Welcome back to our 'Seven Knights Re:BIRTH' (hereafter SKRB) sit-down interview. Last time, we had a deep dive into the lore of Kyle and the Seven Knights universe with Professor 'Sangchu-yang'. In this second instalment, we are moving from theoretical studies to the practical, lived-in experience of the fandom—fan art, doujinshi, merchandise, and the chaotic joy of offline events. And yes, the subject remains the same: the one and only Kyle.

※ Part 1 [SKRB Kyle devotee for a decade, 'Sangchu-yang']continued from the previous part.

Kyle's charm shines in fan creations!

Q. You have quite the portfolio of Kyle-related fan art. Could you introduce us to your work?

A. It feels a bit embarrassing compared to the legendary artists in the Seven Knights community, but I’ll share them with all the love I have for him. The first piece is an homage to an anime opening I enjoyed. I didn't realise how important the neck tattoo was at the time, so I regret missing that detail. I wanted to capture Kyle plagued by guilt and sorrow through my own lens.

Next, we have Kyle as he appears in Seven Knights Revolution and SKRB. The event scenario introduced a teenage Kyle, which was essentially his childhood, but he appeared so incredibly sturdy that I had to illustrate it. Also, the piece featuring Kyle getting hit by a branch is based on a popular meme. The owner of that branch is Omok, shown below. Since Omok is such a rare and precious friend to Kyle, I felt compelled to create a more serious piece for him as well.

Q. These are stunning. Among the official illustrations, which portrayal of Kyle is your absolute favourite?

A. I love all the official art, but the SKRB version is my favourite. It’s a recent work, and the quality is simply art. There was always a lingering setting that he liked to drink, but we never had a concrete way to see it. It felt fresh. I can't drink at all, so I’m no expert, but seeing him drink without any appetisers really solidifies his status as a hardcore drinker.

For what it's worth, his drinking habits were also touched upon in Seven Knights Idle Adventure. You can catch a glimpse of Kyle's firm philosophy on alcohol there. I love how consistent the characterisation and attention to detail remain across the series.

Q. You must have many memorable pieces from other fan artists as well.

A. There are many artists who have been drawing Kyle as long as I have. Their skills are so high that it’s hard to name everyone. But one person I truly miss is an artist named 'Kalite'. Back when the original Seven Knights was active, they were the go-to person for Kyle fan art and comics on the official cafe.

Back then, content about Kyle was scarce and we were starving for it, so Kalite’s fan comics were incredibly precious. They had a unique way of twisting his personality to make him feel more human and warm, which left a lasting impression. Their interpretation of his pairing with Daisy based on various in-game lore was also quite fascinating.

Q. What was it like during the 'Kyle vs. Teo' fan art contest?

A. It was a pure healing time! If you stitched all the entries together, it would look like a cel-animated film of the three-day duel between Kyle and Teo. I would have loved to participate if I had the time, which is a bit of a regret.

Q. Who is your pick for the 1st place in the 'Kyle vs. Teo' contest?

A. I’ll go with 'The Swapped Encounter' by 'OhMyJaey'! They reinterpreted Teo as the 'Judgment's Moonlight' version. It’s not Kyle and Teo, but Tae-soon and that three-day struggle... doesn't it just make your heart race? (Laughs) Of course, Kyle wouldn't care if his opponent was a man or woman as long as they were skilled. It showed me just how powerful fan interpretation can be.

Hoping for a Seven Knights Festival with more heroes next time

Q. How was the 2025 Seven Knights Festival?

A. I have to start with a bit of a gripe. I posted this on the official lounge, but the ticketing was a lottery system, so I couldn't attend the event directly. Still, I went to the venue just to buy SKRB merchandise and soak up the atmosphere. It wasn't too far, so the journey wasn't difficult.

I had high hopes for Kyle merchandise, but the main lineup focused on the Seven Knights and Old Seven Knights, and Kyle was absent even in the re-sale goods. It’s understandable since he wasn't the protagonist, but I suppose my expectations were just too high. I genuinely hope that future offline events will offer a more diverse range of character merchandise and be more accessible for all fans to participate freely.

Q. Are there any other offline events that left an impression?

A. The Pangyo Pop-up Store, definitely. It was around December 2016, and it was great because there was no pressure of time—anyone could visit whenever. So many people visited and returned, spending a whole month looking at and buying Seven Knights merchandise. I had hoped for something similar this time, which is why I’m a bit disappointed.

Q. Do you own any Kyle merchandise?

A. I do, but Kyle merchandise is incredibly rare. They aren't produced often, so even if I want more, I can't get them. The ones I have are quite old. The mug, which is over nine years old now, is probably the oldest. I accidentally chipped it recently, which is heartbreaking. I need a new Kyle mug!

The Kyle t-shirt from the same era is already worn out. I take comfort in the fact that the hoodie from that year is still in good condition. I got the Kyle photo frame through an online order during the Seven Knights Idle Adventure collaboration cafe. I treasure the Kyle cards from the same event, which were gifted to me by acquaintances.

After ten years, it’s sad how little Kyle merchandise there is. It’s so sparse I feel like I might have to start DIY-ing everything. If the next offline event has even a hint of Kyle, I’ll buy it all—mugs, hoodies, chest mousepads, make anything!

Q. Do you only use Kyle in the game?

A. You'd think so, right? Let’s call it fifty-fifty. The world of competition is cold, so I build decks based on objective performance. Of course, Kyle is always priority number one. I check if physical attacks are viable and what restrictions are in place. In growth dungeons requiring status effects or Advent Expeditions where 4-man attacks don't work, I desperately want to slot him in, but I have to leave him out. It’s a sad reality.

Q. But he’s still active in the Arena. What's your go-to Kyle deck?

A. I always do my best with the latest Kyle offensive deck. Even though I’m not really a PvP player, Kyle loves a good fight, doesn't he? To win in the Arena, I watch videos from SKRB official creators and try to match their setups. Recently, my win rate has dropped because I wasn't prepared for Sun Wukong. I hope Kyle doesn't scold me! Though, being scolded by him might not be so bad. (Laughs)

Q. Doesn't Kyle in the Advent Expedition actually give the players a hard time?

A. Now that you mention it, that’s true. When he first came out, the Advent Expedition Kyle was actually released before the playable version, which was a novel experience. I remember it felt like a romantic date-battle with Kyle. These days, I prioritise other strategies because guild members need offensive and magic deck gear. Think of it as pacing myself—I take care of Teo and Yeonhee first before meeting Kyle!

Please add a 'Character Relationship Chart' as a source for fan creations!

Q. Have you had any rivals that could match your love for Kyle?

A. Being as popular as Kyle, of course there were. Like the artist Kalite I mentioned earlier, there were many great rivals, but as time has passed, it’s true that I’ve practically monopolised the title. You could say 'The more, the better!', but I actually prefer having rivals I can talk to about Kyle.Lately, the only other person who loves Kyle as much as I do is 'Joe-il' in the official lounge. The 'Bikini Kyle' piece they posted recently was peak perfection!

Q. Is there any other character you feel drawn to, even if it's not on Kyle's level?

A. Well, I tend to look at characters who have connections to Kyle. Silvester comes to mind, as he took care of Kyle in SKRB and created a link with Teo. I also like Omok, who will be released later. Setting aside Kyle, I found Colt quite impressive with her ruthlessness hidden behind a lively exterior.

Q. How much longer are you planning to love Kyle?

A. One of Kyle's lines is, 'I will watch your death!' It’s a short sentence, but it perfectly encapsulates his character. With Kyle by my side to watch over me until the end, I think I’ll love him for the rest of my life. I’ve been chasing him for over ten years; why would I stop now? (Laughs)

Q. Any hopes for SKRB in 2026?

A. First, I want more lore regarding Kyle and the Rakshir clan. The scenario event with Kyle was fantastic, but I’m still hungry for more. Even if it’s not a story solely for Kyle, I’d love to see more settings and lore expanded through the main story or side characters.

Additionally, please provide full voice acting for the main and event scenarios. The early episodes were fully voiced and immersive, but at some point, it changed to only having the start of the dialogue voiced. As someone who enjoys stories as primary content, it’s a shame. Also, a feature in the Hero Journal to view scenario lines for specific heroes would be great.

Finally, there is one thing that is absolutely necessary if you are to inherit the original: a 'Character Relationship Chart'. I believe this was the driving force behind Seven Knights fan creation in the past. It was hard to pack in every detail, but whenever a new hero was added and the chart updated, artists would let their imaginations run wild. Once the game stabilises, I hope the team focuses on this area.

Q. Please nominate the protagonist for the next interview.

A. Just as I represented Kyle, there is an authority on Rachel as well. I nominate the ultimate Seven Knights lore geek, 'Flame of Resurrection'. They now run the YouTube channel 'Sanlaple' and are an official SKRB partner creator. I look forward to a Rachel talk that is even more fun and elegant than mine!