The chosen plot devices are good. Reincarnation stories can be quite tricky and difficult to pull off especially when you establish that the past life and current life are 2 different people. It's easier to manage a storyline where the reincarnated pair (or one) is essentially the same, hence, a continuance of the original love story. This manhwa, in particular, diverges from the easy and usual reincarnation plot. Making it a difficult writing endeavor to present.
I commend that I can definitely see the bright love and dynamic between Brian and Sol, however, it is in terrible taste to begin their story right after Ian is at his lowest point, moreover, it has been way too long before we can see a glimpse back to our protagonist.
There are lengthy flashbacks that pull it off, there are short flashbacks that are insufficient. There is no right or wrong length, it all comes down to the right timing and the appropriate pacing. This manhwa was unable to introduce the flashback arc in the right timing, and unable to secure a stable perception. I see people divided: those who enjoy the flashback as a means of character development and seeing the chemistry between Brian and Sol; then the latter group who absolutely cannot tolerate another second of the flashback (usually who adore Ian to flaming bits).
Personally, there are plenty other ways that are more effective and time efficient on how to deliver a story as intricate as Brian and Sol. It can be done through tales with limited detailed flashbacks so that we actually get to feel that it is the past instead of a living timeline that Sol is holding onto for dear life. Rather than a full-on backstory that feels like we are reading a whole side story arc. This is not a legend or a tale, it is a diverging story that overshadows the main timeline and the main protagonist.
I find it absurd that we are drawn to sympathize, love, and root for Ian all these chapters, for him to find freedom and his identity away from the manipulative cardinal, yet we just... Move on? Accept that Sol/Brian Arc is so much more of a priority over our protagonist who, god knows what, is probably being targeted by the Cardinal in his most vulnerable state at this point? Are we really going to be happy with this lengthy flashback arc without even a proper glimpse of Ian or atleast showing what support system he has on the other end of the story while we unravel the history of Brian and Sol?
Genuinely, I hope that the author does not choose the route where Ian acknowledges himself as Brian as it entirely defeats his journey to find his own identity. Neither do I wish to see Ian finding himself unable to differentiate himself from Brian due to unresolved closures and perceptions of other people.
I hope to see a happy end for Ian. Whether or not he ends up with any ML, I hope he finds what it means for him to live. I think he's suffered enough being suffocated by conditions and under the scrutiny of others. Giving this story a 1-Star until Ian has a happy ending.
Could anyone spoil me if Yoojin's skills go back to its original rank or does it forever stay decreased because of Taewon's skills?
It goes back
Thanks so much for clarifying! Appreciate it.
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