A Background Character's Path to Power - Chapter 24: Not Bad For A Third Rate

In her third year living in this steampunk world, Ciel gained the ability to simulate both the past and the future.These simulations turned into a game where she could act without restraint, and after countless trials, real life became a replica she could navigate as though speedrunning it.Churches, potions, mutations, the Old Gods, witches, sealed artifacts… none of these have anything to do with Ciel. She’s just an ordinary girl who wishes for a peaceful life.She just happens to be particularly skilled at snuffing out danger before it even begins.

[True to its genre: a creepy, rule-based horror story, highly refined and quality assured, but prospective readers seeking a thrilling experience should think carefully before proceeding.]In order to secure a substantial university life experience grant, Lin Yi and his roommate registered to attend a suburban university.A seemingly ordinary but slightly unsettling set of student regulations;Strange signs in front of the buildings and seemingly normal building rules;Mysterious figures threading through the campus under abnormal weather conditions…As the experience unfolded, more and more bizarre people and events emerged. To survive and leave the campus, Lin Yi had to navigate on the edge of the rules…[Note: The logical chain of this book was deduced by the author before it was written, forming a closed loop. All rules serve as clues, and all the inconsistent, mysterious occurrences will receive scientific (or quasi-scientific) explanations. There are no supernatural events or related phenomena (just kidding), you are welcome to try reading it!]

Bochang finds himself transported to another world, and upon opening his eyes, he encounters two Stellaron Hunters - Silver Wolf and Kafka.[Dating Options Activated.][Option 1: In this moment... there's no more time for hesitation. Shout at Kafka, “Mom!” - Completion Reward: Randomly obtain the power of one out of twelve talismans.][Option 2: Shouting is unrefined and may startle others. Instead, try gently saying, “Kafka?” - Completion Reward: Get beat up by Kafka.][Option 3: As someone who suddenly appeared, perhaps you should act normal by expressing confusion: “Who... are you?” - Completion Reward: Unlock the Abundance Fate Path and gain a random Imaginary ability.]Feeling powerless, Bochang internally protested, What kind of dating options are these? Seriously, there's not even a hint of romance involved!However, it wasn't until some time later that the black-haired youth realized the tragic reality, that these supposed “Dating Options” were actually “Troublesome Dating Options.”Watching as girls like Stelle, March 7th, and Himeko circled around him, Bochang thought, “I want to fall in love.”Dating Options replied, “No, you don't.”

I possessed a minor character who marries the prince. I’m not thrilled about it. The prince is a scumbag who flirts with the heroine despite being engaged and eventually gets defeated by the original male lead. In the epilogue, all he does is apologize to his fiancée and marry her, with barely a line to his name. Well, his personality is twisted, but at least he’s handsome. And since he’s the third prince, he doesn’t have to shoulder the burden of ruling the kingdom. That’s decent husband material, I suppose. Go ahead, make a fool of yourself. You’re going to marry me anyway. I’ll just sit back and enjoy watching your embarrassing history unfold. “Doris Redfield. Don’t expect me to ask you to dance at this ball. Maybe not at the next one either. Or the one after that.” “Yes, Your Highness. As you wish.” “Even though we’re engaged… wait, what?” “It’s just a joke proposal our parents once tossed around, isn’t it? You don’t need to take it seriously, Your Highness. I’m really fine with it.” “…Is that so? Yes, that’s… fine, right?” Why are you panicking, prince? You started spouting nonsense first. Where’s your conscience? But then, this guy really has the audacity to ask something outrageous. “…Do you, perhaps, have another man?” The guy who flirted with the original heroine is saying this now? Calm down. He’ll regret this later. All I need to do is remain a devoted fiancée until then. “What are you talking about? A woman like me… plain, not beautiful, with a gloomy personality, what man would even—” “What? Who dared to say that about you?” …You did, in the original story. This guy is acting weird. But he’s not the only problem. “My dear little sister Doris, that dress you’re wearing today is dreadful. No wonder there are rumors His Highness has abandoned you.” “Well, it can’t be helped. His Highness is too good for me anyway.” “…Hold on. Too good? Who said that? Wait, were you really dumped?” The original villainess, who also happens to be my older sister, Natalie, is suddenly interested in my love life. Why are all the original tr*shy characters growling at each other over me now?!