I was asked to share more about what I am reading, and it is something I have been wanting to do, so here we are with a Creating Hidden Endings mini-review. How did I decide on this particular series? Opening my history and selecting the latest entry in my log. I started reading this on November 16, and I reread it again on the 17th as I constructed this review. That way, I was sure about what I was saying, could grab character screenshots and ensure the experience while I binge-read was genuine and not just because I was reading from 11 pm at night.
With that said, let’s dive into this mini-review.
What’s in this mini review?
What is Creating Hidden Endings about?
- Format: Manhwa (South Korean)
- Status: Ongoing (26 chapters as of review)
- Started: 18 April 2025\
- Genres: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance, Boys’ Love, Isekai
- Illustration: Yono (AKEO STUDIO)
- Writer: Ilju (AKEO STUDIO)
- Original story: HomekeeperB
- Available to read on: Manta Comics
After beating the game The Return of the D-Rank Hunter, Seon-Woo wakes up inside it as an NPC. He’s immediately kidnapped by the sleep-deprived protagonist Jae-Hwi, who forces him into a one-sided contract to become his Mentalist. To escape back to reality, Seon-Woo must unlock the game’s secret ending.
What works
The premise delivers exactly what it promises: a BL isekai set in a hunterverse with dungeon mechanics and status effects. Seon-Woo knows the game inside out, but being an NPC rather than the player character strips away any advantage he might have had. That, and he is in the game after the ending of his play-through. His bickering with Jae-Hwi, followed by forced flattery due to status effects, creates a rhythm that’s genuinely entertaining.
What makes Seon-Woo work as a protagonist is his refusal to be completely passive despite the power imbalance. He speaks his mind, sets boundaries, and stands up for himself even when he’s the weakest person in the room. Yes, he backs down when necessary, he’s not stupid, but he doesn’t simply roll over. The fact that he’s been threatened and could absolutely get his arse handed to him makes his willingness to push back more impressive, not less. He’s making slow progress whilst knowing exactly when to pick his battles, which feels far more realistic than either complete submission or unrealistic defiance.
The artwork from Yono (AKEO STUDIO) deserves praise. Character designs are distinct across the board. Nobody looks like a recoloured copy of anyone else, which is rarer than it should be in manhwa. The action sequences in dungeons have visual clarity, and the full-colour presentation enhances the reading experience.
The pacing is solid. The story moves without dragging, and the narrative remains easy to follow. At 26 chapters, the romantic element is hinted at rather than central. There’s flirting, there’s a manufactured media scandal, but the focus stays on the game mechanics and character dynamics. The BL is clearly building towards something, but it’s taking its time getting there, which I am happy with and am content to let it simmer alongside the rest of the plot unfolding.
The series also doesn’t waste time with its reveals. By chapter 23, Seon-Woo has already told Jae-Hwi the truth about coming from another dimension, where this world was just a game. It’s refreshing to see that card played relatively early rather than dragged out for dramatic tension. Even more surprising is Jae-Hwi’s reaction; he takes it remarkably well, all things considered. Then again, he was the one who asked Seon-Woo to tell him who he really is, so perhaps he was more prepared for an unusual answer than most would be.
Standout characters
Taera Baek, the healer, steals scenes whenever he appears. His willingness to weaponise his healing abilities is a brilliant character choice. The backstory of being blind before awakening as a hunter has real potential, and I’m hoping future chapters explore it properly.
Chorok Han presents a more complicated case. His devotion stems from a past that explains his behaviour, but his attachment style veers into unhealthy territory. Whether the series addresses this or treats it as acceptable remains to be seen.
Bundles deserves a mention. The Keymaster is adorable both as a character and as a name (courtesy of Seon-Woo’s naming sensibilities). It’s a small touch, but these details add personality to the world.
The elephant in the room
Jae-Hwi’s ability to inflict negative status effects on Seon-Woo after effectively reducing him to a slave is harsh. The power imbalance isn’t just narrative flavour, it’s baked into the contract system itself. The “Servant Ring” mechanic makes Seon-Woo physically dependent on his master’s mood, which crosses from possessive into controlling territory. Being summoned without warning at any time would be incredibly frustrating, stripping away any semblance of personal autonomy. I am glad it was not overused as a gimmick; however, it is still early days.
At this stage, it’s unclear whether the series will interrogate this dynamic or romanticise it. Jae-Hwi’s characterisation as an S-Class regressor who’s “lost one side of his head due to infinite regression” provides context, but context isn’t the same as justification. I’m cautiously hoping the narrative doesn’t let him off the hook too easily.
Is it worth reading?
If you’re after a BL manhwa with game mechanics, dungeon crawling, and don’t mind unequal power dynamics between leads, Creating Hidden Endings delivers competently. The art is excellent, the supporting cast has personality, and the mystery of the hidden ending provides forward momentum.
The series knows what it is and executes it well within those parameters. Whether the romantic development handles the power imbalance thoughtfully or defaults to a toxic yet romantic relationship remains the biggest question mark. At 26 chapters, there’s enough foundation to stay interested, but the direction it takes from here will determine whether it’s genuinely good or just functional genre fare.
Main characters:
- Seon-U Yeon (Seon-Woo) – C-Class Mentalist, transmigrated uke
- Jae-Hui Lee (Jae-Hwi) – S-Class Regressor, protagonist seme
- Taera Baek – Healer with weaponised healing
- Chorok Han – Character with complicated attachment issues
Will I be continuing Creating Hidden Endings?
Yes I will be without a doubt. At this early stage in this series, the groundwork feels steady enough that I want to see where its tone settles and how it handles the imbalance between its leads. The mystery of the hidden ending still has room to grow, and the supporting cast has set up a few threads that could develop into something meaningful. Even if the romance takes a slower route, the world-building and character interplay are engaging enough to keep me scrolling the digital pages.
My current rating: 8/10
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