The Novel’s Extra

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Waking up, Kim Hajin finds himself in a familiar world but an unfamiliar body.

A world he created himself and a story he wrote, yet never finished.

He had become his novel’s extra, a filler character with no importance to the story.

The only clue to escaping is to stay close to the main storyline.

However, he soon finds out the world isn’t exactly identical to his creation.

Associated Names
One entry per line
TNE
소설 속 엑스트라
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
The Second Coming of Gluttony (74)
Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint (26)
Trash of the Count’s Family (23)
Transcendence Due To A System Error (17)
My Death Flags Show No Sign of Ending (16)
The Editor Is the Novel’s Extra (11)
Recommendation Lists
  1. TOP of the toppers, BEST of the bestest
  2. Um Actually, I Read the Manhwa
  3. Novels like ORV
  4. First view point~(bl and none-bl)
  5. all of my 5/5 novels

Latest Release

Date Group Release
06/08/18 Wuxiaworld c5
06/07/18 Wuxiaworld c4
06/07/18 Wuxiaworld c3
06/07/18 Wuxiaworld c2
06/07/18 Wuxiaworld c1
06/07/18 Wuxiaworld prologue
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ZeroA2
New ZeroA2
March 25, 2024
Status: Completed
Very good. There's a lot of angst in the relationships so if pining and loving people who you can't be with is not your cup of tea you might want to avoid. Most everything was very well done and I only have a few complaints.

Vague spoiler about the type of ending:

... more>>
Spoiler

Not everyone gets a happy ending, though a few characters get a slightly better or much better ending in the epilogue/side story chapters (which total 100 chapters on their own, though only the first 80-some are canon and the final story is a what-if, fanfic-style story).

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The only thing I really disliked was there were a few schemer villains that popped up and really made you feel like whatever progress was made by the characters and MC was pointless for a while. Gave me the feeling that the author was turning the world to the ending they wanted while limiting the efficacy of the characters.

Also, there was an "unavoidable" plot point in the first half that really made no sense as to why it was unavoidable. The author covered in-universe by having the Book of Truth thing saying there was no other way, but I don't understand why the MC couldn't just focus on getting enough SP to use his Setting Intervention power to fix everything. Made for more angst, but easily could have been accomplished more naturally.

Anyway, pretty much all the "good" characters were extremely well crafted and easy to love. All the female leads were beautiful, effective, and armed with their own quirks and idiosyncrasies to round them off. The romances were extremely understandable (though Yoo Yeonha liking Shin Jonghak went on a bit too long for me). The male leads were also charming with their own depth and character that was refreshing to see. I do think the male characters were a bit too easily able to resist the affection of the female characters, but I think that was planned. <<less
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FudgeNouget
FudgeNouget rated it
July 23, 2018
Status: c103
Translator here.

Many people have already written great reviews about this novel, but I thought I'd chime in.
First, this is undoubtedly my favorite novel, and I was immediately hooked when I first read it. It gave me an urge to translate it; the only other time I got this feeling is when I read This Tutorial is Too Hard.

While this novel has typical Korean novel elements like the status system, it distinguishes itself from many with its characters. Girls don't instantly fall in love with the MC because they were... more>> saved, nor do they act like unrealistic holy maidens. They aren't flawless. In fact, each character has clear flaws that are often non-existent in other novels, which clearly depict girls as trophies to be won and male characters to either be friend or foe. The main cast of this novel feels real, like they're real people with real worries and real personality. Characters self-reflect on their mistakes and change. The MC also has apprehensions and worries. How character relationships progress is quite a wonder to read.

Of course, the novel isn't without flaws. Although the MC has a somewhat OP ability, he is also limited in other areas. He does have somewhat of a plot armor (which to be fair, all MCs do to certain extent). However, the MC's plot armor isn't so glaringly deus-ex-machina, and it is sometimes done so in a humorous way (that makes sense).

The novel also doesn't explain too in-depth about how something works. For example, (a bit of a spoiler, but it happens in the first couple chapters anyways), we are told that bows are better than guns, but not given an in-depth explanation of why. These things are often slowly revealed over time, so readers will have to just take it as a matter of fact until a satisfactory explanation comes around.

But despite its flaws, this novel is masterfully executed in its intention - character development. And as the novel goes on, you will see the plot "thicken" as well.

Overall, it is a refreshing take on a transmigration genre, one that is quite unique in its execution and story telling. You will not regret reading it! <<less
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kkgoh
kkgoh rated it
September 21, 2018
Status: c114
SUMMARY
A fairly entertaining read incorporating the recently popular superhero + isekai themes.
But plot gets unnecessarily convoluted with poorly structured cliche tropes, filler chapters and nonsensical conversations.
The concept of being an author is pointless, MC is bland and boring.
Devolves into korean makjang drama.
Translation quality is pretty good though. Kudos on the effort at least.

I don't get why the novel is rated so highly, probably because of the superhero-tag (influence from Boku no Hero?). I'd ask reviewers to raise the bar and hold a higher standard.

PREMISE
A... more>> failed author is inserted into his own web novel of a post-apocalyptic superhero society as a minor side character. MC is armed with some foreknowledge, and the ability to edit his character/items. Eventually he gains prominence in the new world, becoming the true protagonist while supposedly trying to survive/find a way out.

CHARACTERS
MC is a typical 28-yr old loser, who has a second chance to personally experience his own failed novel. No personality, no humor or passion that might endear him to readers. MC is trying to survive while he thinks he's "hiding his strength" and is light-bendingly dense.

The side characters are more developed with interesting backstories, personalities, powers. Typical shounen-ish characters ~17-yrs old (novel MC/antagonist/multiple love interest/love triangle). The age gap is a little weird, but I'll refrain from commenting on these things.

ISSUES
(1) The meta-reference of web novels was actually interesting...
MC has to confront the reality of a world that he created, except it's more detailed than he ever imagined and so starts to learn where his own writing went wrong. It's a fascinating idea, IF, as an author, he learns how his story could be improved and grows from that knowledge (like the anime Re:Creators).
Unfortunately that concept is never pursued beyond the first few chapters. MC just becomes an awkward robot-like existence in his own novel. So it's supposed to be a story about redemption, without the redemption??
The only point of being an author is to edit his own character/items and some knowledge of the future.
The MC has ZERO CHARACTER GROWTH besides powering up. He was even lazy enough to edit his character desc to be more hardworking so he could push through his workouts?! WTF.
You could substitute for any random non-author MC and there would be no difference.

(2) It's called "The Novel's Extra".
It'd be interesting if we had multiple perspectives since the whole point is immersion into an author's novel. Instead it's focused entirely on MC who becomes the uncontested star of the show. Side characters' personal thoughts are a litany of exposition, and they inevitably and annoyingly lead back to the MC along the lines of "Why is the MC so cool/mysterious/powerful?". Compare that to "Overlord" where side characters story lines slowly merge with Ainz, or "Top Management" where side characters brief/mild interactions with Jung Sunwoo hint at their thoughts and personal motivations.

This makes the side characters bland and boring as they bounce off the robot-like MC in cringe-worthy one-sided interactions, while MC is constantly dense. Which is ridiculous since MC was their creator who should understand them best. Again, being an author is POINTLESS.
The MC doesn't make a real attempt to befriend anyone, he just wants to advance the story while being a "nice guy" and survive. Nameless non-critical characters are ignored even if they are in mortal danger (i.e. he doesn't really care if regular humans are killed).
Author (real one) explains MC's aloofness as avoiding attachment to the characters so he won't be emotionally hurt if/when he leaves. Which makes NO SENSE because it's also repeatedly mentioned MC feels pride and joy as their creator. He's ALREADY EMOTIONALLY INVESTED.
What's the point of being a robot?

(3) The heart of the issue is anthropomorphication.
Does MC regard everyone as real living beings or not? He struggles with killing humans, but yet sees everyone as a fictional character and thus has no emotional connection. That disconnect is s*upid.
This issue is much better explored in another Korean novel (The Tutorial is Too Hard).

(4) A hidden co-author is introduced at the beginning, but hardly ever appears.
Even 100+ chapters into the story, the only purpose is making minor edits to the scenarios so that MC can't accurately predict the future.

(5) No cohesive story structure, it's always an AND-THEN-THIS-HAPPENED.
The readers are constantly introduced to random disjointed developments. It's just a huge mishmash of EVERY TROPE you've read in other novels. Dozens of arcs in less than 100 chapters. And it makes it worse that you know the MC created this whole novel, which emphasizes even more that MC SUCKS AS AN AUTHOR.

Spoiler

Suddenly it's exam time. Suddenly it's time for competitions. Suddenly it's exams on a deserted island. Suddenly there's a talent competition (just an excuse to give MC singing ability and reference cool YouTube videos). Suddenly the clubs they joined go on world tours where they encounter Situation A/B/C/D/E. Suddenly a dungeon appears.

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(6) Fillers galore.
I would expect that in a Chinese novel with 1000+ chapters, but for there to be so many useless filler unstructured chapters in only 100+ chapters is s*upid. Long paragraphs of side characters nonsense bickering to make the word count.

Spoiler

Typical examples of how bad it gets.
Hint: Author's chapter word count requirement is probably 2500 (in English at least) .

Chapter 111
First 530 words, side character thinking about MC (reminder MC is 28 yrs old, the school kids are 17).
Next 1400+ words, MC leaving for a RANDOM assassination mission and completing it (same day).
Next 500+ words, MC going home and interacting with side characters.
Zero plot progression.

Chapter 112
First 730 words, a mercenary group sitting around randomly talking about the MC.
Next 1800+ words, MC and side characters chatting and eating at a restaurant.
Zero plot progression.

Chapter 113
First 760+ words, MC playing with items/stat sheet when no one cares about 0.001 numbers.
Next 140 words, yet another random club outing.
Next 1300+ words, MC chatting with a side character and showing off in class.
Suddenly it's revealed MC always knew that a random dead dude he was looking for (on behalf of the side character) was actually a good guy. Was never mentioned in the dozens of chapters while MC was looking for him. Has no bearing on the story, just nonsense makjang.
Next 400 words, a side character is digging up some info about MC (which the next chapter reveals is pointless other than to make MC's background a sob story).
Zero plot progression.

Chapter 114
First 1000 words, side character discovered MC's background sob story and her father might be involved. Pointless makjang.
Next 600 words, other side character realized her father (aforementioned dead dude MC was looking for) was a good guy. Which the AUTHOR SPOILED 1 chapter before. Pointless.
Next 560 words, MC is in Busan because his club once again randomly decided to go. He's in a high class hotel suite. The reason: someone canceled so he got it for cheap. This random teleportation trick happens throughout the novel. Some pointless chatter with side characters.
Next 460 words, MC just so happens to meet potential final boss in Busan. Tadah! Some plot progression finally happens.

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LeaningMaple
LeaningMaple rated it
July 17, 2018
Status: --
It's another "sent inside a novel I'm familiar with" plot, but it's way more enjoyable than a typical one for SO many reasons:

  • The protagonist (of The Novel's Extra, not of the novel within it) isn't forced to be a villain who's constantly mistreated just because he looks evil, nor is the hero of the novel characterized as a self-righteous prick. The protagonist a normal guy who has a lot of agency because he's not the center of attention, and the hero is actually a likable and good-natured guy (as you'd expect from a novel's hero!).
  • The girls don't develop a fascination with the protagonist the moment they meet him, or fall in love with him just a few encounters later. They keep him at a distance, and he keeps them at a distance. Generally speaking, that distance slowly closes, but sometimes it even widens a little.
  • The protagonist is cool and confident without being a smartass or c*cky. Plenty of times he'll just end a seemingly important conversation casually, because he doesn't want to get too close to others. In other words, he's not a playboy or an attention whore. He also makes mistakes, but not foolish "hotheaded behavior" that's obviously a plot device.
  • Unlike many other "knowledge of the future" novels, the protagonist doesn't blurt out knowledge of the future and then make up some flimsy lie that everyone seemingly accepts tentatively because they appreciate his advice. Even up to the latest chapter I've read, he doesn't have any real influence or authority, he's just a normal student.
  • You can tell that the protagonist is a writer and he loves the characters he wrote, flaws and all. The author of The Novel's Extra accurately captures how I feel the protagonist would behave in this surreal situation of entering his own novel.
To be honest, I expect The Novel's Extra to not be able to... more>> keep up this level of quality forever, especially as the setting is fleshed out more--and considering that the "novel within the novel" took place over 10+ years, but at the current pacing The Novel's Extra's would need 2000+ chapters to match that. But that's normal with Korean "modern day world with RPG dungeons that suddenly appeared"-type novels. I'll probably still enjoy it a lot, because I love this genre, and I especially love The Novel's Extra and its excitingly meaningful approach to character development. <<less
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Alexander Valdimir
Alexander Valdimir rated it
October 22, 2018
Status: c147
As a webnovel, It manages to manifest some superb traits as one of them lies in the character emotions. The author manage to draws out the realistic feelings someone may hold as quite a lot of novels have difficulties in managing so. Yet the execution in which the relationship was being told towards the readers was horrendous in display, Through Constant Misunderstanding. Considering that its a webnovel, it does well yet it suffers the limitation of a webnovel by its tropes and a lack of scrutinizing. It has considerable potential... more>> yet lacks of possibly by the Author inexperience, understanding of progression of realistic relationship, and the understanding of power system.

Despite all previously said, it could still pertain a level of entertainment due to the fact It does well in Character development, holds a setting akin towards the newest trend, and some plots which could be consider interesting. And The factors that may hinder it, could easily become null if the author had taken more consideration as if he were to write it as a professional work. As in a professional work, while it still suffer a number of different problems occurring in the story, the effect would be a lesser extent. Due to the fact that a lot of times a professional writer would have a creditable editor scrutinizing the work. Making constructive criticism that a lot of times would greatly improve the quality of the work.

So One importance note that I quickly pointed out was some Realistic emotion from the characters yet the lack of proper execution for it. So The characters besides the MC have clear defining motives, traits and personality. The author manages to draw out emotions that you would normally expect from characters with those traits. The Author does a fine job illustrating the Side Characters ambition, desires, and their ideals of what they want to do. While The Main Character emotional feelings are iffy at most, he has the conviction to survive and to kill what is necessary in maintaining the status quo of the story.

So yet in the recent arc, The Author made the MC to Quote "Cowardly self-justification." due to the fact that he was force to kill a man that was a sibling to one of the side character. He was emotionally unstable for a while for the amount of guilt he felt. Yet it felt hypocritical in the sense that afterwards when you consider that he already have kill numerous amount of people numbering in the dozens. It's not about the victim/target or Am I trying to say that the MC should be numb towards the feeling. It's the problem that he came out too weaken by the aftermath of it. He knew very early on that a day where he will kill him would come. Even if a lot of feeling develop between the two, he should've hold the conviction the whole time understanding the consequences of the interaction. That is what I say it felt hypocritical, for being so emotionally weaken by a understanding you knew long ago.

As for the execution between for between the relationship, it's disastrous to say the very least. It show a very good indicator that the Author lacks understanding of any sort of realistic real life relationship. The numerous amount of misunderstanding instances is ridiculous, no realistic relationship in the real world is develop by this way. This is never a good way to make affection between two member develop, It would be so superficial that you can punch right through it. It ruined some serious emotional feeling between the Characters and their moments. A example of how the misunderstanding occurs... Lets hypothetically say you're a girl and I'm the guy cause I am one. You fell s*upidly down the stair holding a pile of paper that is very organized at that moment. You sprain your leg so therefore I carry you down towards somewhere that can treat you temporarily while going back and organizing that pile of paper. Now I may it may cost me whether its some cash, my time and etc. But trust me, It definitely wasn't because I was interest in you. Cause I probably on that damn day, won so much money that I could make it pour rain. So I was feeling very f*cking happy right about then. Therefore it ain't cause I love you, its just that I'm too damn happy right now where my cynical ass could be forgotten.

One thing that is quite frustrating whenever you read this novel is the pointless interaction at times. I don't require every chapter to be so full of plot and detail that will play a part for the overall character development. Yet The constant meaningless fillers serves no purpose and it only exist to add the overall word count. At times, it ruined the impression one may have towards a character.

Spoiler

Around Chapter 147 where I stopped reading, There are interaction between the Boss and the MC. The MC after the incident in which he killed Chae Brother, is settling down as he now officially joins the group. The MC arrives at the new hideout in which he restore and decorate the new hideout. As he creates these decoration, the boss takes note and what happened afterward was ludicrous. Hajin the MC, Was literally domesticating and befriending the boss by using the damn furniture and household decoration. And the MC even acknowledges that's how you befriend the boss, Apparently f**king so. The Author is making the Boss As someone commented, "Moe", but all it does is make her look like a damn uncultured barbarian. She's suppose to be leading a nefarious secretive organized- syndicate, and if someone forgot, their organization stands at the peak of the underworld. The author said and any common sense suggest that you cannot lead such a powerful organization in the underworld being soft. I would be fine if she was simply appreciative of his work but it went further and made her so ecstatic that she melted in the bed. And for some strange reason this insignificant timeline taken a significant chuck for the next eight chapters when you could sum it up in a few paragraph.

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I would be fine if the novel occasionally add in some moments that may only serve as a comedic relief. Yet the numerous amount of nonsense and dialogue that when taken into consideration serve nothing, it's going to get the readers annoyed.

The inexperience author I've mention only briefly showcase at its finest recently. While many different problem already contribute to towards hinting the author lack of experience, only one example that Stand out made me want to say something about. It the aftermath of what happen when he kill the side character sibling, since the character was link to someone prominent in the world. The world started to investigate him, to which the only clue they found was a unique tattoo on his arms. However since its always hidden away underneath his clothing, what should've happen would be that it taken a long time before the investigation could continue. Also considering the fact he could no longer was going to continue his school life in two weeks. It was a logical that this event could only be reveal much latter onward when after his time at school, there would barely any chance for more detail to rise up. So yet in the span of two weeks, the side character manage to find out the tattoo by barely explainable events. The author may say preexisting event he mention as a attempt of a cover up for the forceful plot. Yet Considering that one of the background event was sped up by months for this event and latter was completely arbitrary since the beast that appear literally yawn then went back to sleep forcing him to reveal his tattoo. But The Author stated that the second author change the event... By making him appear for a second to yawn then going back to sleep? This could be a consider a epitome of a rookie author, as they may not understand that plot story does not necessary need to be immediately address if it isn't necessary.

One of the thing I sincerely hate due to the fact that there's is no sense of balance in it is when a character is given a power for no reason. And this character is the Protagonist and his granted system which grants unlimited power for a small cost. The Small cost does not justify the means in which it serve as the equilibrium. A sense of equilibrium in a story whenever a character is granted by a third party power can serve as a understanding of a character flaws. Flaws Serves as a point of weakness and makes it justifiable that while strong, if his flaw are exploited, he could be defeated. It avoids the situation where the Protagonist is ridiculously strong for no reason and will soon become dull and boring. A overpower protagonist could be enjoyable showcase but this novel is not one of them. A Protagonist in which it becomes Perfect, Is thus boring since nothing entertaining when the clear obvious result will occur.

My last point i'll make is about, Kim Suho, The suppose original Main Character of the story. As you all know, There are two suppose MC of this story. One is Kim Hajin, the author who gotten transported into his own book and Kim Suho who is the Protagonist of the said book. Naturally most of the series is in the perspective of Kim Hajin the "Victim" Of the story. However I just want to say one thing, why the hell is Kim Suho relegated as a background character? Most of the time you hear about Kim Suho is either in very small talks or said as background information. Example would be something along the line..."Kim Suho could've bulldoze his way through with impunity against the traps and only hold difficulties with the final boss."

My example epitomize and illustrate how most times Kim Suho is said and shown. There been only one example where any development is said for Kim Suho. Afterwards he's basically forgotten only to occasionally bought up as if to remind everyone he's the main Protagonist. But Kim Suho is the pivotal force for the overall storyline and the Kim Hajin Overall Survival. So Whenever they eventually fight the final boss, Kim Suho would be the vanguard while Kim Hajin is the supporting role. As Kim Hajin power is mainly against weaker foe with him having basically only one shot against anyone stronger. You could kinda already see how the final fight be played out, Kim Suho holding the final boss out while Kim hajin does the final blow. Although this is my complete speculation of how the final boss turns out, What I said serve one purpose. Why is there so little emphasis on Kim Suho when he's such a important character for the overall story even if he technically isn't the Main Protagonist anymore. Hell even the Side character have more story backing them up, yet someone seeming so important is only left as a afterthought.

Overall, it has a lot of problem that needs to be clear yet it contains a lot of potential. If I was solely recommending Web Novel on this site then to my annoyance, this is probably one of the only decent one. I could've added some other issues it had that were not problems of me nitpicking them. But I believed I wrote enough to demonstrate that while decent and enjoyable, it still suffer many problems. <<less
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Szecho
Szecho rated it
September 4, 2018
Status: c307
3/5 - In my rating that means its good but not quite great. With this story you can read it over and over again and not get tired of it (with me anyways, re-read this novel like 5 times in 1 week and that's just a low-ball guesstimate, I just re-read this story non-stop.).

Now let's start why I gave it a 3/5 - WARNING! this review has opinions that differ from you and focuses on the negatives rather than the positives, take that with a huge grain of salt.... more>>

Firstly the Main Character:

- The main character of this story is named Kim Hajin and he is the author of the novel he is stuck in and not only that he is stuck in the body of an extra he doesn't even remember writing about named Kim Chundong. 93 chapters in and 5 re-reads later, I still can't quite put my finger on what exactly Hajin's personality is, that's just how vague the MC is even to the reader. Then I realized, this character is a self-insert, a wish-fulfillment character, I went to this story thinking it was going to have an honest to God MC someone like Harold from Death Flag or Ainz from Overlord with varying degrees of assertiveness on their own situation in another world. (though the author is giving Hajin some development, its just him missing his home and family and a laughably small amount on him having a huge chance of dying, like really? He cries about his mom and he shrugs of death like its nothing? and what I seriously expected in this novel - no existential crisis on how you know these are just novel characters? no eventual acceptance of said existential crisis? though there was some about him not wanting to fight close quarters but the author was content with a sentence of explanation about it, it could've been so much more!! (basically this whole review))

tl;dr - MC is a self-insert character with little developments and a vague personality, while that may be a plus for people its a minus for me.

Secondly the other MC's:

Shin Jonghak (basically Bakugo with underlings) and Yi Yeonghan (A shittier version of Tenya Iida), despite being actual main characters of the novel author's world, they act like side characters and get screen-time like side characters. Its honestly disappointing to see the author just brush these characters off, the 1st year of their cadet school days is almost over and these two barely made a f*cking move!
Kim Suho, this character leaves a lot to be desired. Though he isn't much of an offender as Jonghak and Yeonghan because he's the stereotypical superman character though he could've handled Suho with more grace being that he's the legit MC of this world.
Yoo Yeonhan, Rachel and Chae Nayun, the 3 characters that have actual development besides Hajin and that really isn't saying much. Yeonhan gets hammered again and again as this businesswoman, like f*ck rl author I get it already just f*cking stop with Yeonhan and actually develop her personality on why she's so delusional on Jonghak (the noble explanation isn't enough and you know it) or focus on the other main characters of Hajin's novel which is actually your novel and give them some personality besides 1 stereotype. Rachel on the other hand is handled well, we get some implications on her past and some foreshadowing on her accepting it, definitely one of the better characters in this story. Nayun, this character was really fun to follow at first but then it gets stale, her 1 personality trait I think is blocking her from making some really good character development. or at least the author is focusing so much on making Nayun this comedic relief.

tl;dr - I actually want Jonghak and Yeonhan to be relevant and developed same with the other MC's and Hajin as well.

Thirdly the Story itself:

- I hate the way the author is presenting Hajin and how Hajin is handling his knowledge of this world (knowing its more dangerous than what he written it should be) and his overall lackadaisical attitude towards the danger and just goes "oh yeah that's going to happen soon, better prepare for it now lols" SERIOUSLY??? everyone in their right mind who was transported in that world would begin to recall what the f*ck happens in the story and write it in a journal and to prepare accordingly, especially knowing that the story is re-adjusting itself to be more dangerous. And the fact that the MC doesn't abuse his power enough irks me, everyone and their mother would abuse the sh*t out of that thing and honestly the system would stop him if he gets away with too much AND THATS FINE AUTHOR GOD DAMN, actually punish the MC and limit him. The author is too scared to limit Hajin and too scared to actually challenge Hajin. No limit on mc's power, which should make him OP but guess what the author just chooses not to do anything with it so he's not OP, its f*cking dumb.

I expected a tug of war between Hajin the original author and the system which is correcting his story which would be a better story to read honestly.
Too much screen-time on Hajin. I understand he's the MC but remember too much is as bad as too little. The better chapters of this story is the characters reaction to Hajin and one of the flaws of this story is the characters so he can kill 2 birds with 1 stone, more chapters without Hajin and more chapters with the others and developing them.

tl;dr - Wasted potential but the author still handled the story really well but it shows that the concept of the story itself is carrying this story rather than the author actually writing it.

You can stop reading the review here, you can read the text below if you've already read this story or don't really give a shit. You can read the last piece of text though (basically me just reiterating despite the flaws I really love this story)

some tips for the author (Take this with a huge grain of salt, I don't really suck the d*ck of my favorite stories, I usually lampoon them and try to think on how the author could've done better but that doesn't mean I don't like them. These are just my opinions and ideas on how to make this already good story better) -
put limits on Hajin's power, seriously and stop leaving us in the dark with his power and stop ignoring how literally everyone in the comments has thought of a way to be so much powerful than what Hajin is already is at this point in the story. Knowing whats going to happen is the fun of this type of story, we didn't see this story's description and thought "oh yeah this is a story where I would not like to know what's going to happen" I understand leaving some information in the dark here and there to trick us.
The system is a ghost now, make it more of a danger to Hajin. More tug of war between Hajin and the system.
Make Hajin an actual character rather than a self-insert.
Way too much sh*t happened on the first half of year 1, that Djinn sh*t is going to be stale fast and imo it already is. should've made year 1 the year of grinding for SP with Hajin, him trying to figure out what his fighting style is, how to abuse the system, getting information in the world to see if anythings different from his story and trying to get close with the other MC's instead of acting like these characters are already developed and not do anything with them. Of course competitions and challenges should also be the highlights of year 1.

(Year 2 is unknown territory this is just my opinion on how the story should flow, I'm not saying I'm a better writer, this is just my ideas, yeah?) Year 2 should be the year of Djinn attacks and this is where the relationships that Hajin built in year 1 should bloom and sprout. And Djinns should be more brutal, visceral and downright evil, because as the author says Djinn's are fukin evil, yet I don't really feel that way about them, a competition here and there to show some improvement on Hajin's fighting style, gifts, arts and traits, to show some development on the other MC's.

Stop using this sentence structure - Hajin seemingly and fanatically does this. Rachel surprisingly does that. STOP WITH THE -LY shit. More eloquence and descriptiveness goes a long way on improving the story.

read overlord and death flag, I'm sure you'll get an inspiration out of that.
Overlord handles POV shifting really well and the author of this story should learn from that
Death Flag handles the characters around the MC and the MC himself really well and the author should learn a thing or two from that.

I still love this story to death. I've never re-read something more than this novel so that really says something.
I just want this story to be better that's why I'm critiquing this story as harsh as I am, I want the author to read this and not be disheartened, I actually really want to read more but I want it to be better, its apparent that its stagnant on quality which I'm not sure is a plus or not.

Edit: 2/5 as of chapter 120.
I guess don't re-read a story just as much as I do folks. The flaws become way too apparent that way. Well, don't re-read a story that's as shallow as this one, in stories that can actually challenge you, re-reading will actually be a good thing.

The score will likely go down as I read more chapters. The writing is a joke at this point. It feels like the author is a middle school kid trying to write a story. Nothing wrong with simple examples and explanations, but for this type of story where the world is so different? you can't get away with that forever. You'll have to explain it eventually and info-dumping it in the middle of thoughts rather than placing small bits and pieces in throughout the whole story rather than in 1 chapter.

Bad Habits the Author has:
Stuttering Chae Nayun rather than to use more meaningful writing techniques to show off her character better.
Keeps hammering Yeonha as this business giant and won't shut up about it.
Using Evandel as a scapegoat to raise the chapter length.
Barebones explanation
No sense of urgency or preparation on Hajin's part. He just sort of stumbles onto solutions as he goes on his life which is really infuriating.
Keeping the title 'Novel's Extra' where it should be 'Replacing the MC from a Novel'
Doing daily chapters and 12 chapters ahead. (How do you expect to write a story like that?)
For guns to be Hajin's main weapon of choice, the author doesn't seem to do any research on them. No ammo variation at all.

tl;dr - I got high off the feeling of this unique world and Hajin's unique power just to realize the author isn't really creative enough and focuses more on the love stories sub-plot than work on the main plot. Just got caught up in Hajin's power and its would be limitations. My imagination got the best of me. It really isn't that good nor it isn't that bad.

Below Average.

Edit 3 (Still 2/5).

As of Chapter 173, still below average but the arc is pretty entertaining.

As of chapter 193 it's a 1.5/5. Hey, I guess I was right on hating this story as it progresses.

Edit 4 (1/5) ch. 260 (At this rate I'm just reading it to see how bad it gets, buckle up folks)

Man did this story go down the shitter really fast. The tower doesn't make any sense, Plerion is such a sore thumb I can't help but roll my eyes while reading about it. Hajin went from Gun to Bow to Hand to Hand combat, I wonder what's next? Using his p3nis to stab Nayun in her cervix? maybe... that would be actually pretty good, just go full on absurd and embrace your story author. Hajin is still a cardboard, Evandel is handled quite badly. It makes me imagine what the "real" story Hajin made, I can imagine it's quite shit, 3 female leads at the start and Suho goes solo most of the time killing monsters with the typical shonen shit, the one more hit trope. Sahyuk reading machiavellian's book has to be one of the most funniest sh*t ever, she practically gets nothing out of it and the book makes it clear that if you cannot be loved and feared then being feared is better than being disrespected. to be a chameleon on being nice and evil when the opportunity allows you to do so which the author completely misses the point, no research at all (It's not a comically evil book like what the author is portraying it as, it's more of a pragmatist philosophy barring people's fickle emotion) (I'm looking at you any type of martial arts, ammo variation, strategy, advanced tactics, competent political discussion). In any case, I'm still going to follow this story and read it in its shitty glory.

Edit 5 (0.2/5) Chapter 268: Overclock just makes the story moot at this point. Make him use 70 years of his life then 1 hit kill the main boss and spend the rest of his life recovering with that damn deus ex machina orb.

Edit 6 (0.000000000001/5) Chapter 293. The story went from laughably bad to mind numbingly boring.

Probably the last edit I'm going to do for this web novel. It was amusing as it lasted but good riddance The Novel's Extra.

P.S. the naming sense of this author sucks. <<less
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Shykiu77
Shykiu77 rated it
August 27, 2019
Status: c356
As time passes this story just gets more and more disappoiting.

To be honest, It should already have finished. These later chapters don't really add anything interesting, it's just a convoluted mess. I'm already sick and tired of trying to read it everyday, things got boring since the tower I guess.

Anyway, I'm going to delete this sh*t from my Reading list and forget about it until the last chapter is out I guess.
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ZhaWarudo
ZhaWarudo rated it
August 18, 2018
Status: c76
What's with the series of 5 star reviews. Let's be real, it's pretty generic. You've got a bunch of arrogant snobish Korean high school kids as usual, MC Gary Stu and a series of action events MC knows about what's gonna happen. Srsly the action doesn't let up, as soon as there is an event like a school trip, there's gonna be a demon attack or something... The author tries to justify that the MC is just a co-author and the story is slightly changed with unexpected things happening, but... more>> still he faces no real challenge, gets points for any action out of the ordinary and has cheats ofc.

MC starts as a random fodder so whenever he does something, the main characters from his story are like wow, that guy did that? Then when he isn't on the scene, there is always a girl who says hey what do you think about that guy? What guy? The one.... This has happened like 10 times already and the characters are suspicious of him how he knows stuff, is always there and how is he so powerful with a variety of abilties but then they just write of their suspicions as who cares everyone has secrets or they try to explain it with some asinine reasons.

Only my boredom has gotten me to 76th chapter of this average at best web novel. <<less
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dark.matter
dark.matter rated it
September 27, 2019
Status: c326
Novel started off very good, good premise, good pace, not a insanely op MC and good character interaction (somewhat) that was until the he quit school then it got real bad real fast, MC had no character developement or whatever and there was the useless korean romance drama which just kills the novel.

Read it for the first 100-150 then just drop it or it would leave a bad taste
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BumChikiBum
BumChikiBum rated it
October 9, 2018
Status: c128
MC and all of side characters have clear personality, have clear reason in every action. Good plot. Decent world building. It's good novel. I mean it. It is really good... and then...

...... All of misunderstanding gathered and created somewhat melodrama and much more misunderstanding.
...... Slow but sure, our MC becoming more OP (I have a bad feeling about this, every Korean Novel with OP MC I have read until now = All of them become tr*sh and boring).

I love the story, I hate melodrama
I love Evandel & Rachel,... more>> I hate Chae Nayun
I really hate prolonged misunderstanding, always reminds me of that f*cking misunderstanding about marriage in Ze Tian Jie which resolved after hundreds of chapters of torture.

There are things I hate in this novel, but I can't stop reading this. That's why, I just have to lower my rating. 3/5 <<less
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mikaelhg
mikaelhg rated it
October 22, 2018
Status: c140
The fantasy and sci-fi elements in the novel are much more believable, than that basically every interaction between two people would be mostly driven by idiotic misunderstanding.

Don't make any mistake, it's not that there's an occasional misunderstanding to drive the story every now and then, it's that after the "hook" of the first 60 chapters where the author still gave a crap, essentially all communication and plot is predicated by misunderstanding that the reader is then beaten over the head over, chapter after chapter after chapter.
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Mio26
Mio26 rated it
September 11, 2018
Status: c62
This novel's high rating and describtion are very misleading. It looks like hidden gem on this site but it's nothing special to be honest. Setup is promising and made me very excited. But we got at the end typical korean light novel with MC being total OP, pretty good humor (but again not on level of LMS), more "developed" characters (especially female) than in typical CN novels and a lot of references from popculture (Tiger and Bunny or Boku no Hero Academia, Detective Conan, HxH, The Hunger Games and etc.).... more>> It's typical novel for teenagers with such absurd like

Spoiler

People who spend all their childhood in Agent Military Academy and still don't know how to survive without cafeteria. No one learn them how to survive in the forest without food ?How it could be possible at this point.

[collapse]

Author's being extra in his own novel is such great idea which can generate so many different and interesting ways of survive in his world. But our MC just gets every cheating skills and takes over position of hero of the story. Although knowing a future (even if it can change) it's such a big advantage on its own. Why not make MC not so "cool" at least at the beginning. It would be so much more interesting. Of course author (like always in Kr novels) pretend that life of MC is not so easy. There are some random changes in the future but you can see through author's lazy attempts.

If you really want read interesting story with similar setup (becoming character in novel which MC knows) just read "Omniscient reader's viewpoint". It's so much better novel than this where other characters actually play pretty big part of the story (especially "main hero"). This is just story from author of "SSSSS grade infinite Regressor";). <<less
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Timid
Timid rated it
October 3, 2018
Status: c120
The early story is engaging and the plot is pretty tight. An author getting transported to their own created world is an interesting premise. It also gets extra points for making Kim Hajin initially a ill defined side character, and having him overcome the challenges from that standpoint. Also, the RPG type cheat system isn't too bad. Not hugely overpowered for the world.

That being said, my initial rating of 5 has dropped down to 3 by chapter 120. There are just so many plot threads that seem to be getting... more>> away from the author. For example

Spoiler

*Early on MC finds a dungeon that only he knows about, yet he's done nothing about it.

*He gets an evolving weapon from the dungeon that we see the stats of once, then never again. Despite the fact it would now have upgraded as it was a growth weapon.

*He's got a cheat that can look up anything, yet he doesn't use it to help his friends brother anonymously from the Demon Seed/Coma. Instead he has a one track mind to kill him to raise tension. Seriously, there's so many other ways he could have gone about this.

*The shop he's set up on the dark web answering questions could be interesting, and bring in new plot threads. So far it's pretty pointless, though.

*His replacing the original MC of the story as the Harem Master is getting a bit annoying.

[collapse]

Actually it's weird that my favorite bits of the last 50 or so chapters are the slice of life moments with his psuedo daughter and pet cat. It's too cute, and calming. Yet none of that has impacted the main storyline even the slightest, which I'm beginning to find pretty forgettable. I keep reading in anticipation of her meeting the rest of the characters, rather than whether he beats the Djinns or something. <<less
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Recca201
Recca201 rated it
June 7, 2018
Status: c3
So far so good. I really want to know what happens next. The translation is good, and like most Korean novels it is very much t to my taste. There seems to be depth and the plot is very interesting.

SO FAR.

I hope this novel is better than his other novel, A Monster Who Levels Up, bcoz althiugh thay novel is good, the ending is quite ??? O_O?? In any case, the premise is interesting enough, hopefully this turns out okay.

Translator, fighting!!!
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apsisodia
apsisodia rated it
February 12, 2020
Status: Completed
(sorry for my English)

I don't know why this novel is rated so highly. It is just a average novel with lots of terrible misunderstandings cliches and abandoned plots.

There were some things that I liked in the novel like- MC isn't OP. MC survives many times by bluffing. There's no young master shit. Some characters backstory. Bad guys aren't two dimensional. Characters development.

There's lots of thing that I hated in the novel, LIKE A LOT. First 60 chapters were good and then it became terrible romantic drama with... more>> misunderstandings plot.

This novel so annoying sometimes that you may want to drop it in the middle.

There are plenty of plot holes and abandoned plots in the story. For example- when demon merchants were introduced in the novel, MC was gifted with 5 Attributes, then it wasn't even mentioned again. Author hypes up Madea's power but we never get to watch her fight. MC's pending favor from creater, he never ask for it. Narrow lucky escape from death (8/9) (it was mentioned multiple times in the story, but author forgot about it)... etc.

And boy!! Nationalism is too much in the novel. I felt like I was reading Chinese tr*sh novel filled with propaganda. In the novel, everyone is speaking Korean, everyone wants Korean citizenship. Every other country is begging Korea for things. It was mentioned again and again in the novel that Korea was superior to other countries in the novel.

If you like K-drama then you may read it. If you are bored and looking to pass the time then I suggest you pick something else because this novel is very annoying sometimes. It isn't worth it. <<less
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charioles
charioles rated it
August 14, 2018
Status: c73
The biggest charm of this novel is the character relationships.

Unlike other systematic rpg novels, this one has a good balance between developing character relationship and developing the MC's power.

Be aware that the first dozen or so chapters are not really amazing and seem bland, but past that, it only gets better and better.

There's no h**ny teenager type of MC, no harem-seeking plot, no easy-to-get girls (the characters act very rationally), and no arrogant MC. Our MC still acts like a real mature adult even though he's being put in a... more>> teenager's body as the setting, which is really nice and relate-able to mature readers.

Don't be discouraged when the MC acted passively to the mocking he received due to how weak he was at the beginning, it would all be paid off really unexpectedly in the archery competition arc. I as experienced reader truly didn't expect that kind of plot twist at all.

Such a nice read. This is more than simply having the MC grow stronger, the relationship between the characters are the main attraction.
My only wish is the author will not make s*upid ending like in his other novel, A Monster Who Level Up. <<less
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Leon07
Leon07 rated it
July 17, 2018
Status: c97
(Updated at c97)

I read the synopsis, didn't think it'd be very interesting. I found out who the author is, and quickly ran away (I don't want another story with an ending like 'A Monster Who Levels up'). So I read some JP novels (and dropped all of them pretty quick). With nothing left, I started reading this...... Well what can I say, never judge a book by it's cover (although this one's cover ain't that bad).

First of all, if you've gotten bored of JP isekai... more>> novels, then don't worry because you'll like this. The novel is about the author who ends up in the story he created as a character even he doesn't remember, but with some minor changes in the storyline (such as enemies becoming more stronger, too much for the original characters to handle themselves). It is now up to the MC to ensure that none of the important characters of his novel die.

So why did I give this a 5 star? Because I truly enjoyed reading it (That's a real big complement coming from me. Even I can't remember the number of novels I've dropped because I didn't enjoy it). The story has a good mix of elements, comedy to help readers relax, decent fights (fight scenes are short though. Rarely goes over a chapter till now), and the MC, who has real high luck (literally).

One of the main features that made me really like this novel is that normally in JP isekai novels, MC's would start missing the Japanese foods and culture. But in this novel, the MC instead misses his real family (That's the difference between JP and Korean novels. I've never read a JP isekai novel where the MC misses their family, but instead misses the food and lifestyle there). I'll admit, that scored a really good score from me (I'm sick of JP culture). There's no chapter wasting time on real world food and all, so it won't annoy you.

There are a large number of low quality works out there nowadays, but I personally feel that this novel is not one of them. I'd expect nothing less from Wuxiaworld, translating high quality works.

Oops I've derailed a lot from the review :P. So, now about the MC. I like his character. He is not dumb and actually uses his brain. He can get SP points by becoming more involved in the main storyline and becoming more popular, and can use those points to upgrade himself and his weapons, so he uses his knowledge of the future to his full advantage. He is not that strong, but is cunning and acts quite badass (especially infront of the ladies). Knows when to fight and when to avoid fights, and when to not stand out.

Character Interactions are all good, characters have their own personalities, it's not like those usual cliche characters. It's now 97 chapters, and I'm not at all disappointed. More feelings are being bred in the female characters, and Hajin's own popularity has increased alot, and leads to some hilarious moments.

Spoiler

I call it, HajinxRachel

And Evandel is just so heart warming

[collapse]

So in short, if you want to read something different from typical isekai novels, then this would be a really good choice. It's not boring, and is quite fun to read. (Sorry for all my long rambling) <<less
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Chourou
Chourou rated it
June 14, 2018
Status: c35
Same writer who wrote "A monster who levels up" (with a shitty ending) so I am already a bit scared of this novel. Or in other words, I am reading with a skeptical mindset after finnishing the other novel "A monster etc".

After reading 8 chapters. these are my thoughts:

From God to Kim Hajin: "Seek and grab as much as attention as possible, stand out, and you will get more story points and get stronger"

*Shrugs* If A Monster who levels up, were forced unintional attention seeking, then this is intentional... more>> attention seeking. But then again in all novels, be it japanese, chinese or korean, main characters, lead characters, they all get attention. What makes me point this out is because, it somehow seems and feels "attention" is the main ingredient, the main focus. I am a bit... reluctant to that... Perhaps I shouldn't say main ingredient but an important one (in this novel) and that should never be in my opinion. It should come and feel as natural. Whatever... Might aswell just stand up in his class and yell "NOTICE ME SENPAI! I NEED STORY POINTS!".

Because in the novel if he train in secrets or in private secluded area (which he does), he get miniscule points...

So far I am little bit entertained but its still early in the novel. It is an intressting idea the novel is build upon. The novel puts a lot on status window and the skills. Spent like 1 or 2 chapter to explain it and then 2 chapter to tweak it. Gonna wait and see how it pans out up to chapter 35 or something.

================================================================

I have now read up to chapter 35. This is an entertaining novel, everyone should give it a read. However I feel it is also a bit messy. A messy novel. The novel has an intressting idea, its about a writer who has put his novel on hiatus, and so "god" or some otherwordly being with power beyond our human standards throws him into his own novel. Right? You get me so far? While this part is intressting, it soon get messy for me. We know he is main character inside a novel, in his own novel (novelception). But this main character (Kim Hajin), trys not to be the main character, he is trying to be the extra character that pushes forward the other side-characters so they become important figures. (??) And yet, he needs to stand out, or draws their attention to accumulate Story Points. He is trying to get acknowledge and get into the main characters circle of party, that he wrote (Kim Hajin), to advance his novel forward, but at the same time acts cold and tsundere towards them (??) This is how I understood it so far up to chapter 35. I prefer the other old styles of writing where the writer/author decides 1 path with chances for changes, not several "thoughts/paths" lump together making this whole thing a mess for me. But I am entertained. - The action part is entertaining but short, in some chapters - nonexisant. The novel itself is moving forwards in a "ok" speed. I am willing to give this 4 star when things clears up in later chapters.

========================================
Edit at chapter 250+. No 4 star from me.
For me, its nothing amazing of a novel. It feels generic at some point. Plot armor is noticeable by the experienced reader. Too many weird situations and weird story... sigh... <<less
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uzzie
uzzie rated it
April 2, 2019
Status: c279
The beginning was pretty good overall, the novel starts off with our MC being the author of a popular web-novel and then later falls into a slump ruining his own story later on, which is exactly what the real life author is doing here. Its kind of impressive how fourth wall breaking it is and how convoluted the plot becomes with main characters that turn into sides after becoming completely irrelevant to whatever the f*ck this MC is doing. Although the later story arc's are mostly thrash, the leveling/progression and... more>> fighting of the novel is pretty good sometimes but like overgeared sometimes who even knows how many forgotten powers/Items the main character has (Its the perfect plot armor guys). If your looking for a MC that struggles and makes it later on, your good with this novel; however if you hate romantic subplots that never go anywhere and somethings that causes numerous misunderstanding between the MC and line of women who've fell for him which I personally think is horrible form writing because it just shows how stale the story gets with each chapter. I wish I knew korean so I could give the original writing a try but so far this translated novel gets a solid 3/5 which is pretty generous. <<less
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raptorcsy
raptorcsy rated it
July 26, 2018
Status: c52
At first I thought it would suck, because he had a question mark face, ITS NOT PERMANENT! Only for a few chapters, then he gets a face and stuff.

I thought it was boku no hero academia rip off, BUT NO!!

THIS NOVEL IS SOOO GOOD!!!!!

... more>> He is not too OP, has a lot of restrictions, but uses his mind to over come them, and its not forever he will be weak! HE CAN GET STRONGER BY TRAINING, but the good thing, its gradual!!

Characters are so alive! You can feel their personalities hahaha

overall SUPER GOOD NOVEL!!!! <<less
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jojmist
jojmist rated it
June 23, 2018
Status: c29
Though there are currently only 17 'free' chapters out at this time, I have sponsored this novel and I am currently at chapter 29 at the time of this review.

FYI, I have never sponsored a novel before, though have read countless novels good and bad over the years. I hope that me dishing out 70 dollars to sponsor and get the max amount of translated chapters shows how great this novel is and the potential it has.

As per the novel itself, the setting is a unique spin on the 'transported... more>> to another world' theme, as the novel's MC is the creator of the world he is transported to in his own book/series but is only an extra and not a main character. This gives him an advantage in information and future events, though at this point in time, he is actually weaker than the rest of the characters in the story (but due to his special abilities, can upgrade/create items but at a cost to balance it out). He does have the potential to be OP in the future and he probably will be, but so far he is putting in the maximal amount of effort in the hopes of fighting off future disaster. If he becomes OP, then it is well deserved.

I can also best describe the MC as mature, intelligent, and more of a 'no-nonsense' character that doesn't let himself get pushed around. He doesn't beat anyone up; if he feels that another character is being a jackass, he will just literally call them out and call them a jackass, or act intelligent and just ignore the childish banter. I like these interactions in the story; it feels as though the MC is a real person, and the interactions are what you would expect from real people in modern society.

What really impresses me though is the scope of the other characters. They play their 'defined' roles well and have additional defining points for each with much more room for depth, backstory, and growth that is foreshadowed in the novel. They are enjoyable and I look forward to their future interactions with the MC.

As per romance, there is currently none with very obvious hints with one of the main characters maybe fancying the MC, but the MC himself has absolutely no interest in anyone at this point in time or aware of any hinted feelings. There is a ton of potential here for later as well.

Lastly, the one issue I find with this novel and that I also found with the author's previous work, 'A Monster Who Levels Up', is that the author tends to be unpredictable and add in jumble bits of plot devices that are there for the sake of the author trying to make the setting more interesting that are also used to quicken the pace of the plot. Luckily, this novel is a bit more slower paced compared to the previous work (that ended before 200 chapters) and much more put together/logical, so hopefully this novel will bloom into its well deserved current rating on this site.

All in all, read this novel! It has humongous potential of being a top novel. <<less
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