Nooooo

Duke is most likely meant to represent a closing chapter for Jiwoo/the story so far.

We have considered Jiwoo as a young and inexperienced awakened up till now. Despite everything he’s been through we all knew there was much more to learn. But with this it demonstrates that he is no longer inexperienced and incapable of dealing with powerful enemies. Of course he’s no where near the level of the top 10 but it signifies that he is well on his way there.

Also we know that Duke was literally only one out of ten other incredibly strong young awakened. Pushing on with Duke and allowing him to continue through the story was just repetitive and unnecessary. Even if we were to assume he could turn over a new leaf I don’t think he ever would have nor would it have made sense for him to make that decision after everything that happened he would have to face harsh punishments for his behavior and crimes in the past( though some of that could be mitigated if we assume Schindler would actually protect him… but, Schinder was a terrible mentor to Duke. He fought him nothing but power and based on Schnider’s last words to Duke, he clearly hadn’t taught him much in terms of morals and character. Duke showing his brief moment of hope before his end proves how desperate he was for his mentors approval. He’s a very pitiable character because he was quite literally a product of his environment.

I do agree a story with a focus on him would have been interesting but in Jiwoo’s story this was probably the best end for him. He didn’t have to face the shame and apparent pain of his choice to take that pill, and of course another loss to jiwoo.


If you do want to find some hope then we didn’t ACTUALLY see Duke die. We saw him disappear in a blinding light.

If he lived he would live in excrutiating pain... Its better to die.

I agree. I Duke's final thoughts, we see that he wasn't going to change. Even after all the pain an humiliation he went through that he caused himself, his heart never stirred to think that he was the problem.
He'd become a vegetable at the end of the day. It would have been cool to see Jiwoo be the one to land that one blow to render him incapacitated. Jiwoo wouldn't kill but if it meant dealing major damage to save himself, then I can see that. But I know Jiwoo is too nice.
So many possibilities, but I think it showed that Schneider was a terrible mentor and no where near in terms of Kayden and Jiwoo's loving mentor-apprentice relationship. Jiwoo and Kayden have become family and Kayden has become Jiwoo's best friend aside from Jisuk. (God I miss that guy!)
Kayden's bestie is Kartein, let's admit haha. They have a special bestie relationship, but I know Kayden loves Jiwoo as if he was between a son and a nephew.
This was a nice way to see Jiwoo's growth and chapter closed. I really am anticipating what the next arc will be! So excited!!

fr, hate that bitch boy who gave him drugs

Yeah but they also said the only person who could save him was kartien (i think that's his name?) but kartien obv wouldn't save him but jinwoo would ask him to, Duke then could have a big character arc and Yada Yada.
I'm just copin though
I love character arcs and rivalries so much

Yeah i know, I'm just a sucker for rivalries lol.
The cope was real

Nah, he's too evil to even remotely redeem himself. There's nothing he could learn, nor has there been ANY changes in his demeaner or way of thinking. He's still selfish and greedy. He's willing to murder like no other just fine. He'd have to have had some slight character development prior.

I understand what you mean, though.

I just think him getting better would not even humble him. He's too greedy and would still want Jiwoo dead.
IF there was any slight changes from back then to now... Yeah... Maybe. But he didn't show any character development. Only character development in the sense that he will only get worse and more evil and selfish.