I agree with you, I absolutely love this manhwa and come back to it but romance was not done well it my opinion does change no matter how many times a reread it. I also thought the healer would have been a better choice too, I don’t dislike the fl but she would not have notice the mc if he wasn’t as strong/handsome as he was when they met. I also found it weird when towards the end of the manhwa when the world was about to end instead of spending the precious time with his family(the reason he became so strong and cares very deeply about), mc choose to spend that time with the fl(someone that he has shown no romantic interest in and barley been around) but besides the romance I adore everything else about this manhwa.
Honestly, I'm okay with romance but I'm very picky when it comes to the romance in action genres. I was okay with the healer in the beginning because she had more chemistry with him than with the FL even if she had a few scenes lol. No but seriously, I really thought they would develop some kind of relationship since she was there with him during the beginning and shown kindness from the start. It would have been quite a sweet duo. FL and Sung Jinwoo, I don't remember any memorable moments together except the ending when they got older lol, that's how unphase I am with their romance.
BUT the whole story makes up for it and we just have to accept it.
The whole build in this story was amazing.
But the romance... It was so unnecessary. I felt like the "relationship" between the MC and FL was rushed in. There wasn't much chemistry and understanding for me to see it. I understand the part where she comes in to rescue him during the ant arc, and he felt something after being called a friend by her (I don't mean friendzone but admiration). Yet it was the only reason for me to see a possibility of this relationship. The only one.
Him prioritizing for the safety of humanity (Mainly the ones he loved and found worthy) and changing himself from being an "E-Hunter" to something more powerful was such an amazing thing to read. BUT THE SUDDEN ROMANCE IN THE MIDDLE WAS SO WEAK!
I love romance! I have read fantasy, action, adventure, etc. that demonstrate such a reason these characters fall in love but these two... Didn't see it.
I felt like the healer could've been a better option for being the FL, since she was there when he was at his weakest and risked her life to save him as well. As well as being a good choice since we see her at the start and could've seen a build up between the two. Yet they stop showing her.
I do feel awful for commenting on such an amazing story like this one, but I do not regret my decision to put this out. I do hope any writer who were to make something similar to this genre, please be mindful of the romance... HOWEVER I do want people to know that this is my own opinion. Some people may like the way the romance was set up in this series, and I do not have any right to judge them (publicly, not at all. But privately in my mind... maybe). Meaning I am not using this comment to voice out for everyone, just only myself.
Regardless, it was a great story. Don't regret reading it nor wanted to quit. I hope to see more stories similar to this (Maybe different strategies for the romance). If anyone does know similar stories to this, please send out a comment. I'll be grateful to y'all!
Thank you for taking the time to read my explanation.