#knowing what little we do about og cale

[nonexistent-alfa]

I just came to the realisation that now that OG Cale is in Kim Roksoo's body, Team Leader Kim Roksoo, on top of being tall, buff, and full of scars, has gained an insane amount of drip.

[slackerlifewhere]

Cale Henituse and Kim Rok Soo

After I posted yesterday, I saw an opinion that I kind of agree with about the difference between Cale Henituse and Kim Rok Soo.

I'm gonna say my opinion without trying to offend the whole fandom. Again, you can read fics about OG Cale as MC. I will not stop you just because I have my own opinion. You are free to read whatever you want. If you don't agree with this, it's fine and if you do, don't antagonize or attack the fanfiction authors who made these fics. Let them do their own thing, okay?

This post is not a rant but me sharing my own thoughts and opinions about this topic.

To make this easier, I'll call OG Cale as Cale and OG KRS as KRS.

[✋SPOILERS for the first part of the novel✋]

Some say that Cale Henituse and Kim Rok Soo are the same person. While I don't know if this is true because I haven't read the second part of the novel yet, in my opinion, they are not the same.

Again, I repeat, I like Cale Henituse. He's very intelligent and kind to Basen to the point of destroying his own reputation, he targets thugs and scammers whenever he's "drunk", he's willing to sacrifice his whole identity in order to save his world after surviving for twenty years by himself. He's a complex character and in another world, if given the chance, he would've been a great MC.

But that's the thing, he is not the MC of TCF, Kim Rok Soo is. And I think some fans forget the reason why Kim Rok Soo became the MC and not Cale Henituse. Because in some fics that I see whenever I scroll down to look for something to read, Cale completely replaces KRS' presence in the story, to the point that he doesn't exist anymore.

Let me explain.

Kim Rok Soo

Kim Rok Soo is a very integral part of the story. You can't easily replace him with another person, normal or otherwise, and expect the story to go the same way it did in the novel. He did things his way because he's a chaotic little shit. He's a different person from Cale, no matter how many or few similarities they both have.

It's not because he's simply smart or OP (as some would say) that he won a war that ended in only two years, but it's also because of his past and the bonds he made as himself.

He's a person full of empathy for these people that he meets wherever he goes, regardless whether he knows them from a book or not, because he understands them and their pain. He does not hide his personality and in a way, his charisma attracts these people who see him for who he is, a kind person.

Kim Rok Soo is different because he survived in an apocalypse by himself until he meets Lee Soo Hyuk and Choi Jung Soo. Plus, he did not have a great childhood. He was abused and lived by himself for the rest of his childhood and teenage years because of a curse (or maybe because his uncle is just a shitty person, who knows).

The opinions he has and the way he thinks are shaped by his own experiences. He is the Kim Rok Soo we see in the novel because he grew up under these circumstances.

To say that he's easily replaceable would be too disrespectful to the sacrifices he made as both Kim Rok Soo and Cale Henituse.

Cale Henituse

Cale, on the other hand, is different. He lived alone for how many years because he deliberately pushed everyone away because of his grief and after what Jour told him. It's not because of a curse that he became this way but because he chose to.

Yes, everyone he knows should've tried to make an effort by comforting him or talking with him (his family, the nobles he's close to, Ron and Beacrox) but that did not happen because he's the one who chose to live like this. I've mentioned it in my post about Deruth but if a person doesn't want comfort or doesn't want to talk, they will not talk, especially someone as stubborn as Cale. To blame all these people (including the kids) and the rest of the world because of his own choice is simply not right or fair since the only one responsible to actually help him is Deruth. Violan is not given this chance nor did she try as his stepmother but it all comes down to Deruth. But of course, he did not get any help nor did he seek any.

He lived his years shrouded in grief until the very end. He's a kind person but unfortunately, life is not kind to him.

Later, he survives in the war until the White Star kills him. What did he choose to do in the end when he made that deal with the God of Death? To return to the past so he can save everyone? No. Instead, he chose to go to KRS' world to find his mother. If CJS were given the chance to decline a proposal, why didn't Cale? He could've said he'll do it himself but instead, he left it to KRS. We all know he's stubborn enough to ruin his reputation, is he not stubborn enough to make a deal to save his world as himself?

You can argue it's maybe because the God of Death didn't give him the chance to argue with it but there are other ways the god could've sent KRS to this world. Like Choi Han or Choi Jung Soo.

Choi Jung Soo

Choi Jung Soo is a prime example of what could've and couldn't have happened if he agreed with the God of Death's proposal. He is not KRS. He has his own opinions and experiences that make him unique. He is not like Choi Han who drowned in his despair in TBoaH but instead, is a man who wants to survive with his friends (brothers) and smile with them despite the pain he suffers in.

If he were to replace KRS, the story would've gone differently. He might find Choi Han and they would do their best to survive in this new world together. He may or may not find Raon and the kittens, depending on the time and location when he arrives in this world. Alberu may or may not completely trust him like how he didn't completely trust Choi Han in TBoaH because unlike KRS who is too similar with Alberu, CJS is different. He might not look for the ancient powers since he has his own ability, leaving some that the White Star could've taken like the Sky Eating Water and Super Rock. In fact, the shield could've been left at the tree unless CJS knows about it and takes it. (Let me remind you that no one in this world knows there's an ancient power in that tree in the Henituse territory.)

I can list down things he could've or couldn't have done but it might be too long.

But my point is, it could've been Cale, Alberu, or Choi Han who were sent to the past but the story would've gone differently because these people are all different in their own ways. Heck, if the God of Death truly wants to save this world, he could've sent back Choi Han or Alberu instead of Cale. Because these two are also powerful in their own ways that do not need the help of ancient powers. Just give them enough information and they could've ended the war faster than twenty years.

Conclusion

So, yeah. Kim Rok Soo became the main character for several reasons. He was an ability user and team leader back in his world, he has the curse attached to him because of the White Star, he was an abused kid who had a sad childhood.

And I think there are other reasons why, if KRS is not the MC, that the story could've ended differently. Put aside Raon who is powerful and has a connection to Sheritt and the Dragon Slayers and would be integral to the story, On and Hong could've died with no one knowing about them because they were barely mentioned in the books. Mary could've stayed in the City of Life because no one would need her to help Ron. Hannah and Jack could've died because no one would've known that they were killed. Paseton has a chance to live but no one knows where he is.

Some characters would live and some would die if Kim Rok Soo is not the main character. That's basically what I think about all of this.

The reason why they survived, aside from the books, is because Kim Rok Soo's heart is so big that he wants to help people or give them the chance to survive. Some people would ignore or not notice these people because they have their own problems to deal with.

But Kim Rok Soo just wants to live. And I think that's why the story went the way it did.

Kim Rok Soo, the man who became Cale. His life motto was pretty simple.

Living long without pain. Enjoying the small joys of life.

Living a peaceful life.

- Chapter 2: When I Opened My Eyes

Again, I'm not stopping you from reading these fics nor am I telling you to attack fanfic authors because of what they write. This whole post is just me sharing my opinion.

You don't have to agree with anything I said. You can ignore this and read whatever you want to read.

This is not a post undermining or disrespecting what Cale sacrificed and felt as a person. This is a post to share my opinion that Cale and Kim Rok Soo both deserve the respect that they should get for everything they did and to not completely erase a character for the other. But if someone does it, then I can't do anything about it.

As a Mob Psycho 100 fan, I will end this with one line that perfectly summarizes what I think about this topic.

Your life is your own.

[idontknowmyownmind]

Just a sudden need to have a reaction fic with LCF, ST, and TBOAH react to alternate!TBOAH with Rok Soo got transported there with his original body and form a romantic relationship with Cale

Yes. Yes, I want them to react to RokCale

And I want one with ABO setting or just some special case where Cale can get pregnant because he is a Thames or something

Rok Soo is three years older than Cale

They first met when Cale was 15, he is currently 21

This Cale is more soft and gentle, Raon dubbed him as 'Gentle Human'

In the reaction room, for some reason he also got teleported there

It's only him from his world

In the middle of reacting to LCF, he kind of like, "so, you and Rok Soo doesn't have any relationship here?"

Cales and Roksoos: No?? Do you?

Cale: Of course. We do

He said in a teasing voice while showing off his ring

Og!RokCale are both horrified and embarassed while oldman!RokCale just speechless and in disbelieve. The other characters are in different degree of shocked

I know that LSY and CJS are also elated to know more about his dongsaeng love life

And at some point, cute little Raon say something along the line

Raon: Gentle Human, I've been wondering, but why you smell weird? I smell something that is not you from you and I think there something inside your body too!!

Everyone overthinking things, while the other dragons take a look closer and widden their eyes when they see what Raon mean, but.. 'how is that possible?'

Cale cuckles and look at him fondly, "Well maybe because I'm expecting."

Raon: Huh? Expecting? Expecting what?

Beastman is kind of sensitive about things like this so Hong perk up when some weird reason his brain come to this conclusion

Hong: Oh! Is it a baby? Are you expecting a baby?

Cale ruffling his hair, "Yes, yes I am. It's already four months." Said him before winked at him

On gasp and Raon look confused and Hong explain to him that there is a baby inside his tummy

Roan look surprised but also excited for some reason

Raon: Wait! Really? So what I smell and feel from you is the baby? There is a baby inside your tummy? How though?

Cale: That is something you can learn when you're older *bop his nose*

TBOAH!Cale: What?! What do you mean a baby??? I- you're pregnant?? How?!?!??

Everyone: ??!?!?!!??

LCF!Cale and OG!Cale blue screened so bad I think their brains got rebooted while OG!KRS frozen like a statue with wide eyes and slightly open mouthed

Cale: Hmm, my world is a little bit special

Cale definitely know what he did and just let them be

He focus on the children who bombard him with questions excitedly

Hong: Cale! Cale! Is it a boy or a girl? Boy or girl?

Raon: I want a boy! A brother!!

Hong: Yes! I wanta brother too!!! Noona, noona, what do you think?

On: Well, I want a sister!

Cale: *cuckles* Well, Rok Soo and our On want another girl but our Raon and Hong want a boy. I personally fine with either. Beside, who know? Maybe we will get a twin of boy and girl!

The kids: *gasp excitedly*

At some point, LSY and CJS also joined them just to fuss over him because even though he is the other Rok Soo's spouse, it still mean that he is their in-law!!

Cale suddenly flinch which make them worried but he just smile and take Hong's hand and place it on his stomach

Hong is confused before he gasp and his eyes sparkles

Hong: Noona! Noona! The baby is kicking!! They're kicking! I can feels it!!

Cale: I think they're happy.

Raon: I want to feels it too! Me too!

Cale then take his hand (paw?) and he squeals happily when he also feels the kicks

Raon: I can feel it!! I can feels it too!

On also want to feels it but she also shy

Seeing this, Cale gently take her hand and place it on his stomach

Her eyes widen and sparkles following with quite gasp when she also feels it

Cale almost feels bad when he see LSH and CJS's flooped imaginary ears when he told them that the baby stop kicking when they ask if they can also feels them

He look at tboah!Cale who look at him with mouth wide open and red face and og!Rok Soo who also look at him without his usual blank face present and just look at them mirtedly

LCF!Cale has his head on both hands while looking down but he can see the red ears

And og!Cale cover half of his red face with his hand

Tboah!Cale is the first one to tentatively get close to him and started a conversation

And after some times

Cale: Do you want to feels it too?

Tboah!Cale: huh?

Cale: the baby's kick?

Tboah!Cale look expectant but also hesistate but Cale just take his hand and place it on his stomach

Tboah!Cale: Oh... there is a baby bump...

He said that dazedly as if he hadn't believe everything until this moment

Well, Cale's bump is not visible due to the baggy shirt he is wearing

Tboah!Cale gasp when he feels the kick and he eye his stomach in wonder

Cale: I think they know that it's you *amused*

And and

His Rok Soo got summoned with the red haired kid he carry

Everyone look at him with wide eyes

Rok Soo is tense, holding the kid close to him and look around

His eyes stop at Cale who look at him with amused eyes and wave at him

His Cale is surrounded with the kids, younger version of him and the younger version of his hyungs

"Mama"

The kid in his arms stretched out her two tiny hands towards Cale

Rok Soo sigh and walk toward him

He deliver the kid to him, rearrange On and Hong so now she is between him and Cale while Hong is on his lap

He then leaning toward Cale for a kiss, short but sweet

Their counterparts' faces are red and everyone gasp with red face or just look away

They know that this Cale and Rok Soo are romantically involved, they even expecting a child, a second child apparently

But still, hearing about it and actually seeing it is very much different

[ohmycale]

 On fanon, canon and details Dark Souls style

Hey, @mellowwater.

I’m sorry if this is late and I haven’t replied to this in my original post. In truth, I have tried to go back and actually answer this question. I made a few drafts but I opted for this instead. The most important thing is you pointed out is this- there is a lot of not confirmed details gets floated around and we don't know what's what. People latch on info that they feel is the truth.

Canon tells us that when Jour died, Deruth did distance himself from his son. We both know they are both grieving and Cale (in Ron's memories) was trying to reach out. Deruth in the same memories was painted as someone clinging to Cale at that event.

Personally, Deruth distancing due to his grief and is understandable in an adult's POV. But it is confusing for someone in Cale's age at that time. I am sure not many have heard it but there is a thing called childhood emotional neglect. This is what I interpret as what happened to kid!Og!Cale. I think it also happened when Violan and Basen came into the picture and when Lily was born because they now trying to be a blended family. It would be normal for og!Cale to be feeling left out or replaced in this new dynamic.

Realistically, we‘re trying to find nuance on very little information, much less confirmed/canon information. It doesn’t help that the topic of the said info are side characters who are, for the sake of writing, not the interest of the story/ TCF in whole.

And of course there is the fanfic side, whether everything is basically under the sun. In fanfic, things get more muddled because there is a lot of character/plot interpretation (and even reinterpretation (I’m looking at you, do-over/fix-it fics/characters react to the plot fics). They are also people in the fandom who have some personal experience about a certain experience with our biases and projection. Same goes for fans who don’t have the said experience being projected.

Talking about og!Cale or any side character is like playing any game from FromSoftware. If you are not familiar with the videogame company aka creator of Dark Souls (you died!), there is lore on the game but you will be hard pressed to find a coherent storyline. I think TCF is the same – the author gives a ton of interesting characters and details about them but it feels wanting since you guessed it- they are side characters and practically, they don’t have much details.

Back to the TCF – I think it is okay to not have full details on what is fanon or canon. For me, whether the info is fanon or canon, it generates discussion, conversation, ideas and things that we (as fans) can throw at each other. Realistically, we cannot press for more info – the author gave us a few details and that’s it. They chose not to do more details. And fans discussing things will stick to what they want to believe – whether it is canon or fanon. It’s up to them whether to believe them or not. A fan can have their own cannon (aka headcannon) and it’s up to them to change their minds from other that. Even if somebody does bring forth canon, how many people are actually gonna believe that if it messes up with their headcannon?

In previous posts, I was welcoming anyone to challenge whatever I posted with canon evidence to the contrary since details get muddy. So far, nothing. But there are posts who post information whether it’s canon or fanon. I just opted for reading and reacting to what people post, whether fanon or canon since not a lot of people are posting canon, especially on the relationship dynamics of characters. Maybe there is someone who is more industrious than me out there.

I know I didn’t actually answer your question. I also know I have some many unanswered questions that I don’t even know if the canon covered. Because of the really lack of info, I don’t see fanon as something really bad especially for topics that we don’t really have info on. We all want clarity, alas, there is not much we can find.

[we-stan-cale]

Some musings on Og!Cale...

Since I'm talking about the few canon times we see him (his dream meeting with t+Cale as well as the side story with him as KRS - t+KRS after the transmigration) this will have spoilers if you haven't read them

We don't actually see a lot from his point of view. Just that side story and meeting. But we do know that he had a whole conversation with Cale about their brother, Basen. That he talked about what it would take to make Basen the heir - which supports the theory he deliberately acted like trash in order to make Basen the heir, but we don't have actual confirmation.

Regardless, it's clear he cares for his little brother.

He also was happy to learn that the Henituse territory was now a Duchy, so he didn't seem to have any hard feelings there.

The rest? To be honest the sources are suspect.

We have things Cale thought or suspected based on tboah, which is not necessarily reliable. And we have a little bit from Ron's perspective, which is an outsider POV. He's probably telling the truth about what he saw, but it doesn't really give us ogCale's motivation or reasoning.

There's two points I want to discuss from above.

First was Cale's throwaway comment about Deruth not doing anything about ogCale's trashy behavior.

We don't really get anything more on this. We don't actually know if Deruth tried anything,or what his thoughts were. It's just Cale commenting on what he knew from the novel. Was it something Deruth could actually have done? Should he have .. idk. Taken away ogCale's allowance or given some other punishment to make him shape up?

Second was Ron's thoughts here-

Ron knew very well about the terrible things Cale has done, and the terrible personality that Cale had. However, there was someone else he knew. Ron remembered how the young Cale had consoled his father when his mother died. He also saw how Cale hated his stepmother and her family, but never caused a ruckus with them, even when he was drunk.

And I've seen people take this as a sign that Deruth wallowed in grief and ogCale had to bear the burden of cheering him up. But... It sounds like a one time thing? Like the kind of thing you might see a kid do when they realize someone is sad?

I'm not saying the first interpretation is wrong, just that we don't actually know. There's not a lot of detail.

I do think both were grieving, but we don't really see what that meant for their relationship.

The other thing is I wanted to talk about timelines.

We know that at the time of the transmigration Cale is 18, Basen (who apparently is NOT Deruth's child and presumably came with Violan) was 15 and Lily was 7, and that ogCale started acting like trash at 8.

If Lily was born soon after Deruth and Violan got married, then ogCale was probably around between 9 and 11 when that happened?

I don't think we have an exact timeline for when that happened, nor when his mother died.

Just that he was very young, and probably younger than 8 if it's related to when he started acting like trash.

Basically, we also have no reason to think Deruth moved on too quickly or anything like that.

All of which is why for his characterization I mostly focus on what little we see of him in the dream meeting and side story.

[youngyoo-apologist]

OG!Lock appreciation post because he’s one of my favorite characters

Lock is one of my favorite TCF characters, even if he doesn’t show up as much as other characters, but this time, I wanna talk about OG!Lock because TBoaH universe is definitely something that needed to be studied in a lab under a microscope.

TBoaH was a tragedy, a universe where basically everything went wrong. TCF!Lock is already different from TBoaH Lock because he never lost his hope, and he had his siblings with him. Lock was no longer the only survivor of the wolf tribe, and while he was hurt, he still had a reason to go on with a more positive outlook.

TBoaH!Lock on the other hand, was not able to live such a life. Lock is very young, thirteen when he loses his whole family, and fourteen when he loses Pendrick. Anyone would be driven to despair after such an event, especially a young kid like Lock who was definitely still coping with the loss of his family.

I think one of the lines I remember the most clearly out of all the TBoaH segments we get early in TCF was the conversation Lock had with the Whale King. And just that whole section in general. The fact that even if he was scared and afraid, he still did his best and fought with Rosalyn and Choi Han.

This is such an important thing, especially in the context of TBoaH Lock, who had lost Pendrick recently. Right now the only other family he has left are Rosalyn and Choi Han. While fighting against mermaids and their poison is scary, to Lock, the idea that Rosalyn and Choi Han will die while fighting and he did nothing is scarier.

This is the Lock that hid away when the rest of his family died, this is Lock who wasn’t able to do anything when Pendrick died. Of course he would be scared of being alone, no one wants to be alone. It must be even worse for him now that he has to live with the fact that he did nothing when all of his family died, even if it wasn’t his fault.

That was why, even if he was terrified, he still fought against the mermaids with them.

What makes TBoaH so tragic is how little we know of what happened, their feelings, their pain, it existed but we never got to see it. The only person who remembers most of what went on is OG!Cale and Kim Roksoo.

Something I think about a lot is Lock and Choi Han, and how Choi Han definitely sees himself in Lock. He protects Lock in a way he couldn’t protect himself, to him, Lock is a boy who has gone through the same pain he has at an age he never should have had to.

That’s why I think Choi Han’s guilty conscience would be even stronger. Seeing Lock suffer would make him want to become a hero even more, despite the fact that being a hero definitely hurt himself in some way. Had it not been for KRS!Cale, I think Choi Han would have become a self sacrificial person without even meaning to.

That is the nature of wanting to bring across justice. Justice is something that isn’t free, and can only come from something that has been done wrong. Choi Han can bring justice and help as many people as he can, but he can’t make up for the past and what happened.

I think the thing that is so meaningful is that none of them gave up, they lost hope over and over again, maybe they had lost it by the time the war was coming to an end, but they still fought. The fought for a world that was basically left for dead years ago, it’s incredibly sad, but it is a kind of strength to be able to live on in such circumstances.

TBoaH universe will always be such an existence, the fact that it only lives on in two people’s memories(Three if we count Choi Jung-gun)

[fictionfixations]

can i just say

you know those transmigrater(?) grator?? i odnt. i dont know the terms for this man

but you know the the the. transmigrates into usually the villain kinda stories?

you know whats my favorite for that kinda stuff? where we were the actual character all along (i think its.. regressor...? ??? either going back into your past as yourself or living another life and then backtracking to a past life of yours that being of generally the villain? idont know if thats what it actually means)

ive also never seen it but i just. think its really cool. and i like reading fics where theyre the same person

in the same way i like it when they have motives. let me be clear, ive NEVER seen the source material so i have no idea whats canon and whats not

but you know what id like to think is canon? shen jiu being a former slave and being super bitter at the world for being very cruel and thats why hes an asshole in like. book canon.(? canon. of. the book. ..in the story.? i think the the the book in that one is like Proud Immortal Demon Way...? IDK man)

or like like. og cale henituse acting like trash because he cares about his siblings and doesnt want negative attention on them also dont know if thats canon. but yknow what? thats my canon

now about time travel in general since it kind of relates, romance is always iffy because its like you know everything that'll make this person fall in love with you. or like, theres an age gap now, and it might not bother them but its not like they know. i know. (its worse if youre like back in your teenage years while youre already an adult cause at that point it feels a little gross)

its that sort of discrepancy(?)

so like. i dont like that there needed to be an entirely new person to be in that body to make change or do things for the better or make everyone like that person

it feels like a cop out.

and also people believing that that person suddenly changed for the better when they arent that person at all???

which. ow.

maybe thats my bad. maybe im secretly an apologist for them, idk, maybe im projecting

but like idk man. the world telling you youre not enough so someone else ends up in your body and then fixes literally every issue in the world (and everyone liking this 'version' of you better). like ow me heart

in all fairness the og's wouldn't have knowledge of the book they're living in??? which is why the transmigrator can do so much

but. THUS. new life AS the transmigrator, then regressing(?) back into their past life with that new knowledge. and probably character growth cause maybe they experience what being loved is like (familial. imagine how cruel itd be to have a lover then one day waking up in a past life of yours that you can only associate as cruel and punishing, and you genuinely cant be sure if that person was made up or not. like was it just a dream? also 'oh god the people i thought mightve been dead are alive')

tbh though it might be because while op time traveling shenanigans (or anything in between) is cool with me, i also like the angsty time travel of 'when i look at them, i keep seeing their dead faces'

of 'how do you know this' (accusatory, 'are you a traitor?')

of also grudges and stuff

but also. more character growth refacing trauma theyve faced before

also maybe probably very much selfish because they kindaa probably just wanna protect their family and will do anything to do so (and thus embrace the 'villain' part that people think of them as)

i dont know if im making sense anymore

now LET ME BE CLEAR i dont like that shen jiu hit his students and shit and was a huge asshole and its not going to suddenly go away. but. its acknowledging what you did wrong, making up for it, but knowing that it'll still stay there. that he still did it even if he deeply regrets it and even if everyone forgives him. because i really dont know in what situation itd be okay to be hit? and also that hopefully hes not that person anymore, but that he wont hide it and will own up to it as a thing he did and shouldnt have done.

anyway i dont know what og cale did besides act like trash but its either the fics im reading are downplaying it or like. thats really it. i have no clue. but still the same thing. if he did some horrible thing, ABOVE.

i just like redemption. and revenge stories. and character growth-ing.

and maybe thats on me for liking villain-ish characters. (im saying villain-ish though because supposedly og cale didnt play a huge part in the book? ....Birth of a Hero...?????? like he just happened, got beat up, and dipped? i think? thats what ive heard anyway. so i dont know if he really counts as one since like uh. white star.????????? ????)

anyway uh thought dump over

feel free to correct me in comments i like learning about things

[corvidaes-crow]

Reposting this from the replies because hey I actually had the motivation to find the quotes that this post was missing (if anyone has the chapter where the Henituses find out about the body swap please let me know). And also character limit was frustrating me.

@somber-cryptid's comment: Question, did the narrative ever explicitly say Deruth didn't ever try to talk to his son after he married Violan and before the transmigration? Or is it just like, not mentioned? I get that Deruth did not support his son as he should have after the death of his wife, but did he really just throw money at him after that? We know that Deruth at the very least had a servant tailing him most of the time. I think we just lack information in general about their relationship.

Edited + extended reply for a bit more detail:

Cale and Deruth were like strangers to each other (ch 2) and Cale was spoiled with wealth and freedom (I don't remember the chapter, lmk if someone has it). That's about it as far as canon OG!Cale and Deruth info goes.

Deruth specifically says "he didn't want to know what his son was doing on the outside" enough to put a tail on him either (ch 8). The driver is probably under orders to report what Cale does, but only unobtrusive observations. That being said, Cale was being watched and reported on by Hans while he was inside the house (ch 8). We can't even take this as proof of Deruth's care for OG!Cale, since Hans is "suddenly" assigned to Cale in ch 4. It can be assumed that Hans only starts reporting on Cale's movements then. Which means that Cale was probably previously unmonitored both inside and outside the house. Or maybe the monitoring came in the form of reports/complaints from servants.

Actually, immediately after that report, it states, "There was a lot of things for [Deruth] to think about other than the change in Cale’s demeanor." (ch 8). Of course this doesn't mean Deruth didn't think about the change at all, but he has priorities and if he protects his lands, he protects Cale too. The collective over the individual. You've got to give it to Deruth, he is a good leader and count. But yes, there is a lack of textual presence to draw on about Deruth's fatherhood to begin with. A lot of it is left up to us to fill in.

In my opinion, a more involved father would also be more indelibly present in the plot, since Cale would have to proactively assuage Deruth's concerns or dodge possible interference. KRS!Cale is happy at how little Deruth cares about his actions and how easy it is to get things without any questions at all. Whether Deruth tried to reconnect with Cale after he remarried, failed and gave up, or he waited all those years hoping Cale would make the first move, I personally don't think it matters. The former implies that Deruth gave up on Cale years ago, probably back when Cale was 8 and started acting out. The latter implies he gave up before he even started trying, and expected a child to make the emotionally mature decision to open up the complicated dialogue about family relationships, death and love. Either way, he failed as a parent.

We can see so clearly how much KRS!Cale treasures familial relationships. Raon, Ohn, Hong, his amusement with the Wolf kids and their 'Vicross hyung,' his stiff yet kind relationship with the Henituse kids, his respect and empathy for Ron and Vicross' father-son relationship. Yu Ryeo-Han puts so much emphasis on found father figures too - Grandpa Ron's intimidating and forceful concern, Goldie Gramps poking well-meaning fun at/lamenting Cale's destructive tendencies, Duke Fredo and Naru and the White Star's whole uncle schtick. So why is Cale's biological father so overshadowed by these other paternal figures (excluding that last lot)?

We mightn't have much information about Deruth, but he's at such a disadvantage without it compared to all the other family dynamics in LCF that it feels almost like a deliberate subtextual criticism of his inaction and neglect on Yu Ryeo-Han's part. He cares, undeniably, but does it matter how much he cares if OG!Cale could not recognise it?

Declaration of competing interests /j: As the original tags say, I project on OG!Cale and Deruth's relationship when writing them/about them. As much as I try to keep my personal biases out of this, my reading of them is not as objective as I would like to be. I am immediately more critical of Deruth and his actions than I may be of other characters. That being said, any reading of any text is implicitly affected by the reader's background. If it's backed up with textual evidence, or finds meaning in the lack thereof, I'm so down to hear other readings!

Deruth Henituse bashing ahead, you have been warned.

I finally figured out why I hate Deruth Henituse. The novel, through Kim Roksu, barely lingers on his failings as a parent. Which, fair enough, I understand from a characterisation perspective why that wouldn't be a main focus. It just means I linger on that in canon's place. Why is Deruth satisfied with giving his child some exorbitant allowance? Why doesn't he ask at any point what it was used for, even when he thinks their relationship has improved? Why can he be a good person to everyone except OG!Cale? What is stopping him except his own cowardice and guilt?

There is not a single thing in LCF that redeems him as a father. We see how Ron grows to care for (KRS!)Cale, as well as Eruhaben and Fredo in their own pseudo-fatherly ways. We see how Deruth has not changed since 'Cale Henituse' improved. If he had been more grief-stricken finding out about Cale on-screen, maybe that would have redeemed him a bit in my eyes, but alas.

I need a scene where Deruth wakes up in the middle of the night heaving, tears streaming down his face when he realises that his son does not exist in their universe any more. When he realises his son has disappeared from their timeline, and likely did so believing everyone would prefer it that way. When he realises that belief is not exactly wrong, because everyone does prefer it this way.

That last realisation, he struggles with, because bad parents will never understand what they did wrong without significant internal struggle and a self-driven desire to understand. I need someone (Eruhaben, Ron, or even Violan) to notice his internal conflict and sit him down and ask him, straightforward and simple, "Which one do you prefer?" And they won't let him tell them his answer, that's not for them to know. But Deruth finds himself repeating the question over and over, which do I prefer?

It starts with 'neither, obviously, how could I pick a favourite?' but the guilt gnaws at him; his reflexive answer is not what his son, his sons, deserve. So he disassembles it all from there. What would he feel if they swapped back? What would he do then? Shower Cale with love, of course - but would he? Or would he find himself taking a step back, guilty and avoidant as always when it comes to his son?

And then, why would Deruth feel guilty? Because he hungers after a son who he can interact with without fearing Cale's hatred or resentment. He knows and fears his own inadequacy to heal their relationship. And the new soul doesn't mind it. The new soul, Cale, holds no expectations for him. No resentment. He doesn't know how to reconcile, but is there any need to if Cale is no longer the son he wronged?

So the answer to such a cruel question, which do you prefer, is... this one. The new one. The Cale that Deruth can be a proud father of, that he can hold his head high when talking about and fret over when he coughs blood or faints or leaves for another dangerous mission. The Cale that he knows exactly how to make happy. It's not hard, either, just food, rest and gold.

Deruth will never know how he could have made the original Cale happy. There is too much strife between them for Deruth to dare try to unravel it all, so he'll settle for wishing him all the best in future endeavours. This is penance enough, the guilt he will carry forever for not noticing sooner the loss of his firstborn son.

[schazam]

Its easy to hate count deruth but does anyone else think there's gotta be a weird "father I don't want this marriage" level of misunderstanding between og!Cale and his family because honestly speaking from the little we know about his situation alot of stuff really doesn't add up.

We're told by krs that og!Cale doesn't like his stepmother and the two don't get along. However canon later supports that violan actively refused to allow og!Cale to be kicked out of the family even though any other stepmother in her situation would be busy trying to boost her children to a higher level of authority. She doesn't do this, even though krs himself says she's a very traditional noble with pride in the henituse name. She would have ONLY stood to benefit from og!cale's loss but she canonically defends him despite being of lower birth herself and far before krs goes to the capital even actively Apologizes when she thinks what she said about the carriage crew would seem insulting. Not exactly in line with someone who dislikes her stepchild.

Then there's deruth himself who just seems to be all over the place. Between never punishing his child for actively stepping out of line while simultaneously not defending him from their power hungry relatives? It's a huge contradiction. An overly lenient father who gives his son anything he wants while also shrugging off the very real threats to his position? It doesn't make any sense.

We're painted this picture of someone whose actively negligent all while they prove they can't actually be that dense. Especially since it's obvious drew and him would know who Ron was at least on the most basic levels and still assigned an assassin as their sons aid.

Some shit about og cale and his family better be explained in part two because honestly the only thing I can assume is that the hunters wanted to kill og!Cale since he was the last known Thames and that's why Ron was assigned to him, and maybe even why a dad who was so negligent he wouldn't stop smiling when krs cale just enjoyed eating at the beginning let the 8 year old distance himself from the position of heir. No reason to murder a boy with no power to speak of.

Its all just pieces and it's so annoying because it doesn't make what deruth allowed right but also would atleast explain some of his illogical decisions. Even og!Cale himself who was super focused on his mother turned niece seemed to imply there was more to the story and im just here wishing everything was available now. 💀

I guess after zed crossman who had zero relevance to the story up until this point showed up (which I knew was suspicious af way before we got to the test) I want answers on the henituse/Thames situation because there's no way a personality change (which isn't even that big) would take deruth from an uncaring type to what he becomes in the later chapters. Nothing in his character or background suggests deruth craves power or authority to make the change make sense. But also even if it is a misunderstanding or we don't have the full story why would the author bother waiting this long to explain that og!Cale wasn't disliked when most of us have already locked in our opinions on most characters.

[slackerlifewhere]

What Kim Rok Soo probably thinks about Cale Henituse

Okay, so I mentioned that I'm rereading the first part now so I can finally read the second part of the novel.

While reading, I noticed how calm and normal Kim Rok Soo is about Cale. Like yeah, he finds him amusing and interesting, but coming from a man who has read five volumes and notices (and remembers) every little detail about it, it makes me wonder what he truly thinks about Cale Henituse.

[✋Possible SPOILERS for the first part of TCF ✋]

As I reread the story in the first few chapters, despite how little Cale Henituse's importance is in The Birth of a Hero or how few his appearances are since it focuses on Choi Han's adventure, Kim Rok Soo somehow describes moments that make Cale look like trash but it's like he understands why the noble was like that before they switched bodies (except for the Harris village since he didn't know about that until OG Cale mentions it).

Like think about it. We all know KRS grew up with his abusive uncle. He knows how bad it is to live with an alcoholic but he doesn't judge Cale's antics when he's "drunk". We also know that he's been alone most of his life so he probably thinks that Cale is just a lonely person because of his reputation.

Guessing that there are some assholes during the apocalypse (I haven't read the side stories yet but I can guess), he probably thinks that Cale is more complex than what he shows in the books because he has seen the worst kind of people that makes Cale look like a normal person. After switching bodies, Venion, White Star, Arm, and Adin are definitely 1000% worse than Cale.

Kim Rok Soo is very sharp when it comes to understanding people. He understands Choi Han and Alberu's problems and understands the trauma the kids went through. He also understands how corrupt nobles and priests are and doesn't judge Mary and the Dark Elves all because of a stupid religion. He understands how hard it was for Lock during the war and was comforting about it his own weird way.

He's a perceptive and understanding person.

Although he's incredibly bad at judging himself, he's good at judging a person through their motives and actions. It's why he somehow befriends Toonka and Bud. It's why he became allies with Hannah and Fredo. It's why he quietly listens to DHB later on. He understands people and it's why people like and trust him.

In short, he knows that there's something more than what the books say about Cale Henituse.

It's kind of the reason why it made me pause a bit when he finally meets OG Cale.

Their conversation was so calm, it's as if they knew each other for a very long time instead of just literally a few minutes ago. He easily accepted what OG Cale has to say about his mother and his new life as Kim Rok Soo and he trusts him with his former team. Like I've mentioned before in my other post, he's happy for both of them because they're both content with their new lives despite their regrets in their last lives.

Cale looked at Kim Rok Soo, who was laughing and making gestures that he would never have made, and nonchalantly added on.

“I guess you’ve really been happy.”

He recalled the moment he met with Lee Soo Hyuk and got the ‘Embrace’ ability.

Lee Soo Hyuk had handed Cale the ability and told him about the real Cale Henituse as he disappeared.

‘Oh, by the way, the original owner of your body is living well too. He’s happy. That is why Jung Soo, I, and everybody is happy.’

Kim Rok Soo had a bright smile that suited a twenty-year-old person and not someone in his mid-thirties.

- Chapter 656: Everything can be connected

I'm guessing that when he read the parts about Cale throwing bottles at a random asshole in the books, he probably thought that he might do the same thing. Remember how badly he reacted when he learned about the slaves being sent to the Empire? He basically used the same tactic but instead of throwing the bottle at someone, he drank a lot because of how pissed he was and made it look like the "trash" he is while waiting for everyone's signal.

He even has some thoughts about how annoyed he is whenever the knights or butlers would flinch away since he knows Cale never tried to actually harm them. And he knows about Cale's troubles with the staff back home in the Henituse territory.

So yeah, it's pretty sweet in a way that Cale Henituse has someone who kind of understands him and won't judge him for his actions even though Kim Rok Soo doesn't know everything about him because of the books (like his conversation with Basen).

“It looks like you will need to struggle a little longer, but anyway, live well. Please take care of my family.”

“Please take care of my team members.”

Both men let go of each other’s hand with a small amount of sorrow visible in their eyes.

- Chapter 657: Everything can be connected

[idontknowmyownmind]

I've obsesses with TBOAH!Cale Henituse lately. I love all version of Cale but TBOAH!Cale has special place in my heart.

You might already know the situation surrounding Cale(s). But here is my thought of it. (You can call it my AU regarding our young master.)

Some of us know that Thames household research on Time (I might be wrong because I haven't read the Novel but read a lot of spoiler already). What if TBOAH!Cale know more than he show? Kim Rook So might be God of Death's favourite mortal but I like to think that TBOAH!Cale is God/Goddess of Time and Space's favourite. (Or God of Creation's favourite)

I also think that a part of his deal with God of Death is they will forget certain things. For example how TBOAH!Cale know about the deal he will be making way before. But because of the deal, both of them doesn't know. So let say that the deal between them is actually not only involve them but also the God/Goddess who favor TBOAH!Cale. But because of the deal, only the God/Goddess who aware of this.

So TBOAH!Cale know more about this but after the deal being made, it's like he is being split into two. One with the knowledge (TBOAH!Cale) and one without it (OG!Cale)

OG!Cale is the one in Kim Rook So's body.

Idk whether I want TBOAH!Cale to be in eternal slumber in the God/Goddess's domain or life in different timeline/universe.

So we have

TBOAH!Cale

OG!Cale (CH in KRS)

TCF!Cale (KRS in CH)

God of Death favor OG!Cale and TCF!Cale after the body switch.

God/Goddess of Time and Space favor TBOAH!Cale since his birth.

I got inspired by one of the fic I read.

TBOAH!Cale is the balance between them. He know to much, that's why he make the deal and try to make it better for both souls.

Cale Henituse and Kim Rook So are representing both creation (after the body switch) and destruction (before the body switch).

Basically, he is blessed with the knowledges between time and space. Or more like a curse because he know to much but have little time. That's why he created many timeline.

AU

TBOAH!Cale is the original while Cale Henituse and Kim Rook So are part of his soul. So they are actually one soul.

After many attempt to created the best timeline, he finally understand that he can't do it alone and not only in his world. So he split his soul into 3. TBOAH!Cale, OG!Cale and Kim Rook So.

He is the balance, the ghost, between them. None of Cale Henituse and Kim Rook So aware of this.

[ohmycale]

On flaws, arguments, responses, and outcomes (long and personal) 

This post is a response/analysis of the arguments I read and even debated about certain characters in TCF/TBOAH. I get asked for reasons for my points/arguments and I repeat so much it becomes exhausting. So, I decided just to post it here and copypasta every time these arguments show up. 

When people ask me why I don't like Deruth or appreciate what he does/did, my response is I was og!cale sometime in my life and it colored my relationship with my father/parents. I admitted my bias in one of my posts and it does affect how I argue or judge characters. I also know people who were abused and neglected. While we do share a common bond (albeit a traumatic one) I do understand the nuances of every individual I knew who knew and experienced neglect. This applies to specific circumstances or even outcomes of their relationship.

 So, why argue? I don’t like to argue but I have seen opinions (fine to have whatever side you are on) that imo, lack nuances, particularly to a life that I experienced. Even their arguments make sense to me, even if I feel that they are lacking. Maybe it's not an argument per se, but a chance to provide more awareness to the issues that the canon presented itself. The details in the TCF universe are lacking but we have segments of the fandom that wants to explore a different facet of the story.  

So, the common arguments:

1. Deruth is a flawed human/parent. He doesn't read minds or act correctly every single time. Also, ‘We all made mistakes.’ (a classic excuse from neglectful parents) I agree. Nobody in TCF or real life is perfect. This argument is a ‘justification for why Deruth harmed Cale. In itself, the argument isn't problematic but the way it is used is my issue. This argument is repeated ad nauseum to me on occasions when my parent didn't step up or something wrong happens. And I accepted that for years (even now) coz it makes sense and I would be a hypocrite if I don't have flaws myself. The issue is not on the argument itself but on how it is used/delivered. Over time, this morphs into an excuse and is taken advantage of whenever something bad happened. Throw this argument and the recipient is expected to accept it again and again without question until the recipient feels that it is offensive to question why the parent has done a bad thing. It becomes worse when the recipient feels blamed for asking, ashamed for not being validated, or has no empathy thrown their way. It may be reaching but oftentimes, it can lead to gaslighting (and I don't use that term lightly). So, yeah good argument but it has an expiry date and it’s not a free forever pass. And personally, it does not cover the other lacks (effort, understanding, communication, and other relationship ingredients).

Another point the argument ignores is that Deruth is still a parent. Even if he is a flawed parent, he still has that societal and ingrained authority over Cale unless Cale himself is an adult. It's human to be a flawed parent but if a parent’s child has to step up because the ‘parent’ doesn't want to improve and take accountability, then please Google ‘parentification’. It’s a big issue since responsibility is given to a child with no authority, power, and less capability, yet still expected to perform like an adult. In my experience, parentification leads to some kids cutting off their parents or guardians because of the burden and trauma. They were also given false hope that the situation will improve. It's hard because it’s the parents who want to have children but don’t realize that children (more than not) are a lifelong responsibility and commitment. Again, its human to be but mind the responsibility that parenthood entails. Responsibility is not just the physical needs, but also the whole package of a child.  

Also, the flawed argument should apply to both Cale and Deruth. Let's do this. If Deruth is flawed, there is little incentive to try to repair their relationship. If Cale is flawed, it's okay for Cale to self-destruct and harm people because of his flaws. The people who are the recipient of Cale's actions have no right to complain because he is flawed and so they are. If we go by this argument, then nobody takes accountability. Apply it evenly and to everyone and I won’t contest that. 

‘Deruth lets Cale get away from many things/gives him freedom/Cale doesn’t get any consequences.” Its the same thing my parent's did to me. Gave me a lot of passes when I acted out and money since school and even with my income. Didn’t ask but still gave me ‘in case I need something.’ It’s bribery. Why do you ask? Guilt, overcompensation, and overcorrection.  In Cale’s case, freedom’s not a great argument considering Deruth forbade Cale to go outside (and who’s fault it again why he’s acting up?’) and have his butler monitor his movement. People might say ‘for his protection’ but it also indicates a lack of trust and controlling vibes.

There is a part two coz I wrote too much....

[blueteller]

“Trash of the Count’s Family” Review Series: Chapter 5

Trash of the Count’s Family Manhwa: Chapter 5

We start off with Choi Han getting up to follow Cale. Then Cale sees the red kitten affectionately rubbing its head against his leg. He thinks that he doesn't really like cats, but this one is cute. (Tsundere much, Cale?? 😂) He notices Choi Han looking at him, so he pets it "to keep up appearances" (c'mon, Cale, just admit you wanted to pet the adorable little kitten...), much to the disapproval of the silver kitten, which seems more cautious. The cats leave, and so do Cale and Choi Han.

Cale feels Choi Han staring at his back and thinks he's probably evaluating whether he's easy to kill or not. While that's not unlikely – I admit this is the point where I started to realize how hilariously paranoid Cale can be. It's like he's unable to comprehend that people can be – oh I don't know... curious about him, maybe? Or confused?? Which I bet Choi Han would be, in this situation. Cale just randomly came up to him and invited him to a free meal, after all. Cale, honey... learn to read the room, would you??

The image of Choi Han staring looks pretty menacing, though, I'm not gonna lie... If that's how Cale sees everyone all the time, then no wonder he's so paranoid, haha!

They reach the guards at the gate, who start stuttering as Cale approaches – much to Cale's annoyance. Ron greets them inside, and Cale once again thinks of how scary he is (poor Cale, surrounded by such intimidating people...). Meanwhile, Ron and Choi Han exchange looks, and judging by the colorful visual representation of the moment, it is not the friendly kind. The image looks really cool, and Cale thinking "am I hallucinating, or is there a weird spark between them?" makes the whole thing even better; Ron and Choi Han just became bitter enemies, while Cale is completely oblivious to the meaning behind their staring contest. To me this three-way exchange is hilarious, for several reasons:

It's quite easy to figure out that despite Cale's paranoia over meeting Choi Han – who was supposed to beat up OG Cale in the novel – the current Choi Han seems to look favorably at Cale. Now, he's just entered his benefactor's home. Ron is an assassin; and Choi Han can tell, since he's a Sword Master. Seeing such a dangerous individual by Cale's side – who by all appearances seems unaware of Ron's identity – activated his protective instincts.

On the other side there's Ron, believing the same of Cale; probably thinking that Cale has no idea how dangerous this stranger he just brought home with him is. His "Intruder!!!" instincts are probably blaring loudly in alarm.

And then there's Cale, convinced that either of them could murder him at any moment. Meanwhile, the two fighters are quite ready to murder each other – in order to protect Cale.

In other words: it's the first misunderstanding of this chapter and I'm already struggling to keep my laughter in check. This novel really is comedy gold 🤣

Ron asks Cale what is going on, and offers to handle the guest for him. Cale declines, oblivious to the fact that Ron is probably worried. (A quick "no-eyes" shot from Ron, but honestly it looks fine to me; 0/5 awkwardness rating.) Cale declines, thinking it should be fine now, since he let Choi Han and Ron meet: now the plot of "The Birth of a Hero" (TBOAH for short) should be back on track, allowing them to become companions later. (Mmm... I wouldn't be so sure about that, darling...)

He comes across Hans, who is introduced as the Deputy Butler responsible for Cale's well-being. Hans is happy to see Cale back, "even after drinking alcohol", implying that usually he has to look for him to bring him back. Cale brings the bottle in his hand in front of him with a sharp gesture, making it seem as if he's about to throw it. Hans freaks out, expecting it to happen. But much to his surprise, Cale simply tells him to put it away, promising to "actually throw it at him next time". (I have a strange feeling he won't keep that promise though, lol...) Then he leaves, much to Hans' consternation.

Cale enters "Kitchen #2" to find another member of Choi Han's party from TBOAH: Ron Molan's son named Beacrox – or Vicross, depending on translation. I'll be using the names used in the Manhwa, so I'm sticking with Beacrox.

Beacrox is "another terrifying guy", according to Cale, as this master chef is actually also a torture expert and a proficient fighter. In TBOAH, when he saw Choi Han beating up OG Cale, he was amazed by his skills and decided to follow him. Cale is planning on having Beacrox follow Choi Han this time as well, so that both the son and the father leave with the protagonist. So he tells Beacrox to give Choi Han something to eat.

Beacrox doesn't seem keen on the suggestion (I really like his design: very cold-looking and professional, just fitting for his character). However, Cale repeats the order, so Beacrox agrees with a sigh. Cale smirks, convinced that everything's going according to plan. There's a cute bowling pin image of the trio and I adore that visual metaphor: especially since the pins are actually standing still, implying that Cale in fact has missed his mark, even though he doesn't realize it.

Cale says he's also hungry, and just to act extra "trashy", he adds that it has to be high-quality (as if they would feed the son of a Count anything else, Cale! 😂). Then he promptly compliments Beacrox's cooking, completely ruining the act. Becacrox looks confused as Cale calls him an amazing chef (probably to promote him to Choi Han as a valuable party member to get rid of him easier, lol), since OG Cale probably never did that – as we remember from a couple chapters back, when Count Deruth expected Cale to say that the food tastes like garbage. We have yet another misuderstanding on our hands and I'm living for it ❤️

Hans asks Cale what should he do about the Choi Han (another "no-eyes" shot, but it's also good-looking so I don't mind), who stands in the background looking small and confused – the poor man. Cale orders the butler to take care of him as his guest, leaving Hans staring after him with a thoughtful expression.

Next we see Hans reporting to the Count about his son's activites of the day. He asks if they should put a tail on him, but Deruth says there's no need: as long as Cale stays in the city, they should just keep observing him and bring reports as usual. Count Deruth dismisses Hans and starts thinking how Cale has changed, giving us a very nice image of his face up close. End chapter.

Maybe it was just me, but I think this was the funniest chapter so far. Maybe without context it isn't half as funny to the average reader, but it was interesting to say the least (especially visually). Cale's plans are coming into motion: except it is not at all the motion that he's predicting. It's going to be great 😄

Feel free to leave comments!

[< Previous] [Index] [Next >]

[sadlynotthevoid]

Bow I'm imagining Saiko and Og!Cale having Rick Guy Matches where they compete over things like "who can spend more money".

Saiko: —and this is the bathroom *shows a room with a golden bathtub and a chandelier*, it's—

Og!Cale: —Pathetic. I thought it was the supply closet.

Saiko: Oh? And is yours better, then?

Og!Cale: My own bathtub alone could fit two of your little house's rooms and still have free space.

Saiko: Ha. What's so good about the size? Does your bathroom have a bathtub made of gold?

Og!Cale: No, because my family are not idiots. We have marble bathtubs. All of them. *Shakes hair in rich*

Also, I rise you: Aren and Og!Cale becoming really good friends. One is pretending to never had been a delinquent, the other pretends to be one. They have many things in common.

Plus, Aren would notice the gaps between his reputation, the way he acts and the results. He has experience™.

And obviously og!Cale would notice he is used to violence and fights. He has a big brain, so he probably would guess it right and let it be.

After the group runs into some kind of mafia guy,

Aren: —assholes like those are a pain to deal with.

Og!Cale: —bastards like those are annoying as heck.

Aren and Og!Cale: *look at each other*

Og!Cale: I feel you.

Aren: That's my line.

Aren: By the way, you know that you can swear, right?

Wait. Just a thought: how annoyed do you think Kusuke would get if og!Cale did his "guessing what you're thinking" thing with him?

Because in a side you have a guy who canonically created a way to avoid telepathy. And in the other you have a guy who canonically acts as if he could read minds.

Putting a character in another world with amnesia and giving their friends/family a way to check up on them gives ALL the satisfactory exposition and none of the extreme direct reactions that a react fic usually gives me its 🙏🙏

[workaholic-slacker]

TCF characters with modern technology

When I recalled that Choi Han would rather live in the earth after cataclysm than the earth before the cataclysm- since he didn’t know how to use phones and computers- I wondered how the other characters would react to modern things.

We already know that Alberu chose to wield a gun, even though he barely knows much about a gun. He adapts to it quickly. He would be happy with computers and phones since they're really efficient. He might be able to sleep a little more.

Clopeh would love cameras. He would be like- 'Isn't this basically a recording device with a different shape? …It doesn't require mana? I see...It can record for a long time? Hmm...The quality is really good huh....Wait, you can record from far away? And still see things so clearly?! I can edit it however I want?! I can share it all around the world?! This small thing can do all that?! I need at least 10 of this! I CAN RECORD CALE-NIM'S LEGENDS MORE EASILY AND SPREAD IT ALL AROUND THE WORLD-' Or something like that.

Rosalyn would mess around with lighters. 'This thing can light a fire? Without mana? That's amazing. What if I inject mana into it?' 'Wait, it might explo-' And it explodes.

Raon and Eruhaben would be intrigued by the new knowledge. They would separate the parts, observe them and put them back together, and might even discover or invent something along the way. They're great and mighty geniuses after all.

Beacrox would be interested in modern cooking- foods, techniques, utensils etc. He would try to recreate them. He would be especially interested in different types of knives and other sharp objects- definitely not to improve his torture techniques.

Mary would happily steal all the collections of different types of bones in museums. 'Are necromancers wildly accepted in this world?' 'Uh, there are no necromancers in this world' 'Then why do they collect bones and place them so conveniently in the open?' 'Are you talking about museums?...You didn't steal the bones, right?' 'I simply picked them up as they looked quite lonely in that big hall.'

On another note, I wonder how Og! Cale adapted to the modern world.

[thistle-01]

KRS as Cale Henituse + traveling back in time + having to do it all over again

except he goes farther than maybe the god of death was intending bc he blinks his eyes open and a little boy with red hair and brown eyes and a scowl on his face is standing over him

the boy says, “you’re sleeping on the road. Do you want to die? It’s worse because you look like me,” and drags him over to a very familiar mansion

KRS through og!child!Cale’s eyes fixing all of og!Cale’s crises and KRS internally despairing that he won’t see the family he knew again so og!Cale sees him drinking sometimes and sometimes withdrawing into himself but he doesn’t know why

og!Cale living thru KRS’ crazy stunts and self sacrificing bullshit and paling and squawking and trying to make him take better care of himself

og!Cale and KRS saving the world

og!Cale now tall and grown, nursing a drink and reflecting on how KRS looks so much like an older version of him, how similar they look to each other

“tell me,” he demands of KRS when he hunts him down one day and KRS is looking like him and has a book open on his lap because he gave up drinking after Cale threatened to follow in his footsteps and they both knew that Cale on the glass wouldn’t pan out very well.

KRS telling og!Cale after some hemming/hawing

Cale crying for him, crying angry hot tears of indignation and wrath for a loved one’s unfair circumstances and curling his fists into balls and resolving to kill a god

”so I’m…?” “Dead, I think.” “Good to know,” and cale just balling up that information and deciding to chuck it out the window because it’s not like it can happen again. They’ve changed too much for that.

og!Cale eventually figuring out a way for KRS to return to his time, his world, his place where he’s surrounded by people he loves and who loves him back in turn and hesitating before he can put the recipe for the spell/ritual/whatever to action and actually use it

og!Cale having a chat with KRS

”if you could go back what would you do?” “Anything,”

and KRS looking mildly wistful but bored and Cale knowing he’s hiding a lot of repressed nostalgia/sadness/heartache in that expression

og!cale following through

KRS leaving, literally packing all his stuff which isn’t much but he can’t forget the overflowing pocket dimension of riches and gifts his fans have given him over the years that’s a lot of money, and turning expectantly to Cale before he leaves and Cale’s like ?? *glare glare* “get the fuck out of here already,”

KRS looking at him like he‘s lost it and “you’re coming too,” and it’s not even a question? Like wtf?

and Cale looking at KRS and KRS looking at Cale and KRS blinking and cocking his head like he’s just realized, “unless you don’t want to.” And over the years they’ve both burned and built bridges, they’ve made alliances and made allies and they’ve cultivated a web of resources, even the counterparts of KRS’ family but they never really let anyone get super close because it just felt wrong. they weren’t meant to be here.

Well, KRS wasn’t meant to be here, he’s not from this time after all but for og!cale it is his world and it is his time so he could never truly figure out why it felt like he never fit, why his own family felt like a mile away sometimes

og!cale thinking of all the people he’s met, all the people he’s attached to only in the barest sense, like they’re velcro stitched by the flimsiest threads, one strong wind and they’d be separated, divided like fhey were never joined to begin with

og!Cale thinking of them, and thinking of KRS. Thinking of all the things they’ve been through and how far they’ve come

og!Cale taking KRS’s hand

them jumping through the warp/circle/spell/whatever

og!Cale meeting KRS’ family

og!Cale giving up his name to live as Cain Henituse, long lost cousin or distant relative or random doppelgänger who just happened upon KRS!Cale and decided to stick to him like a burr

Cale introducing Cain to the people in his life and them, after some surprise and confusion and “wtf who is this is he safe,” welcoming Cain into the fold

Cain feeling like he finally, finally belongs?!?

Cale still pulling the same self-sacrificing false-slacker bullshit he did in cain’s original world

Cain suffering but having others to suffer with him because here they all know what Cale is like “omg let me tell you about this one time-“

KRS!Cale never getting that slacker life

Cain finding happiness

Cale and Cain and everyone else settling down, finding peace, what passes for peace in Cale’s time and world and with Cale around anyway, and Cain and Cale growing old together

Cain coming to find Cale one day,

”hey, what are you doing sleeping on the floor, old man? You wanna die? It’s worse because we look like each other- but obviously I’m the better looking.”

And Cale laughs

the end