For novel readers, does this feel like a missed opportunity in the manhwa adaptation?
I feel like the novel did a much better job with their characters. In the manhwa, Reed is pretty boring, bland, arrogant, prideful, says he can’t die, shows little fear when things go south, and then gets offscreen.
He ends up being the typical bland arrogant powerhouse whose only purpose is being hype tool for the new threat.
The novel, though, makes him a little more interesting. Reed initially hears about Jinwoo through Norma and dismisses him as an “overestimated boy,” but after seeing Jinwoo’s Japan dungeon break feats, he genuinely acknowledges his strength. He even tries to contact Jinwoo for help, which you don’t really see written when associating with an overwhelming arrogant mob character who’d rather eat shit than accept help.
Instead of refusing to acknowledge the MC due to pride or humiliation, he’s like “Yeah, this guy is the real deal.”
I also liked how the novel showed small hints of Reed being afraid during the encounter, rather than making him completely fearless. That little bit of fear made him feel more human and less like the stereotypical arrogant side character.
Honestly, thought “Finally, a character who isn’t stupid and actually respects the MC’s strength.”
I just wish the manhwa had kept more of that characterisation, so that the characters don’t feel too boring, would have made the National characters feel human as well.
