– The Fragile Yet Resilient Hero of Batal Stone
Kim Tan could not comprehend the events unfolding around him. The existence of Batal, the mysterious phenomena revealed by Panum’s fragments, and his growing connection to it all left him deeply confused. He wanted nothing more than to escape from the absurd responsibility of being called a “Batal.”
All he could think about was returning home, but Bakto and Bakwol had no intention of letting him go. Bakto relentlessly pressed him, as if seeing through his thoughts.
“Hey, Kim Tan. You feel it, don’t you?” Park To’s piercing gaze conveyed he no longer believed Tan’s excuses.
“No? I don’t feel anything. I don’t even know what I’m supposed to feel, honestly,” Kim Tan denied, shaking his head with exaggerated defiance. Yet deep inside, unease gnawed at him.
Kim Tan: A Different Kind of Hero
Kim Tan, the protagonist of Batal Stone, is far from a conventional hero. He is neither elite nor born with a special background or abilities. Instead, he begins as a weak, ordinary young man with nothing to his name. His charm lies precisely in this ordinariness. His relatable struggles and perseverance in the face of adversity resonate deeply with readers.
Even his smartphone, the only expensive item he owned, was bought on an installment plan and still had 30 months of payments left.
Kim Tan’s Background and Realistic Starting Point
Kim Tan was not born into a wealthy family nor did he come from a privileged background. He grew up in a modest household, grappling with the challenges and pains of daily life. His humble beginnings make his journey relatable, as readers see their own struggles reflected in his story.
Though he has a strong will to fight against injustice, his path is fraught with setbacks. This humanizes Kim Tan, showing him not as a perfect hero but as a flawed individual navigating a harsh reality.
Kim Tan’s Internal Growth and Resilience
As with many heroic narratives, Kim Tan experiences profound loss and internal conflict. His initial fear and hesitation amplify his struggles. For instance, Kim Tan’s decision to accept his role as a Batal was not driven by noble ideals but by the monetary rewards Bakto offered—a tempting solution to his dire circumstances.
However, his hesitance leads to missed opportunities, including the dream of having a family, which slips away from him. Despite these setbacks, Kim Tan’s true strength lies in his internal resilience. While he initially falters in the face of minor injustices, he gradually grows stronger through the trials he faces.
Even when he feels like giving up, his determination to protect those he cares about keeps him moving forward. This inner drive becomes the catalyst for his transformation into a hero, showcasing his relatable humanity.
Kim Tan’s Definition of Strength
Kim Tan’s strength does not come from physical prowess or superhuman abilities. Instead, it stems from his courage to acknowledge his weaknesses and still choose to walk the path he believes is right. His relationships with others further highlight his strength. Even in difficult circumstances, Kim Tan strives to help those around him and takes on responsibilities beyond his means.
This willingness to prioritize others, even at great personal cost, defines Kim Tan’s true strength. His courage is not reckless but a desperate effort to uphold his beliefs and give hope to others. With each failure, he rises again, growing a little stronger each time, ultimately embodying the essence of a true hero.
The Symbolic Meaning of Kim Tan
Kim Tan symbolizes the idea that anyone can be a hero in Batal Stone. Lacking an extraordinary background or magical abilities, he becomes a hero through his efforts and the support of those around him. His journey conveys a powerful message: heroes are not born but made, through overcoming one’s limits and positively influencing others.
Kim Tan’s story inspires readers with a message of courage and hope. It reminds us that, regardless of weakness or lack of resources, anyone can rewrite their story with persistence and growth. In the world of Batal Stone, Kim Tan exemplifies the most realistic yet ideal form of a hero.
Kim Tan’s journey as a hero in Batal Stone is defined not by supernatural powers but by his internal resilience, determination, and love for others. Starting from a place of weakness and disadvantage, he grows into a hero who faces his challenges head-on. His story challenges readers to rethink what it means to be a hero and instills the hope that we all have the potential to become one.
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