This is a masterpiece if you liked novels extra this is different in a good way

They do share similarities but just the start very fast at like 60 pluschapters you wouldn't say they really look a like because the characters feel very different

I Love how the characters are one person in itself very high standard of drama interesting plot

... more>> Very Colorful brilliant characters

The novel gets exponentially better the longer it progresses

The chapters are long

The characters are lovely I already cried like tree times

Those tree times if the novel ended right there and then I would have been happy but this novel is extraordinary it just keeps giving and giving

Now I'm used to this kind of quality and sharpness very good author very good person

Sigh I wish there could be more and more novels from this guy

You see I can see how he's working up with each chapters he's got something going on that each successive chapter are somehow better than what have come before

In the start I want convinced but now the plot has advanced in such way it is extremely worth it.

I can see him caring for his characters and being mischievous with them very lovely.

I know that when I finish this novel I'm gonna be just wanting and wanting for more novels from this guy so I'll just be enjoying this novel to the fullest.

<<less

Overall: 5/10

Translation: 7/10

Plot: 4/10

... more>> Setting: 9/10

Character development: 1/10

What's in the story:

- Good MC

- Misunderstandings

- Good world settings

- Revenge (but the reason of revenge is a bit d*mb imo)

- Overcoming fate

---

First of all, the world building of the story is amazing. If I were to draw out some inspiration for the "game" mentioned, I personally think its like Skyrim with great AI. I like that the personality of the Original (characters that's created based on set personalities and attributes) is merge with MC (the person who got transmigrated into game) shines through to the writing and decision making. The magic system is awesome and I like many things about it.

Now, let's talk about the translations. I too, like many others, find annoying where they cannot decide if the name is Ifrine or Epherene, I understand one of the hardest part of translating is names, but I would appreciate if they also changed the earlier chapters just to keep everything consistent. I personally can't read Korean, but I believe it is translated well but the inconsistencies just deduct points for me. Nothing major though.

Let's move on to plot. It's simple, easy also confusing at times. Maybe because it's fantasy (where magic can affect time flow) the story is moving at a weird pace. I personally find it hard to grasps the time flow within the story and it affect my understanding quite a bit. Sometimes it feels jumpy where events happen one after another, or there is this awkward gap between events that is inserted just to make MC shine. I also cannot get out the fact that everyone, LITERALLY, everyone who is important is in fact a woman. Aside from a few (i mean it's literally countable with 1 hand), the rest of the males in the story are just fodder to make MC look good or they are MC's subordinate. I understand it's a harem but this is far worse than the author's previous work "the novel's extra" in my opinion.

Spoiler

An attempt to count the number of important females in the story:

1) Epherene (the talented dumb student)

2) Sylvia (the talented smart student)

3) Julie (the finance)

4) Yeriel (the fake sister)

5) Louina (contracted professor)

6) Allen (the double agent)

7) Sophien (the Empress)

8) Ganesha (the mercenary leader)

9) Lia (the ex-girlfriend)

Not to mention others where I haven't get to, but the people above are either in loved one sided or whatever

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Misunderstandings is also a main factor it plays a very heavy role. Although I didn't get far, I personally feel (especially after reading spoilers) that there are many things done for plot is d*mb.

Spoiler

For instance:

- Why Julie needs to hate him.

- Why Sylvia's mother died.

- Why Sophien didn't end up with MC.

- What's up with Epherene's father.

- Basically, Deculien's father s*cks and that's why he was turned into a Villain imo.

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Character developments aren't prominent in this story. Yes, there are growth in personality but it's still the same. If you are looking for character development, there is almost none so look somewhere else.

Overall, average read. Although I feel most of the things are d*mb, but its still enjoyable. Since the actual novel haven't ended yet, I may come back and edit after reading spoilers about the ending. <<less

This Novel is really great. I had a break from Novels because most of them are tr*shy and a waste of time but I binged this and don't regreg it at all. The characters are likeable and the progression steady and very enjoyable to read. I really enjoy the World Building and don't think it explores too much at once. This Novel is definitely a good read especially compared to all the other Novels in the Series Ranking. I really want to continue reading and this is definitely the best... more>> korean Novel I have read yet because all the Others are badly written with "badass" cardboard of an MC like the ones you buy on Amazon. With some copy paste plot that goes exactly the same way the others did. But this Novel is great. I can only recommend it. <<less

It's great. Don't trust the low reviews claiming it has NTR or the one that claims the main character is perfect without character development. There's plenty of character development and the MC is not 'perfect' as claimed, it's just the character's perk.

As for NTR, I can assure you that there is none. It's a different book he's talking about, at least I did not encounter the problems he was talking about.

All I can say is that it is worth the read because the characters feel alive. They have their unique... more>> characteristics and the interactions are worth looking forward to. Moreover, it have active translators. <<less

I have read to the newest chapters. If you expect a solid and coherent writing, then it is going to be a let down. The reason is there are too many characters being introduced as well as problems happen at the same time. The way the main character solve them is not very satisfy in my opinion. It is good for entertainment, however, it cannot be called a good novel as the writing is very inconsistent as well as fillers.

I am sorry but the author's naming sense on this novel almost gave me a cerebral aneurysm. I've read korean, chinese and japanese novels, and even when the plot is in a fantasy world, names arent as ridiculous as this.

Also many characters act irrationally and theres a lot of plotholes. I like The Novels Extra and the authors other work, a Monster who Levels up, but im having a really hard time trying to like this. Even tho im a sucker for misunderstanding novels.

Also Yeriel is soooo annoying. A lot... more>> of characters are tbh. <<less

I am hooked.

I like that the character trait of MC and the villain is combined. Not just the MC take over and the villain is just become mr goodguy

I like how it tackles reincarnates into a villain, especially an established villaim with villainous past.

He didnt just say "hey everyone, im a good guy now."

People still wants to kill him. But his new deeds recontextualize his past action.

However, I hate how he becomes a bit suicidal in the latter half. Also hate how he keeps insisting he is past korean self, but acts like deculien. Dude just admit you are mixture of both, not insisting you are pure korean dude. Forgot the name.

Extremely well written novel. Interesting character POV’s with incredibly entertaining ‘battles’ that fights or defending his thesis in a lecture hall.

Character development is phenomenal as you would expect from the author.

Dang

this is a big daddy coming into this community this is an absolute boom

big brain MC

Op but within common sense

still defeat his opponent in one aspect or another and use what he has efficiently

be ready to enjoy a good politics and drama

The MC is a mix between chaotic natural 80% and chaotic Evil 20%
he is a proud gentleman

at the same time he takes what he has and fully understand and maximize its use before trying to lvl up his power and by doing that he could defeat opponent stronger than him by using low lvl skills but still able to learn high lvl skills which means he has a lot of skills to improve so he can definitely reach that op lvl by the end

he is not the most op and he is not an angel nor a devil but a mix of them all

THE ROMANCE IS FANTASTIC WHAT I CAN SAY IS

IT IS A ROSE WITH A LOT OF THORNS NOT THE FMCs BUT THE MC

"Gulp.

The magicians swallowed their saliva at the sudden appearance of this oppressive presence. There was cold sweat on their backs. It was as if tree roots bound their entire lower body.....

“Attention.”

... more>> A single word controlled 150 magicians all at once.

There was one place everyone turned to–

It was towards the Professor in charge of this lecture, who suppressed the situation in a flash.

It was Deculein."

Hello, It's Snow again.

The novel I found this time is called "The Villain wants to Live", where an unambitious graphic designer is transported into the game he and his colleagues were working on. The catch? He's the villain, and prior to his transmigration, his host already has an extensive list of heinous deeds to his name.

... this sounds awfully similar to about a thousand other works, doesn't it? But I implore you, this novel has so much more to offer. For one, the setting is entirely unique: a bizarre mix of medieval and victorian influences, with swords, magic, and towering castles; but also cars, cameras and revolvers. The game-turned-reality also has a curious way of handling npc's, in which key characters are called 'named', and have special AI that governs their actions outside the player's influence. This means that even our MC keeps some of the villain's traits, such as his mysophobia, cold and aloof personality, as well as more than a bit of arrogance. This is a side-effect of the game world and reality blending together, and no other game-like mechanics exist. This isn't one of those novels.

The other 'named' are front-and-center in the story's many conflicts, and most of them have a hostile relationship with Deculein. Also, in contrast to other similar novels, Deculein starts off weaker than most of them. This means that he must do everything in his power to either mend his relationships with them (while still adhering to Deculein's arrogant personality), or to get rid of them in cold blood.

Now, this isn't an action novel. It's also not an adventure novel, though there are some cool set pieces and good world design. Deculein barely fights or travels around, instead spending his days training vigorously and teaching his students at the academy. The main category of this novel is definitely drama, and it spends a lot of time developing and redeveloping the relationships between Deculein and other 'named' characters. The formula for relationships seems to go like this: [character A hates Deculein] --> [character A still hates Deculein, but also admires/pities/respects him] --> [character A has a love-hate relationship with Deculein, but Deculein is unaware/doesn't care]. It's a little formulaic, but the characters are so good that I don't mind at all. And it's not like the novel only focuses on one relationship or conflict at a time — à la TV drama, but manlier.

It's not all drama though, so don't worry. The novel strikes a good balance between it's elements, so you don't get bored of any of them. The building blocks for an arc are as follows: [training like a madman], [acting cool in front of students], [preparing for future events], [solving impeding conflicts], [half-unintentionally clearing death flags]

Oh, and the best part of the novel is of course Deculein himself. If the rest of the story can be described as a turbulent wave of conflicts and drama, then Deculein is the helmsman who doesn't flinch, even when his boat is about to capsize. You won't know how much the main character's point of view affects the tone of the story until you read it. Despite the overwhelming soup of intertwining death noodles, there's no sense of urgency when its read through Deculein's eyes. He is the incarnate of noble dignity, undying grace, and arrogant beauty. He isn't outright evil, but he doesn't hesitate to twist morals when the situation calls for it.

One of his most prominent traits is his noble bearing. His obsessive attention to detail and graceful presence make him the center of attention wherever he goes. Unfortunately, the stares he attracts are either fearful or full of hatred — but that's beside the point. He isn't dazzling like a prince, but rather oppressively noble like a dark lord. Small difference, but used to great effect.

Oh! And while I did say there was little action, there is some; and boy is it good! Deculein is a character with little talent for magic, so instead he goes all-in on perfecting a single discipline: psychokinesis. I've never seen it so heavily utilized before, and I genuinely don't understand why. When Deculein lifts the whole battlefield in the air and slices his opponents in half with his spinny-disks, the scene is so vivid that I get goosebumps! Instead of battles going — [incantation] --> [dodge/shield] --> [opponent's turn], psychokinesis (and most other magic in the novel) utilize the environment, and most importantly distance and location (which are so often forgotten). There are no boring or drawn-out battles in this novel, and I can guarantee that.

I'm not going to get into the plot and other characters because there is so much to talk about, and it'd take a whole day to explain it all, but trust me when I say that the plot is super well though out, and the characters are interesting and feel genuine. The prose is competent and the translation is above-average.

You should give this novel a try if you like what you've heard. I can't narrow my recommendation down to a single demographic, but if you enjoy drama without the sap, and like the victorian-fantasy blend, then this is made for you.

---

Whew, that was a long one! I've been coming across some real stinkers recently, so finding a gem in the rough like this one is super satisfying! I didn't mention it in my previous letter, but my mom finally gave me a wooden sword to practice with. I was going to tell you about it once I got a little better, but it's been a month now and I still trip every time I try to swing it. Are swords supposed to be this heavy?

Anyways, I hope you'll keep responding to my letters! Let's meet up to spar sometime.

Sincerely,

your bestest friend Snow. <<less

I saw the tag "Harem" but knowing Jee Gab Song and his other works, it is one of his trademark to place the protagonist as the focus of attention of beautiful young women so that in the end he chooses only one among them or simply no one. So beware! Average harem enjoyers.

On a more serious note, here are some facts from the wiki on Jee Gab Song:
- he is one of the most popular Web Novels authors in Korea, during the first arc of his previous novel, he was even ranked first before Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint. However, he is as much appreciated as he is hated within the reader community
- the main reason why Jee Gab Song is so strongly criticized is because of the way he treats his heroines: One of his gimmicks is to create a main character who is both calm and reserved and exudes an aura of confidence around him and then to confront him to the heroines through misunderstandings and conflicts that drag on because of the secretive nature of the MC - hiatus and delays in serialization, despite the fact that he is immensely recognized as an author of Web Novels (he is the first on Munpi to collect such an astronomical number of recommendations on two different works), Jee Gab Song has a bad habit of delaying his publications and falling behind as the story progresses. No seriously, when he argued that he was sick to explain his delays, his readers were so upset that they required his medical certificate to back up his allegation.

When it's comes to novel reading, am really picky because I have read a lot of novels so I don't really like seeing the Same genre, scenes and MC acting cliche.

The way the MC carries himself using both the characteristics of both the character he transmigrated into and his own characteristics is one what actually one of what makes this novel interesting.

It basically deviates from the normal transmigration and reincarnation where MC becomes villain. And although it deviates from the norm the novel is still top notch. It definitely is... more>> a must read. <<less

I haven't read his previous works but from the reviews of those works, the author seems to always start well in the race then trip and mess up. I am starting to see slight indications of that, however, I can start with the good points from what I have read.
The main character is pretty good so far in the novel. The prologue will explain most of the things you need to know in general. Love is a major part of the body he entered and who he was in Korea. So it's a major crux of the novel and delivers on some good emotional moments for the main character and others.
The author is pretty good at making characters although the world-building is a bit messy. The main character leaves his general area when a major event takes outside it as such the author list out places he went. But I don't know where this is in opposition to other places. So it is confusing. The enemies aren't explained fully yet which is fine because it's quite early. The world-building is a bit iffy

My major worry is this
The author has too many female characters and not enough male characters to balance it out. Upon recently his assistant has been hinted at and revealed to be special in some sense with recent events. But the numerous amount makes it seem if you aren't male you aren't that special. I am hoping it changes because it seems like he is constantly gaining

Right now I am wondering if this is a harem novel or a romance novel

There is an arranged marriage and then there is a student that seems to have grown an attraction to him. Currently, I am unsure if the author is waiting to age up the characters. The student is either holding parental love/admiration towards him or its just straight up love. I personally like the fiance of protagonis and the tag has slow romance so I am hoping its such.

In essence I am worried

Edit:

I read up offline and if you can take romance drama that makes you scratch your head and wonder where the author is going with this read it. Its good but the author should have just left with one love interest

Despite being very predictable and cliche, it's still kinda fun to read. There being harem and some characters' nonsensical/dumb actions (Sylvia and Epherene especially, at least that's how I see it) made it sometimes annoying though. I can't stop reading but at the same time there's a lot of things I'd rather were different.

First of all, amazing novel, I reread it multiple times and I'm completely in love with it (probably since I just really like the mc).

The characters are so full of personality and feel human too, that includes the female leads, which wow, you rarely see that, but they're really well written and this is coming from a female who usually dislikes tasteless harem novels with a multitude of random girls with the flattest personalities, speaking of harems, this novel is not a harem, it's more like coincidentally a lot of... more>> girls love and/or admire the MC but he doesn't really return those feelings.

The author writes the character's internal and external conflicts in such a convincing and understanding way, as even if you hate a character one second, you grow to love them within a few chapters. All of the female leads get their equal attention and character development arc which is just so yummy and scrumptious. And as for the main character "Deculein" or "Kim Woojin", he's made in such a way that you can relate to him despite him changing from the sad pathetic typical blank slate MC to a total menace, he's unique, it's rare to see novels in where the MC actually acts out the villain role for most of the novel (while also not being a total scumbag ***hole and doing kind actions in the long term).

Now my cons with this novel is the drama doesn't STOP, that could be a pro to you, but it's just an endless nonstop ride of "drama starts with an FL and then drama ends" but then immediately another drama starts with another FL like bro give the man a break. It's just one of those novels that if you're reading first time you'd like to take a break or two even while binge reading, like it gets embarrassing or just hard to read, but what I love about it is that there is always a nice satisfying feeling once one drama arc is over.

Another con is that the author skips over things and characters a lot, forgetting about them for like how many chapters before just including their name once as to make it clear the character isn't dead. I can see why a lot of people say the novel gets bad once it reaches a certain chapter, probably since the interesting mechanics once mentioned in the chapters before are just forgotten, however I do find that to make up for that, the relationships developments are really good.

Third con, TRANSLATION, it varies throughout the novel but its at least good and comprehensible, and I'm not picky, but jesus christ the last chapters, they did the poor novel wrong, machine translation that just ruined the feels. I really hope someone retranslates the epilogues, as it's only a few and I would finally be able to rest at peace.

What I wish the author could've done: probably give us more pure Woojin scenes, I would've loved to learn more about him, after all the one we see during most of the novel is more of a mixture between him and Deculein.

But anyways heres a summary of the vibe if you just want to know whether to read it or not: its a story mostly focused on mending relationships and a lot of drama, not much fighting, not much lore and it's mostly just the misunderstandings trope, if you're a fan of this type of stuff, you'll love the novel, if you don't, well I don't really recommend it.

Also

Spoiler

Epherene is best girl but I feel like she would've meant much more if it wasn't for her having to develop a crush on Deculein, like did she have to hurt my heart like that?

and also best side characters award goes to Keiron and Maho.

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Aaand thats enough with my 5 am mind blabber, hope it helped. <<less

Agreed with what others have said about a great story suddenly changing for the worse. Having said that, almost 300 chapters in I just realized there is very little fighting happening in this novel. If that's what you're into then this story is not it for you. MC has cheat skills but anytime it seems like he runs into a powerful enemy he either runs away or talks them out of it.

This is a really great novel. I 100% recommend reading it. It is my only favourite harem novel. I hate all other harem novel. The ending is not harem though.

I humbly disagree with many reviews of people who haven't read it completely.

This is novel with the theme of one man for one woman eternally. The world building, character development was awesome. Professor had the cold aloof personality but a warm heart that loved only one woman his whole life.

The women in this novel have their own personality. They are not... more>> annoying and pestering like other harem novels. They do not compete for his affection. Rather they all know that he loves only one woman so they respect him. The emperor even said she's not someone who steals other women's man just bcz she likes them. Their personalities were wholesome. Though the women he loves wasn't my favorite at all. Was a bit annoying too cz of all the misunderstandings. But she redeemed herself in the end.

The plot of the novel is pretty heavy and tragic. So if you want some romcom than this is not the novel for you. But those who love this theme will absolutely fall in love with this novel.

If anyone loves this novel they'll love Academy undercover professor too. Though it's not romance oriented at all. The women are a bit annoying but since there's no romance or harem, it's good. Both MCs have similar personalities and academy setting background. <<less

yeah the plot interesting until you encounter the most annoying female side character ever created in novel.

i like the MC because he learning and get stronger slowly & try do not become villain because his setting, but again encounter / reading Epherene story just not fun, every time she appear the story just turn very bad.

s*upid naive girl, I wish she removed permanenly or get red flag by something, if you hate very annoying girl drop this novel. It's just not worth it.

what make me keep reading this novel is... more>> because Sylvia, she is same as you Hating s*upid Naive Girl named Epherene, every time reading Arrogant Epherene Story, you will losing braincells.

just remove NPC called Epherene, kill it off screen if possible. <<less

Honestly, a novel's extra is better even with the rushed ending. This was extremely good in the beginning then started getting annoying after a while but the ending didn't satisfy the plot. . In the end, it's good but left a bad aftertaste. Still a great read though