When I Tried Strengthening 【Rusted Sword】, It Evolved Into An Overpowered Magic Sword

My Thoughts on When I Tried Strengthening 【Rusted Sword】, It Evolved Into An Overpowered Magic Sword

Okay, let's dive into "When I Tried Strengthening 【Rusted Sword】, It Evolved Into An Overpowered Magic Sword" (phew, what a title!). I went in with a mix of curiosity and trepidation, given the mixed reception it seems to have garnered. After reading a good chunk of it, here's my take.

First Impressions

The start is... rough. We're introduced to a very timid protagonist, and while I understand the reasons behind it – the bullying, the lack of a father figure – it can be a bit trying to get through those initial chapters. It's the classic underdog story setup, but I felt it leaned a little too heavily into the "underdog" part early on.

What Works Well

Despite the initial awkwardness, there's definitely potential here. I appreciate that the story avoids some of the more tiresome tropes often associated with the "fail-skill" genre. The MC isn't betrayed or abandoned; he has a supportive family and friends. There's a sense of genuine care in his relationships, which is a refreshing change. The accelerated growth aspect, once it kicks in, is also pretty satisfying. Watching him slowly but surely gain confidence and power is engaging. The world-building is decent enough to keep me interested, and the promise of adventure is definitely present.

Areas of Concern

My biggest issue is the pacing. The internal monologues can get excessive. I found myself wanting the story to move more. The author seems to repeat information a bit too often, which slows things down considerably. It feels like we're being told things multiple times that we already understand. Also, while I appreciate the author's attempt to create heartfelt moments, some of the character interactions feel a bit shallow and underdeveloped. I wanted to feel more from those scenes.

Final Verdict

"When I Tried Strengthening 【Rusted Sword】, It Evolved Into An Overpowered Magic Sword" is a mixed bag. It has its moments, and the core concept is interesting, but it's held back by pacing issues and somewhat shallow character interactions. If you're a fan of the genre and willing to wade through the slower parts, you might find something to enjoy here. However, if you're looking for a fast-paced, tightly written fantasy adventure, this might not be the right fit. I'm giving it a tentative 3/5. It has potential, but it needs some refinement.