Ex Rank Supporting Role's Replay in a Prestigious School

This serves as a prime example of how a fantastic novel can be marred by abysmal translations. One might even argue that using Google Translate on the raw source materials would be more tolerable, as it wouldn't constantly alter the terminology. Despite the poor translation quality, the story's substance shines through the chaotic puzzle of translated text.

The protagonist, who entered the game as an ordinary student A (aided by some isekai perks, as is typical), aims to prevent the tragic outcomes for the characters. Intriguingly, there's a subplot involving an alliance defending Korea with a Zodiac connection, adding depth to the narrative.

In conclusion, although the storyline holds immense promise, I earnestly wish another translation team takes over or improves the existing one, as the current version is truly abysmal. I'm giving the story a mere 4 out of 5, but the translation quality deserves a 0. I'm glad to report that a new translator has emerged, doing a significantly better job than the previous one, and I hope they maintain their high standards (dated: November 6, 2021).

This is the finest Korean novel I've come across. Despite an initial rough translation, I pushed through to continue, captivated by the engaging story. It's great to see more attention and re-translations now.

The pacing may be slow, but that's intentional; the author invests significant effort into crafting a well-rounded world and its intricate settings. The characters, including the protagonist Cho Eushin, exhibit realistic traits, making them feel like authentic individuals in their fictional realm. Each character has their own motivations, thoughts, and aspirations, driving the plot organically rather than being plot-driven.

Cho Eushin is a remarkable protagonist, embodying the essence of determination, resilience, and intellect. I hold him in deep admiration and, at times, find myself envying the people in his life. Yet, I am equally grateful for their presence, as they deserve each other's happiness, which I genuinely hope they find.

For readers who appreciate intricate details and long-term storytelling, this novel is a treasure trove. Early plot points are skillfully woven into the narrative, gradually unraveling mysteries as the story progresses. I have revisited the book numerous times, even though it's still ongoing, because each reread uncovers new insights and connections that I missed on previous readings.

In short, if you're a fan of depth and character-driven narratives, this is a must-read.

List of Heartwarming yet Annoyingly Self-Sacrificing Protagonists I Adore and Occasionally Struggle With:

1. Cale Henituse
2. Kim Dokja
3. Jo Euishin - Oh, how much I adore Jo Euishin! He's like the ever-reliable big brother everyone looks up to. He offers sound advice and moral support, stepping in when needed. He genuinely cares about others' happiness, even acquaintances, without becoming傲慢 just because he's powerful or famous. Despite his tough exterior, he doesn't take unnecessary lives, opting for subtler methods like psychological torment (typical alpha behavior, huh?).

Euishin's character development is profound, acknowledging the value of life, especially after his own brush with death from cancer. His journey isn't a magical fix, but a continuous process of facing his traumas head-on.

His classmates and allies are well-developed, too. Characters like Hwang Jiho, the seemingly irresponsible principal, evolves as he realizes his mistakes and strives to improve. Even his struggles and past experiences make them empathetic and understanding.

The villains range from truly despicable ones deserving defeat to those whose descent into darkness is understandable, allowing for some level of sympathy.

As of November 8, 2023, the translation by NovelMultiverse, led by translator Aria, has significantly improved, making the story even more enjoyable (big thanks to them!). Another excellent translator, Library Key, adds to the series' popularity. Also, Google Translate has become more readable, making it accessible for those who prefer to read the translated version independently.

The narrative is exceptional, with intricately woven mystery elements that captivate the reader. The characters are well-developed, each possessing unique and engaging personalities. They undergo significant growth throughout the story. Jo Eushin, the protagonist, is an endearing character that garners genuine admiration (I'm practically fawning over him, along with Cale Henituse and Han Sooyoung).

Despite the initial failure of the game, Jo's connection to the characters he's spent years nurturing is strong, making it difficult for him to disengage. He genuinely cares about their well-being and actively strives to bring about a positive outcome. While he refrains from killing, he's not lenient with his adversaries, maintaining a balanced approach.

Jo's abilities are neither overly powerful nor mundane; he has a skill called "Use of All Things" with limitations, demonstrating resourcefulness in various situations. He knows when to rely on others for assistance, showcasing teamwork.

The translation quality, however, is a mixed bag. Initially, it's decent up until around chapter 50 or 60, but then it dips suddenly. A new translator takes over later, improving readability, but there are occasional inconsistencies due to different interpretations. Some Korean terms, like "Gwanglim," are left untranslated for authenticity, but new translators might alter or struggle with these, causing errors.

In conclusion, this novel is highly recommended, with its compelling storyline, well-rounded characters, and a touch of relatable emotion. Give it a chance by starting with the first ten chapters and form your own opinion.

Regarding tense and grammar, I won't comment since I primarily rely on machine-translated light novels for my reading enjoyment. However, the story itself is commendable. It boasts an engaging world-building that captures the reader's interest. The plot is well-crafted, with the narrative primarily centered around the main character, Jo Eui Shin (the name may differ slightly due to translation), but occasionally shifting perspectives to other characters, offering a broader view of the unfolding events. The characters and plot evolve organically, not solely dependent on the主角.

What I appreciate is the exploration of redemption and personal growth in the story. Characters undergo transformations, demonstrating that good and evil are complex constructs influenced by various factors. They seize opportunities for self-improvement through their experiences and circumstances, showcasing character development.

The narrative also employs an intriguing technique, where being immersed in the story world reveals hidden plotlines and conspiracies, particularly for the protagonist. As events are altered, the mystery deepens, revealing unseen aspects that characters, including the MC, are unaware of.

Despite focusing on plot and intrigue, there's a healthy balance of slice-of-life elements. These provide crucial context for character development, as we witness the characters striving for happiness in their daily lives, which becomes the driving force behind their resilience and determination during challenging times.

Hello New Readers, I recommend starting with "Waffles" first. It will give you a basic understanding of the terms, events, and characters, making it easier to comprehend the subsequent chapters on NovelMultiverse. However, please note that the translation quality is inconsistent. The initial chapters were heavily machine-translated, and it fluctuated between clear and cryptic language. Around chapter 115, it dipped low again, but it improved slightly around chapter 150.

As for the story itself, I would rate it 4.5 stars (I gave it 5 stars because the rating system is close to dropping below 4). Despite the translation challenges, I appreciate the world-building and plot. The characters are well-developed, each with distinct traits and interconnected backgrounds, which can be complex but fascinating. Our main character is a dear favorite – a caring, silent guardian who always prioritizes the safety and happiness of his loved ones. He's fiercely loyal and selfless, often putting others before himself.

There's plenty of room for shipping, as there are numerous potential relationships. Here are a few examples:

1. OrgML and Joo Su-hyuk with An Da-In - a strong affectionate connection that others encourage.
2. Min Green, a socially anxious genius painter, and Song Dae-seok, a socially anxious satellite enthusiast.
3. Kwon Jae-in, a blue violinist, and Na Bi-ryeong, a butterfly lady aiming to calm storms.
4. Red Tiger and Ungnyeo from the Bear clan, who were once married and had a child.
5. A mischievous hybrid child, Kim Shin-rok, and Yong Je-gun, a quirky cyan dragon.
6. Dedicated nagging Master Jang Nam-wook and jokester Do Shi-hoo.
7. President Joo Su-gyeom, a reserved cousin, and Oh Hye-ji, a match the family tried setting up for OrgML.
8. Jegal Jae-geol, a Blue Jade Poet, and Hong Kyu-bin, a student and Team 1 leader.

My personal favorite ship: Main Character with White Tiger. They share a comfortable, long-term bond, like an old married couple, with the rest of the group serving as their family.

Now, onto the more challenging part: the Machine Translation (MTL) section. It follows a 30-30-30 rule – 30% is understandable, 30% inferred, and 30% is guessed. Unfortunately, the remaining 10% is quite confusing, especially with names like Moonlight Tax, Thanksgiving, Lunar New Year, Glass, Stone/Marble, Army, Zegul Jagger, Public Hearing, Scratch Girl, Screaming Girl, Holy See, and The Fever. Deciphering these names has taxed my brain.

That's all for now; I'll continue translating as the story becomes more intriguing!