So while Ernak's base premise definitely falls neatly into the recent isekai craze, it's really... very different from a lot of isekais, even those about being transported into a game world.

The main thing, though, is that it has a lot of economy lessons. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, especially when it's actually... good economy lessons. (The author definitely feels like they majored in economics, or at least business management, in college or something.) And, yeah, I think the economics of this whole thing is meant to be the main draw, since it features so prominently. There's some action, to be sure, but the real power in this story, as in real life, is money, and who has the most money.

As such, most of the real meat/conflict of the story is the mind game/outwitting each other strategically type of conflict, rather than the usual powerup fights. Though levels are mentioned, they're used more for planning the next chess move than as a progression shortcut. So if you're not interested in chapters upon chapters of strategic planning/characters discussing their next moves, then Ernak probably isn't for you.

On that note, I personally actually quite like Ernak because, unlike most others within its genre, it doesn't really treat its video game roots as if it's a video game. The main character does initially proceed based on his knowledge of the game, but as time progresses, he relies on it less and less. I like how his knowledge isn't used as a cheat code and is more of a guideline on how to proceed. The characters, too, are also treated as if they're actual people instead of video game NPCs, which is always nice to see. This is a slow-moving series to be sure, but it's interesting enough to keep me invested, especially since the characters (and the author) are genuinely clever, rather than just pretending to be.

There are a few good things about Ernak, for example, this is a setting seen quite oftenly in shoujo, a character that goes into a story that they know about and use the info to survive or marry the prince, duke or whatever, Ernak takes this approach but off the bat, the story of the book has changed, the one who was the Hero has died and unless someone takes his place very bad things will happen, it's a nice twist to a tried setting and changing the target from shoujo to shounen it's used in a fresh way. Another good thing is the MC approach to the problems, in most stories of the MC knowing the future, he would go and kill whoever will cause it beforehand or something of the sort, the MC here takes a gamble instead, another interesting twist.
Story-wise it's not that original, but it feels interesting regardless, which goes to show that unoriginal settings used in the proper way can be interesting regardless, though the building a company part is kinda boring to be honest. There is probably a long way ahead so it's too soon to say much but it's one of the best isekai I've read lately.
Character-wise, it's a bit weaker, the presentation and development of the characters is done quite shallowly, maybe this will change in the future, but most info of each char so far could fit one page and maybe one more for the little development. In any case, the MC is a decent fellow, the support chars, Bailen and Meltic on the other hand can be more interesting, without getting into details, they have conflicted personalities and depending on how the author plays it there is a lot of room for storytelling. Also, this allows for a faster pace of the story since it doesn't take much time with the chars.
As for the art, it's good enough (except the eyes), nothing great here but it's well drawn and the fights are understandable (something not as common as one would think).

... Last updated on July 5th, 2022, 7:07am

If you find economics boring this might not be for you. BUT every time a question comes up with what would you do when you go back in time? People always answer something about investing in bitcoin. And this series takes a more realistic approach to knowing the future in that sense. It also features great characters and a Main character that is actually quite weak. If your willing to sit down and read a Shounen that instead of focusing on fighting but more on life side of knowing the future (and the distaters that come with it). I would highly recommend reading this. This isn't a Shounen for MEN this is a Shounen for adults would some up the reading experience quite well.

... Last updated on September 3rd, 2023, 6:11am

I wouldn't call it trash but if you were able to read more than 10 no 5 chapter than you should continue for me it's boring