Arena

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A 29 year old civil employment exam student wakes up in a blank white room and meets a baby angel. This baby angel informs him that he died in his sleep due to heart disease like his father and grandfather. Remembering his mom and their last conversation he says that he will take on a series of life and death tests that the baby angel offers him. From this point on he must put his life on the line and fight in the stage called ‘Arena’. And Every time he clears a test he will gain abilities and weapons to increase his strength. All to clear the tests and get his life back. This is his story of his fights in the ‘Arena’.

Associated Names
One entry per line
아레나
이계사냥기
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
Seoul Station’s Necromancer (13)
Life Mission (12)
The Second Coming of Gluttony (8)
Master Hunter K (8)
Reincarnator (8)
Sevens (7)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Alt. world affects Real world
  2. Spirits | Espiritos
  3. KR Novels I'll Read When They Finish (and some CN)...
  4. pls remeber ''
  5. Stuff I've read

Latest Release

Date Group Release
02/25/20 Asian Hobbyist c187
02/25/20 Asian Hobbyist c186
02/23/20 Asian Hobbyist c185
02/22/20 Asian Hobbyist c184
02/21/20 Asian Hobbyist c183
10/26/19 Asian Hobbyist c182
04/29/19 Kokuma Translations c181
04/10/19 Kokuma Translations c180
04/10/19 Kokuma Translations c179
04/10/19 Kokuma Translations c178
03/12/19 Kokuma Translations c177
03/11/19 Kokuma Translations c176
03/11/19 Kokuma Translations c175
02/15/19 Kokuma Translations c174
02/15/19 Kokuma Translations c173
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78 Reviews sorted by


Melakias
Melakias rated it
October 22, 2015
Status: --
Easy way to describe this novel, it's like Gantz mixed with a RPG theme. People are saved after dying and given the chance to take part of Arena or go on the cycle of souls. If they accept they are given a test where they are then rated, this rating can be used by them to acquire different skills that are also developed by their rating points.

Main Character's smart and well rounded, story develops nicely, interesting companions at least till translated point, will surely change this review once this picks... more>> up translation again. <<less
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ZeroA2
ZeroA2 rated it
February 15, 2024
Status: c199
Pretty good dimensional encroachment story. The MC only tries when his life is on the line which makes the tension, achievements, and failures in the first big arc of the story pretty great. Once he has some level of comfort it does become pretty frustrating that he's not doing much and just relaxing and vacationing a lot. I wouldn't find that as frustrating if there weren't world and family threatening things out there, but they'll emphasize the danger and then he'll be playing games on his laptop instead of studying.... more>> Like, the guy is only good in an emergency, but he's been power leveled so that his one good quality of being good in an emergency is world-ranker level good.

I also think there must have been some sort of incel review brigade on this story because reading those reviews and then reading the story gave so much cognitive dissonance. The girlfriend is super sweet and loving and liked the MC before she knew he had money and not only dedicates herself to him but even put herself in danger to try to help him in one of their early meetings. The little sister is annoying but is treated as being an annoying little sister and she doesn't show up too much anyway. Honestly, the girlfriend's story is very sad and made me like the MC less, but it was very realistic.

Lastly about the girlfriend, multiple people said she was a s*x worker and all I can think is that his sister (his girlfriend's friend) said she took a video of her dancing topless with a pole while drunk. Which sounded more like a drunken party scenario than she's a stripper or something to me, but most of those reviews ended up being completely off-target and way too harsh to a character who was basically a perfect girlfriend just with a few bad friends.

Some reviewers wrote how the real world and Arena feel like two different stories but the story seems to always be connected and cohesive to me. The MC does make the choice to keep things hidden from his family but nearly all of his interactions are with people and organizations who know and most of the time he's outside the Arena he's still dealing with Arena things.

Anyway, looks like the last twenty or so chapters disappeared off the internet but you can find it via an aggregator with a Google search if you include the author's name and web novel. I was worried the title would be too generic to find in English but it popped up. There were a couple chapters where the translation used "ore" instead of "aura" that was a little strange but otherwise the quality didn't go down noticeably.

I do think that the story had a lot more potential than it lived up to (kinda like the MC), but that would have taken at least another hundred chapters and I'm not sure the author could have sustained it. It's fine. I'm glad I read it. Definitely not one of those dimensional encroachment stories where they're basically all in hell and more of an isekai back-and-forth story. <<less
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Cypher4496
Cypher4496 rated it
November 8, 2021
Status: Completed
Well this is a average novel I guess, starts good, then good side characters appear with great potential and you think, Oh! This team will last forever, then all of sudden they are dead, then I guess he got complaints from readers maybe and decides to just downright let him stay hyperbolic time champer to let him become super Saiyan, and after that not once does he have a close fight, not a single scratch, the gods downright favour him give him wayyyyyy extra karma to become super op too... more>> early, the last villain was introduced as super op all the time but goes and just dies like that without again even scratching the MC or anyone at all, feels super weird that a novel that started with so much tension just becomes a happy go ride, plus point is that there is practically no harem, he did leave the first girl cause of danger saying I am not leaving you just you cant stay with me for now, then goes to another girl and completely forgetting about her, kinda feel bad for her, tell her you are breaking up at least man, its gets funnier cause of the things she says to MC though I didnt really had much problem with that since second one was way better then first one and had more potential, can get with the point of author, comedy is good, family relations are nice, so if you got nothing else then go ahead read it, its at least not cringe like isekai. <<less
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Matsuri Schlaagen
Matsuri Schlaagen rated it
September 9, 2021
Status: Completed
This novel is a time waster if you have nothing better to do. Hell, I read this during school hours, pushing away my classwork just to read this. I will admit, it could have been better, that is a fact. The setting was something I had never seen before and a good plot to go with it. I stuck with it, and it was clear that the author practically used the time spent on earth were mostly filler, but there was just barely enough plot in it that you needed... more>> to read what went on there to understand things that happened later.

The author did well with the story, though sometimes (rarely) it is restricted by the quality of the translation. I don't compare novel's to others because that is just bias, so in my honest opinion this story was actually a good read. It is unfinished, sadly, and I hope for it to be picked up asap.

---

Spoiler

On a side note, people are mad at the deaths of certain characters, but its a korean novel and they love power fantasies of a singular man becoming the most powerful without a group, even if he did receive constant support from other support characters almost around every corner. You have to understand the mindsets of the author's country so that you don't drop a novel just because of something you didn't like.

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Garou98
Garou98
August 18, 2021
Status: c166
I think there are many better novels out there. I'd only read this after finishing all the better rated novels.

There are some grammatical errors here and there but it isn't too bad.

The most annoying thing is that there is absolutely no tension in the novel whatsoever. The main character always comes out unscathed from all battles, gets all the powers, nobody can compare to him. I've read up to the 166th chapter and I have yet to see him injured once after the first 2 exams.
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majidf64
majidf64 rated it
August 16, 2021
Status: Completed
Well I don't have much to write and my opinion of this novel is similar to most other reviews. It starts well but loses some of it's edge toward the end, although I quite liked the 20 last chapters.
Unlike most Korean novels I've read, for once the MC is't an orphan with no one in his life. He has a caring family and also gets in to a relationship.

For those who like this novel, I also recommend reading "Master Hunter K" and "Novel's Extra".
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magiclaser
magiclaser rated it
June 30, 2021
Status: Completed
Solid 3.9 stars.

Is a good story concept, and has good pacing. It has many generic points that many enjoy in this kind of isekai / power level themes. The reason why is not 4 stars is because the author could not make good use of some hyped MC skills but mostly was week in battle story telling. Presents not-so-subtle plot armor and a meh ending.
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SilentWraith
SilentWraith rated it
March 7, 2021
Status: v299
As someone who finished this, I can tell you that this is quite good. But the ending is quite fast and I wished there should be extra. The only downside to this is the reward and the hard work of the MC seems to be rewarded a bit too much.
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Particleman
Particleman
October 5, 2020
Status: Completed
The novel is enjoyable, but it is not a superb novel. It starts out promising, but it struggles to find it's own pacing after the initial rush. As some others have mentioned, this novel has 2 distinct focuses. Those are the real world and the fantasy-like world. The fantasy-like world has the MC as a clear headed decision maker that does exceptionally well. The real world, however, has almost a completely different person. It gets cringe worthy more than once, but it is good enough for 3 stars since it... more>> came to an end before it became a big disappointment.

The novel is short (199 chapters), and it seems the final 25% of the novel is where the writer decided to wrap up the novel. This allowed the author to address many loose ends without it feeling jarring, but the author also rushes through a lot of other areas (like the final battle). It also has a lot of teen drama despite the MC being 29 years old, so be warned that you'll encounter a lot of that in the real world storyline (I eventually skimmed through most of the real world experiences when it didn't involve other examinees).

Overall, it's good enough as a quick filler novel if you're waiting for something else to update. <<less
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AGCSanthos
AGCSanthos
September 2, 2020
Status: c199
It's a decent story with a MC that actually faces some adversity but does eventually reach that point where he's mowing through people. Fairly standard game interface isekai plot that does have some surprises but nothing too unique (probably the time feature of going to the other world is the most unique aspect).
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Master10K
Master10K rated it
August 11, 2020
Status: Completed
Whilst reading Arena, I couldn't help but think of Gantz. Where people are posthumously summoned by a strange entity, only to be forced into deadly "exams" in a fantasy world. Surviving against strange beings, acquiring points, getting weapons, getting stronger. And Arena also had its own Gantz-like Buddha mission moment that thoroughly grabbed my attention.

A lot of potential for some amazing world building, as there's some good downtime with a tribe of Elves that I found very enjoyable and some interesting character development, with its rather unorthodox MC starting set-up... more>> (gun-toting spirit summoner). But a las, just like every other Korean WN I start getting into, its rushes right through to the end in under 200 chapters. <<less
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Devil Heart
Devil Heart rated it
May 15, 2019
Status: c110
It seems there are a lot of peoples complaining about MC having a whiny and gold digger gf and sister. In my opinion it's not that bad though? Actually from the gf's POV she actually sincere about their relationship she said she wants to just live with him she doesn't need wealth and all that she hopes the happy feeling can sustain. As for the sis it is not that bad too... She uses MC's money quite decently it is not like she buys useless stuff or buy over expensive... more>> stuff like a thousand usd and MC can navigate what she buys through the text he receieves from credit card not really a big problem. Then for the MC s*xual interc**rse with her gf I think that's normal too I mean he stays in arena like a year damn and he's been lonely before the arena of course he's like starving wolf MC is older than you thought he's 30 years old see that?

The bad thing I found aside from what they said is actually (I'm suprised no one talk about this) there's basically NONE SECRET about the gf and MC relationship from mc's sis. The gf is actually MC sis's friend. It is totally annoying. MC told his gf to keep tu e secret from his sis but WHAT DID SHE DO? SHE TOLD HER. For me sorry I don't like a person who don't like to keep a personal secret.

Secondly why is MC so adamant about keeping arena a secret from his gf???!! The gf even said she's willing to accept even if MC doing a crime for god sake!! It's not like MC is planning to die??? And he got relationship with some big thigh even though he's being chased some bad guys so his family and gf are being protected so what is worrying him??!!! It's so god damn annoying to see them fight I just want to see him fighting in the arena that's seem fun

Overall I like the story very much <<less
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Starlight2417
Starlight2417 rated it
November 9, 2018
Status: c155
Overall it is a good story, some of the psychological stuff (AKA psychological damage) can be a bit annoying and technically a bit incorrect reaction to such situations. If you're looking for fights that mostly happens in Arena, and all the rest is about trying to live how he likes and looking at everything anew. While also getting ready for the next mission to get rid of the exams once and for all. So depending on how you perceive things it can be a good story or a very annoying... more>> whiney inconsiderate person who changes his personality way to fast. <<less
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sonido
sonido rated it
July 5, 2018
Status: c131
This novel is seriously epic. I love the leveling system, in my opinion none except for wmw are as good. I feel like the story is not that bad either. Would have been better if the gov wouldn t have known about the other world. And the get rich quick scheme at the end wasn t to my liking either. Everything else is great xD Except for the translation rate or quality; but that shouldnt be really a problem for us just compensate urself/ still better than f*cked machine translated... more>> shit. The novel is written a bit differently what ppl might be used to but u get to like it after a few chapters. <<less
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MrJaxPL
MrJaxPL rated it
January 23, 2018
Status: c111
I like this novel very much. Story isn't that decent but MC is most likely like real person. He feels, live and mb isn't brillant person.

... more>>
Spoiler

Author made his skills like this while others learn how to use aura and other sh*t he just combine skills and get power ups

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Romance ? Actually author tried make MC good person I mean:

Spoiler

When he left his girlfriend he feels guilty about this and think about her I don't know that he will continue being like this while 2 girls basically b*tching around him we'll soon because there is only 80 chapter left or so with pace of translation mb in 2 years :D

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World ? I actually think world building here is not good. We have some kingdoms and races but what ?Most of it is worthless...

Spoiler

For example MC used 1 year to revive the Tree of life he even made second one... Enemies just didn't paid attention to these things at all and after he made. Few trees of life and gathered elfs around they finally (I say finally because it took some time) got that their plans were destroyed by him. We have another thing converting guns to items 3k for super duper sniper riffle and he kills the corrupt examines like rabbits... Ohh rlly we don't want to influence the time flow but why not give MC power to bring technology to this world ? (why not?)

[collapse]

I wonder what author was thinking when he was writing this novel.I quite enjoy this mb it's not the best but I like KR novels anyway. <<less
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Bamba12
Bamba12 rated it
January 17, 2018
Status: c115
As these things go, surprisingly decent. If you are going in expecting world level literature you will be disappointed but within the cliche Korean "magical world intertwined with modern world" setting it is pretty decent, the behavior of the characters is believable enough and there is enough happening to keep you interested.

Yes the MC is the "smartest" like usual but what the author uses as proof for his intelligence is not as glaringly obvious as usual ("Oh this stone is hard so it won't break from punching it" said the... more>> MC and everyone was amazed by his insight) .

Yes the MC will gradually become really strong and achieve what few other could, but again not as glaring and relatively believable.

Yes he will suddenly turn handsome and will start turning heads but we won't see hordes of fangirls chasing him and he won't be the most beautiful creature that walked the earth.

So, again, a cliche setting done surprisingly well. <<less
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Mnotia
Mnotia rated it
December 14, 2017
Status: c138
Oh god..... this story was so good but now theres just plot holes every where I can see.

... more>>
Spoiler

One character was in a mission for 15 years but she got there before the MC. For some reason the author put it as they some how met up during her time of 15 years and that 15 years didn't truly happen because she was interfered with her mission and words hurt.

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The characters are bland as f*ck because it's the typical MC, his greedy sister, the mother who wants him to come home and get married, his disapproving father, and a girlfriend that he doesn't try to understand.

Spoiler

The Chinese are killing examinees for karma and now they're the "bad guys". I don't really get that because karma buys stuff in the shop but missions are deadly so why not kill some people for a karma?

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Character interaction is f*cking terrible past 97 because everyones starting to see the MC as some type of uncontrollable power which cause people to want to befriend him and that introduces new characters.

Spoiler

The author is starting to turn the novel into tr*sh because these harem moments are taking up about 1/4th of a chapter.

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Now onto the thing people are misunderstanding about the whole story:
Spoiler

The MC is NOT single. He has a girlfriend and she's a pretty nice person because she doesn't go asking what he really does for work and we hardly see the MC worried about her after chapter 11o. Theres a few people saying she's a gold digger because the MC bought her a house and bought her some jewelry........... YALL s*upid! First off, MC bought the house cause he was living in a bas**ent and then he bought another house because thats where she's gonna be hiding once they come looking for his loved ones. He didn't need to buy her jewelry but guess what..... HE DID! Now, the author is just forcing a harem onto the MC by having him marry 2 other girls just for fun. IT DOESN'T ADVANCE THE STORY TO A GOOD ROUTE!! This will literally turn into a whole isekai story with the MC becoming a d*ck or something.

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The translation quality is f*ckING AMAZING!!! Like, no joke. This translator is hitting the g-spot for translation quality goals. Only bad side was that he was super slow at uploading but if you really care the series you'd just donate instead of reading off of those bootleg novel sites.

Plots going off the walls cause of all things listed above in the spoilers.

Pretty much all I gotta say <<less
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Kumachi
Kumachi rated it
July 16, 2017
Status: c88
5/5

You could see the MC grow from all the hardships and tragedies he experienced from the beginning of the story.

The interactions with his family is so hilarious, and the romance is also sweet (Die riajuu!)

... more>> He must think very hard upon gaining or upgrading a skill because if there's even 1 wrong step, he would die for real in the arena.

At the beginning I honestly think of this novel as one of those happy go lucky novel where no tragedy will fall upon MC and his friends, but the tragedies at the beginning of the arena stages really shocked me.

Overall, great novel, can't wait to see more growth of the MC and how he will clear all his missions and reach the ending.

On the bad side, the translation is slow as snail because the translator appear to have some problem.. <<less
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