The writing is good, the story unique. But I got so annoyed by the MC I dropped the novel:

1. Super-smart planning everything that happens. He must have an IQ of at least 130 which makes the story a bit unrealistic for me
2. Lying lying lying. Cale lies wherever he can so he can his own benefits.
3. He is not a good person at all, I would even say he is evil.
   Spoiler

   He literally helps the crazy people in a war so his kingdom can grow better and he can live in peace.

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   And the permanent "Person x got scammed thinking that Cale was a good person"... probably personal preference but I don't like evil/super selfish MC's.

Basically, I agree with what alexn said.

The author ignores a lot of 'realism' for the sake of upholding/not disturbing the plot, which, I get, is sometimes necessary. However, in this case, the setting is clearly defined and most of the characters don't really act according to their role in society. There is actually a lot of missed potential to expand the story, give room for more shenanigans, give some depth to side characters. Etc.

Luckily though, that's the only major thing I take issue with. The book has decently well written... more>> characters, some with more depth, but most have a clear supporting role in certain situations (for example rushing to MC and trying to console him when they think he is hurt but he is actually not, that kinda thing; they serve as comedic relief). The story flows well from one point to the other, and the author doesn't try to make the time that's spent travelling and waiting interesting by making up some contrived side story; there's a simple time skip and that's that. Personally, that's the way I like it.

The next point may seem like a bad thing but I intend it as a plus; You know the popular phrase "A character can only be as smart as their writer"? That's exactly the case here. Everyone is pretty simple, there aren't any mental gymnastics being done, there is no epic plot twist that you could barely even comprehend with an IQ of over 190, no super complicated political intrigue. The good part about this is, the author doesn't try to force it. It just isn't there and that's enough. It's what makes the story enjoyable.

Excluding the sometimes very descriptive gore, it's a lighthearted story about MC being comically misunderstood as a good guy and getting involved in all kinds of events that he tries to avoid at all cost. <<less

It was good but I can't see how the other describe it as the best.

The MC is smart. Yes but that's also make it boring. Most Scheme I see is politics and I'm not a fan of politics after all maybe that's why. I would prefer it if the villain is some kind of God of schemes that makes MC loses in some way. Although MC seem to lose some, its not much. No one really dies in his team, maybe later but... Anyway, I also kinda don't like the... more>> MC. I don't like those MC that wants peace or wants to be lazy but ends up working hardest of all. Some scene is interesting like when he jumps and rain red lightning (I hope this won't be considered a spoiler) I kinda like to show off because MC these days like to hide lol. They don't get recognize on what they done resulting other people to underestimate them. <<less

I was very enthusiastic about this novel. I picked it up after reading just a few chapters of the webcomic and it was very interesting at first. The only downside was the "Hero" whose position in this story I couldn't understand at all. He just seemed like an empty space, convenient magic tool at most. It wasn't a big deal however, because there were a lot of interesting characters and encounters besides him.

But as it turned out, it's just not my cup of tea. I don't have anything bad to... more>> say, it's just that reading this started to feel like a picture book of fairy tales with vibrant colors and passing unicorns. That kind of stuff. Blegh... <<less

Okay, I'm still in chapter 70 so I can't judge overall the plot. Actually, I'm questioning what's the main plot of this novel? Like the MC has no goal or something, just want to survive free lazily in his castle or something? I get it why he wanted to collect all of those powers to protect himself and sure why not he used his knowledge to take advantages of that, but you know I got this iffy feeling. He's too calm. For someone who just got transmigrated from modern era.... more>> I don't even know who he is as kim what I forgot before transmigrating. Why he's so like used to all of this and trying to solve all the problem like a piece of cake because of that small novel that he read? Hell, I'm not even remembering every plot detail novel that I read. Okay, sure he's a super fan I guess, but if he likes the novel so much. Why he's so indifference to the world? I mean you get a little excitement or scared or whatever emotion you transmigrated into. But, this guy is so calm and logic, making me wondering why on earth he could act like that?

I read a lot of slice of life, long novels, but this is the first time I felt bored. And I'm not even in chapter 100. I can't help it, because all of these side characters worshipping him like an idol, just because he got ancient power and protect them once. I don't know, like it's weird. They almost like devoted to this MC.

I'm sorry but for now, I'm still going to keep reading it until something happened. <<less

Good plot and appropriately fleshed out characters.

I really want to read this until the end but I just keep dropping it cause the storytelling is not my style and the redundant words is gonna make me cry soon. I don't know how much I could take reading the word 'flinch'. I'm not sure about the original word used but this just makes me feel like I'm reading a bunch of overcaffeinated/traumatised individuals.

But Cale already grew on me so I kept coming back to this lol. I wonder how much longer... more>> this adventure would be though since we just got the end of Season/Book 1 this year. Gahd. <<less

This novel is up there compare to the many sh*ty ones not included any Yaoi or romance (As I read neither). But yes 4/5 not splendid, but it's good and bareable while also interesting.

I’m reading and eagerly waiting for updates.
This is a whirlwind of emotions which makes your blood boil. It may/ may not make you take some actions in real life too when you are reading.

I for one have laughed like crazy, cried with my throat feeling tight, felt like they’re so cool whenever they did something amazing with my heart feeling like it’s full and about to burst. I gradually got to understand our mysterious and misleading tr*sh of Counts family.
Haaah... it also makes me sigh thinking everyone has their own level of craziness. They make me want to believe in making the impossible possible in the most notorious ways.

I feel proud of the way each of them develops and matures in their own way.

I'm still in the early stages of the novel byt so far it is great. The MC is quite indifferent about almost everything around him except for his own survival, whatever could make him live a life free of worries in the future and some things related to the original main character. He doesn't care if people follow him or not but if they do, he will take advantage of it, which is pretty cool.

the MC acknowledges that he changd the flow of the story because of his decisions... more>> and takes into consideration what may or may not happen when planning.

The only downside I saw for now is that although sometimes he tries to act like a tr*sh, it doesnt seem like how the previous cale would do and some plot holes. Although I might be wrong.

I will try to update this as I try to catch up to the latest chapter. <<less

The plot is good but the dialogue and description, as well as the execution could be better honestly.

The MC party is so OP and well-rounded to the point where literally everyone else besides them is irrelevant and useless. Like, oh look the strongest warrior/mage of *a random kingdom* I wonder how strong he is. Surprisingly, he's garbage compare to anyone from MC's party.

MC has to plan everything and decided to personally engaged in every single conflict. This make it seems like other characters has such a low IQ to do... more>> anything on their own.

General situation after MC saves a group of people, coughing up blood and near death:

NPC: OMG! Thank you for saving us! Let us give you *some reward/compensation*

MC: No need. I don't want anything. I didn't do anything. It was the courage and teamwork of the people/citizens. I take no credit.

NPC: *OMG HE'S A SAINT! HOW CAN SOMEONEONE BE SO HUMBLE!!!*

This happened so many times throughout the novel and I found it rather irksome. <<less

4.5 Stars

The translation I've read is by EatApplePies. Ahhh, what a marvellous ride haha. Please stick to the story until at least past chapter 135 ish as that is when the writing gets better and the characters start to get invested in each other. Somewhere here was when I finally felt any connection with Cale the MC lol. Basically, Cale is super dense and he actually really cares for people despite the first 100+ chapters.

After that, all the characters will care for each other and you will find yourself rooting... more>> for them. The battles can be hit or miss for me but when Cale is being badass, it is very cool. The parts I most liked were the breaks in between fights where Cale spends time with people bonding and when he gets the ancient powers after the 135+ chapter mark. The intangible characters are hilarious heh. The translation is consistent from the first chapter at a high quality.

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Chapter 98

Hmmm, I do like all the characters and the world. And the writing is detailed enough that I can picture what's happening most of the time, which is usually a huge deterrent for translated light novels where the writing is super vague, direct and simple. Even the plot is pretty good so far, I think. It's just that for every arc/mini-arc, the climax/aftermath feels so normal and anticlimactic. Like the moment an arc finishes and Cale gets the item or achieves his objective, we don't get to enjoy or celebrate it. The author just writes that now it's time for Cale to slack off and do nothing. Then the next chapter will be about how Cale managed to do nothing for 1 month this time. And then the next thing to propel the story happens and we do it all over again. So it's like the tension or plot is constantly at this level and doesn't really rise, so you don't get that rising action, exciting climax, engaging and celebratory aftermath before you hit the next arc...

Chapter 140

Okay, I gave it another go because I read a lot of people saying it was wholesome and stuff which I really like! But I haven't seen anything like what they were praising up to chap 98 so I figured to continue since there are 600+ chapters lol. And as I read more and more, and the plot returned more to the war, it got progressively more engaging! There was more character interaction! And 130+ chapters in with the dragon, I got unexpectedly hit in the feels. And it got more obvious that the healing of these characters haha. The humour was also funny to me then. I kinda feel like the author got an editor to improve the story lol.

My Created Lists (I include my rating and review in the list itself XD)

• All Novels I've Read Sorted By Rating - Where I ranked every single novel I read on novelupdates.
• Heartwarming or Feel Good or Wholesome Stories I Liked - As stated haha

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This story gets 4 stars automatically for skilled use of intentional unreliable narration, world-building, late-stage plot twists, attention to detail, and the merging of genres (mild spoiler there). This story definitely isn't perfect, but +1 for not having cliched, one-dimensional female characters sidelined as simple waifus that are in love with the main character. No, they are powerful and respect the MC for his various qualities, but do not bust out panty shots for him. It's refreshing seeing such a long story without a hint of romance unless we talking... more>>

Spoiler

Choi Han x Cale (but even that's a bit of a stretch

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I will say that this story really scratched my dominate-the-world-with-smarts itch, but character development and writing style definitely are a couple of the negatives for this story. Awkward phrases like "children-averaging-nine-year-olds" are repeated to death, and character development isn't as fleshed out due to (1) the huge number of characters in this story (2) the plot-driven story filled with plotting and deceit (3) all the unraveling mysteries still needing to be solved. This story has a lot on its plate, so often times character development will take the back burner. Nonetheless, I still really enjoy reading it, and even now I still eagerly await updates weekly. <<less

This is a GOOD story, no lies about that but to be critical. Yes I love the our redhead protagonist and co. There is an amazing cast of characters waiting for you. And the author has a unique spin of making use of ever named character.
The story writing is pretty good and you could rate the world building at *5/5. I can binge a hundred and come back to it after a short absence, the story has context clues and skillfully transitions between flashbacks. Like DAMN the author knows how to write. Each chapter WAS short and straight to the point.

Sad to say that this novel suffers from its long publication. It had the makings to get it this far. Given that it was early on in the series, it was fine to be vague about some plot points but now it borders the pattern of, ‘leaving vague plot details, in case they could be used’ as 1) plot armor or 2) witnesses. Even if the author meticulously plans it, if feels kind of cheap given how far the story is. There is never a long period of time where the protagonist is NOT busy. The end goal is highlighted at every chance, “to be a slacker” and the contrast has long worn itself out. It feels nothing has really developed as point A tries to reach point B. At some point the eventful... events are just stalling for time. It feels like a fruitless struggle which is frustrating. (Even so I would like to smack author-nim from behind at least once for how they pull twists. I’ve really come to like them, though that’s a personal opinion.)
This series is void of romance, but it has FAMILY. The children are wholesome and noonas, hyungs, dongsaengs and the parents are all wholesome. AND, this story has the components to write fan-fictions, if you need to resolve your urges you can probably find fan works online. The community is great, especially the comment section~

All in all I can feel the author is a kindred soul who is as much of a fan of Cale, our protagonist, as much as I am. And if I had the opportunity, I would totally start a cult for the redhead protagonist~

so far is a good novel. I am currently in chapter 50, the translation is great, the characters are well written and it has an excellent story

he is a reductan hero/leader, he doesnt want to be in charge but the alternative does not satisface his good intentions.

he is funny and a person who is easy to get attach to

i really like this novel. In the first part, he spoils everything but it gives you sort of relief because you already know what's gonna happen. It's not rushed. Unlike other novels they tend to rush the story.

he's really dense and I like it.

my favorite character is definitely the black dragon (i won't say his name since it's a spoiler). He's really cute and tsundere hehe.

This novel is so perfect, it really is the best thing I have read so far. Plot development, characters, development of events, everything is fine.

I think it makes no sense that no one is killed or injured by the MC while they are fighting the war, but other than that, it's all great.

الرواية تجنن يجماعة اقروها

Im in chapter 127 and I'm loving this story so much! The political schemes are written well and the cute misunderstandings between Cale and the other characters is so frickin adorable! Cant wait to see the ending!

Its very well written with semi-realistic charactrs. Although they are somewhat dumb (besides mc). The plot is little empty. There is no real goal that the MC tries to accompish which makes the experience a little hollow and, depending of the person you are, boring.

It is still much better that the average novel you will find here.

It is great and yes there is a lot of drama but that is what makes it good.

You can see his progress to getting strong which is very slow even if he is mostly doing things just so he can stay alive and live a life in peace.

MC is a schemer who is lucky..... in most cases.

I love all side characters and I like the plot so far. MC is also a bit tsundere and what a damn shock there is no romance not even a FL its just the... more>> MC Scamming people and annoying people who poke him.

The novel has no romance of any kind so if you are looking for that then the door is to the right just a lot of interaction and a healthy dose of misunderstandings. <<less

This novel is so good! I'm obsessed! It's gonna be my 4th or 5th (I'm sure it's actually more) time re-reading this.

I've never been this engrossed in any novel but this is an exception. (I'm kdj for this novel) I wish for it to get more attention, and I really want to thank the author for writing this masterpiece + thanks to the translator (s) too for translating this

edit 2: and atp (v2c182) Cale is not going to get his slacker life (≧▽≦)

(edit :... more>> I wanted to give this 5 stars (10 if possible) but I mistakenly clicked on 2 (╥﹏╥) SOMEONE TELL ME HOW DO I CHANGE THIS!?) <<less