In crime fiction influenced by existentialism, the theme of freedom and its limitations is quite common. Criminals might be acting out of a sense of extreme freedom, thinking they can break the rules without consequences, while detectives are often bound by the law yet strive for a kind of moral freedom. Another theme is the individual's struggle against an indifferent world. The criminal may feel that the world is against them and react accordingly, and the detective may have to fight against the apathy of the system or society at large. And of course, the theme of death is often present, as crime usually involves some form of endangerment of life or dealing with the aftermath of death.
One common theme is the search for meaning. In crime fiction, characters, whether they are the criminal or the detective, may be on a quest to find meaning in their actions. Another is alienation. The criminal may feel alienated from society, which could be a factor in their criminal behavior. Also, the concept of choice and consequence is prevalent. The choices made by characters, like a criminal choosing to commit a crime or a detective choosing a certain method of investigation, have consequences that are explored in the story.
Chapter 47, "Actively Hunting IV", is the clearest early answer because it turns Tree Demons's situation into a concrete plot event. A useful checkpoint is the way the scene starts with Swooosh… Before Damien could understand what was happening, dozens of... and follows through with It was heading straight for the demon's essence core..
Chapter 8, "First Mythical Summon: A Nine Tailed Fox", is the clearest early answer because it turns Damien's situation into a concrete plot event. The setup is Where's your weapon?" Back at the Terrace Family estate, two brothers..., but the pressure keeps building through Did you give it to that failure in hopes that he would somehow....
Chapter 481, ", Only a Madman Would Pay You Taxes!", is the clearest early answer because it turns Rage Owl Star's situation into a concrete plot event. The chapter gives readers a real answer by opening on But for now, it was enough. and ending on Demons wishing to invade Rage Owl Star?.
Chapter 209, "Sending Out Troops", is the clearest early answer because it turns Rhaegor's situation into a concrete plot event. The chapter gives readers a real answer by opening on Please, don't do anything irrational, your Majesty." In a barely... and ending on If we divert even a fraction of our forces to Ryedale, we risk....
Chapter 492, "Never Worry About Gu Hang's Loyalty!", is the clearest early answer because it turns Ou Juren's situation into a concrete plot event. The setup is In the entire Holy Terra, which faction holds the most powerful..., but the pressure keeps building through Without a doubt, it is the Imperial Forbidden Army..
Chapter 246, "A Silent Massacre", is the clearest early answer because the violence around Damien becomes final instead of hypothetical. A useful checkpoint is the way the scene starts with The underground tunnels stretched endlessly before Damien, a maze of... and follows through with I don't know what exactly you all plan to do to the hundreds of....
Chapter 159, "Battle In Westmont V", is the clearest early answer because the buildup finally cashes out in a real clash. A useful checkpoint is the way the scene starts with The battle was a maelstrom of chaos. and follows through with His hidden card was finally usable one again..
Chapter 277, "The Hunt For Cores", is the clearest early answer because it turns Damien's situation into a concrete plot event. The chapter turns that into something concrete by moving from The hunt continued, the roar of dying beasts echoing through the... to AND YOU LET ME STRUGGLE TO KILL FOUR BEASTS?!" Damien shrugged..
Chapter 192, "Early Days In Hell", is the clearest early answer because it turns Leana's situation into a concrete plot event. Early on, The sun blazed mercilessly overhead as Damon, Anaya, and Daveon stood.... By the end, intense," she said, her voice carrying over the quiet crunch of their....
Chapter 96, "Riding Toward The Empire II", is the clearest early answer because the buildup finally cashes out in a real clash. It opens with The carriage had been traveling for hours, covering an impressive... and closes on The good news is that their grades are relatively low.. The key payoff is that the danger stops being abstract and the conflict around White Fang becomes immediate, forcing the surrounding cast to react under pressure.