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This Bastard is Too Competent
Completed

This Bastard is Too Competent

서자가 너무 잘한다
Native Language Korean
Released 2020
Artist
Original Ch.: 251
Translated Ch.: 251
Rank: #692
Last Update: March 31, 2026
Original Pub.: Golem Factory
View: ? Views
8

This Bastard is Too Competent is a popular novel that blends Action, Adventure, Drama and more. Written by the author 싸우전드. A total of 251 chapters have been translated and the novel is complete.

Synopsis

He was the one who would become the greatest monarch in history.
“The spot you had climbed once, there’s nothing you can’t climb again.”
He was destined to become the greatest monarch in history.
“Once I’ve ascended to that position, there’s no reason I can’t ascend again.”
[Plot]
“Now, only one step remained.
Becoming king was within reach.
But that had become a mere dream.
And yet.
“I’ve returned to the past?”
But one thing was certain.
“I will make sure you pay the price for betraying me.”
And this time, he would never let go of the throne that was meant for him.
He was destined to become the greatest monarch in history.
“Once I’ve ascended to that position, there’s no reason I can’t ascend again.”
The protagonist, Ian, is the seventh prince of the Kingdom of Kainstein.
He lived as a serf as a child, but one day, the Duke of Garcia visits and brings him to the capital, where he jumps into the line of succession to the throne.
Just because he lived as a serf and because he showed shortcomings that befitted his background as a serf,
he suffered all kinds of scorn and disdain, but he worked hard to show Duke Garcia that he was the rightful successor, and at the moment when he was close to becoming king… … .
Duke Garcia betrayed him,
and Ian met his death.
And then he returned to the time when Duke Garcia sent someone to find Ian… … .
In this life,
he wants to be the one who uses, not the one who is used.
“His goal is to become the king of the Kingdom of Kainstein and unify the continent!
What will become of the protagonist, Ian?”

🎭 System Interface: The “Dumbfounded Faces” Protocol

Rather than following a standard high-stakes political drama formula, this story operates on a Face-Slapping Engine that shapes every major decision and conflict.

Component Classification Tactical Implication
Narrative Engine Power Fantasy / Regression Drives the story toward satisfying “I predicted your move” moments and enemy humiliation.
Primary Genre Action / Politics / Fantasy Sets expectations for a throne struggle, but often pivots to OP combat.
Atmosphere Fast-Paced & Dazzling Creates a constant feeling of “winning” where the MC is always three steps ahead.
The “X” Factor Future Knowledge Forces the story to evolve through Ian revealing information he shouldn’t have to shock his peers.

📂 System Interface: The Status Window (Ian & The Knights)

Instead of simple character roles, the story builds a contrast between these two figures:

Attribute Ian Kainstein Nathan / Galon
Classification The Cunning Regressor The Loyal Sword-Arms
Mental Body / Archetype Represents Calculated Ambition Represents Unwavering Fealty
Personality Sly, reckless, and cold-hearted to enemies Hilarious, easily dumbfounded, and fiercely protective
Dynamic Their relationship evolves through the “Knight’s Oath,” transitioning from master-servant to a bond of genuine (if understated) trust.
Bookmark

Editor's Note

💡 The "Turn Your Brain Off" Insight

[The Logic Gap]: What makes this aspect interesting is not just the MC’s strength, but how the story ignores biological physics; a malnourished child fighting adult knights is a "feature," not a bug, designed for maximum hype.

[The Antagonist Problem]: While many readers enjoy the face-slapping, others find it frustrating due to the "dumb" enemy trope; powerful Dukes and Princes often lose their common sense the moment they face Ian.

[The Late-Game Rush]: Personally, this is where the novel loses its momentum; the second half feels condensed, with the author skipping major events like the coming-of-age ceremony to reach the conclusion.

*251 chapters of face-slapping, hidden pieces, and a bastard who refuses to be used again. Complete — and the ultimate 'turn your brain off' power trip.*

Experience Curve

The "Throne Reclaimed" Log

Ch. 1–50 (The Serf’s Return): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A high-energy opening that perfectly captures the "face-slapping" appeal as Ian shocks the knights sent to fetch him.

Ch. 51–150 (The Royal Chessboard): ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The story mellows into political maneuvering and gathering allies, showing Ian's talent for twisting enemy plots to his advantage.

Ch. 151–251 (The Rushed Empire): ⭐⭐⭐
A more complex but hurried phase where the quality dips, leading to a conclusion that feels like the author was "tired of writing" and wanted to wrap up the war.

WebNovelDB Review

7 /10
A classic "guilty pleasure" binge, especially for readers who enjoy OP protagonists who never lose and leave everyone around them in shock.

Polish: 8/10. The writing feels clean and professional, with an excellent translation that makes the fast-paced action easy to digest.

Pacing: 7/10. The story starts incredibly fast, but the ending feels rushed, leaving several plot holes regarding Ian’s family and the Holy Empire.

Character Depth: 5/10. Rather than focusing on transformation alone, the characters are defined by their roles in Ian’s grand plan, often lacking independent motivation.

Originality: 6/10. While it shares similarities with Trash of the Count’s Family, it distinguishes itself through Ian’s more aggressive and "bastard-like" approach to revenge.

The Good:
One of the strongest aspects is the "Dumbfounded Face" payoff, especially in how it delivers high-octane satisfaction when Ian reveals his true competence to those who looked down on him.

The Bad:
However, it struggles with heavy plot armor, which can make certain victories feel unearned and turn side characters like Nathan into mere "dizzy" stepping stones for others.

The Archetype:
The Sovereign Architect — a protagonist who doesn’t follow the usual heroic path, but instead operates as a grandmaster playing chess against opponents who don't even know they're on the board.

Verdict:
This Bastard is Too Competent is ultimately a "Popcorn" experience. It’s less about realistic struggle and more about watching a character navigate a world where he is the only one with the strategy guide. If you’re looking for quick dopamine hits and effortless victories, this is worth trying.
WebNovelDB Team

Key Information

Main Characters: Ian Kainstein (The 7th Prince / Former Serf) — rather than a typical protagonist, he is a "Returner" who balances ruthless efficiency with a background of extreme poverty. Having been a puppet-king in his past life, he now operates with the cunning of a seasoned monarch trapped in a child's body. Alongside Nathan and Galon, his loyal knights who provide both comedic relief and muscle, and Duke Garcia, the manipulative backer who served as Ian's past-life executioner and current-life stepping stone.
Power System: The Monarch’s Authority & Ancient Powers. Instead of a generic leveling system, this mechanic revolves around Ian’s future knowledge of "hidden pieces"—ancient artifacts and lost lineages—allowing him to "yoink" power before his enemies even realize it exists.
Themes: Beyond Revenge and Kingdom Building, the story heavily explores The Burden of Sovereignty — especially through how Ian reacts to the weight of the throne, choosing to be the user of people rather than the used.

Reading Progress

Not Started Chapters: 0 Rating: -

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