Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on I Was Told To Choose 3 Ingredients for the Skill, but It Was First Come, First Served, So There Were Only a Few Leftovers. I Noticed the Difference Between “Skill” and “Skill Source”, so I Looked Back at Those Who Created Cheat Skills in Another World and Made a Fool of Them.*
First Impressions
Okay, that title is definitely a mouthful! Diving into this novel, I was prepared for a fairly standard isekai experience, and in some ways, that's exactly what I got. The premise, involving a protagonist transported to another world with a unique skill system, isn't groundbreaking. However, there's something about the way the author approaches the familiar tropes that kept me reading.
What Works Well
The skill system itself is a definite highlight. The idea of combining "skill seeds" to create unique abilities, especially when coupled with the protagonist's choice of "Hacker" as a job, opens up some interesting possibilities. I appreciated that the author seems willing to experiment with the system rather than immediately making the MC overpowered. This focus on theory-crafting and skill experimentation is a welcome change of pace. The story is easy to read, even if the chapters are short, and it’s a good way to pass the time.
Areas of Concern
While the core concept is intriguing, the execution seems to be a bit uneven. The pacing can feel jarring at times, with plot points lacking sufficient build-up or closure. I also found the characters to be somewhat underdeveloped. The MC, in particular, comes across as bland and inconsistent, lacking a strong personality. The world-building, while functional, is pretty bare-bones, leaving many questions unanswered. The motivations and actions of certain races feel poorly explained, which detracts from the overall immersion.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
The following contains potential spoilers regarding the skill system and the protagonist's job choice.
The MC chooses the job "Hacker" and slowly starts messing with reality. The skills that develop depend on the job that you choose yourself.
Final Verdict
I Was Told To Choose 3 Ingredients for the Skill… is a flawed but ultimately enjoyable read. It’s not going to win any awards for originality or masterful storytelling, but it offers a fun, if somewhat generic, isekai experience with a unique skill system at its core. If you're looking for a light, easy read with some creative potential, this might be worth checking out. Just be prepared for some inconsistencies and underdeveloped characters along the way.
