This chapter acts as a bridge. After the high-stakes battle where Nozomu momentarily broke his chains to fight at an S-rank level, Chapter 17 deals with the "hangover" of that power. It highlights:
While the physical seal of the dragon Tiamat was a major hurdle in earlier chapters, Chapter 17 focuses on Nozomu’s mental state. He continues to struggle with the betrayal by Lisa, even as new allies try to pull him out of his shell. Why This Chapter Matters This chapter acts as a bridge
Hints that the world itself might be a "prison" for the dragon, adding a layer of cosmic horror to Nozomu’s personal struggle. This chapter acts as a bridge