with varying levels of support and opposition to Shira’s views.

The chapter also explores Shira’s complex relationships with other leaders, her memories of past traumas, and her dedication to protecting Aliana and Aurelia. The narrative highlights Shira’s internal conflict as she grapples with her role, the challenges within Wintersvilla, and her resolve to protect the girls at any cost.

The chapter culminates in a tense and violent confrontation in Shira’s apartment, where she is ambushed by Sophie and Lina, the Joint Chiefs of Protection, instigated by Greta. Despite the betrayal and the threat to her life, Shira remains determined to protect Aliana and Aurelia. The chapter ends with the women beginning their battle to the death.

Entry 2 Summary:

Entry 2 reveals Denis Mendel’s deep-seated conviction that his actions are not for personal gain but for the greater good of humanity, the universe, and the transcendent realm he refers to as the “Great Beyond.” He views his path as one of many leading to this ultimate destination. Central to his plan are two specially designed girls (known by the reader to be Aurelia and Aliana), conceived to be weak and frail. Mendel believes their apparent vulnerability is crucial for their development into strong, calculated individuals essential for his vision. He refers to them as a virus and a cure, a poison and an antidote, indicating their dual nature and significance in his grand scheme.

Chapter 2: Little Smooth Talker

Back in the present day of 2099, this chapter follows Aliana’s harrowing experience as she and her sister Aurelia, along with Rooli, are thrown into a crater by Shira in her final moments before entering overdrive with her exo. The girls narrowly escape a fatal fall thanks to Rooli’s intervention. Aliana, Aurelia, and Rooli face the challenge of navigating past a massive boulder blocking their path to Downver, the same boulder placed there in book 1. Their encounter with Gambe Mainstone reveals his motivations tied to pleasing his ‘Mom’ (the Agency). Despite his formidable abilities, Gambe shows a peculiar interest in games, a trait Aliana cleverly exploits to gain his cooperation. Gambe agrees to assist them in exchange for a promise of future gameplay with Aliana. As they proceed, Gambe reveals insights into the Agency’s perspective on the girls, hinting at their mysterious significance in Mendel’s plans. The narrative highlights Aliana’s quick thinking and adaptability, traits essential for their survival in an increasingly hostile and unpredictable world.

In a dramatic conclusion, the girls are forced into a dark passage as a large, unknown entity, presumably the Butcher, attacks. Rooli, their protector, is seemingly crushed, leaving Aliana and Aurelia to face the perilous depths of Downver alone.

Entry 3 Summary:

In Entry 3, Denis Mendel discusses the nature of individuals who lack genuine aspiration. He portrays them as perfect puppets, unable to recognize their own lack of direction and meaningful goals. Such individuals, according to Mendel, are doomed to lead empty lives filled with futile attempts to find fulfillment in hedonism and superficial pursuits. Tomasz Novak is highlighted as a prime example of this kind of puppet, an individual who is too afraid to confront the reality of his existence and fate. Mendel contrasts Tomasz’s fear of acknowledging his strings of fate with his own fear of not cutting them, highlighting a difference in their approach to destiny and control.

Chapter 3: A Landing in Hell

Samuel Kaminski, who has been transformed into the Mirror-Man, finds himself plummeting towards Earth, covered in a reflective mirror substance and entangled with a giant yellow slime mold that was once the Nomad Norman. He experiences a range of emotions, from helplessness and regret about leaving his family in Astrea to horror and confusion about his current predicament.

As he descends, Samuel reflects on the hellish nature of both Astrea and Earth, feeling a profound sense of loss and despair. His fall is accompanied by bizarre and shocking sights, including a beam of golden light striking Earth and his own body and a group of colossal, fleshy creatures flying through the sky, reminiscent of monstrous zeppelins. Samuel’s descent into the interior of one of the creatures reveals a surreal and grotesque world, a living ecosystem within the creature itself. He witnesses a society of bizarre life forms and ecosystems thriving inside the creature, challenging his understanding of reality.

The chapter climaxes with Samuel becoming trapped inside one of these creatures, his body partially assimilated by its tissue. In this dire situation, he encounters Tomasz Novak, who constructs himself using the innards of the creature. Novak, exhibiting a god-like demeanor, introduces himself to Samuel.

Entry 4 Summary:

In Entry 4, Denis Mendel reflects on the inescapable nature of duality in life. He posits that all life is built on the suffering of others, highlighting the cycle of life and death where one entity’s gain results in another’s loss. Mendel points out that glory comes with sacrifice, victory with defeat, and life with death. He speaks of his transformation into an infallible being, no longer human, and acknowledges the necessity to push humanity into its worst depths to achieve Ascension. Mendel contrasts himself with Tomasz Novak, his puppet, who is too afraid to cut his strings to fate, whereas Mendel fears the opposite.

Chapter 4: Monsters Are Real

This chapter begins in the past with Thompson travelling with Anna. The chapter opens with Thompson observing Anna’s enjoyment of human food, contrasting it with his own passive sustenance method which is akin to a plant’s. They are near a human settlement, watching the chaos ensuing from their food theft. Anna and Thompson discuss the fate of humanity, with Anna expressing a bleak outlook on human survival in a world overrun by Hunters, Huntresses, and Nomads. They see a cybernetically enhanced young girl from Wintersvilla, and Thompson believes that she sees them, so they leave. They encounter Nomads, former humans now transformed into various plant-like or fungal entities, who show reverence towards Anna. Thompson reflects on his existence, his instincts to hunt, and his relationship with Anna, who has taught him about love and empathy.

As they seek shelter from an impending powerful storm, Anna and Thompson share a tender moment. Anna reveals her decision to name Thompson after Hunter S. Thompson, a writer known for blurring the lines between reality and fiction, drawing a parallel to their own lives. Their intimate moment is interrupted by the sudden appearance of the young Wintersvilla girl, who confronts them in their cave. The girl, displaying a sinister demeanor, freezes Anna in place and engages in a cryptic conversation with Thompson, hinting at her plans for torture and expressing disdain for Thompson’s memories. Thompson, disoriented and realizing the severity of their situation, reflects on Anna’s words about the non-existence of monsters, now questioning this belief in the face of the girl’s malevolence. Finally, it is revealed that Thompson is in his mind, not actually in the past, and Volya pulls him out of it.

The chapter ends with Thompson waking up and realizing the gravity of his situation and his failure to protect the women that Volya forced him to battle in book 1. He resolves to save the woman (Myriam) Volya plans to torture and continues to question the nature of monsters, concluding that they may indeed be real. The chapter closes with Volya expressing sadistic anticipation for the torture to come, as Thompson braces himself for the challenges ahead, determined to find a way to resist and save others.

Entry 5 Summary:

In Entry 5, Denis Mendel recounts a Zen story about a master who confronts a general during a military raid. Despite the general’s threats, the Zen master remains unflappable, showcasing a profound acceptance of life and death. The master’s refusal to exhibit fear or obedience, even when threatened with death, baffles the general. The master’s calm acceptance of his beheading epitomizes the ultimate liberation from fear and the external world’s control. Mendel draws from this tale to illustrate the concept of existential liberation, where everything including the cosmos itself becomes insignificant to those who have transcended fear and control.

Chapter 5: With Discipline and Daring

This chapter follows Aurelia and Aliana’s harrowing journey through the dark cave passage to Downver. Aurelia has a severely damaged wrist/hand and collarbone, while Aliana’s nose and one eye has been crushed. Aurelia, despite her severe injuries, leads them forward with sheer willpower. The girls must cross a metal beam over a deep chasm, a perilous task made more daunting by their injuries and the beam’s precarious stability.

Aliana, with a severely damaged face, struggles with fear and pain but resolves to proceed, encouraged by Aurelia’s determination and guidance. As they crawl across the beam, the intense cold and Aliana’s deteriorating condition add to the challenge. They must navigate in darkness, relying on touch and occasional spark of light from a small device that Aurelia is carrying. Aurelia’s internal strength and discipline are tested as she contends with her own physical pain and the responsibility of leading her injured sister through this life-threatening situation.

Disaster strikes when Aliana slips off the beam. Despite Aurelia’s desperate attempt to save her, Aliana falls into the abyss, her screams echoing hauntingly in the cave. Overwhelmed by the loss of her sister and the crushing realization of their dire situation, Aurelia succumbs to despair. She contemplates the hallucination of a great vortex that she has seen since she was a child. Although Aurelia normally appears to exhibit the power to know some details of what will happen in the future, she appears to have fully lost that ability since entering the cave. She loses all hope and believes that both she and her sister have failed. In a poignant and tragic moment, with the great void-vortex seemingly beckoning her to jump into it, Aurelia bids a silent farewell to Rooli before letting go and embracing the darkness.

Entry 6 Summary:

Entry 6 of Mendel’s journal delves into his scorn for the so-called Titans of history, comprising warlords and corporate overlords. He describes them as soulless entities, indifferent to humanity and consumed by self-indulgence and hedonism. Mendel bitterly recounts his personal history, where his parents were exploited until their deaths by these Titans. He expresses his contempt for their superficial lives, devoid of self-honesty, sacrifice, and righteousness. Mendel also discusses a pivotal moment when he proposed the idea of choosing death at ninety-nine, only to be met with horror by his peers, particularly Fana, Tomasz, and Gladys, who were secretly striving for immortality. Mendel and his ally (who he calls Mendel, revealing that the writer of the journals may not actually be Mendel) plan to overthrow these Titans using a deathless transfer device, intending to cast the world into darkness to ultimately bring about a new era of upheaval and enlightenment.

Chapter 6: The Tortured Reflection

Chapter 6 focuses on Samuel Kaminski’s encounter with Tomasz Novak, a being of immense intellect and power, who manifests as part of a larger creature known as the Giganventus. Samuel, now transformed into a reflective, mirror-like being, struggles to understand his new existence and grapples with the reality that he has become a tool in a larger scheme orchestrated by Andre Madeira.

Tomasz reveals his role in the creation of the Nomads, Cleaners, Hunters, and Huntresses, expressing bitterness towards Andre Madeira for manipulating his creations and distorting their intended purpose. Samuel, desperate to return to his family in Astrea, confronts Tomasz, leading to a tense exchange where their mutual distrust and the complexity of their situations are evident. Tomasz shows a fascination with Samuel’s mirrored form, indicating a deeper intrigue beyond mere observation. He hints at the potential significance of Samuel’s transformation, suggesting a profound alteration at the genetic level.

Tomasz intends to study Samuel further. After imprisoning Samuel using the innards of the Giganventus, Tomasz reveals that the Giganventi are actually his own body, as he has transformed himself into something beyond human. Despite the Mirror-substance making Samuel’s body seemingly impervious to pain or damage, Tomasz squeezes his fists, and Samuel feels intense pain injected into him.

Entry 7 Summary:

Entry 7 of Denis Mendel’s journal delves into his philosophical perspective on the cruelty inherent in nature. He argues that cruelty, though seemingly paradoxical, is not rooted in malice but in necessity and logic. According to Mendel, nature’s fundamental state of cruelty is evident in the process of natural selection, where weaker beings are culled, leading to the survival of the fittest. He extends this idea to humanity, suggesting that although empathy and morality have their place in human survival, they are not the fundamental state of human nature. Instead, Mendel proposes that cruelty is a tool for ascension beyond nature, necessary for contending with Titans and other gods. This entry reflects Mendel’s belief in the primacy of cruelty in the natural order and its role in the evolutionary process.

Chapter 7: Agents of Pain

Awaken from his dream, Thompson finds himself in the crater where the battle at the end of book 1 took place. The red headed woman (Myriam) is covered by the skinsuit that Volya originally brought down with her when she was launched from Astrea (Thompson already had a skinsuit from Anna). Myriam is alive but unconscious. Her eyes are still burnt out. Shira is a charred husk in Myriam’s arms. Volya exhibits volatile and cruel behavior, contrasting starkly with Thompson’s more restrained demeanor. She tortures Thompson with painful memories of Hunter childhoods, emphasizing the cruel nature of their existence.

Volya reveals her fear of the Prodigal Sons, powerful adversaries that even groups of Hunters struggle against. She shows Thompson a battle between the First and Second Prodigal Son and a group of Hunters. Despite her fears, she remains determined to continue the Eternal Hunt, seeing it as her divine purpose. Thompson, reflecting on his past experiences and the teachings of Anna, his former lover, resists Volya’s manipulations and maintains a semblance of moral integrity.

The chapter explores themes of cruelty, the nature of being a Hunter, and the struggle between following one’s programming and seeking a deeper understanding of one’s existence. Volya’s character embodies the ruthless and unyielding nature of a Huntress, driven by a belief in her god-like creator, Mendel. Thompson, on the other hand, grapples with his own identity, torn between his Hunter instincts and the humanizing influence of Anna.

As the chapter progresses, the pair encounter a group of Cleaners, faceless beings known for their role in torturing Hunters. The Cleaners offer an unspecified deal, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative. Thompson, despite his tortured existence, shows empathy towards these creatures, viewing them as victims of their programming, much like himself. The chapter ends with the Wintersvilla Woman (Myriam) waking up, potentially facing Volya’s wrath.

Entry 8 Summary:

In Entry 8 of Denis Mendel’s journal, Mendel explores the idea of the Virus and the Cure (Aurelia and Aliana), acknowledging that their full powers are beyond his current comprehension. He expresses trust in the natural orchestration of the universe and the designs of Mendel and his “other self.” He says that despite their current Earth-form as zygotes, the girls are destined to develop into beings far beyond human understanding. Mendel highlights that the true potential of these girls aligns with the vision of the cosmos, and their role is crucial in shaping the future of reality. He reflects on his lifelong sense of destiny, feeling it as a tangible force guiding him towards this moment. The entry concludes with the idea that these girls, guided by Mendel and his other self, will break free from the constraints of fate, embodying a form of true freedom that carries both immense potential and inherent risks.

Chapter 8: Bold and Beautiful

The chapter opens with Aliana in a state of surreal detachment as she falls through darkness, experiencing time in a dramatically slowed manner. She enters a mental space that seems hyper real, as if it is another dimension of being. There, she speaks to Shira, Myriam, Rooli, and her sister, Aurelia, who surprisingly has a voice.

With the help of the others, Aliana calms herself and realizes she is falling towards water, not her death. She manages to orient herself properly just in time to plunge into a river, struggling against the current and rocks. After barely surviving a network of tunnels, she surfaces in a bioluminescent cavern, where she finds and resuscitates her sister Aurelia, who had jumped after her.

The sisters, both suffering from severe physical injuries and exhaustion, share a moment of vulnerability and emotional connection, revealing their hidden powers and fears to each other. Aliana reveals her ability to experience time at a slowed rate, and also, apparently, to speak to those she loves within her mind. Aurelia reveals that her ability to plan ahead with such careful foresight is in fact her power of prescience. They discuss their next steps, acknowledging the bleakness of their situation but resolving to continue fighting for survival. Their plans are abruptly interrupted by the ominous appearance of a Hunter. The Hunter offers help, but the sisters, driven by instinct and fear, choose to plunge into another whirlpool, leading into the unknown depths of the cave.

Entry 9 Summary:

Mendel writes to Gladys Mainstone directly, expressing his complex emotions and justifying his drastic actions. He believes that detonating nuclear bombs is necessary to instill existential fear in humanity, a fear he sees as a gateway to deeper, ancestral terrors. Mendel views these events not as an end in themselves but as a path leading to an unimaginable state of being, a kind of Ascension that he and Gladys once thought impossible.

Mendel reflects on his relationship with Gladys, acknowledging their deep connection and mutual love. He imagines an alternative reality where they could have been immortal rulers together, but he is resigned to the fact that this cannot be. His commitment to the path of Ascension takes precedence over this imagined life with Gladys.

He seeks Gladys’s forgiveness, understanding the gravity of his actions. Mendel sees himself as distinct from those whom Gladys despises, even as he aligns with their methods. He asserts his actions are for the greater good of all, including Gladys.

The entry concludes with Mendel’s resolve to detonate omega-class nuclear bombs the following day, marking a significant step toward what he believes will be the inevitable Ascension of humanity. This act, he feels, will solidify the future of humanity and the cosmos, ensuring progress up Mendel’s Ladder towards a destined higher state of existence.

Chapter 9: To Love and Be Loved

Myriam wakes up and mourns the loss of Shira. Thompson, controlled by Volya, is tormented by guilt over his actions under her influence. Myriam’s resilience to the pain caused by the skinsuit intrigues Volya, who demonstrates her control over the woman through the suit. The story introduces a group of Cleaners proposing a trade with Volya: exchanging Myriam for information about a secret place teeming with life. Volya, intrigued yet doubtful, agrees to the trade but secretly plans to betray the Cleaners later.

A significant encounter occurs with MaxxEl, a group comprising a young boy named Maxx, a Biofreak named El, and two Mutants, Jamis and Brutus. Maxx’s affectionate relationship with his companions, especially El, is evident. They collectively mourn the loss of another Mutant, Tommy, who ran off after he was frightened by the boulder being placed in the crater by Nomads. Based on MaxxEl’s description of Tommy, it is clear that this is the Mutant killed in book 1 by Shira, Myriam, and Rooli. Volya considers attacking Maxx’s group but ultimately decides against it due to the potential threat they pose. This moment allows Thompson to reflect on the power and significance of love, contrasting sharply with Volya’s cold and calculating demeanor.

As the chapter progresses, the Cleaners lead Thompson and Volya toward the promised hidden life. They encounter unusual Nomads, adding an element of mystery to the journey. They find an invisible wall that the Cleaners tell them to pass into, and Volya controls Thompson to make him enter first.

Entry 10 Summary:

Mendel delves into the elusive nature of truth. He posits that truth, much like light or water, remains constant in essence despite its varying forms. Mendel uses the analogy of the sun’s perceived color to illustrate how perceptions can distort reality. He asserts that truth becomes altered and abstracted when filtered through the human consciousness or language, much like light refracted through a prism.

Mendel challenges the idea of the self as a medium for understanding truth. He argues that to perceive truth unrefracted, one must remove the distorting lens of the self. However, he acknowledges the paradox that without a self, truth cannot be known. His solution is to create a self that doesn’t refract truth but allows it to pass through unaltered.

Claiming to have achieved this state of being, Mendel presents himself as a vessel for pure truth. He expresses anticipation for Anna’s return, suggesting a significant step towards realizing his vision. This entry encapsulates Mendel’s philosophical musings on truth, perception, and the self, setting a profound and contemplative tone for the unfolding narrative.

Chapter 10: Truth Refracted

While inflicting pain into Samuel using the strengthened intestines keeping Samuel imprisoned, Tomasz reveals his extensive lifespan, ambitions of galactic domination, and deep-seated resentment towards other key figures like Andre Madeira and Gladys Mainstone. He envisions a future where he commands all Nomads, extending his reach beyond Earth to the universe.

Samuel endures excruciating pain and disorientation as Tomasz uses him to explore the limits of his mirrored form. Tomasz roves Samuel’s mind, attempting to discern his true motives. He watches Samuel’s encounter with Andre Madeira in book 1 and his transformation into the Mirror-Man. Tomasz is surprised to see Andre Madeira alive and as an old man. He reveals that he thought Andre had died long ago. Tomasz’s monologue exposes his plans for the Giganventi and domesticated Nomads, highlighting his egomania and disdain for humanity.

A glimmer of hope appears when Nomads, showing allegiance to Samuel as the Mirror-Man, enable him to communicate with Astrea. This leads to a poignant yet strained interaction with his wife, Sandra, revealing the revolution’s impact on their family and Sandra’s involvement in the planning. Sandra reveals that she and their children are safe for now, but there are great shadowy monsters in the Foundation, sucking the life out of people.

Tomasz’s violent return cuts this connection short. He annihilates the Nomads aiding Samuel and reaffirms his control. The chapter concludes with Samuel in agonizing captivity, with Tomasz vowing to study him and break him.

Entry 11 Summary:

This entry is a deeply personal account from Mendel’s childhood, reflecting on themes of loss, survival, and the transformative power of love and trauma. The entry begins with a childhood memory of Denis witnessing a brutal attack on a young boy named Norman, leading to lasting physical and financial ruin for Norman’s family. Years later, Denis, now homeless, reunites with Norman and his family. They form a bond akin to family, sharing meager resources and providing emotional support to each other amidst their dire circumstances.

This fragile semblance of family and normalcy is shattered when a gang of men, driven by hunger, attack and kill Norman’s beloved puppy, Hotdog. Norman, in a fit of rage and despair, retaliates violently, leading to his own tragic death. His parents, unable to bear the loss, end their lives, leaving Denis alone once more.

The traumatic experience solidifies a philosophy in Denis: the dichotomy of good and evil hinging on the presence or absence of love. This event shapes his worldview and justifies his future actions. He internalizes a belief that everything he does, even the morally ambiguous or outright harmful, is in pursuit of a world where love prevails, and tragedies like Norman’s do not occur.

Chapter 11: With Fierceness and Fortitude

Chapter 11 opens with Aurelia and Aliana being pulled into the whirlpool. They are rescued by the Hunter, initially perceived as a threat. While saving the girls, Aurelia believes he is trying to hurt them, so she gets to her sword and stabs him. The Hunter doesn’t heal, and they realize he is weakened and has only a partially intact skinsuit. Surprisingly, the Hunter, named 541, expresses a desire to help rather than harm them. He even makes a sling for Aurelia’s now virtually numb and dying arm. In a dire state and needing assistance to navigate the cave system towards Downver, the sisters cautiously accept the Hunter’s help.

543 brings them to a surreal environment filled with gigantic bioluminescent mushrooms, cultivated by 541. This setting contrasts with the harsh reality of their situation and reveals the Hunter as a tragic figure, a shadow of his former self, clinging to life and caring for the mushrooms. The chapter takes a dramatic turn when 541 requests a finger from Aurelia’s now dying and useless hand in order to heal himself enough to guide them though the cave. Aurelia, unable to see the future and experiencing raw fear, which she seldom does, agrees. Aurelia chops off her finger and gives it to the Hunter. 543 gives some blood to the glowing mushrooms, which grow in response to it. Then, he consumes it, and his body not only heals, but grows and becomes stronger. Desperate, 543 says that he can smell Aurelia will have to have her hand amputated, and he requests to eat the rest of it.

Aliana, seemingly out of fear of 543’s newfound strength, runs deeper into the cave, appearing to abandon Aurelia. However, Aliana’s departure is a strategic fake-out. She returns just in time to save Aurelia from the Hunter, who is about to consume her hand. Aliana fiercely attacks 541, eventually decapitating him. After the intense confrontation, the sisters, now blood-covered, acknowledge their situation’s gravity. Aliana eats more of the mysterious mushrooms to sustain herself, while Aurelia, still reluctant, decides not to. They then prepare to continue their journey to Downver, albeit unsure of what lies ahead but resolute in their mission. Aurelia gets a bit of her power back, as does Aliana. However, Aurelia senses that although they will make it to Downver, there is something stopping their fate in the future, though she can’t fathom what it is.

Entry 12 Summary:

Mendel speaks of the gifts he has prepared for humanity and its descendants. These gifts encompass life, death, and the in-between, including abundance and awe. Mendel notes that these gifts will remain hidden until humanity is ready to ascend the next rung of his metaphorical ladder, implying a future where humanity evolves or achieves a higher state of existence.

Chapter 12: The Cost of Freedom

This chapter follows Volya as she steps through the invisible wall alongside Thompson into a lush, old-world rainforest–a stark contrast to her previous environments. Overwhelmed by the sensory richness of this hidden area, Thompson collapses in convulsions.

Stripped of her connection to the Marrow and Thompson’s senses, Volya finds herself isolated and vulnerable. Volya tries to leave the area, but the invisible wall is gone. As Volya ventures deeper into the rainforest, she encounters various old-world animals, including a tiger and a jaguar, and fights for survival against these formidable beasts. The chapter reaches a climactic point when Volya encounters a spectral figure resembling Anna, surrounded by wild animals that appear to be under her control. Confronted by this haunting presence and the hostile environment, Volya’s situation becomes dire. Meanwhile, Thompson is completely consumed by insects.

In her final moments, Volya experiences intense agony as swarms of insects attack her, consuming her from within. The chapter concludes with Anna’s enigmatic statement about freedom and death, leaving Volya to succumb to the overwhelming forces of nature.

Entry 13 Summary:

Mendel criticizes Tomasz for his arrogance and inability to see beyond his own ego. Despite Tomasz’s intellect and privileged background, Mendel views him as shortsighted and self-centered, believing the universe exists for his purpose. Mendel contrasts himself with Tomasz and others, acknowledging his own transient existence as “mud come to life.” He expresses disappointment in the so-called “Great Ones” (including Gladys, whom he still loves) for their failure to achieve Ascension, as they are trapped by their egos and lineage. Mendel emphasizes the necessity for the Great Ones, which he also refers to as the Titans, including possibly Gladys, to die for Ascension to occur, leaving open only a narrow path for Gladys to join in this higher state of being.

Chapter 13: To Peer Into the Soul

Tomasz’s seemingly human form disintegrates, revealing a grotesque, vein-covered entity. Samuel experiences excruciating pain as Tomasz unleashes a capillary that pierces into his chest, creating a hole black hole that begins to consume Samuel’s mirror-body.

Tomasz, engulfed in his fury, is oblivious to Samuel’s pleas for help. The situation escalates when yellow slime mold (Norman) infects and consumes Tomasz and the Giganventus, leading to their destruction. As the Giganventi fall apart and descend towards the ocean, Samuel is left in free fall, desperately trying to reach Tomasz and stop his own disintegration.

Throughout this chaotic descent, Samuel witnesses Tomasz’s fragmented consciousness grappling with defeat and realization. Tomasz understands that Andre Madeira orchestrated his downfall, and in his final moments, Tomasz express various thoughts, ranging from denial to acceptance of fate.

Samuel, accepting his seemingly inevitable demise, hits the ocean with a massive impact. Entangled in kelp and sinking deeper, he reflects on his possible role as a mere distraction in Andre Madeira’s plan to defeat Tomasz. Filled with regret and despair, Samuel resigns to his fate in the ocean’s depths, his body quickly continuing to disintegrate and his hope of reuniting with his family fading away.

Entry 14 Summary:

In Entry 14 of Denis Mendel’s journal, he likens the Earth’s planetary mycelial network to an evolving brain, currently at a stage equivalent to a stem and a rudimentary limbic system. He anticipates the network’s evolution, preparing for the completion of the limbic system and the cerebellum by the time Anna might return. Mendel sees the Earth’s development of a cerebrum and neocortex as crucial for Ascension. He mentions Gladys’s role in creating an “organ of memory” for the Earth, which is vital for Ascension. Mendel acknowledges that Gladys might destroy what she creates and that her actions are pivotal in determining the future of Ascension. He expresses hope that Gladys will align with his vision but is prepared to eliminate her if necessary.

Chapter 14: The Freed Slave

Chapter 14 focuses on Wesley Potterman (the last remaining slave that had been travelling with Shira and her party in book 1) as he navigates his newfound freedom and solitude after being blown away by the storm created by Thompson, the Butcher, during the battle at the end of book 1 and beginning of book 2. Still experiencing a mix of relief and guilt over Nomusa’s presumed death a year earlier, Wesley prays for the safety of Aliana, Aurelia, Shira, and Myriam. He also mourns the loss of his lover, Fullman. He reminisces about his life in Wintersvilla and struggles with his freedom, longing for the familiarity of his previous life.

While grappling with these emotions, Wesley encounters Leif Mainstone, a radiant and charismatic figure who introduces himself as the Seventh Prodigal Son of the Agency. Leif reveals his profound knowledge about Earth’s history and current events, including the truth behind the detonation of nuclear bombs and his observations of humanity and other life forms.

Leif proposes to interview Wesley during their journey to the three craters created by Andre Madeira’s nuclear bombs (the same crater where the battle at the end of book 1 took place). He explains his unique abilities, including rapid movement, flight, and a form of intangibility, and shares insights about his family dynamics and his mother’s withdrawal from communication.

Wesley, initially overwhelmed and awestruck by Leif’s presence, is informed that Aliana and Aurelia are alive and have just killed a Hunter. Filled with a renewed sense of purpose, Wesley insists on hastening to the girls’ aid. Leif agrees to guide him, promising to help him avoid danger and fulfill his physical needs on their journey to reunite with the girls in the Butcher Wastelands. Wesley follows Leif, grateful for the opportunity to continue serving his Matriarch and fulfilling his purpose in protecting Aliana and Aurelia.

Entry 15 Summary:

Mendel reflects on the inevitability of societal upheavals and alliances, affirming that these changes serve his ultimate goal: Ascension, which he believes will lead to the Neoevolution of humanity and all life in the universe. He asserts that the chaos and destruction are merely a genesis of a new form of love – his love, likening himself to a god.

Chapter 15: To Love and Be Loved

Set in 2098, this chapter is a direct continuation of chapter 1. The scene opens with Shira fiercely battling against Sophie and Lina, only for Myriam to intervene dramatically, saving Shira by eliminating Greta and then killing Sophie and Lina. Shira tells Myriam to go meet with Aliana, Aurelia, and Rooli while she takes care of something dire.

Following this intense confrontation, Shira ventures beyond the walls of Wintersvilla to parley with King BigBilly, leader of the Rovers and Biofreaks. This meeting is revelatory for Shira, as she learns about BigBilly’s background, his empire’s expansion, and his complex ties to the Nomads. Notably, she discovers his personal story, including his connection to his mother, Sabrina.

Negotiations ensue, wherein Shira offers to sabotage Wintersvilla’s exos in exchange for safe exit for herself, Myriam, and the girls. BigBilly, understanding the situation, agrees to this deal. In a daring and risky move, Shira is then catapulted back towards the city using a parachute, enabling her quick return to continue her mission.

Upon her return, Shira and Myriam are confronted in a warehouse where they’re disabling exos. Mei, accusing them of betrayal, confronts them. The encounter quickly escalates into a violent skirmish, which intensifies with the unexpected arrival of a Biofreak causing havoc.

In the midst of this chaos, Shira, Myriam, Aliana, Aurelia, and Rooli, fight their way out. During this tense escape, Rooli sacrifices herself, only to survive in a smaller form, adding a dramatic twist to their escape. Outside the warehouse, they encounter Lain, who empathizes with Shira’s difficult decisions and shares her own personal vendetta against her mother, Nichole Adamich, for abandoning her.

Despite Lain’s reservations, the group, guided by Rooli’s insistence, decides to head towards Downver, a location shrouded in uncertainty. The chapter concludes with them witnessing the downfall of Wintersvilla, now overrun by the combined forces of Biofreaks and Rovers. Amidst this chaotic backdrop, they set off on their journey towards Downver, leaving behind their past and the fallen city.