“Originally, the twenty years old Kim Rok Soo was pretty useless. However, as he passed 25, 30, and then 35, Kim Rok Soo became a decent person.”
Reality: KRS survived the monster apocalypse on his own while starved without any powers, joined the most impressive team in the Company with no combat abilities, became an invaluable member of the organization, came out alive from fighting against multiple unranked monsters, overthrew multiple corrupted guilds, gained an ability that let him transcend time, and lead his team for years with 0% casualty rate Me: … Me: That’s it. I am nevertaking KRS talking about himself at face-value again
*pats on the back* Well sister, you ain’t the only one
Me: *sees one (1) TCF meme* Huh, I wonder where this came from One week later: Me: *obsessively researching* So wait, exactly how many times did Cale faint the novel??
Can we all just sit back and appreciate the fact that since Alberu’s last name is a pun – Crossman being literally the name of gun selling company – it means our dear Author-nim planned to give him a gun since the start? *chef’s kiss*
Cale Henituse Attack:______________Sky Eating Water (agressive combat) Defence:_____________Indestructible Shield (defensive combat) Strength:____________Super Rock (hardened body) Damage:______________Fire of Destruction (destruction & purification) Constitution:________Vitality of the Heart (recovery) Dexterity:___________Sound of Wind (navigation) Agility:_____________Instant (speed) Wisdom:______________Embrace (special skill) Intelligence:________Record (info analysis) Charisma:____________Dominating Aura (bluff)
Bonus round Special Effect:______Dominating Water Accuracy Buff:_______Annual Rings of Life Critical Hit:________Blood-Drenched Rocks Health Upgrade(?):___World Tree Dagger Enemy Loot:__________Sky Attribute & (5+) APs
Dragon Worshippers, Act 1 Cale: According to the novel all Elves are obsessive dragon simps, so let’s avoid- Obante: Gasp! That aura! Sir, are you a dragon?? Cale: (Well f***) Raon: Hello! The Dark Elves: *simp mode activated* Cale: (IGNORE) *Cale mistaken as a dragon counter: 2*
Securing Allies Cale:*at the Jungle, Roan, Breck and Whipper Kingdoms* You get an alliance, you get an alliance, you get an alliance, everybody gets an alliance! Alberu: *headache mode activated* …You’re driving me nuts
Dragon Worshippers, Act 2 Cale: I need to visit this mountain to get the fire power, but there’s an Elf Village nearby, so let’s avoid- Jeet: Gasp! That aura! Is that a dragon?? Cale: (Well f***) Cale: Raon, spin in circles for a bit Raon: (Spinning is so much fun!) Jeet: (There’s no way such a dignified creature would be spinning. That red-haired dragon must be doing it for a distraction!) Jeet:*simp mode activated* Cale: (IGNORE) *Cale mistaken as a dragon counter: 3*
Saving the Elf Village Cale: *gets another power* Cale: Great, I’ve got all the full power set I wanted. Now let’s just- Pendrick: Would you mind saving our village? Cale: (Well f***) Arm: Haha, we’re going to poison all of you Elves with dead mana and steal your branch of the World Tree! Cale: Oh look, free dead mana Arm: Huh?! It’s those bastards in fake uniforms again!! Cale:*blasts them with fire* Also Cale: *coughs blood and faints* Cale’s group: *turns murderous* Arm: Wait, we didn’t even- Cale’s group: *goes on a war path* *Cale coughs blood and/or faints counter: 2*
Dragon Worshippers, Act 3 Cale: *wakes up in a flower garden Disney princess style* Cale: Wait, it’s been 3 days? Why are you all still in the same outfits?? Cale’s group: *awkward* The Elves: He’s got a dragon’s protection! The Elves: *simp mode activated* Cale: Oh look, free manual labor
Scamming Toonka, But Also With ✨Friendship✨ Cale: *discovers very important research in the Magic Tower* Cale: How about I copy half of it and sell it back to Toonka for the price I bought the tower for? Alberu: It wasn’t even YOUR money, you bastard. Sell it back for half the price and have them eternally grateful to you. Cale: Sounds good. Choi Han, act Choi Han: What. Is. This. How. Odd- Cale: I am never letting you act again Toonka: So generous!! My friend!!! Cale: I am very generous, aren’t I Toonka: *trust mode levels up*
Meeting Eruhaben Pendrick: So there’s an ancient dragon who lives nearby Cale: Hell n- Raon: Yay! Another dragon! Cale: … Cale: (Well f***) Raon: Hello! Nice to meet you! Eruhaben: What is this?? A social dragon??? Raon: Yep! Wow, you’re loaded Eruhaben: Of course I am. You might as well inherit it all since I’ll be dying soon anyway- Raon: You’re my granpa now Eruhaben: Wait what Raon: You’re going to teach me? Eruhaben: I guess…? Raon: We’re all staying here for free by the way Eruhaben: (…Why do I feel like I’m getting scammed??) Cale: *proud* (I taught him well)
Meeting the Sun Twins Cale: *randomly stumbles across Jack and Hannah* Cale: (Well f***) Jack: You must be from the Empire, here to silence us for our intricate knowledge of your shady deeds!! Cale: *realizes he just got a goldmine of information and a trump card against the Empire on his hands* Cale: There’s no reason not to adopt these children who are actually around my age
Becoming the Avatar Eruhaben: By the way, you realize you’re supposed to blow up and die from multiple ancient powers, right? Cale: Wait what Eruhaben: If you want to live you have to gather all 5 attributes to balance out your plate Cale: (Well f***) Eruhaben: That’s close to impossible of course, but I wish you luck- Cale: Found it Eruhaben: Wait what Cale: *gets the earth ancient power with a fully furnished villa as a bonus* Cale: My water power’s an exhaustible resource, but I’m sure that won’t bite me in the a** later
Officiating the Alliance Cale: *goes around helping, adopting and providing people with precious resources to makes themselves stronger* Also Cale: It’s so nice to be a nobody Alberu: Come with me to the alliance meeting. Just act like your usual self Cale: (You mean sitting still and doing nothing? Perfect) Everyone: Look! It’s Cale Henituse!! *simp mode activated* Cale: (IGNORE)
Helping Toonka, Still With ✨Friendship✨ Toonka: *calling* Hi friend! We got a bit of trouble here, but don’t worry, we’ll be fine! Cale: … Cale: I’m coming over Toonka: Wait, wha-? Raon: You’re such a good person, human! Cale: *brings in healers and potions when no one asked* (What nonsense is this child talking about?) Toonka:*trust mode maxed out* Cale: *disguises himself as an extremely holy-looking priest* Also Cale: I’m sure this won’t bite me in the a** later
Adopting the Tiger Tribe Gashan: Here he is, the man who is leading a new life Ron: That shaman seems legit. He knows how the young master used to be trash Witira: Young master used to be trash?? Mary: Impossible. He’s not trash Choi Han: He only acted like trash Cale: I’m still trash Everyone: … Gashan: Anyway, Nature told me you would give us a new place to live Cale: No wa- Gashan: We got bribes Cale: -there’s no reason not to adopt more Beast People into my zoo- I mean Harris Village Also Cale: *causes a natural disaster and destroys Arm’s fleet just because he can*
Field Trip to the Empire Alberu: Go with me to “investigate” in the Empire Cale: How about no Alberu: You’ll have looting opportunities Cale: Sign me the f*** up Adin: *fake smiles* Cale: (I despise this psycho to my core) Rex: *shows up to blow up the imperial palace* Cale: *saves the day with a holy-looking shield* Everyone: HERO!!! Cale: (Well f***) Adin: Thank you so much, here’s a medal for your heroism Cale: (I am going to DESTROY him) *Cale coughs blood and/or faints counter: 3* *2 Divine Items has been added to the Inventory*
Dragon Worshippers, Act 4 Cale: We’re going to see the World Tree The Whales: Be warned, the Elves are a**holes Cale: Great The Whales: Huh? Cale: Have you ever seen Elves next to a dragon? The Whales: Uh, no? Why? Raon: Hello! The Elves: *simp mode activated* The Whales: (WTF is this??) Adite: *throws money at Cale* Cale: Uh? Adite: Please don’t set the World Tree on fire Cale: *pockets the money* I mean, since you’ve asked
Meeting the World Tree World Tree: Just so you know, the gods chop off my branches if I give too much exposition Cale: Fair enough, so what can you tell me? World Tree: There’s an a**hole with 3 ancient powers, you’re going to need the water power, and Raon’s mom is important to the plot World Tree: *loses 3 branches* Cale: …Was that really too much exposition? World Tree: The gods are a**holes too, you know
Enter Clopeh Cale: Let’s go to Paerun Kingdom Cale’s group: Why? Cale: For a festival Cale’s group: Oh how nice- Cale: Also to set a lake on fire Cale’s group: Huh? Cale: And to loot Arm again Cale’s group: Ah. Choi Han: Cale-nim, why do we keep using those knock-off uniforms? Cale: To annoy them, obviously Choi Han: Your intellect never ceases to amaze me Clopeh: *sees priest Cale* Gasp! A divine sign! My legend is drawing near!! Cale: (…why did I get chills all of a sudden?) *Cale coughs blood and/or faints counter: 4* *Dragon Crown (Key Item) has been added to the Inventory*
Messing Up Slave Traders Cale: *acts like a drunkard* Antonio: Humph, no way that guy is a REAL noble Cale: *smashes some houses to reveal an illegal slave trade ring* Cale: So your people were involved in this mess Antonio: (…well s***) Cale: Now I’m blackmailing you- Antonio: (Oh f***!) Cale: -to do your job properly. Just be on my side and protect the kingdom Antonio: (So he IS a REAL noble!!) Antonio:*admiration mode activated* *Cale coughs blood and/or faints counter: 5*
Cale at the Auction Plavin: How much for the Determination of Fire? Cale: 30 billion Plavin: You motherf***er. *pays* Sun Church Bishop: How much for the Night’s Exultation? Cale: 23 billion Sun Church Bishop: You son of a b****. *pays* Cale:*spoiling the kids rotten on a shopping spree* I’m rich now The kids: …But you were already rich? Hilsman: *touched*Look at our young master Silver Light, he’s so generous!!
Cale Gets a Promotion Alberu: So the Wyvern Knight Brigade has been revived, huh Cale: Make me in charge of everything Alberu:*shrugs* Fair enough Nobles: *at Cale* Who do you think you are?! Cale: *shows them the badge* I’m the Commander, b****es.
The War Begins Indomitable Alliance: We will start our glorious conquest with the Henituse Territory! *brings in the wyverns and the Bear Tribe* Clopeh: I shall become a legend! Cale: I’m about to end this man’s whole career.
Transmigration Cale: *randomly wakes up as a minor villain in a novel* Cale: You mean I’m rich and I have reputation of being trash, with no responsibility or expectations?? Cale: PERFECT
Role Adjustment Cale: (Being trash sure is great) Cale: *is nice and polite to everyone* Everyone: Young master smiled?? Young master gave a compliment?? Young master’s not breaking anything??? Cale: (Yep. No one suspects a thing)
Meeting the Protagonist Cale: (Let’s change this character’s fate from the novel and avoid the plot altogether.) Cale: Come with me, I’ll feed you. (So pls don’t beat me up) Choi Han: *gratitude mode activated* I shall follow this man for the rest of my life Cale: What Choi Han: What
Establishing Power Base Cale: Well if I want to survive I need a power-up of some kind Cale: Depending on divine beings is a bad idea. Let’s just get an average-strength human power Cale: *gets an extremely holy-looking shield power* Cale: … Cale: I’m sure this won’t bite me in the a** later
First Adoption Kittens: *hungry and homeless* Cale: Tsk. Cale: *feeds them* (It’s to keep them quiet) Cale: *gives them more food* (It’s not like I care) Cale: *gives them medicine* (I don’t even like cats) Cale: *takes them in* (They might be useful, I guess) Cale:*spoils them* (Children are supposed to play and eat well) Cale:*becomes a legit parent* (It’s not like this makes me a good person)
Starting the Journey Deruth: So we thought we’d be sending Basen to the capital, but we’ll be sending you instead Deruth: (My son has been in such a good mood lately, he might actually agree this time!) Cale: (What is this?? I don’t want to go, that’s where the plot and danger happens!!) Basen: *smol cute bro vibes* Big brother, it’s okay. I don’t mind if you go in my place Cale: … Cale: (Well f***)
Rescuing a Dragon Cale: There you go, little dragon. Now go and live freely Cale: (I have no intention of adopting THIS one. Way too much trouble) Raon: *protective modeactivated* I shall follow this weak human everywhere, b-but it’s not like I like him or anything, b-baka! Cale: (…so I got one more, huh)
Helping an Invalid Cale: *collects another power which was Taylor’s in the novel* Cale: Ok, I anonymously sent him enough info to change his storyline so he’ll survive this time. Let’s ignore him from n- Taylor: Greetings! Cale: (Well f***) Cale: *helps him* Taylor: *admiration mode activated* Cale: (IGNORE)
Enter the Wolf Tribe Cale: *chilling with the kids* Ah, slacker life is best- Choi Han: *barges in* Cale-nim, we got plot on our hands!! Cale: (Well f***) Cale: *helps out Lock* Lock: Thank you so much! Can you help my family, too? Cale: I don’t want to. Lock: Huh? Cale: *adopts him and his siblings anyway*
Meeting the Crown Prince Alberu: Young master Cale! A free spirit from such a noble family! Cale: Your highness! The shining sun of our kingdom! Alberu: … Cale: … Alberu: (…We both know we’re totally faking, right?) Cale: (Right) Alberu: (Let’s never meet again) Cale: (Agreed) *And so Began a Beautiful Friendship*
Plaza Terror Incident Cale’s allies: Just sit back and relax. We’ll handle everything Cale: I’m great at being still. Cale: *saves the day with a holy-looking shield* Everyone: HERO!!! Cale: (Well f***) Alberu: So you saved the day, what do you want as reward? Power? A medal? Cale: Hell no. I take cash only Alberu: Okay then…? *gives him a two-time use credit card to his personal bank account* Alberu: (This is in no shape or form a bad idea. What could he possibly buy?) Cale: *smirks* (You, sir, just made a big miscalculation)
Sea Encounters Cale: *comes to the sea shore to pick up another power* Cale: Well in the novel the Whales didn’t show up until like Volume 5, so I should be safe from the plot for no- Toonka: Hi! My name is Bob. Cale: (Well f***) Paseton: *dying of poison* Save… me… please… Cale: (WELL F***) Cale: *helps both of them* Cale: This much should be okay, right? (It’s not like I’m going to get involved any further…)
Field Trip to the Forest of Darkness Witira: So I’m here to thank you for saving my brother Cale: (I know that) Witira: Who was there because we’re fighting the mermairds Cale: (I know that too) Witira: Who are using your territory’s resources to make themselves stronger Cale: *spit-take*WHAT Cale: *gets further involved* Also Cale: Well, heeeello new power-up! *gets a bonus scamming power*
Unexpected Results Cale: *suddenly realizes he’s got 2 Cats, a Dragon, 11 Wolf children, the protagonist, and a bunch of big shot alliances on his hands* Cale: HOW did this even HAPPEN???
Buying the Magic Tower Cale: Why am I buying a worthless wreck of a building for 10 billions? Boasting rights, obviously Toonka: I 100% believe you! You’re such a good friend! Cale: *loots the secret floor filled with riches and steals himself an architect* Cale: Yes. I’m a very good friend, aren’t I Toonka: *trust mode activated* Cale: (IGNORE)
Returning from the Path of No Return Litana: The legend said there was a dragon here who randomly shows up to grant people’s wishes. But I guess- Cale:*randomly shows up* Hello, I’m here to save your Jungle from the fire Litana: … Litana: So the legend WAS true! Cale: …Huh?
A Dragon’s Revenge Everyone and their mother: Young master Cale is such a good, pure person! Cale: *rents a torture dungeon* Odeus: *terrified* (LIES! ALL LIES! THIS MAN IS NOT PURE OR INNOCENT AT ALL) Cale: *helps his son overcome his trauma by getting back at his abuser* Cale: So you see, this is why I’m absolutely not a good person Cale’s group: (LIES.)
Getting to Know the Crown Prince Better Cale: So anyway, I’ve figured out that you’re part Dark Elf. Here’s some dead mana from a motherf***ing dragon. Alberu: … Cale: What? Alberu: Are you gonna blackmail me, or…? Cale: Keep serving me as a bank account and that’ll do it, I think Alberu: You sly bastard Cale: Why thank you Alberu: Get out of my office Cale: With pleasure Alberu: *reluctant trust mode activated*
Hit and Run, Cale-style Cale: So now that’s over, I’m going to rest for a bi- Ron: *shows up poisoned with his arm cut off* Cale: … Cale: Welp. Time to blow up an island, I guess Cale: *goes on a war path* Cale’s group: … Cale: (My poor life. Why am I constantly surrounded by such crazy, vicious individuals?)
Running an Errand Cale: *staring blankly into space* The children: Is he okay?? Is he bored?? Is he sick?? Cale: (Ahhh, slacker life sure is best-) Alberu: *calling* Are you free right now? Cale: No Alberu: Great! Anyway, go pick up something from the Dark Elves for me Cale: No thank you Alberu: If you won’t help me there’s a high chance I’m going to be exposed and die. Cale: … Cale: (Well f***)
Recruiting a Necromancer Everybody: Necromancers are evil, dangerous beings. All fear their dark cursed powers Cale: *looks at Mary* Cale: There’s no reason not to adopt this child who is actually older than me.
“Trash of the Count’s Family” Review Series: Chapter 8
Trash of the Count’s Family Manhwa: Chapter 8
(This is actually the second time I’m writing this chapter’s review, because Tumblr glitched out on me at the last second and deleted all of my work before I could post it. I tried to replicate it but I’m sure I missed some things – so this is the shorter, less detailed version. Sorry about that.)
We start off with Cale noticing how Ron apparently has been feeding Choi Han well (suuure Cale, you don’t care at all about the well-being of this protagonist, you’re just using him… uhuh, I totally believe you), and how apparently Choi Han, Beacrox/Vicross – depending on translation – and Ron are all getting along (suuure Cale ).
Then we get an adorable, sincere face of Choi Han who wants to repay Cale for his kindness. I honestly adore Choi Han’s design, it’s simple but it’s just so cute.
Cale notices how the events are gradually diverting from “The Birth of a Hero” (TBOAH) story-line, and how much more they will change when he goes to the capital. He puts a page on the table and starts “interviewing” Choi Han: he asks him whether he can protect. Choi Han is surprised at the question.
Cale thinks on how he can profit from the current situation and we get the first “no-eyes” shot of this chapter – only 1/5 awkwardness rating, since I barely caught it. Cale is planning on taking the “Ancient Powers” before Choi Han and his companions from TBOAH can get them. Honestly speaking, when I first read this part, it made me think Cale really isn’t a selfless person, just like his inner narrator kept insisting. However, we will soon find out that despite Cale framing it in such a selfish manner – coming in and stealing other people’s good luck before they can get it – he admits to the audience that “they won’t need them anyway”. Turns out Ancient Powers really are supposed to be minor power-ups, which didn’t serve a larger purpose in the original story-line. In retrospection, Cale really has a tendency of framing his “misdeeds” as if they’re the ultimate proof that he absolutely cannot be a good person, while downplaying all of his acts of charity and selflessness as if they didn’t matter. What a charming hypocrite you are, Cale…
Anyway, Cale continues the interview. Choi Han doubts himself, because of course he does – he just failed to save the entire village of people who were like family to him. Then Cale asks him if he can kill. Choi Han naturally responds yes. He did kill all the assassins, after all. Cale tells him that he can protect as well, then. Choi Han says that would be difficult. But Cale responds that “difficult doesn’t mean impossible”.
We are reminded about Kim Rok Soo’s backstory of a difficult past as a poor orphan. It’s the reason he’s so happy that he got transmigrated as a rich trash/lout like OG Cale. But now Cale faces an obstacle to his desired peaceful life, so he needs Choi Han to get through it – naturally ignoring the fact that by doing so, he’s helping Choi Han with his problems as well.
(…And getting involved in the very plot he didn’t want to get involved with from the start – but as we’ve established by now, our MC’s self-awareness is equal to that of a potato sometimes )
Choi Han smiles as he agrees with Cale and ahhh, why is he so cute?? I wanna squish that over-century-old teenager’s cheeks!
Then Cale finishes off the interview by asking Choi Han his name. He knows it by now, obviously, but he wants to hear it from Choi Han himself. I’m not 100% sure how to interpret Cale gesture here – if maybe that’s some Korean culture aspect that I’m missing – but if I had to guess… I think that’s his way of showing respect? Like, accepting Choi Han as a proper employee. Which is just so wholesome of Cale. He really has no idea what a nice guy he is.
When Choi Han asks “You don’t know my name?”, we get a long-distance image where we can still clearly see Choi Han and Cale’s expression. So that’s very nice. Unfortunately, we get another “no-eyes” shot from Cale in the very next panel, and it’s reaaally noticeable and obvious, so I’m giving it a 4/5.
But Choi Han’s happy smile as he reaches out to Cale is great. And the way the hands are drawn is fantastic, as always. So an awkward panel here and there is a small price to pay, I think.
Now that our main heroes finally introduced themselves and Cale officially hired Choi Han, Cale passes him the page we saw at the beginning. Choi Han reads two names on it: Rosalyn and Lock/Lark – once again, depends on translation.
We get some exposition on the new characters (whose eyes are covered, but since they count as “mysterious, yet-to-be-revealed characters”, I’m giving it a pass): Rosalyn is a princess who survived an assassination attempt, as well as an incredible mage who would lead the strongest Magic Tower in the future. Lock/Lark is the heir and only survivor of the Blue Wolf Tribe, who can transform into a powerful beastman through “berserk transformation”.
Cale get chills as he remembers how TBOAH, Beacrox/Vicross would torture those who tried to assassinate Rosalyn. That panel is surprisingly bloody, considering how earlier all violent scenes got significantly censored… I’m really impressed! It looks scary and gory, but it’s amazing. Such a minor scene got so much detail, the artist is really someone special.
(Also, Cale’s disturbed expression is quite hilarious, not gonna lie )
With another “no-eyes” shot (let’s give it a 2/5) Cale says it’s a good thing Choi Han can read, and before anyone can accuse him of being patronizing – that’s a valid concern, since education doesn’t seem to be a requirement among peasantry in this world. Cale is actually being very clever by staying in-character as a noble – from that point of view, Choi Han’s ability to read wasn’t guaranteed at all.
Next, Cale pulls out a map and – wait… seriously? The map of the continent? Cale, wasn’t there any smaller-scale maps?? I’m pretty sure a country map would be enough! Or is this “subtle” exposition for the audience? …Or maybe since this map will be used more in the future, the artist just didn’t bother with a country-sized map, since they would have to make up a lot of towns or something.
Either way – we get what I think is our first close look at this world’s layout. Cale points at the right middle side, so this is where this country (yet unnamed at this point, I believe) is located on the continent. The castle in the middle apparently symbolizes the capital, where Cale is going. The buildings at the North-East stand for the Henituse territory, their journey’s starting point. Cale plans on taking Choi Han with him part of the way, before splitting up. There is a reason for that.
We get some more exposition: in TBOAH, there was a villain Marquis/Marquess – again, depending on translation. Both are accurate nobility titles, one rank before the Duke position. That person served as an antagonist to Choi Han and the crown prince. He also raised a “crazy dragon”.
Then we get more TBOAH story content: a dragon, less than 5 years old, was tortured in an attempt to tame it. However, it broke free and went berserk (or more accurately, into “mana explosion state”, since the “berserk state” is solely for the Beast People), killing innocent villagers. Choi Han fought the dragon and killed it out of mercy.
Now lets get into the most interesting topic to discuss this chapter: the visual representation of the dragon’s rampage.
I admit, the first time I read this I totally missed the part about the dragon being only 4. The way this sequence was shown in the Manhwa made me believe this was an adult dragon. It isn’t a spoiler to say that wasn’t the case since the age is right there: also, at the beginning we were told that Choi Han has been gifted “the lifespan of a dragon, making him pretty much never age”. Based on that information, it’s obvious that dragons are VERY long lived, so less than 5 years makes it a kid, if not an infant. In the novel we get even more information: the dragon was small, about 1 meter (about 3.3 feet) in length and described as very cute.
So here’s the question: why was this dragon drawn like an adult?
When I started writing this review, I thought perhaps it was hidden for a future twist: the Manhwa-only readers would expect a huge, scary beast, and would get a surprise in the form of a small adorable baby later on – just like I did, when I read it for the first time.
I even came up with a theory how such a thing could canonically make sense – the dragon growing in size so much while going berserk. In some lore we will get much, much later, we find out that dragons go through sudden growth phases, instead of growing gradually. If the dragon broke free by cutting through some of its life force… that means it could have forcefully sped up its growth, with potentially very deadly consequences. So this change isn’t necessarily a plot-hole or anything.
However, the more I thought about it… I realized what was likely the true reason.
The reason I’m content with this representation of the scene, is that aside from being very well-drawn and dramatic… I didn’t want to see a baby get murdered on screen. But what if the artist’s reason was the same? It is a form of censorship, in a way – just like drawing less blood in a village massacre.
…Or maybe it’s because it’s all Cale’s imagination and he just thinks dragons are scary Who knows!
Back to the chapter – Cale knows he can’t avoid the village where that event took place, since it’s on his way to the capital. He plans on either having Choi Han take care of the dragon again, or releasing it before it can go crazy. I think we all know where this is going…
Cale tells Choi Han to bring Rosalyn and Lock/Lark to the capital as repayment. Choi Han asks if his job is to protect them. Cale tells him to “do whatever he wants”, which is especially sweet since it’s 100% sincere sentiment from Cale that will repeat a lot in the future. Cale believes in the freedom of choice for his allies; so even though he manipulates people and lies sometimes, he never forces them to act against their will or judgment. He’s sending Choi Han to meet Rosalyn and Lock/Lark like he did in TBOAH, but he doesn’t force him to form a relationship with them – they don’t need his protection, they’re powerful and capable people in their own right. (And Cale’s unconditional belief in their abilities will cause a lot of beautiful misunderstandings in the future… )
Cale also tells Choi Han to come to the capital uninjured – because he needs him healthy for the plan, of course! It’s not like he cares for his well-being or anything…
Once Choi Han confirms that he can protect himself, Cale finally dismisses him (with a beautifully-drawn hand btw) and tells him to keep their discussion a secret. Choi Han says “I know” and leaves.
After a lovely transition of a starry night with a full moon above the Henituse mansion… we see Cale speaking with the Count, requesting money (because of course he is, lol). Deruth agrees without hesitation, showing once more he is a very generous father. We get 3 “no-eyes” shots one after another: Deruth, Cale & Ron, and separately I’d give them 1, 3 & 2, maybe… but together like that… mm… I’m giving those the first 5/5 awkwardness rating. That was just too many in too little space, you can’t just not notice it.
We see Cale chilling in bed with his money check, with Ron serving him lemon tea, “made especially for him, for a good night’s sleep”. Allow me to remind you that Cale shares taste with OG Cale and dislikes sour things and likes sweet things instead. Also, Ron absolutely knows about that. He’s just being a jerk on purpose
Before he leaves, Ron also tells Cale to “remember that he is always right beside him”, and I’m not sure he intends it to sound like a threat… but Cale sure hears it that way, judging from his expression! The relationship between this two really is comedy gold.
Now Cale is really set on sending off that sly assassin and his son with Choi Han in the future. Good thing they’re all getting along well… Riiiight, Cale??
And thats the chapter! Despite those “no-eyes” shots, there were so many beautiful panels with amazing expressions and detailed imagery, I really enjoyed it. Not to mention the humor. And my favorite dragon finally showing up! I really love this story.
Adin:*video-calling* Cale Henituse, you’re similar to me. Litana: (As if!) Cale: Indeed I am! Litana: Huh??? Adin: Yes, I knew it. What is it that you want? Fame? Power? Cale: Me? I want to be a slacker. Adin: … Adin: What? Cale: I said, my dream is to be a slacker. Cale’s group:*nodding* Adin: Are you mocking me? Cale: Are you mocking my dream?! (Do you have any idea how hard it is to achieve??) Adin: …clearly, you have no intention of being honest with me. Cale:*frustrated* I AM being honest! Adin: So you’re saying… that you don’t want anything. Cale: NO, I said that I want to be a SLACKER! (Why doesn’t he f***ing understand?!) Adin:*not buying it* Yes, yes, I get it. Cale:*satisfied* Good. Glad we’ve reached an understanding. Cale: Now sit tight until I find and murder you, you sick bastard
Cale really is a thief. I mean, not only because he stole money left and right without even thinking, or even the divines itens, but because he stole alies too. Everything and everyone that Arm or the white star trow away, even the Bear tribe or the others kingdons, Cale take and use against them.
Oh look, a swordmaster and fake Holy maden from the church of the Sun God! You don’t want her? Ok, is mine then.
Isn’t it the flame dwarves who can made wings? I’ll take it.
Holy shit! Is this a dragon? Yeah is mine now.
The Bear tribe? Yeah I’ll take that too.
Oh the marcenaries? Why would you try to trow away them? Just need a little reformation.
Your dragon half-blood? You mean my dragon half-blood.
Vampires? Why not?
Oh you want that kingdom/Empire/city? Too bad!
This ancient Power you mean? Yeah, I find this first so its mine.
Cale just cannot not take what is from the white star or his enemies! It’s amazing! It’s not a coincidence that he took a thief!
Cale is like Robin Hood, except better.
Because he doesn’t just rob the evil rich people and give the money to the poor. No, no, no. This is what Cale does:
First, he scams the evil rich people to willingly give him money and equipment.
Then behind their backs, he uses those things to incite a rebellion to defeat those very same evil rich people.
Then he loots whatever those evil rich people have left in their possession and gives it to his allies.
And finally, he puts a better person in charge so there would be no more poor people due to extortion and oppression.
To be more specific – how many words are there in the English version of the webnovel “Trash/Lout of the Count’s Family”?
I looked it up and of course, I found no answers. Which naturally meant I had to make research and calculations of my own.
(Bear in mind, I might have made a mistake or more somewhere. So take my results with a grain of salt.)
Here’s what I know:
by checking many random chapters one by one, I discovered that while there is no standard chapter length, they’re always somewhere between 2,500 and 4,500 words (excluding the short prologue). There might be some shorter or longer outliers, but I haven’t come across them
the most common length is somewhere between 3,000 and 3,500 words per chapter
there are currently 776 chapters in Part 1 (not counting the extra chapters released afterwards)
I had to subtract a bit from the final totals due to additional words located on the website pages I was using, but it was less than 80,000 words, so I don’t think that number matters a lot (you’ll see in a moment why…)
Based on this information, I calculated that TCF Part 1:
is at least 1.86 million words at Minimum
has the Averageof somewhere between 2.25 and 2.64 million words
atMaximumhas3.42 million words in total
(For reference, there are 576,459 words in the Lord of the Rings series, 757,439 words in the Bible, and 1,084,170 words in the entire Harry Potter series. Meaning TCF is probably at least as long all three of those combined.)
I made yet another TCF fanfic! It’s platonic Soulmate AU this time. KRS-Cale doesn’t get any soulmark in his first life, and so he can’t imagine the possibility that the soulmarks he’s gaining post-transmigration actually belong to him. Part ½
This is amazing! I read it twice and I can say for certain that it’s one of my favourite fics! You are an amazing writer
Rosalyn who should be at the Roan Kingdom’s capital was calling.
“Connect it.”
The video communication device was stealthily connected, and Rosalyn was quiet for a moment before she started to speak.
- Young master Cale, what are you doing?
“Stealing magic stones. Is something wrong?”
Rosalyn was at a loss for words seeing Young Master Silver Shield who was called a hero and a black Dragon who was great and mighty crouching down and stealing magic stones.
Cale: *looks and/or gets in trouble* Choi Han: *murderous expression* Cale: (I-is he… going to kill me??) Choi Han: (I’m still not strong enough to protect Cale-nim!) Choi Han: …I need to get stronger Cale: *pales* (Oh no, he is definitely planning on killing me!!) Choi Han: (Just look how weak and sickly he looks…) Choi Han: A lotstronger Cale: (…I’m so dead )
