A Guide for Background Characters to Survive in a Manga

“Did he predict it again? He runs so fast!”

“Wait, what kind of skill is this disappearing act? Does Su Bei’s ability have such a function?”

“Three times a day dodging danger, I shall call you the master of evasion.”

“Danger always lags behind me.”

As they realized Wu Jin had also vanished, they could only swallow Ai Baozhu and bind Feng Lan, before the scene shifted to an underground perspective.

The underground view was quite intriguing for the readers; labyrinthine plots often appeared in various comics, yet they never seemed to lose their charm.

However, for Su Bei, who sought hidden information from the comic, it was less captivating, especially since he had already glimpsed most of it through the mirror.

—

—

Flipping through rapidly, it was only when a few people returned that Su Bei halted his frantic page-turning, then continued to read on.

With the underground matters reaching a pause, the focus shifted back to Qing Qing. Upon seeing Zhou Renjie’s assessment of her, Su Bei raised an eyebrow.

I must admit, this guy knows me quite well, or rather, he understands the persona I project. Whether or not a teacher is present, this persona never meddles in others’ affairs.

However, as for Su Bei himself, if the teacher were absent and could not ensure everyone’s safety, he would still find a way to contact the school, making them responsible for the rescue.

In this segment, the comic clearly had no intention of vilifying Zhou Renjie, instead portraying him as a hapless, comedic character.

This was exemplified by his deep affection for Qing Qing, wanting to do things for her, while simultaneously being acutely aware of the teachers watching from the shadows, forcing him to inadvertently hinder her, hoping she would commit fewer sins and thus suffer less in the end. Much of his inner turmoil could be deemed the ultimate example of a lovesick mind.

As everything settled, Ye Lin was to administer him a potion, but Zhou Renjie adamantly refused. While Ye Lin listened to his nonsensical ramblings, her expression turned numb, and the barrage of comments erupted in laughter.

“Help! Hahahaha Zhou Renjie, you’re so pathetic!”

“What a pitiful guy!”

“Go live well on another planet, kid.”

“…I’m projecting myself into this, and I’m already breaking down.”

“Hope when he wakes up, he remembers these words and can suppress his murderous urges.”

“Hahahahahaha!”

Watching these comments, Su Bei estimated that the negative feelings Zhou Renjie had previously evoked in the audience had mostly dissipated. Honestly, even those who had previously clashed with him, Jiang Tianming and Wu Mingbai, couldn’t help but feel sympathy, let alone the readers of the comic.

Clowns and villains are not the same.

Gazing at the barrage, Su Bei pondered. What was the author thinking? Did they intend to redeem Zhou Renjie, creating a protagonist group devoid of true villains? Or were they planning to lower the audience’s psychological defenses first, only to hit them with something big later?! ↑Back to Top↑

Back at the inn, after Zhou Renjie regained consciousness, he once again provided a wave of humor.

During free activity time, the author did not show favoritism towards Jiang Tianming and the others; each team was given a small segment of the plot. Though these daily happenings did not involve the main storyline, the comic readers enjoyed them immensely.

The plot on Su Bei’s side, of course, revolved around them pestering Si Zhao Hua to eat skewers, featuring the cunningly mischievous Su Bei, the tsundere and proud Si Zhao Hua, the generous and cheerful Qi Huang, the naturally naive Feng Lan, the blessedly gluttonous Mo Xiao Tian, the quietly observant Wu Jin, the rarely speaking Ling You, and the mature and steady Mu Tie Ren. Each character’s persona gradually took shape through these little moments.

—

The final scene, of course, was where Wu Jin and Su Bei harmonized, recounting the quarrel between the teachers. The comic even took the liberty of interspersing their dialogue with two flashback snippets, capturing the moment when Meng Huai and Ye Lin clashed.

Just after Si Zhao Hua concluded with a promise to review the contract tomorrow, the scene shifted, landing on a contract. The words at the bottom read: “Life and death are self-responsible.”

To his surprise, the comic concluded with a little Easter egg, depicting the chaos they had caused backstage during the awards ceremony after the group battle.

Su Bei: “…”

He couldn’t decide whether to laugh or not. As they were being scolded, the comic had drawn a pitiful, chibi version of him, with the accompanying text—”I didn’t do anything, okay?”

The readers, of course, were merciless, bursting into laughter, showing no sympathy for his innocent plight.

After finishing the comic, Su Bei let out a long sigh, knowing it was time to check the forum. However, instead of diving into the food posts, he first clicked on his personal homepage, opening the thread he had posted last time.

《【Prophet Post】The protagonist group has already caught the attention of the “Black Flash Organization,” let’s predict how the Ability Academy will respond.》

【No.101: I’m here to dig up the grave, the OP is amazing!】

【No.102: No way, did they really guess right?】

【No.103: I’m impressed, I’m truly impressed this time. From now on, I’ll believe whatever the OP says.】

【No.104: Truly a prophet, living up to the name.】

【……】

【No.144: I was puzzled at first, how could this post get so many replies? Then I realized, this was posted a week ago!】

【No.145: High posts are indeed magical, the prophet is incredible!】

【No.146: I’m really curious about the OP’s identity. Could they be the old thief’s comic assistant?】

【No.147: Don’t say that, it’s actually possible!】

【No.148: Maybe they’re a relative of the old thief?】

【No.149: I bet they’re a shareholder of the Jinjiang Comic Group, able to see the comic content in advance!】

【……】

[No.178: Is it possible that the host is simply guessing correctly?]

[No.179 Replying to No.178: That would be too accurate, wouldn’t it?]

[No.180: Stop guessing, stop guessing! What if the host really has insider knowledge? If we expose them with our speculations, who will spoil the story for us in the future?]

[……]

[No.200: Regardless, from now on, I will believe whatever the host says. Oh, great prophet, I am your most loyal follower!]

As he read the comments, a satisfied smile crept across Su Bei’s face when he saw everyone agreeing that they would surely trust the posts from the prophet in the future.

? Want to see the serene and natural “Guide for Comic Side Characters to Save Themselves”? Please remember the domain of [] [()]? “Come to []% to read the latest chapters % complete chapters” ()

This was precisely why he had to create this account, to continuously release some accurate insider information, even details that could not simply be guessed.

Once he gained the readers’ trust, convincing them that he indeed had insider knowledge, he could begin to exploit this account for his own gain.

After absorbing this content, Su Bei turned his attention to new posts. The comic updates had been out for a while now, and the forum was bustling with activity. As usual, he focused only on the threads related to the plot and himself.

“Is the undercover agent being revealed now? Su Bei and the undercover identity seem quite fitting.”

“Discussion on the undercover candidates (not believing Su Bei is the undercover).”

“CP chaos, I’ve just shipped Bei-Jin CP, can we say this?”

“What is Su Bei’s source of information? How does he know the establishment time of this alternate space?”

“I truly feel for Zhou Renjie this time; I hope he doesn’t turn into a villain.”

Among the myriad of posts, Su Bei first noticed two threads concerning the undercover agent. These two seemed to present opposing viewpoints. After a moment’s thought, he clicked into the one that argued he was not the undercover.

“Discussion on Undercover Candidates (not believing Su Bei is the undercover).”

[Happy Lamb Skewers No.0: Let me put on some armor first. I am Polaris, but also a fan of everyone. After reading the first few pages of this chapter, my heart skipped a beat—Su Bei is the undercover?]

The hints are too blatant; in the final moments of the group battle, Su Bei suddenly vanishes, and in the last panel of the previous chapter, a pair of little white shoes appears, as if all evidence points to Su Bei being the undercover agent.

Though the idea of an undercover identity is quite thrilling, I really don’t want a traitor lurking among the main characters in a shonen manga.

But as I pondered, I found it hard to believe Su Bei could be the mole. I’ve come up with several reasons, but if I lay them all out here, it’ll get too cramped in this main thread.

【No.1: Is there really anything left to discuss? Su Bei is the undercover agent. It seems the old thief didn’t intend to plant any foreshadowing here.】

【No.2: Why don’t you just fight it out with the guy in the next building? Your opinions are completely opposite!】

【No.3: Honestly, you guys in the Northern camp don’t need to deny Su Bei’s undercover status; his character would be so much more compelling as a villain!】

【No.4: He’s been in a semi-vanished state since the beginning; if he’s not the Chosen One completing a mission, then what else could he be?】

【……】

【No.9: Everyone upstairs, don’t be so sure, okay? I also think Su Bei can’t be the mole; otherwise, it’s just too obvious, right?】

【No.10: If the old thief didn’t plan to keep this under wraps, then why did only a pair of little white shoes appear in the last chapter instead of showing Su Bei in full?】

【No.11: Are you typing a bit too slowly, OP?】

【No.12: Just here for the fun! When I saw Jiang Tianming ask Su Bei that question, I didn’t even have time to catch up on the plot before rushing to the forum to join the excitement!】

【No.13 replies to No.12:

Hahaha, me too! I don’t know when the OP will show up, so I’ll catch up on the plot first!】

() 【……】

【Happy Lamb Skewers No.36 (OP): I’ve laid out my reasons, please take a look!

1. From the end of the last chapter, it’s clear the old thief wanted to leave a hint about the undercover identity. If he didn’t want to drop hints and just wanted to create suspense, then revealing Su Bei’s face at the end of the last chapter would have achieved the same effect and caused an even bigger stir.

But he didn’t, so he must genuinely want to hide Su Bei’s undercover status. Since he wants to conceal it, it’s impossible for him to reveal it directly in this chapter. I can only assume this is the old thief’s way of creating a smokescreen, using Su Bei as a shield.

2. Su Bei saved Si Zhaohua and Jiang Tianming; it’s known that the “Black Flash” organization places great importance on Si Zhaohua. If he is the Chosen One, how could he possibly sabotage the organization’s plans?

I’m sure someone will say that he didn’t intend to help before; he was forced to assist because the purple-haired beauty exposed him, which doesn’t prove anything.

—

I admit, Su Bei hadn’t intended to assist with this matter before, but once exposed, he could have simply vanished (in the latest chapter, he did just that using some unknown means), or chosen another method of handling it—there was absolutely no need to save anyone, was there?

3. When he eliminated a student, he deliberately instructed him to inform Teacher Meng about Feng Lan’s disappearance. Moreover, from his previous behavior, it was clear he had no idea that Feng Lan had been captured from the very start. (What a mouthful.)

4. This point is, in my opinion, the most crucial. Remember, Su Bei mentioned in the first chapter that he came to Class F for the “most unfortunate” Jiang Tianming.

As an undercover agent, he had long known Jiang Tianming was special, even foregoing Class A for him. During that group battle, how could the “Black Flash” organization possibly target only Jiang Tianming and not Si Zhaohua?

【Happy Lamb Skewers No.36 (Original Poster): Ahem (clears throat), in summary, I believe Su Bei cannot possibly be the undercover saint.

My statement is complete; now, let the performances begin.】

【No.37: Original Poster is awesome!】

【No.38: Are you writing a thesis here, Original Poster?】

【No.39: So many words, I’m dumbfounded.】

【No.40: So many words, let me read for a bit.】

【No.41: So many words, is this what they call analysis?】

【……】

【No.62: I initially thought Su Bei was the undercover, but after reading the Original Poster’s analysis, I now believe he definitely isn’t.】

【No.63: The Original Poster is truly logical and well-founded; I also stand with the belief that Su Bei is not an undercover.】

【No.64: Indeed, if Su Bei were an undercover, how could Jiang Tianming still be so safe?】

【No.65: From the very beginning, something felt off; how could that old thief, who loves to keep secrets, suddenly reveal his undercover identity so openly?】

【No.66: The analysis that Su Bei is not an undercover is far more substantiated than the neighboring post claiming he is.】

【No.67: Even for the Original Poster’s lengthy argument, I must switch sides.】

【……】

↑Return to Top↑

—

[No.105: First, I share the same thoughts as the original poster. Secondly, isn’t this a thread for undercover analysis? Why is everyone just denying that Su Bei isn’t an undercover agent? I believe he isn’t, but who is the undercover then?]

[No.106: Is the original poster leading us astray?]

[Happy Sheep Skewers No.107 (Original Poster): I’m back! The main reason I started this thread was indeed to clarify that Su Bei isn’t an undercover agent, but I also have some speculations about the identity of the undercover.

The candidate in my mind is anyone who has appeared so far and didn’t participate in the group battle during the last operation.

This final operation essentially overturned the “Black Flash” plan. If there was an undercover, they would surely cause chaos, but from what the comic shows, it seems no one stirred trouble, so I guess the undercover isn’t among them.

However, we must also exclude Su Bei and Wu Jin. I’ve already explained why Su Bei is excluded, and Wu Jin seems to be someone with connections. If he really has ties to the principal, then he’s likely not the undercover; otherwise, this school is truly rotten to the core.]

[No.108: The original poster’s analysis is quite insightful; I feel the same.]

[No.109: Abba abba, I didn’t understand anything, I can only echo what others say…]

[No.110: So the candidates are Ling You, Li Shu, Zhou Renjie, Zhao Xiaoyu, Qi Huang, Mo Xiaotian, and Mu Tieren? But if the last three are undercover, I’ll take my head off and kick it like a ball!]

[No.111: I feel like Li Shu, Zhou Renjie, and Zhao Xiaoyu are the most likely. Ling You’s personality seems quite cold? Doesn’t really fit the undercover vibe. But we can’t completely rule her out.

That said, I think Zhou Renjie definitely isn’t the Saint Son; at most, he’s just allied with “Black Flash,” he couldn’t have been in on it from the start.]

[No.112: Zhao Xiaoyu seems more likely; she’s both clever and scheming (in a good way), really fits the undercover role.]

[No.113 replies to No.112: But her abilities are quite weak; even if she were pretending, there’s no need to pretend to be that weak, right? What’s the benefit of going to Class F?]

[No.114: I think it’s Ling You; she fits quite well, suddenly joining Class S.]

[……]

[Np.172: The Saint Son must be male, right? Can we rule out Zhao Xiaoyu and Ling You?]

[No.173 replies to No.172: Not necessarily; what if the old thief is deliberately misleading us?]

[No.174: Honestly, I still think Su Bei has a certain possibility. Although the original poster has reasoned it out and completely excluded him, who knows if this isn’t a ploy by the old thief to make us suspect him at first, then not suspect him, and in the end, the truth reveals that it’s him, playing us like dogs all along.]

[No.175 Reply No.174:

Isn’t that just too harsh?]

[No.176: Don’t say that, upstairs. If it’s the old thief, there’s indeed a chance! Otherwise, why do you think we call him the old thief?]

[No.177: Haha, speaking of which, I’m reminded of that little villain from last season who seemed like a comedic character at first.]

[No.178: Haha, that damned old thief! How could someone so funny be so deeply tormented?!]

[No.179: Damned old thief!]

Having read the analysis from the original poster, Su Bei felt a flicker of joy. The analysis was spot on; from every angle, he could not possibly be this “Holy Son.”

Though Su Bei wished to craft a shadowy identity for himself, he had no intention of taking the fall for Mo Xiao Tian.

He had no desire to be that so-called Holy Son; the trouble was hardly worth it.

As he observed the various speculations about the undercover agent, with everyone avoiding the thought of Mo Xiao Tian, he couldn’t help but chuckle.

It must be said, Mo Xiao Tian’s character was indeed perplexing. He looked like the kind of protagonist one would find in other youthful tales; who would suspect him to be an undercover?

Sometimes, gazing at the other’s foolish expression, even he found himself questioning if their first meeting two months prior had been but a dream.

The comedic villain mentioned at the end, he was familiar with from the first season. Initially, he was a mere lackey of the antagonist, sent to target the protagonist group, yet he constantly made a fool of himself.

In the end, he perished alongside the villain, single-handedly helping the protagonists escape a great calamity, only for them to discover he harbored a deep-seated grudge against the antagonist. Those earlier blunders had been mere ruses; he was unwilling to aid evil yet yearned for revenge.