Responses
However, I want to add that I LOVE idealistic characters and stories (especially isekai). But in this certain story, the conversation and context of the plot really creates a complex narrative that makes me hate even a trope that I love. That’s why I love this story. Good writing!
I'm currently only on chapter 59, so my opinions and views about situations and the characters may change but as of now...
I love Kang Han Soo. I love him for his skepticism. His realism. His REAL personality that feels hatred and grudges and anger, because we've all felt those emotions as well. I love him because he is the only person in this entire story (so far) that sees how messed up this entire system is. He is the only person in this whole situation that is truly trying to solve the big problems of this world. I kind of dislike Sieg because he's just so dumb and innocent. Like, he's a true chunibyou that doesn't feel like he really has consequences and I absolutely hate that.
However... now that I've taken a step back, I realized a lot about these two who are used as foils of each other. Kang Han Soo is a symbol for the real world. He has stated that he credits science more than magic. He uses REAL LIFE experiences and war tactics. And he is the only one who is truly dedicated to solving the real issue: the broken HUMAN kingdom. While Sieg is the symbol of the fantasy. He WANTS to stay in this fantasy world. His desire was to have a journey and romance a saintress. In chapter 59 (which is the same chapter I am currently on as I am writing this post), Sieg is involved in a harem - a common trope in fantasy/adventure stories. He doesn't really logic through this life. Instead, he uses HOPE and DREAMS to inspire him to move. In fact, he would be the best candidate to use "the power of friendship" to defeat the demon king. Additionally, he's the icon for the professor to "teach by example" for Kang Han Soo. This means he is the "ideal"; he is the idealistic character for professor. He is idealistic, meaning he isn't real. He, himself, is a fantasy. Just look at his name! He began his fantasy and his creation as a fantasy character by giving himself a new name! Additionally, Kang Han Soo is also someone who is TASK-ORIENTED and BIG PICTURE IMPAIRED, while Sieg is PEOPLE-ORIENTED and SMALL PICTURE IMPAIRED. Both are great qualities in real life but we can definitely see that there is a large difference between their characters and especially how the graduation system is more in favor of Sieg.
I think this is why I kind of hate Sieg (and the professor) while I love Kang Han Soo. He is dedicated to reality. His cruelty and "bad" personality is due to him being grounded in reality. His emotions, hatred, and grudges are real and they come to life in real ways. They do not converge into reality by Kang Han Soo WISHING for his troubles to go away. While Sieg is stuck in a fantasy. He's idealistic and he's stuck in his own head. He doesn't see the cruelty of reality, even in this new world. This new world, despite it being an alternate fantasy world, it is his new reality. But he's not treating it as such. THAT'S WHY HE'S ANNOYING. AND! The professor is annoying because she is essentially the writer to a story that is trying to force a fantasy onto a character that sees the world as anything but.
I love this story so much because it's so complex and has so many layers! I'm going to keep reading and let's see how I feel then!