Let me start by saying that Alchemy of Souls wasn’t exactly what I expected. It’s not a bad series, but I found it a bit too long for my liking. At first, it was enjoyable, but then it started to drag, and I felt like the middle episodes were stretched out unnecessarily. The last few episodes were better and more engaging, but overall, the pacing could have been tighter.

I can understand why there's so much hype around the show, but personally, it didn’t captivate me as much as I had hoped. One of the main drawbacks for me was the relationship between the two main characters. I didn’t feel the chemistry between them at all. It didn’t really feel like I was watching a romance, and for a series that leans into that, it was disappointing.

Another downside was the lack of training scenes. I expected Mu Deok to have a more substantial role in teaching Jang Uk and for us to see more of his growth. Unfortunately, his development fell short of my expectations. Maybe he’ll evolve more in the second season, but in this one, his progress was underwhelming.

Mu Deok’s character, while bearable, could be quite irritating at times. The subplots also dragged unnecessarily, which made parts of the series feel slow.

On the positive side, I think the overall concept of the story was strong, and the last few episodes, when everything started coming together, were definitely the most interesting. That’s when the show really started to pull me in. However, I didn’t feel attached to any of the characters, which was a shame. I was hoping for more depth and emotion.

In summary, Alchemy of Souls could have been better with more focus on training, battles, and a stronger romantic element. Not once did I feel emotionally moved during the entire series, which is rare for me. I’m glad I finished it, but with the second season ahead, I’m hesitant to start it. Maybe it’ll improve, but right now, I’m not feeling very motivated to continue.