Death Progress Bar Chapter 42 Discussion

Definitely deserves its high ratings!! This novel really does a good job of exploring deeper topics while keeping the light-hearted nature of slice of life stories to tell its tale and illustrate its characters comfortably.

Plot: 5/5

MC can see the "death progress bar" of him the one that becomes his golden thigh, and his goal is to make sure they both stay alive. Enter the super talented brothers and a plethora of other characters as MC involves himself with the largest legal criminal organization in China, working to unroot the others to try and live under the sun. Great story, so excited to see where it goes!! Furthermore, it expertly weaves drama into a comfortable slice of life story, establishing a great delicate balance. It's not a burdensome read at all, suitable for midmorning tea or something.

Spoiler

I'm kinda confused about the novel tho; since it was written from "Shi Jin"'s perspective, doesn't that mean he was the protagonist? But he died super pitifully...

Also the idea of the government using Annihilation to clear the white-labeled underworld and then have it break free is ridiculous. Human society definitely won't separate from crime, so isn't it better for the government to be able to see and enforce some control then nothing at all??

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Characters: 5/5

Really good! Slice of life stories depend on its characters, and this novel doesn't disappoint. MC is ACTUALLY smart, which is honestly rare; you see his brain working from the beginning. The system is very cute (although I wonder if we'll ever get an explanation about this "darling" thing). ML is highly accomplished, cold yet tender, and he slowly succumbs to the MC. His personal struggle with his weaknesses is brilliantly portrayed; I'm only on CH42 right now, so I think it'll get even more potent later.

Spoiler

I really hope he patches it up with his brothers.. I love all of them!!! I thought he already came to terms with Li Jiuzheng though.. Doesn't hurt to have more golden thighs to hug right?

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Other key characters and the side characters are also good. In these 40 chapters, almost all the other key characters are flushed out very thoroughly, showing their strength but also exposing their darkness. It's a look at humanity and relationships, particularly familial ties, and how fragile and incomprehensible they may be. Even side characters like the Guas have some distinct personality of their own.

Writing and Translation: 5/5

No problems at all!! Rarely and grammar or other mistakes, and the writing flows smoothly. Pace has always been comfortable, and suitable to the specific situation the MC finds himself in. Many thanks to the translators!

All in all, a very great story!! Can't wait for more!

Note: Up to this point, there haven't been any yaoi developments at all, and barely any shounen ai. The feelings are definitely pretty slow, but it's suitable for this story I feel. I imagine in the future there won't be many yaoi scenes, or at least they will be easily skipped for those uncomfortable with the genre. So people scared of the yaoi tag, don't be!! And people that are looking for it, sorry to disappoint...