A Guide for Background Characters to Survive in a Manga

【Honey Snow Rock Candy No.0: I truly find the combat prowess of the Wooden Iron Man to be a mystery. He seems the weakest among the main cast, yet Jiang Tianming and Si Zhaohua take on one enemy while he faces two alone. Old Thief, is your mind alright?】

【No.1: Hahahahaha, I hadn’t noticed until you mentioned it!】

【No.2: Old Thief, is your mind alright?】

【No.3: Indeed, this is quite strange.】

【No.4: Perhaps it’s the enemies’ differing strengths? Those two don’t look particularly clever.】

【No.5: Am I the only one who’s become a fan of the Wooden Iron Man because of this? A true tough guy is the best!】

【No.6 replies to No.5: Me too, the battle damage looks so cool! Though there are many comics of this type, few can truly capture charm.】

【No.7: I feel Old Thief won’t let the Wooden Iron Man simply be an older brother figure; he surely has other plots in mind.】

【No.8 replies to No.7: May your words bring good fortune.】

【No.9 replies to No.7: May your words bring good fortune.】

【No.10 replies to No.7: May your words bring good fortune.】

【No.11 replies to No.7: May your words bring good fortune.】

【……】

[No.35: To the wooden iron man, I can only express my pity; he has been held back. This is a common plight for the righteous side, as having someone taken hostage often leads to hesitation. Yet Zhao Xiaoyu has completely struck a chord with my experience!

Though lacking in formidable powers, she navigates effortlessly among enemies with her high emotional intelligence. Such a person makes me feel that no matter the circumstances, she would thrive.

[No.36 replies to No.35:

Ahhh! Finally, someone has mentioned this! Zhao Xiaoyu is truly amazing!

[No.37: Among the female characters, Zhao Xiaoyu is my favorite; a scheming beauty, forever!

[No.38: Zhao Xiaoyu is the only one among them who hasn’t been harmed and has even helped everyone. I believe that sometimes, this emotional intelligence is more powerful than strength; no, it should be said that emotional intelligence is a form of strength.

[No.39: I envy those with high emotional intelligence; I, for one, can’t speak at all. If I were to immerse myself, though Zhao Xiaoyu feels more like an ordinary person, it’s still Lan Subing who resonates more deeply.

[……]

[Honey Snow Rock Candy No.72 (Original Poster): When I returned after dinner, I found the discussion had veered off course. Does anyone still remember my original question?

[No.73: Wow, it has completely turned into a fan thread for the wooden iron man and Zhao Xiaoyu!

[No.74: Why don’t you, OP, start a new thread?

[No.75 replies to Honey Snow Rock Candy No.72 (Original Poster):

Actually, I don’t think the old thief has lost his mind; the wooden iron man’s injuries are far worse than Jiang Jiang and the others. Or rather, Jiang Jiang and Si Zhaohua hardly got hurt while dealing with the enemies, whereas the wooden iron man bore the brunt of the attacks with his flesh alone.

It just so happens that the two enemies had average attack power and were all melee fighters, which allowed him to achieve such results. But if it were the wooden iron man facing the enemy with purple hair, victory wouldn’t be guaranteed.

That said, if Jiang Jiang and the other two were to switch places with the wooden iron man to face those two, they might not achieve his level of success. After all, it’s clear that while the wooden iron man’s attack power may not match theirs, his ability to endure damage is definitely superior, especially compared to Jiang Jiang and Si Zhaohua.

[No.76: A big shot has appeared upstairs!

[No.77: So many words, I’m dizzy!

[No.78: The wooden iron man can take a beating; just look at all those injuries and how he can still walk. But I’d say Jiang Jiang is no slouch either; didn’t we hear about his childhood experiences last season?

[No.79 replies to No.78:

—

Damn! Suddenly, a knife, is it?

No.80 replies to No.78:

My heart aches for my Jiang Jiang, the damned bully—bullying should die!

No.81: Speaking of which, it’s understandable that Jiang Tianming has a high tolerance; after all, he often “trained” as a child. But why is the Wooden Iron Man so resilient too?

No.82: Good question from upstairs; it feels like a hidden backstory line.

Upon reading this, Su Bei closed the thread. He was indeed curious about the Wooden Iron Man’s family background, but after hinting twice before, he had been met with evasive responses.

Clearly, the Wooden Iron Man did not wish to speak of his family situation. Yet, from Su Bei’s own observations, he didn’t seem like someone with a troubled childhood or familial flaws.

Such individuals often reveal something peculiar in their character—like Jiang Tianming’s cautious coldness or Wu Mingbai’s smiling tiger demeanor. But the Wooden Iron Man did not; he appeared to be the firstborn from a particularly happy family, kind-hearted and caring.

But if that were the case, why was he unwilling to share?

Forget it; the author would surely address it later. With no clues and lacking investigative skills, Su Bei could only set this doubt aside for now.

As for Su Bei’s own posts, most were filled with screams, with only a few questioning what exactly his ability was. Questions were good; with questions came speculation. The stronger they imagined his powers, the stronger he would become.

Seeing a thread about the “Black Flash” organization, Su Bei immediately clicked in. Though he likely knew more than the readers, there was no telling if they might uncover something he hadn’t.

“Discussion Thread on the ‘Black Flash’ Organization”

Analysis Monster No.0: With the plot advancing to this point, all the essential villains from the comics have finally surfaced.

“Black Flash?()_[()]?『Come[]♂ read the latest chapter♂ complete chapter』()” organization, known to have been founded by scientists with abilities, has hidden in the shadows for unknown reasons and is currently opposing the Ability Academy.

Known incidents orchestrated by the “Black Flash” organization include:

1. The Murder Incident: A person with crimson eyes disguised as a chef infiltrated the Ability Academy, purpose unknown, but ended up killing a student. They have since been captured.

2. The Team Competition Incident: Numerous members of the organization’s avatars entered an alternate space, aiming to capture first-year students from the Ability Academy. Yet, it seems there’s a deeper purpose.

3. The Undercover Incident: From the latest plot, it’s evident that “Black Flash” has sent an undercover agent into the Ability Academy, and it’s a first-year student. However, I personally suspect there may be more than one student undercover; perhaps even a teacher. After all, compared to students, teachers can certainly accomplish much more.

—

—

【Also, since it has only just emerged, there isn’t much information available; I can only summarize what’s drawn in the comic.】

【No.1: Bow down to the great one…】

【No.2: Wow, so many words! (makes a sound of someone unaccustomed to the world)】

【No.3: The username of the poster fits perfectly.】

【No.4: So this organization has done so much already? I’ve clearly read the plot, yet it feels like nothing left an impression.】

【No.5: Regarding the undercover agent, I think the poster’s analysis is spot on. The villain in the ability academy surely has more than one hidden agent; perhaps there’s even a high-ranking one among them.

I remember the director saying before the team competition that this alternate space is under the school’s control. If there were no undercover agents, how could they have entered this alternate realm?】

【No.6 replies to No.5:

Makes sense. That chef being placed in the school might just be the work of L, the undercover.】

【……】

【No.26: I suspect their entry into the alternate space this time is to capture the first or second place. Do you all remember when Su Bei mentioned that winning might not be a good thing? Perhaps this is what he meant.】

【No.27 replies to No.26:

!!!!!!!】

【No.28 replies to No.26:

So reasonable!】

【No.29: Damn that riddle master! Why doesn’t Su Bei just clarify things?!】

【No.30: Su Bei must know a lot; fate is truly a remarkable ability.】

【No.31: If we’re discussing who the undercover agent is, I suggest heading to the thread next door. There, everyone’s guesses are all over the place!】

【No.32 replies to No.33:

I’ll go take a look!】

—

—

The summary by this poster is indeed quite good, but it’s all content already known in the northern regions of Su. Seeing that there’s nothing new in this thread, he decided to drift over to the neighboring post.

“Who is that last person?”

【Blank Space No.0: Surely no one is unaware of which chapter I’m referring to, right? The owner of those little white shoes must be an undercover agent planted by the “Black Flash” organization in the first year of the Ability Academy.

Upon seeing this information, I

() went back and reread that chapter.

Shoe Screenshot.jpg

There are many people wearing white shoes; just by the shoes alone, it’s impossible to determine who this person is, not even distinguishing between male and female.

(As a side note, going to fight in the forest while wearing little white shoes—these students truly lack life experience. Only our Jiang Jiang and Wu Ming, wearing black shoes, are the good kids with rich life experience!)

Ahem, I see others in the thread saying that “Black Flash ()” couldn’t possibly have just one undercover agent in the Ability Academy. I agree with that, but let’s not discuss it here; after all, we have no clues at all.

What’s certain is that this little white shoe undercover is definitely not some random passerby who can’t be guessed. He’s either one of the students from Class F or a character who has appeared before. Returning to the main topic, does anyone have any suspects?】

【No.1: I guess it’s Li Shu; he’s only appeared once or twice, and his abilities are quite interesting.】

↑Back to Top↑

【No.2 replies No.1:

Seeing your comment, I specifically went back to check who Li Shu is. I really hadn’t paid attention to him before. But looking at him, hey! He’s quite the handsome guy!】

【No.3: As expected, since ancient times, pink-haired characters are often the sickly sweet types; I’m blindly guessing he’ll see the protagonist as his salvation. I’ll ship it for now!】

【No.4: You up there…】

【No.5 replies No.3:

Oh, so this is how we’re playing, huh?】

【No.6: You all are so quick to decide he’s a sickly sweet type? I didn’t even notice that.】

【No.7 replies No.6:

—

Uncertain, but let’s take a guess first. Let me see if any cooks have begun preparing the pre-made dishes.

【No.8: It feels like Jiang Jiang is really about to be entangled by a yandere.】

【……】

【No.21: The conversation has veered off course! I actually think it’s not Li Shu; he has an inexplicable fondness for Jiang Tianming. If he truly is a yandere, that feeling would be easily exposed………】

【No.22: It could also be “Black Flash?()_[()]?『Come[]#See the Latest Chapter#Complete Chapter』()” who can’t stand this yandere, so they specifically sent him out as an undercover.】

【No.23 replies to No.22:

Hahaha, so you’re saying they let him loose to torment others?】

【No.24 replies to No.22:

What a wild theory, I believe it!】

【……】

【No.37: I still think it’s just a passerby from Class F, right? They wouldn’t draw attention and could gather the same information as the other students.】

【No.38: It feels like the undercover must be in Class F; without being with the protagonist, where’s the plot? Our Class F is full of hidden talents!】

【No.39: Looking at it this way, the chances for Wu Jin and Zhao Xiaoyu are not low!

Zhao Xiaoyu goes without saying; she can banter with the men in black. I used to think she had high emotional intelligence and a big heart, but now it seems she might actually be one of the enemy, naturally unafraid.

Wu Jin’s chances are also considerable; everyone should still remember the strange abilities he displayed during the competition. I think he might be deliberately hiding his true powers.】

【No.40: The possibility of an undercover in Class F is quite high.】

【No.41 replies to No.39:

Your analysis is spot on! But I won’t allow you to underestimate Sister Xiaoyu’s abilities; it must be Wu Jin! He’s the most suspicious.】

【No.42: I’ll guess Wu Jin; his lack of presence makes his abilities perfect for being an undercover.】

[No.43: Has the undercover been guessed so quickly? I feel like you all look down on the old thief.]

[No.44: The one upstairs is right.]

[No.45: I’ll still guess Zhao Xiaoyu; she seems quite scheming (not in a derogatory way).]

[……]

[No.81: Am I the only one whose thoughts are completely different from those before me? Actually, I suspect the undercover is someone from Class A… “Black Flash” sending an undercover to the Ability Academy, how could they possibly send a rookie?

Moreover, Class A must have access to far more information than Class F, right? Didn’t the comic previously indicate that Class A has many opportunities to take on missions and earn points?]

[No.82: Have the people before me been led astray? As the one on the 81st floor said, let’s think about the facts! How could the undercover be a novice?]

[No.83: If the undercover is in Class A, then Zhou Renjie seems quite easy to be swayed…]

[Nn.84 replies to No.83: Indeed… He previously decided to take revenge on the protagonist for embarrassing him in the individual battle. During this group battle, he hasn’t been with Si Zhaohua for quite a while, nor has he been caught with Ai Baozhu. Honestly, who knows what has happened during this time?]

[No.85: Just now, I thought the undercover must be Wu Jin or Zhao Xiaoyu, but now I’m starting to think it’s Zhou Renjie. I really am a fence-sitter.]

[No.86: Didn’t they say the undercover was already planted long ago? Even if Zhou Renjie is the undercover, he can only be swayed now, right?]

[No.87 replies to No.86: The problem is that the comic never stated the undercover was planted beforehand; at least from the last scene, it doesn’t seem to indicate that.]

[No.88: I see, that makes sense. In that case, Zhou Renjie is indeed very likely to be swayed.]

[No.89: Speaking of which, I suddenly thought of another angle. If it really is Zhou Renjie who betrays, then no matter how foolish he is, he shouldn’t actively seek out the men in black to surrender in a group match situation. So the premise for his betrayal is that “Black Flash” knows he hates the protagonist group and thus approaches him.

But this incident happened within the school. If “Black Flash” knew about it so promptly, there must be another undercover who informed them of this matter.

Perhaps we can use this to deduce the higher-ups’ undercover in the school. After all, not many people know that Zhou Renjie was eliminated the second to last day.

Provided the undercover really is Zhou Renjie.]

[No.90 replies to No.89: 66666]

[No.91 Reply to No.89:

Makes sense. If you say that, then I must start to expect that Zhou Renjie is an undercover.

[No.92: Honestly, Zhou Renjie being an undercover is the outcome I can most accept. But I must ask, could those little white shoes really belong to someone of considerable weight?

[No.93 Reply to No.92:

Good question.

[No.94 Reply to No.92: