A Guide for Background Characters to Survive in a Manga

It feels like everyone is so eager for Zhou Renjie to be an undercover that they overlook these details.

[……]

[No.126: Speaking of which… doesn’t anyone think there’s an undercover among the main cast?

[No.127 Reply to No.126: No way!

Zhao Xiaoyu and Wu Jin were options Su Bei had never considered before, but now they truly seem like two fitting candidates. Especially Wu Jin; his secret is easily misinterpreted.

From the size of those shoes in the comic, Zhou Renjie is indeed not a suitable scapegoat. But it all depends on what the author thinks; if the author deems him fitting, then he is fitting.

“Tsk.” Su Bei suddenly felt a twinge of annoyance. Clearly, those shoes weren’t even his, yet he had to work hard to avoid suspicion of being that identity.

Next, there were two more posts that piqued his interest; Su Bei clicked into one of them first.

“Isn’t the final battle of this dungeon missing a few people?”

[Leuwenhoek No.0: As we all know, group battles are the moment to showcase team spirit. Yet in this dungeon’s grand showdown, we have Jiang Tianming, Lan Subing, Wu Mingbai, Mu Tieren, Si Zhaohua, and Ai Baozhu.

So where are Su Bei and Mo Xiaotian? They were completely absent! Old thief, are you still going to be a person? Can you at least give them a part?

[Xiao Shenme Xiao No.1: I also want to know how those two disappeared the entire time! Su Bei, I can somewhat understand; even if his character suddenly joined the villain’s side, I could accept it, let alone just disappearing.

But what about Mo Xiaotian? Even Feng Lan was present; why wasn’t Mo Xiaotian? Old thief, you didn’t listen to that group of Wu Du and decide not to let Mo Xiaotian be part of the main cast, did you?

[No.2 Reply to Xiao Shenme Xiao No.1:

What is this? Did I miss some crucial detail?

[No.3: Same question, who is Wu Du?]

[Laughing No.4 replies to No.2:

So many Wu Du fans are commenting under the comic, saying Mo Xiaotian is stealing Wu Mingbai’s character and spotlight, urging the author to treat the old characters fairly… it’s quite hard to judge.]

[Laughing No.5 replies to No.3:

It’s Wu Mingbai’s toxic fans.]

[No.6: Goodness… even in comics, the fan circles are here.]

[No.7: I can understand if there are so many toxic fans for hot characters, but Wu Mingbai isn’t even a hot character, right?]

[No.8: “Abilities Reign” is a hugely popular series, and Wu Mingbai is one of the main characters. How can he not be considered a hot character? Jiang Tianming and Lan Subing have plenty of toxic fans too. After this update, I think Su Bei’s toxic fans will show up as well; I’m already a fan of his.]

[No.9: It really has that fan circle vibe now.]

[No.10: Help! Is this really a comic forum?]

[No.11: What do you mean, OP? Our fan rights protection doesn’t interfere with you.]

[No.12: I didn’t dare to say anything earlier; it feels like there’s a lot of hostility towards Wu Mingbai in this thread…]

[No.13 replies to No.12: Is it possible that we’re not hostile towards Wu Mingbai, but rather towards you toxic fans?]

[No.14: Who knows what Mo Xiaotian is up to? He hasn’t had any screen time; why blame us?]

[……]

[No.84: It is indeed strange that Mo Xiaotian hasn’t appeared, but it shouldn’t be for the reasons mentioned in the main post. I suspect there might be some hidden plotlines yet to be revealed.]

[No.85: You upstairs, even in this chaotic thread, you can still discuss the plot; that’s quite impressive.]

[Leewenhoek No.86 (OP): I’ve gotten used to the chaos. It’s touching to see someone discussing seriously.]

[No.87: I also believe Mo Xiaotian definitely has other plotlines; the old thief wouldn’t forget him.]

—

If one were to truly defend their rights, it should be the fans of Su Bei, for he is the one most likely to be the one without a plot in this stretch of time devoid of story.

【No.88 replied to No.87:

I was happily munching on my melon seeds, but upon seeing your layer, the melon in my hand suddenly slipped away.】

【No.89 replied to No.87:

…Damn! That makes so much sense!】

【No.90: Could it be that Su Bei is really just slacking off during this time? Help me, you old rascal, be a person!】

【No.91: But seriously, if Su Bei had a plot during this time, what would he be doing? Why am I starting to think about the undercover building next door?!】

【No.92 replied to No.91:

…No way? If that’s the case, he might as well be slacking off!】

【No.93: Actually, Su Bei being an undercover agent is quite thrilling, huh…】

【No.94: I don’t want there to be an undercover in the main cast, and if Su Bei is the undercover, it’s too obvious, right?】

【No.95: For a moment, I can’t even say whether it’s better for him to have a plot or not!】 ↑Return to Top↑

Skipping through a few CP threads, Su Bei finally clicked into one. It was already quite late; after reading this thread, he would go to sleep.

“Don’t think too highly of your companions…” I caught the scent of a blade!

【Chosen Knife Bearer No.0: Does anyone still remember this line? It was said by Su Bei to Mo Xiaotian not long after the start of this comic.

Ahhh, just a short sentence and I’m reminded of so much!!!

Personally, I believe the “companions” in this line refers to Su Bei himself. He thinks of himself as not a good person, yet he is moved by the sincere Mo Xiaotian, which is why he uttered such words, warning him, and also warning himself.

Based on this plot, I feel that in the future, there might be a storyline where Su Bei, burdened by fate, is forced to go against everyone.

I’m sorry, Su Bei, but it’s really enticing. Can someone write about it? I’ll hand the pen to the author!】

—

—

【No.1: You… speak so well, host!】

【No.2: You… speak so well, host!】

【No.3: You… speak so well, host!】

【No.4: Hahahahaha, save Su Bei! Next door, someone claims he is the master of those little white shoes.】

【No.5 replies to No.4:

Isn’t that just perfectly connecting to the main thread? Because he is actually an undercover agent from “Black Flash” embedded in the Ability Academy, that’s why he would say such things to Mo Xiaotian; he will betray them sooner or later. Damn! How reasonable!】

【No.6: What the upstairs said is truly reasonable!】

【No.7: I believe it.】

【No.8: Not to say, but the idea of Su Bei being an undercover fits his character quite well.】

【No.9: But would “Black Flash” really send someone so crucial to the enemy as an undercover? That’s fate!】

【……】

【No.27 replies to No.9:

I also think, is there a possibility that when Su Bei speaks of “companions,” he does not refer to himself, but to another person in the main cast? He has already seen through the “Wheel of Fate” that there is an undercover among the main group, so he warns Mo Xiaotian like this?】

【No.28 replies to No.27:

What you said makes a lot of sense.】

【No.29: Everyone’s imagination is so vast!】

【No.30: Am I the only one who doesn’t want an undercover in the main cast? They’re all good kids!】

【No.31: Su Bei might not be the undercover; otherwise, it feels a bit too easy to guess.】

【……】

【No.55: I saw someone say this line is actually Su Bei’s own experience; are we overthinking it?】

—

[Heaven’s Chosen Knife-Wielder No.56 (Original Poster) replies to No.55:

“That smells good too!”]

[No.57: So many knives!]

[No.58: I admit, I just want to see the jaded bear a heavy fate.]

[No.59: Seeing everyone as twisted as I am puts me at ease!]

The content of this thread is quite intriguing; his words, half a lament and half deliberate, have sparked a multitude of interpretations among the readers. Some of these interpretations even surprised Su Bei himself.

This was undoubtedly good news for him—

the more speculations they had, the more responses he could conjure.

After the monthly exam, perhaps due to the group competition, the school graciously granted everyone a few days of rest. The next class would be on Monday, allowing for a full five days of respite.

The following afternoon, all those who had their individual battles on the last day, including Zhou Renjie, were summoned to an empty classroom.

By the time Su Bei arrived, the others were already there. It wasn’t that he was late; he had simply been delayed on the way.

On his path, he encountered Zhao Xiaoyu, who had just finished her run and was heading to the cafeteria. Zhao Xiaoyu was undeniably sharp; upon seeing Su Bei in this unusual spot leading to the teaching building, she immediately sensed that the school must have summoned him for some reason.

Feeling that they could now barely be considered acquaintances, she quickly approached him to inquire about his purpose.

As for the reason for his visit, Su Bei had his suspicions, but it was certainly not something he could share with her. So, he simply mentioned it might be related to class assignments.

This little delay naturally made him arrive a bit later than the others.

Upon entering the spacious music classroom, Su Bei immediately scanned the room. The students wore expressions tinged with curiosity, suggesting that the teacher had yet to explain why they had been called.

When their gazes met, several people nodded at him. To his surprise, he realized that he seemed to have a decent rapport among the top ten?!

Even the coldest Feng Lan and the most malicious Zhou Renjie bore him no ill will.

A strange sensation stirred within Su Bei; had he unwittingly taken the path of a social butterfly?

Shivering at the absurdity of the thought, he quickly dismissed it and continued to observe. There were not many teachers in the room—only four in total. Besides the head of the department, there were the homeroom teachers from the three ADF classes, precisely those of the top ten students.

The director of education wore a calm expression, while the homeroom teachers of Class AD appeared to be in good spirits. After all, how could they not be happy when their students had made it into the top ten?

Yet, Meng Huai wore a face twisted in inexplicable displeasure, glaring at the director when their eyes met. The other students from Class F were not surprised; they had likely been on the receiving end of that glare upon their arrival.

Once everyone had gathered, the director wasted no time and got straight to the point: “The reason I’ve called you here is to discuss the upcoming monthly exam. First, regarding the team competition results, our final decision is that Jiang Tianming’s group has secured first place. Although all of you participated in the final rescue operation, Jiang Tianming’s group had a greater number of participants.”

First place? Upon hearing the results of the team competition, Jiang Tianming and his peers couldn’t help but show their delight.

Lan Subing was also thrilled; with this achievement, she could boast to her parents when she returned home. But the next moment, the director’s words made her smile falter: “There will be an award ceremony on Monday. Don’t forget to arrive at the auditorium by seven-thirty sharp to prepare.”

The director had no time to consider the feelings of socially anxious students and continued, “Many of you participated in yesterday’s team crisis, so you should understand that some people have set their sights on you.”

This was true; everyone had a sense of the underlying tension. The “Black Flash” invasion into the alternate space was clearly aimed at first-year students, and among them, the most “valuable” were undoubtedly those ranked at the top.

Since the school was aware of this, they would surely take measures. A few of them were curious about what those measures would entail.

As expected, the director revealed the school’s response: “For your safety and the college’s own considerations, we have decided not to disclose the rankings and to open Class S early, incorporating all ten of you into it.”

Not disclosing the rankings was primarily due to Jiang Tianming’s defeat of Si Zhaohua, which was quite shocking to outsiders. If the “Black Flash” were to learn of this, they would undoubtedly target him specifically. The decision to keep it under wraps was made with Jiang Tianming’s situation in mind.

Realizing that everyone was unclear about the significance of Class S, she took a sip of water and continued to explain: “Class S accepts fifteen students each year, typically starting after the first semester’s final exams, followed by training during the winter break, after which five are encouraged to withdraw. However, given the current circumstances, you will need to undergo training ahead of schedule.”

At this, the expressions of the students varied, but excitement was evident. Class S was like an urban legend to them—only whispers of its existence, never a glimpse. Now, the prospect of entering Class S felt surreal, especially for the main group of protagonists, who found it hard to believe.

The director surveyed their reactions, nodding in satisfaction. After offering them a sweet date, she unhesitatingly delivered a harsh truth: “Let me be clear, students in Class S receive significant protection and a wealth of resources, but they must also bear corresponding responsibilities.”

She did not elaborate on what those responsibilities entailed, but she did announce the penalties: “If you fail to meet the requirements of Class S, you will be encouraged to withdraw. Although the fixed number of withdrawals is only five, that does not mean each year only five are encouraged to leave. In fact, last year’s Class S had only five students; the other ten were all encouraged to withdraw.”

Upon hearing the term “encouraged to withdraw,” the group stiffened. Although this withdrawal was meant to apply only to Class S and not expulsion from the school, it was still a bitter pill to swallow. Just the thought of facing their own pride was daunting enough.

“You need not worry about being targeted by those who have been expelled from Class S; they will not pay attention to those who are kicked out,” she said confidently. “Similarly, if you choose not to enter Class S, you can also be overlooked by them.”

The director had every reason to be confident; in the past, members of Class S, aside from the occasional losses during missions, had never suffered fatalities due to enemy targeting under the academy’s formidable protection.

Because of this, the Ability Academy would never allow someone to be forced out or to decline entry into Class S just to provide cover for another. After all, their protection for Class S was exceptionally reliable, and there was no need for underhanded tactics that would only hinder student development.

She looked at the crowd: “So, has anyone chosen not to join at all? If you don’t join, you’ll be assigned to Class A. Class A has good resources as well, and it’s far less dangerous.”

At this point, the head instructor offered a candid remark: “For students lacking ambition, I personally think this is quite a decent choice.”

Yet, no one raised a hand. They had struggled and toiled to reach this point; who among them could truly be without ambition?

Even if some felt their strength insufficient, fearing they might be persuaded to withdraw, it was impossible for them to refuse outright from the start.

↑Back to Top↑

Clearly, the head instructor was accustomed to such moments of silence, shaking her head with a hint of regret.

She had no way of knowing how many among them would be persuaded to leave, or how many might lose their lives during the tasks ahead; she could only say that at the moment they had made their decision, everything had likely already been set in motion.

Suppressing her excess sentiment, the head instructor turned to Meng Huai: “Xiao Meng, it’s your turn to say a few words.”

Seeing the puzzled expressions on the faces of the crowd, she smiled and added, “Xiao Meng will be your class advisor from now on. Originally, you were supposed to share an advisor with the other S classes, but since you’re starting early, Xiao Meng will fill in for now. He used to teach the S class, so you needn’t worry about his teaching. It just so happens that there are many of you in Class F, and you’ll adapt quickly.”

With that, she left the classroom with the others, granting Meng Huai a moment of solitude.

So that’s it. Su Bei finally understood why Meng Huai had been wearing such a sour expression today. Having read the comics, he knew Meng Huai had slacked off to come to Class F because he didn’t want to teach the S class.

Now, he was being thrust back into teaching the S class, and one of the reasons was that there were simply too many in Class F—wasn’t it just that he found them distasteful?

The others, lacking Su Bei’s omniscient perspective, looked utterly astonished. They never expected that the teacher for Class F had previously taught the S class; the contrast was simply too stark!

It was well-known that many in the school openly or subtly looked down on Class F, and the same disdain extended to the teachers of Class F.

Who would have thought he was a hidden master?

Called upon by the instructor, Meng Huai didn’t stand. He merely lazily spun in his chair to face the crowd: “I have nothing to say. If I’m to establish my authority, it should wait until all fifteen of you are gathered tomorrow, shouldn’t it?”

After saying this, he ignored Si Zhao Hua and the others, turning his gaze to a few students in Class F: “You lot, since you’re unwilling to give up voluntarily, if you can’t withstand my training next—”

He left the rest unsaid, merely drawing his thumb across his throat in a mock gesture.

Instantly, the members of Class F felt a chill run down their spines; they certainly didn’t want to receive Meng Huai’s “care”!

“Teacher, I have a question!” Mo Xiaotian, who never seemed to grasp the atmosphere, raised his hand. “What’s the deal with those people during the team battles?”

Surprisingly, he had asked a useful question.

In truth, everyone was curious about this, but they hesitated, fearing it might be inappropriate to voice such concerns, especially with Meng Huai’s fierce expression when he was in a bad mood. So, they kept silent.

At that moment, they felt the advantage of having a natural talent in their midst; he could ask the questions they all dared not.

Yet, what they didn’t know was that if anyone should have hesitated to ask, it was actually Mo Xiaotian himself. After all, he was one of the “Black Flash” members—didn’t that make him suspicious for asking?

Sometimes, Su Bei thought that “Black Flash” had sent him as an undercover agent precisely because of this. If anyone else asked, they would be met with suspicion, but his inquiry seemed entirely reasonable.

Perhaps this was a kind of twisted luck for the foolish.

Jiang Tianming, equally curious, seized the opportunity to follow up: “Yes, teacher, I saw those people had a tattoo on the back of their necks, just like the one on the killer who murdered Sun Ming. Are they part of the same group?”