I love how Seo Eun-seong is running interference to protect Lee Taegun and allow him to shine in his role as the hero, away from Kang Jaeha's malevolence and horrible intentions.
I wish Kang Jaeha would just drop dead.
I love how Pilwoo always finds a loophole to Seo's directives.
I think Seo subconsciously gives open-ended directives which Pilwoo can mess with because he secretly enjoys Pilwoo's attention and affection
Someone posted they're going to wait until this is finished, and will speed read past all the pain and suffering, and I'm going to do the same. I'll wait until all the chapters are out before I pick it up again.
I'm thinking of doing that too. After reading some spoilers from the novel readers, i don't think I will be able to handle the suffering they will face in the upcoming chapters. Not to mention it has a 10 day update, imagine the torture
Yeah, at least with the author's previous work, the bulk of the pain and suffering was in a past life and the question was whether the characters could break the cycle. I read some spoilers too and I don't want to watch the characters enter into a painful cycle in real time. You have a good point about 10 day updates. I don't want to do that to myself either ha ha
The latest chapters turns a few things on its head. Baek-Yeon isn't a helpless victim of circumstance, abandoned by his father, left in a strange place. From a young age, he sent his father away to save his life, chose where he wanted to live and decided he felt safest with an eccentric but kind antique collector and his grandson on their enclosed property. He was choosing his own path from the get-go.
Chapter 94 makes me really sad. Derwin's lighthouses which allowed them to trade, prosper and grow, were built by Archaia (well, Brian from Archaia) and from mana, but in the main timeline, Derwin views Archaia as an enemy and is suspicious of mana.
Possible spoilers...
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I looked at some raws and I think that Lorkan faces a contract onto Brian while he's on a mission to another town, and asleep and recovering. Brian doesn't know this and Sol senses it when he hugs him. So now Brian has an eternal contract with both brothers—one with Sol, which was by mutual consent and is an agreement between partners/lovers, and one with Lorkan, which is more like slave-master relationship.
It explains the present, where Sol was looking for Ian and Lorkan had him under his thumb the whole time. And Sol didn't manage to find Ian until he had grown up, and was living in a nation that's hostile to magic users, so little orphan Ian grows up ashamed of himself and is trauma bonded to Lorkan. If Ian had been born in Archaia and had grown up under Sol's watch, things would be different and he wouldn't be so emotionally damaged and wary. But we wouldn't have all the drama and conflict of this story ha ha.
Sorry for the typo, I meant "forces" not "faces"
Ohhhhhhh myyyyyyy goshhhhhhh. Love triangles are one thing (you know, when we can see that the 2nd male lead isn’t it), but it's another when it's like WRITTEN to be a triangle (both candidates genuinely have to fight for the MC). I was sitting here thinking about what exactly happened that would cause Ian's loyalty to Lorkan, so this helps clear things up. He got so smitten with Sol and so quickly because they had already fallen in love. Now, I'm ngl, Sol could have approached this whole thing better especially since we know he's pining for Brian, but I can't even blame him since he said he was waiting for like a 1000 years at this point. This still lowkey makes me feel a little uneasy because there's no way that, given your description, Brian knew what Lorkan did and thus when Ian gets his memories back, he's still not going to know. I want to say he should be with Sol but I just know that snake Lorkan holds a special spot in his heart. At the same time, who had been lying to Ian for his entire life? Lorkan? Yeah, that's right
I'm going to reply to your comment below, because my reply might be full of spoilers.
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If my spoiler-filled theory is correct, I think it explains why Lorkan has such a hold over Ian and why Ian feels so loyal and bound to him. The circumstances are different for Brian, who was an adult when Sol and Lorkan entered his life. The contract that Brian made as an adult with Sol is totally consensual. The contract that Lorkan forces on Brian is not by consent, but by then, Brian is in totally love with Sol. So the bond between Brian and Lorkan is a spiritual one and not really an emotional one (as Brian loves Lorkan).
As for Ian, he has been bonded to the both of them since birth. Sol would never force himself on Ian—at each stage of the relationship, Ian has made the choices to stay in contact and work with Sol. But Lorkan has manipulated Ian all along—kept him vulnerable, isolated, made to feel grateful, as if Ian owes Lorkan his whole life. It's actually an abusive relationship but Ian doesn't see it that way and even if he had all the information, he probably can't shake the trauma bond and sense of feeling indebted.
I'm really frustrated about the way that Sol has handled all of this and wishes he had told Ian the whole truth. But Sol told the Archaia president that if he told Ian the whole truth, it would "damage his soul" so I'm hoping the author has a plausible reason that will be revealed. Still, I guess learning that your savior (Lorkan) has manipulated, controlled and kept you suppressed your whole life, and forced a contract on you in a past life, would be a bitter pill to swallow and might be very traumatic for Ian.
Sorry I meant to say that Brian loves Sol, not Lorkan
I agree with you, but this is interesting
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Sorry my replies have been full of typos. I agree, the developments ARE interesting and I agree with you that Lorkan is such a snake. I'm not sure, but I have a feeling Sol might tell Brian what Lorkan did (or he might not?) I think the Lorkan's actions might have less of an impact on Brian, but has huge impacts on his reincarnations. It definitely affects Sol, because he can feel that Brian doesn't 100% belong to him on a spiritual level.
I feel like the covenants or contracts are like a marriage, but it's a spiritual bond that endures forever (hence the title of this story I guess!). So Lorkan has kind of forced a three-way marriage against Brian and Sol's wills And it's permanent.
For some reason I don't think my full reply sent, so that's really unfortunate... I'll just retype it here I guess. I was just saying that it's interesting for a few reasons: a) I was thinking about the soul damaging issue that Sol uses in his defense for not telling Brian everything; b) the fact that Lorkan was able to make another covenant with Brian means that Sol had to have been the witness for the covenant which sucks ass and honestly, Ruadrach could have done *something* to prevent this?? I mean, she fell in love with a human, too. Why wasn't she greedy and like used her powers to forbid multiple covenants within one person? It's likely she didn't think of it that way, but still! c) you're right that both have lied and kept things from Brian/Ian... personally, I think at this point, they will both have win his affection properly but I honestly do not care for Lorkan and bias Soleite. d) it's interesting that Lorkan would choose to side with Archaia considering it limits magic use, but anything to go against his brother, right?
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From the raws, I can see that Sol wasn't there when Lorkan spiritually interfered with Brian somehow. Brian was passed out on the bed and Lorkan... did something to him. The more I think about this, the more it seems like rape So Sol wasn't a party to whatever Lorkan did to Brian. I'm starting to think that either (a) Lorkan formed a contract with Brian without a witness, and that a witness isn't really needed, it's just a nice formality (b) Lorkan piggybacked off Sol and Brian's contract and has become an unwelcome though official third party to that contract. Which means it's not just a contract between Brian and Sol now; Lorkan has inserted himself into that contract without their consent.
I agree that Ruadrach could have done something to prevent this. She could have just forbade Lorkan from being anything other than a witness and he would have listened.
I can't stand Lorkan. Even if Sol doesn't tell Ian the truth, it's coming from a place where he's trying to be gentle with Ian. Lorkan is a scumbag, full stop.
I think I read in an earlier chapter that there are two types of humans, created from different dragons. Archaia has always accepted magic, and the other kingdom has never accepted it. Sol already ruled over Archaia, so Lorkan just took the other kingdom, and yes, Lorkan would do anything to go against Sol.
Spoiler
Brian and Lorkan go to the neighbor nation to offer a peact treaty and build that magical lighthouse. Brian uses up his power to make the lighthouse so Lorkan carries him to beg. I thought he just kisses him but force a one-sided covenant onto Brian? Now I'm excited for the next raw chapter.
I only saw the raws and can't read Korean so I hope I haven't misinterpreted anything!
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Just from what I gleaned, when Brian came back and hugged Sol, Sol immediately knew something was off and sensed Lorkan's presence inside Brian—like something was different. Lorkan stood around, smirking. I think Lorkan DID something to Brian (more than just healing him). And I think it carries ramifications for all of his reincarnations. That's what I got from it.
I agree with you
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Thank you. I think if Lorkan just made the moves on Brian, Sol would be upset but would move on (albeit with a grudge), particularly as it's one-sided and Brian loves Sol only. But I think it's far more serious than that. In the future chapters, it feels like Lorkan does something to Brian that affects all of his reincarnations and is affecting Ian now. That's why Sol is so disturbed and upset. The pure eternal covenant between Sol and Brian has been polluted or sullied somehow or has had an unwelcome component introduced to it.
I really don't like lorkan/brixton he is doing everything to get ian. I'm tired of him. I want Sol and Ian to be happy, I'm sure there will be a lot more in the next season. I hope Sol can explain everything to Ian. :(
I really don't like lorkan/brixton he is doing everything to get ian. I'm tired of him. I want Sol and Ian to be happy, I'm sure there will be a lot more in the next season. I hope Sol can explain everything to Ian. :(
Yeah, they really make us hate Lorkan/Brixton lol. And I want to see Sol and Ian happy too. Speaking of which, I can't wait for Ian to see that Sol really loves Ian for Ian. I want to see that unpacked in future characters. I know Brian and Ian's souls are the same, but their motivations and qualities are the same too. Both dreamed/dream of a better world, are driven by justice and compassion for others especially the vulnerable, and will risk their own lives to protect others. Ian is just more wary and emotionally damaged because he grew up as an orphan in a kingdom that's hostile to magic under a benefactor (Lorkan/Brixton) who is toxic. But Sol sees all of Ian's underlying beautiful qualities.
agree, sol loves ian as ian. I think Ian's memories are in his casket or when he saw his sword before or when they went to the Kanabula. but I hope ian doesn't go back to Derwin :(( isn't Brixton asking ian to find him. I feel Russell is kind and I hope he helps ian :((( can't wait to read the present :(
Yep, I can't wait until we catch back up to Ian
This is such an interesting and dramatic twist! This makes me love this story even more and I'm so glad that we get to see the full backstory on how it happened.
"I'm so glad that we get to see the full backstory on how it happened"
Yeah, me too!
Please bear in mind, I saw the raws but don't read Korean so I'm not 100% sure about the bit about Lorkan secretly forcing a contract onto Brian. All I know is he did something to Brian while he was passed out, and when Brian returns and Sol hugs him, Sol immediately knows something is up and that Sol is involved. So I think Sol did something more sinister than just attempt to flirt with or pine for Brian and it's something that's permanent. I think that might be part of the reason why Ian feels torn between Lorkan and Sol. One bond is born of love and true partnership, and the other is born of control and misplaced loyalty.
I love how Taegun's backlash makes him super talkative, especially during sex, while the usually repressed Eun-Seong would rather him shut up so he can nail him in the horniest, most primal of ways. They're such opposites. LMAO
I think there's a side story or two. The main story's finished but there are 3 more chapters left.
There re 3 side stories. 2 are continuation of this and 1 is an AU. I love the AU and can't wait for it.
Mostly because I want to see how Kim Dan is doing. He is such a sympathetic character, you can't help but root for him. I think if he had stayed at the gym, the other members would have supported him through his grandma's last days, like encouraged him to take time off or take him out for drinks to support him. I think potato would have been attentive. When Kim Dan was forced to resign, it's like he lost a whole family there. It's so sad.
I was curious about Lee Taegun and Seo Eun-Seong's back story so I looked at the raws. I don't read Korean so my interpretation may not be accurate. Here goes.
SPOILERS AHEAD
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Seo Eun-Seong and Lee Taegun went to the same high school. After Seo Eun-Seong loses his parents and is orphaned, he is suicidal. He goes to the top floor of a tall building and is about to jump when he sees Lee Taegun below. They make eye contact. Seo Eun-Seong hesitates and just stands there. Lee Taegun goes to the top floor and sees Seo Eun-Seong. He offers Seo Eun-Seong an extended hand and says "I'll help you."
From there on in, Lee Taegun looks out for him. Gives him food and snacks. Sees that he is self-isolating and tries to talk to him. Is all-around kind and caring. Seo Eun-Seong is aggravated by this. Lee Taegun says he knows what it's like to be an orphan and that he's just looking out for him. Seo Eun-Seong says that Lee Taegun has no idea what it's like to be him and doesn't understand what the pain of loss is like, since Lee Taegun has always been an orphan, and Seo Eun-Seong once had parents but lost them.
Seo Eun-Seong is depressed and so he's a jerk to Lee Taegun and says some ugly things to the guy who was kind to him, empathized with him and was only trying to help. Lee Taegun is understandably hurt and offended, because his kindness was thrown back in his face, and I think Seo Eun-Seong is the one who doesn't understand Lee Taegun's struggles of having been alone always and having to fend for himself always.
They're both teenagers and it's just a sad situation. It makes me think that if the two of them had been friends from the get-go, Lee Taegun might not have been in such a vulnerable situation as a teenager and wouldn't have through the exploitation and trauma he went through... since my theory is that even though Seo Eun-Seong was orphaned, he probably had some sort of inheritance and relatives he could still turn to, so he was still better off than Lee Taegun. But I understand Seo Eun-Seong grief of losing his parents too, and how that made him say something utterly cruel in a moment of vulnerability.