I, the “Clock User”, Was Kicked Out of the Craftsmen’s Guild for Being Incompetent, but at the Dungeon’s Depths, I Awakened My True Power – Even Though I Was Told to Return Because They Couldn’t Handle the Work, It’s Too Late Now, and I Will Live Freely as an SSS-class Adventurer Novel Review
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By roumu kohaku, 桜霧琥珀
181 chapters
2021
Description
Cyclo Owen. As a genius boy engineer, he was a person of great promise in the circles of magical tool production. However, at the age of 16, he was given the job skill of “Clock User” in a skill-giving ceremony. In this world, it was forbidden for those with job skills to work in any other occupation. Thus, Cyclo’s path as a genius engineer was cut off. However, Cyclo did not despair and worked diligently as a watchmaker and contributed to the craftsmen’s guild by using his job skill as a Clock User. One day, however, the guildmaster of the craftsmen’s guild banished him from the guild, saying that the guild did not need a watchmaker, a profession with little usefulness. Cyclo, who has lost his job, faces further despair. He happens to hear that a police officer is planning to r*pe Miranda Lilibel, the neighborhood apothecary’s lady. Since the police is involved, he cannot carelessly report the crime. So Cyclo decides to stop the plan that night. He tries to restrain the police officer who is about to attack Miranda’s house, but he is detained by the officer instead. He is then accused of trying to r*pe Miranda, and when Miranda hears the commotion, she tells Cyclo she has misjudged him. Cyclo is thus made a criminal for attempted r*pe, and is sent to a remote area to explore the worst dungeon in the world. In the frontier, imprisoned adventurers are considered to be at the bottom of the heap, so Cyclo is looked down upon. Furthermore, due to rumors spread by his younger sister, Alice Owen, a well-known genius alchemist among adventurers, he is treated as incompetent here as well. He is then mistreated by adventurers who makes uses him as a baggage carrier, and is pushed down to the bottom of a valley in the dungeon. At the very bottom of the dungeon, Cyclo wished he could use his Clock User abilities to stop his internal clock. Then his hunger stopped. This led Cyclo to understand that his skill coul manipulate anything that could be counted as a clock. Thus awakening to his true power, Cyclo escaped from the deepest part of the worst dungeon. In recognition of his achievements and abilities, he is recognized as an SSS-class adventurer. On the other hand, those who had driven Cyclo to misfortune are now faced with misfortune in Cyclo’s absence.
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Publication Information
- Original Publisher
- syosetu
- Original Language
- japanese
- Type
- Web Novel
I, the “Clock User”, Was Kicked Out of the Craftsmen’s Guild for Being Incompetent, but at the Dungeon’s Depths, I Awakened My True Power – Even Though I Was Told to Return Because They Couldn’t Handle the Work, It’s Too Late Now, and I Will Live Freely as an SSS-class Adventurer Review & Spoilers - Novel Translator
My Thoughts on I, the “Clock User”, Was Kicked Out of the Craftsmen’s Guild for Being Incompetent, but at the Dungeon’s Depths, I Awakened My True Power – Even Though I Was Told to Return Because They Couldn’t Handle the Work, It’s Too Late Now, and I Will Live Freely as an SSS-class Adventurer
This web novel has a title longer than my grocery list, and honestly, the story itself is a bit of a mixed bag. I went in expecting a revenge-fueled power fantasy, and while it delivers on some of those fronts, it also stumbles in several areas, leaving me with a somewhat lukewarm impression.
First Impressions
The initial setup is pretty standard fare: betrayed protagonist, seemingly useless skill, and a dramatic fall from grace. The main character, initially living a comfortable life, gets the rug pulled out from under him in spectacular fashion. This part felt rushed, almost like an outline rather than a fully fleshed-out narrative. I was left wanting more depth and emotional resonance in these early chapters.
What Works Well
Despite the rocky start, the story does have its moments. Some readers find the revenge aspect satisfying, particularly the karma that eventually catches up to those who wronged the MC. The "Clock User" skill, while initially dismissed, has potential, and the author explores some interesting applications of it as the story progresses. I also appreciate that the MC isn't a complete pushover; he actually seeks retribution, which is a refreshing change from some other novels in this genre. Some readers found the plot to be pretty good, too.
Areas of Concern
The writing quality is a significant issue. Many readers, including myself, found it simplistic and lacking in detail. The chapters are often short, which can make the reading experience feel disjointed. Also, the constant introduction of new characters, only to discard them shortly after, can be frustrating. The plot also follows some pretty generic tropes, relying heavily on the "misunderstood power" and "zero to hero" archetypes. The ease with which the MC deals with his trauma using a spell, a quick fix, seems to undermine the emotional weight of his experiences, and many readers found the plot to be ludicrous.
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Final Verdict
"I, the 'Clock User'..." is a web novel with potential, but it's ultimately held back by its execution. While the revenge plot and unique skill system offer some appeal, the simplistic writing, short chapters, and reliance on tired tropes make it a difficult read. If you're looking for a quick and easy power fantasy, you might find some enjoyment here, but don't expect a deeply engaging or original story. I'd give it a 2.5/5.
