I Feel That If This Were To Happen, The Henituse Family Would Realize That Cale Doesn’t Think Of Himself

From the ashes [재], we rise (TCF AU).

Okay, I have an AU idea that could be a lot of fun to write. (＠＾◡＾)

This is nothing serious, I just thought what if this happened, and here I am. ┐(￣ヮ￣)┌

So, this is my AU:

OgCale was a commander of a platoon with whom he formed close bonds.

KRS managed to connect with the team members after JSH (Joo So Hoon) admitted that his father died of old age. The rest of the team (excluding KMA) consoled him, revealing that they also lack close family members.

They offered to be each other’s family, marking their oath by getting matching maple leaf tattoos. (Because the Korean word for ‘one’ [일] can be translated as ‘day’ [낮], and ‘autumn day’ [가을날] can be translated as ‘maple’ [단풍].)

This triggers Rok Soo to spend more quality time with Team 1, subconsciously thinking of them as family.

Simultaneously, an attack by an unclassified monster occurs during the battle in Puzzle City, pushing both Team 1 and the platoon to the brink of death.

The god of death brings OgCale and KRS to his domain, proposing that they return to their worlds and switch bodies. They acept whit one condition: their teams must go with them.

For OgCale’s side, it’s straightforward. The platoon members are easily placed in the younger bodies of Team 1, just before the destruction of the shelters. They receive information about the future situation and their new lives, enough to survive and thrive.

However, Team 1 (+ the Bae family) faces a tougher challenge. All platoon members were born during the war, so they can’t travel to those bodies.

The solution? Create new bodies for them. But there’s a problem: the resemblance to Choi Han.

His mutations in the Dark Forest (because you can’t convince me he didn’t mutate in the 150+ years trapped, surviving with magical beasts and mutated herbs while exposed to lethal poisons and dead mana ┐( ’ д ') ┌) would make him something a little less than human for those who know how to look.

The solution: create non-human bodies that replicate these mutations (bright reflections in black or brown hair, sharp fangs, thicker skin, high resistance to toxins and both live and dead mana, night vision, slightly pointed ears, etc.). This provides a viable explanation for their post-apocalyptic abilities.

Once done, they’re left somewhere between Rain City and Roan’s capital.

Everything up to the start of the journey to the capital happens as in canon, except that Cale’s tattoos (located above his knees) come with him to Nameless 1.

The encounter with the bandits changes everything. In their camp, they find a bunch of cages containing Team 1.

Cale, worried and mentally cursing the god of death, approaches to free them.

Meanwhile, Choi Han is visibly shocked to see a group of Koreans locked in cages (noticed by Cale’s entourage).

Cale frees them using a key he snatched from the leader.

And accidentally, Sejong calls him Timjang-Nim [팀장] (which means ‘team leader-nim’).

Ron asks if he knows them, and Min Ah, carrying her daughter, inadvertently worsens the situation by claiming they’re her clan.

Meanwhile, the knights wonder if this is why Cale brought Choi Han to the Henituse mansion, and they start concocting increasingly elaborate theories.

Okay, both theories are very interesting, but I always thought of something completely different.

We’ve been told that Cale is unusual because he doesn’t absorb the soul fragments in ancient powers to make them his own. But what if this is what makes them powerful?

In most fiction, souls hold immense power, enough to rival ten suns, as a TV show I can’t remember the name of once said.

And if this is true, a single fragment has enough energy to power millions of cities. Therefore…

…the souls of users are what fuel the ancient powers.

I know it doesn’t make much sense, but think about it: the reason one can’t use the full power of an ancient power is that they don’t absorb the remnants of the souls of the ancient bearers. If they did, the surviving will of these fragments would help the current bearer (Cale) unlock the full potential of these powers.

For example, purifying dead mana, controlling trees, tracking divine artifacts, alerting to danger (“Are you trying to sacrifice yourself?”), etc.

And the reason nobody knows this is that the surviving wills of the ancient bearers, if they decide they don’t like you, will do everything possible to prevent you from absorbing them while also refusing to give you any advice or help.

The only way to avoid this would be to have a very strong will and/or soul or to know this information beforehand.

That’s my theory.

Why were ancient powers in TBOAH not considered strong? Let’s talk about it.

What was that thing in the beginning of the novel that talked about ancient powers not being powerful? And despite people having them, they weren’t used very much in The Birth of a Hero because of that?

Cale had said it before when he talked about the fiery thunderbolt in tboah when Pendrick had gotten it, saying that it was of equal power to like a lighter or something, nowhere as powerful as what they needed it for.

But when Cale got it, it’s suddenly just gods damnation?!?!?? And it had the power to purify dead mana and black magic like this whole time?? That needs to be a topic for a whole other post (I mean seriously, that’s overpowered af, and no one would’ve ever known because only Cale can hear the voices of ancient powers, so Pendrick would forever have absolutely no idea it could do that)

I mean, it could be the way he spent all that money just to give it more power in a way Pendrick would never be able to do because they’re so non-materialistic.

But still, it’s just such a big difference????

The Sound of the Wind, Toonka in TBOAH never used it, again, maybe just because it might’ve been a bit too similar to magic, but he also called it weak and just never used it!

The Unbreakable Shield was just never used period, despite its usefulness and utility.

I have no idea about the Sky-Eating Water because I think it also never got used.

But why does something about Cale make these powers stronger?

They’re not even fully combined with his soul! They’re not at full power!! What the hell???!??

I have a theory about this, but you have to hear me out-

So TBOAH was the story about the creation of a hero through suffering and overcoming adversity, right?

Maybe his ancient powers are so strong because of a, “high risk, high return” type thing?

For example, referencing one of my past posts, every time he coughs up blood from an ancient powers recoil, he should be dying. His plate is weak, it’s made of glass, and every time he uses one last their limit, that glass will get closer snd closer to breaking, that is, without the Crybaby ancient power.

The Crybaby ancient power serves as a cushion, a shock-absorber, for every time one of the other ancient powers tries to recoil against Cale’s glass plate.

Just think of it as, every time Cale has ever coughed up blood, he should’ve been dead.

And of course, Cale, with barely any self preservation instincts, or those mental blocks in his brain that would usually be like “oh using that much would be too harmful, let’s not,” Mr, I can used Instant for 5 seconds and come out looking like I jumped into a blender, who is willing to sacrifice himself at anytime for the ones he loves, will always use the ancient powers past the safe limit.

For taking such a large backlash, one that would, should, be strong enough to kill you, you must be rewarded with something pretty powerful, right? Balance and all that shit?

Does any of this make sense? It’s like 1 am right now

I don't understand how no one noticed it before! ヽ(°〇°)ﾉ

You have all my respects, you must be very observant to notice this! (⌒▽⌒)☆

woah pause ✋

‘I am very old now too.’ The old man accepted that he was getting older. Just like how tree rings don’t grow all at once, the effects of time did not avoid him as well. He then started to speak.

- Ron Molan

Chapter 34: Being Still

THE TREE RINGS?

I know it's just a metaphor but WHAT?!

I was just reading his conversation with Cale and was surprised by the sudden jumpscare those words gave me. The sentence doesn't help either. 😭

The author is so good at hiding things so early in the story. I didn't even notice it before when I was rereading this novel several times. Either that or I'm just so dumb.

Reviews TCF the Manhwa ＼(٥⁀▽⁀ )／(1-10)

I'm waiting for enough chapters of book 2 to be uploaded to start a marathon and while I wait I've been reading the manhwa.

And I'm going to say it honestly, I was a little disappointed (-ω-、), I'm going to do little reviews for the chapters I read from now on so here's my review of the first ten chapters.

The first thing I noticed is that they skipped the scene where KRS woke up in Cale's body and I'm a little disappointed that Ron's first appearance isn't the same, but the bathroom scene makes up for it a bit (＾〃＾)b, its design is charming and I loved the fox eyes that seem to have eyeliner in Cale's design, after all they demonstrate his cunning, plus as another publication mentions, he is the only character with white pupils instead of black, if we add the knowledge That his eyes are the same as when he was KRS is a very good omen ⸜( ´ ꒳ ` )⸝

The face Cale made when he declared that the key to fashion is the face gave me a lot of tenderness so there are no complaints on that part ┐(￣∀￣)┌

The first appearance of the Henituse family was very similar to the one in the novel and the panels were very interesting, I liked it, that's all I'll say (︶‿︺)

I really liked Billos's design, I feel that it correctly captures his character and description (￣ ▽ ￣)

Continuing to talk about the design, for some reason I really liked Ohn's shoes in their first appearance, they reminded me of ballet slippers and now I have the headcanon that that is the type of shoe he likes to wear, something comfortable and soft but It is perfect for stealth missions and easy to obtain regardless of your socioeconomic level (─‿‿─)

The first appearance of the man-eating tree was not as shocking as I expected, I feel like it still had a lot of color for a dead mana-infected tree, in fact, I didn't like its appearance either once I obtained the Indestructible Shield, where are the blue leaves? ? because that's green! not blue! (；￣Д￣)

The design of the gluttonous priestess seemed a little too similar to Egyptian clothing for someone who lived in the jungle, although it is acceptable if that is Cale's imagination (ᓀ ᓀ)

In the bar scene I saw a ruffian with a long blue braid and my first thought was, Why didn't they give that design to, I don't know, Bud? He's too handsome for an extra (`皿´＃)

When Cale and Choi Han meet Cale seemed a little awkward to me and he is perfect for this type of scene plus Ohn and Hong were super cute (´ ∀ ` *)

I liked Choi Han's design, they made all the black of the clothes work and although I would have liked the cape to be brown instead of gray, the magenta highlights in the hair and the large number of buckles on his boots made me like it. I would like the design (´▽`)b

The first mention of how those who give you food are good people hit my heart when remembering Cale's past, it was perfect ヽ(⌒▽⌒)ﾉ

The first appearance of Hans and Beacrox is not very memorable but I loved their designs, I imagined Hans as a thirty-something with a beard but I loved the fact that they presented him as a cute twenty-something, and just looking at Beacrox gives that enhanced mysterious and terrifying vibe because of the dark circles under his eyes, but he looks incredible and the resemblance to Ron is noticeable.

Cale's imagination with the bowling pins-Ron and Beacrox being hit by a ball-Choi Han was very cute highlighting Cale's way of thinking and demonstrating it again with the matryoshkas-Ron, Beacrox and Choi Han (≧◡≦)

Deruth's reflections on Cale's change reminded me that no matter how bad a father he is, he is still one.

The first appearance of the dreaded lemons was iconic and Cale's expressions are beautiful (￣ω￣)

Choi Han's transformation from mad dog to puppy has already begun and it is beautiful ٩(◕‿◕｡)۶

The Henituse family crest was shown for the first time that I have noticed it and it is perfect.

Rosalyn and Lock's silhouettes with their shadows were incredible and gave us a good idea of what they will look like.

Besides Cale's imagination of what Raon looked like was hilarious, is that perhaps a foreshadowing of his adult form? Or is Cale just underestimating things? (°▽°)?

I really liked the first appearance of the Indestructible Shield, but I was left wondering where the wings were (¯ . ¯٥)?

Ohn and Hong's adoption was very sweet and Hans' reaction to "the cute nim-kitties" was hilarious and lived up to his name as a cat lover, plus the faces they made when they found out they were Discovered I loved them (´ ε `)♡

I really liked the conversation between Cale and Billos, plus the face Billos makes is very cool (✧ω✧)

And this is everything that caught my attention from the manhwa so far＼(٥⁀▽⁀ )／

See you later! (^０^)ノ

Secondary characters need more love! o(>< )o (Part 2: Hans)

I know that in fanfiction and fanarts he has many fans, but it must be admitted that in the canon, apart from being a cat lover and a good butler, he was not much delved into (￣ヘ￣)

He is known to be good at fighting with daggers and a spear, but at no point in the story is he seen fighting and I feel disappointed in that (＃￣ω￣)

Also, now that I'm rereading the novel and reading the manhwa, I got the idea that Hans could be a good shaman (︶︹︺)

Why did it occur to me? For one thing only, cats (＾• ω •＾)

If Hans becomes a shaman there is no doubt that his animal companions would be cats, something he would definitely enjoy (づ ◕‿◕ )づ

If that ever became canon I would like to see how he and Jopis interact (O.O)

From my point of view there are only two options: they get along immediately or they fight like, well, cats and dogs ╮(￣ω￣;)╭

I would have liked to see him fight at some point and generally have more participation (￢_￢;)

His character has no background, what is his past? Where does he come from? How was he hired? Why did he become a butler? ლ(¯ロ¯"ლ)

I want to know all that and more, even better if he is given a positive character arc, advancement with his abilities, and good development (o^ ^o)

A master of deception? (¯ ¯٥)

Only for himself (￣。￣ﾉ)

What Cale thinks of himself vs. Everyone

Cale: I'm a shrimp compared to them

Everyone: You are my king/Leige/lord, your not anything like that

Cale: I'll only do a little bit of work then rest

Everyone: Please leave some work to us, stop doing everything by yourself

Cale: Self sacrificing, what are you talking about.

Everyone: Are you kidding me!

Cale: Don't be like me

Raon: But I want to be just like you

Minus the self sacrificing part

Cale: I don't deserve this

Everyone: WHAATT, young master-nim who told you that

I don't know how no one has said this before but this fic is the most adorable thing I've ever seen in my entire life (♡μ_μ)

I'm drowning in fluff and loving every moment I spend reading this fic (♡˙︶˙♡)

It's crazy how true this is (⊙_⊙), for Cale having enough money to support his family must be one of the biggest dreams he's ever had taking into account that being the last survivor and loneliness are his biggest fears {{ (>_<) }}, every gift is like declaring to the world "I'm not alone and I can protect my people" is a beautiful thing and a big part of his character once you break it down (个‿个)

I feel like it's really telling that, when Cale got a lot of money, the first thing he did with it was give Billos a massive tip and tell him to treat everyone in the teashop to a cup of tea. Like, if that doesn't show how casually generous he is.

And the way he tried to play it off as if he was bragging but it's tea, you know? That's an insanely generous tip. And the way he says he'd always wanted to do it. Like most people, if they got a large sum of money, would go on holiday or buy a mansion or, you know, use it fairly selfishly (not a problem really I would too). And here Cale is, spending it on random strangers, most of whom are dismissive at best

And then he buys the bread and gives them very generous tips as well.

Idk what the point of this is, maybe just as always Cale is a better person than me. He never hesitates to buy things for people or spend his money on others. Sure he does sometimes spend it on Ancient Powers but most of the time, when he spends money, it's for other people

I understand you, I almost always try to think about what our hero would do if he were in my place…

The conclusion is almost always that I am not good at making plans (｡T ω T｡)

I've been noticing that I'm starting to pick up Cale's vibe. I catch myself acting and talking like him. I never used to swear that much before I read TCF, but now it's just a normal part of how I talk. Also, I find myself thinking, "If Cale was in my place, what would he do?" I don't know if this is a good thing or not, but I'm kind of into it ^^

I love this idea! (*♡∀♡)

Even better that the costumes are terrible and the acting is super exaggerated (⌒▽⌒)☆

I can already imagine Cale's slacker life evaporating with this play! (*≧ω≦*)

TCF the Musical

Fic concept: Cale and his family watch a theater musical based on their adventures (much to Cale's horror and displeasure), "Ember Island Players" style

Raon hears about a theater play featuring Cale's group adventures. Cale really, REALLY doesn't wanna go and see it, but has little choice in the matter, once faced with the pleading faces of his children. Cale disguises himself of course, because he sure as hell doesn't wanna get recognized in the theater.

The play starts: Cale is introduced as a good-natured man, misunderstood and slandered by jealous folk (since people apparently decided that if Adin was the actual scum all along and his rep was a sham, why wouldn't the reverse be possible??) Apparently the musical decided that his past as a trash alcoholic never actually happened.

Choi Han is introduced, and the writers correctly investigated that he's from Harris Village and killed all the attackers, but was the only survivor. Cale is characterized as too righteous to let the matters be, and put this as his starting point to investigate Arm

Cale was portrayed to be humble and due to his bad rep, he wants to leave the Count's position to his brother Basen. (Real Cale is astonished, he doesn't want the position to be a SLACKER, not because of some self-sacrificial mindset!!!) But he requests to go to the capital to investigate more about Arm.

Choi Han comes along to investigate. On the way, they meet Mary. Cale isn't disgusted by her scars, and Mary promises to help the man in the future, should he ever need it.

In the capital, they're shown to meet badly disguised Rosalyn. The writers don't know about the assassination attempt, so they assume she went to investigate Arm, too. Apparently Rosalyn was credited in the musical for finding out about the mana bombs and dismantling them.

Cale and the Prince meet, and they have a whole number how instantly they recognized each other as kindred spirits. (Real Cale is dying on the inside watching this.)

Rosalyn stops the bombs in the background, and Cale stops the suicide bombers. The writers interpret Cale as having this power for a long time, but using it for the first time only in emergency, since he is a humble person who doesn't wish for glory.

Cale denies any rewards (completely untrue, Real Cale says to the kids, he took the Prince's money), and people of the Roan Kingdom start realizing just what a good person he is.

Cale goes to recover to the seashore, where he sees Toonka fighting some locals. (Those were the Whales, says Real Cale, not some mage thugs.) Cale breaks up the fight, and Toonka explains to Cale the situation in the Whipper Kingdom. Cale's idea of buying the magic tower doesn't come up here at all, and the scene makes a point that Cale and Toonka become friends.

The plot introduces us to the White Star, who is a completely crazy, power-hungry, cartoonish lunatic. Real Cale actually likes this representation a lot. He is plotting together with the Evil Imperial Prince, who is also cartoonishly evil. (Real Cale starts enjoying himself for the first time in the whole musical.)

To contrast the villains, the Just and Chivalrous Crown Prince Alberu has a number to drive the point how much he worries for his country, and the incoming wars. He thinks that perhaps with the help of Young Master Cale, they might be able to survive the incoming storms. (Real Cale is inwardly laughing hysterically, imagining Alberu's dumbfounded reaction to this scene, especially the part about Alberu's "unwavering trust in Cale's selfless heart".)

Meanwhile, Cale finished his recovery and goes to the Whipper Kingdom. His decision to buy the Magic Tower is shown to be a spur-of-a-moment thing, as the Whipper Kingdom needs money to continue fighting against the Empire, who the Crown Prince suspects is working with Arm. (Real Cale is disgusted how his very clever scam was turned into a selfless deed in this musical.) Toonka is indebted to Cale and loudly proclaims him his friend (since he does that in real life and the writers had sources)

Then Cale is shown to meet the Cat Children. Real Hong and On are irritated they came in so late. Raon is grumpy he isn't there at all. Real Cale comforts him that he had been hidden this whole time, of course they wouldn't know about him. The children say that the Queen of the Jungle is trapped in the Path of No Return, and Cale heroically helps rescue her. Cale uses his Water Ancient Power, which according to the writers, he found in the Ubarr shores during recovery. (Real Cale is surprised at the accidental accuracy.)

Cale saves the Jungle, and Litana has a number praising him. (Real Cale intentionally falls asleep to stop watching his character being portrayed as embarrassingly pure-hearted hero)

By the time he wakes up, the plot passed his "Heroic Actions" in the Empire and the war arc begins. Choi Han has a whole heroic solo number as he defeats Clopeh, who immediately is dazzled by the grace of his enemies, and joins them. (Real Cale is once again missed how completely off the mark the whole thing is, completely skipping Clopeh's torture and everything.)

We skip past various battles, and finally we arrive at the moment when the White Star shows up. He and Cale have a duet about destiny and all that jazz (mirroring the rumors started by the White Star's nonsense theory about Cale being "the messenger of the gods"). At this point, Real Cale has enough, and completely stops paying attention, to save his sanity.

Turns out, the kids didn't like it. It was much too inaccurate, and Raon wasn't in it. Cale comforts them that of course it was bad, because Raon wasn't in it. Raon decides he should start writing that biography with Mary, Clopeh and Dodori, much to Cale's horror.