Okay, let's talk about the plot introduction for 开端 (Kāi Duān), the web series based on the novel "Overlord" by 爱潜水的乌贼 (ài Qián Shuǐ de Wū Zéi).
开端 is essentially a prequel that delves deep into the backstory of the main character, Saito, before he becomes the Overlord Ainz Ooal Gown in the Overlord universe.
Here's a breakdown of the plot introduction:
Overall Premise:
开篇 chronicles the life of a young man named 林惊羽 (Lín Jīngyǔ) in modern-day China. He leads a seemingly ordinary life but harbors a deep secret: he possesses a "Soul Anchor" (灵魂锚点), a rare ability that allows his soul to return to a specific point in time upon death. This ability is the legacy of his ancestor, 罗德尔·克鲁兹 (Luódélè Kèlǔzī), a powerful figure from a thousand years prior who was one of the founding members of the "Grimdark Overlord's Association" (黑暗教团).
Key Plot Points:
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Modern Day Life & Triggering Event:
- The story begins with Lin Jingyu living a quiet life, working as a librarian (or similar unremarkable job) and attending to his terminally ill grandmother.
- His ability occasionally manifests in minor ways, but the major trigger occurs when he dies from an illness (often depicted as lung cancer) while saving his grandmother, who then miraculously recovers.
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The Grandpa's Influence:
- Lin Jingyu's death triggers a visit from his eccentric, seemingly senile grandfather, Luo Delu (罗爷爷).
- Luo Delu isn't truly senile; he's a manifestation of his ancestor, Luo Delu Cruz, bound to Lin Jingyu's family line through the Soul Anchor.
- Luo Delu reveals the existence of the Soul Anchor and the legacy of the Overlord's Association. He begins to mentor Lin Jingyu, teaching him about the world beyond his imagination, the importance of power, strategy, and survival – all crucial lessons for becoming a future Overlord.
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Mysterious Attacks & Escalation:
- Lin Jingyu starts experiencing strange phenomena and attacks seemingly targeting him or his family. These are often depicted as encounters with "Beasts" (怪兽) or other entities from the "Other World" (异世界).
- He and his grandfather must constantly evade these threats, leading to various dangerous adventures and encounters that further test Lin Jingyu's mettle and force him to apply the lessons he's learning.
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Meeting the Future Overlords (The Association):
- Lin Jingyu gradually meets other members of the "Association" who also possess Soul Anchors and are similarly preparing for their inevitable deaths and rebirths in the Other World.
- These include figures like:
- Ainz Ooal Gown (赛博连接体 Sàibó Liánjiētǐ): The future Overlord, initially known only as Saito. His prequel arc involves him becoming a powerful magic user and preparing for his journey.
- Nazarick's Butler (莫雨 Mò Yǔ): The future Butler of Nazarick, shown in flashbacks or early interactions.
- Mare (爱丽丝菲尔 àilìsīfēi'ěr): The future Ainz's maid, often appearing as a mysterious figure or appearing later in Lin Jingyu's life.
- Alice (爱丽丝 àilìsī): The future Alice of the Barbatos Empire.
- Yama (亚瑟 Yàsè): The future King of the Beastmen.
- And more... The series reveals the fates of many key figures from the main "Overlord" story.
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The Transition to the Other World:
- As Lin Jingyu nears his own death (often contracted to a rare and incurable disease after another close call), Luo Delu prepares him for the final step.
- Lin Jingyu uses the Soul Anchor one last time, not returning to a specific point in time, but transferring his consciousness to the Other World, where he will be reborn.
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The Rebirth as Ainz:
- The series culminates with Lin Jingyu being reborn as Saito, the young Japanese student who acquires the "Soul Anchor" (as a legacy) from his grandmother and the "Geeky Skeleton" (a magical item) in the Other World, eventually becoming Ainz Ooal Gown, the Overlord of Nazarick.
In essence, 开端 provides the crucial backstories for several major characters in the Overlord universe, explaining how they acquired their powers, why they are destined to be powerful figures in the Other World, and how they formed the initial group that would become the foundation for the Nazarick organization. It's a story about legacy, power, survival, and the bizarre journey that leads Saito to become the enigmatic Overlord Ainz Ooal Gown.
