Baeko — The World After the Fall

Baeko is a Black Shop gatekeeper and the competitive disciple of Manri Shintong. A swordsman capable of contending with many high-grade gods, Baeko guards the information broker's inn across the fall of the Metaverse and eventually welcomes Jaehwan back with the dumpling his master has prepared every day.

Biography

The Black Shop and Metaverse conflict

Baeko first fights Jaehwan as the last gatekeeper before the Black Shop, then watches the visitor with a mixture of shock and competitiveness. Jaehwan's victory disrupts Baeko's plan to train five more years and challenge the Leader, while the two silently turn eating dumplings into another contest. When a Task offers a buff to anyone who kills Jaehwan, Baeko repairs the inn's formation and joins Martis in blocking dozens of arriving gods. He stands against the attackers until Russell's killing intent alone makes him experience his body being cut apart and drops him to his knees, clarifying the gulf between a gifted gatekeeper and the Seven Stars. (Chapters 151–154)

Baeko remains with the Black Shop through the arrival of 「Rift」 and the Blind Clockmakers, then helps run Manri Shintong's new Martial World Inn after the Metaverse collapses. He handles payments, teases visitors with the possibility of seeing the God Slayer, and spreads an embellished account of Jaehwan splitting the Tower. When repeated crises force the inn to move again, Baeko begins learning dumpling-making beside his master even though progress is poor. He understands that the finest daily dumpling is being saved for Jaehwan's return. (Chapters 156, 176, and 211)

The Seventh Site branch becomes a battlefield when the Seven Stars and Rift converge. Baeko is subdued by Thousand-Weight God Ayato's pressure and later ordered to protect the kitchen during the fight. When Today's Dumpling flies into danger, he runs to shield it, accepting what seems like an ordinary death for an ordinary disciple. Jaehwan arrives at the moment Manri Shintong foresaw and stops the fatal blow. Baeko, once resentful of the destroyer of the Metaverse, is glad for that destruction now, hands over the long-awaited dumpling, and supports his master while they witness Jaehwan's World Stab. (Chapters 211–212)

Appearance and personality

The supplied chapters do not give Baeko a detailed face, build, or clothing description. He carries a sword, can gather World Power into the dantian, and uses fast movement when serving food. His expressions range from a swaggering grin and playful appetite to grave focus when the shop is threatened; immensely stronger gods can turn him pale or leave him physically trembling. (Chapters 151, 153, 176, and 211)

Baeko is competitive, irreverent, and loyal. He challenges strong people, eats as if racing Jaehwan, fools around during ordinary business, and complains openly about protecting a dumpling in the middle of combat. Behind that humor is dependable judgment: he immediately recognizes a coordinated attack, defends the inn alongside a recent rival, treats Russell respectfully without abandoning his stance, and is willing to die for the promise represented by his master's daily cooking. He doubts both his ceiling as a fighter and his talent as a cook, but continues serving and training anyway. (Chapters 151–153, 156, and 211–212)

Powers and limitations

Swordsmanship and World Power

Manri Shintong says Baeko had no equal among people of the same age and was strong enough to contend with Galateon of the Metaverse Six Gods. Baeko uses a sword, can gather World Power internally, maintains or repairs the Black Shop's defensive formation, and moves quickly enough to serve dishes with a movement technique. He is also described as strong enough not to lose against most high-grade gods. The chapters name no personal Setting or Sanctuary, and Divine Throne-class opponents overwhelm him: Russell defeats him through killing intent, while Ayato's pressure forces him down without a conventional exchange. (Chapters 151–153 and 211)

Gatekeeping and cooking

Baeko combines combat with the practical work of protecting and operating the Black Shop and its successor inns. He recognizes major gods, evaluates suspicious guests, handles payments, takes orders, and begins learning Manri Shintong's dumpling craft. His master says competitiveness impedes him and later complains that he has not improved, so he is not yet a worthy successor to the recipe. Even so, Baeko's protection of Today's Dumpling shows that he understands the craft's relational purpose before mastering its technique. (Chapters 151, 176, and 211–212)

Relationships

Manri Shintong: Baeko is Manri Shintong's gatekeeper and only diligent prospective heir, though his cooking remains poor. Their teasing bond culminates in Baeko risking his life to preserve the dumpling made for Jaehwan.
Jaehwan: Defeat initially wounds Baeko's pride, and the Metaverse's destruction later produces resentment. Jaehwan's return saves him and fulfills his master's long wait, allowing Baeko to welcome the destruction that has reached the inn.
Martis: Baeko and Martis begin ready to duel, then immediately stand back-to-back when the Task mob arrives. Their rivalry yields to a shared defense of Jaehwan.
Russell: Baeko knows Russell's status and tries to bar entry respectfully. Russell's killing intent alone demonstrates how far Baeko remains below a Seven Star.

Items

Sword: Baeko carries and draws an unnamed sword while guarding the Black Shop. No special properties are stated.
Today's Dumpling: Manri Shintong prepares one finest dumpling each day for Jaehwan. Baeko protects and delivers it at the predicted return, making it a promise and signal rather than a combat item.