A Guide for Background Characters to Survive in a Manga-Chapter 85

Chapter 85

Next, the manga followed me waking from the illusion, with my dialogue with Meng Huai and the teachers depicted verbatim.

The conversation was calm, with no interrogative intent from the teachers. Everyone had their methods, especially a student like me.

But the author amped up the tension, making our exchange look like sparks were flying, as if they were convinced I was a mole and grilling me.

If I hadn’t lived it, I’d think I’d fought with Meng Huai.

I laughed, exasperated. They were dead-set on making readers think I was the mole.

The plot continued. As Lei Ze’en explained the others’ situations, their experiences were shown. Only Jiang Tianming and Li Shu’s were depicted.

The former was the lead, the latter made big progress, so focusing on them to save space made sense.

Surprisingly, the manga didn’t show what happened on the fifth floor. It cut from Jiang Tianming stepping onto the fifth floor to him waking up.

Hiding it even from readers, I grew curious about the secret.

As expected, the chapter ended with Jiang Tianming and Li Shu’s brewing fight. Over the button Jiang Tianming brought back, Li Shu was frantic to test his Ability on him, naturally leading to a clash.

After finishing, I resolved to address my identity. These two chapters showed no strength growth. If I didn’t stir things up identity-wise, I’d waste too much time.

The manga side story was, as expected, our truth-or-dare game. Not all rounds were shown—eight or nine would be too much.

Naturally, only the juiciest bits were included.

When my answer came up, the comments exploded.

"Hahahahaha, everyone’s staring at Su Bei."

"Good lord, talking to himself? Really?"

"Bro, you hate yourself but think you’re hot?"

"Self-love and self-loathing, that’s me."

"Su Bei feels self-loathing? Or did he say that to dodge the choice?"

"Smells like a knife coming..."

Besides humor, it dropped some intel, like Wu Jin, Mo Xiaotian, and Jiang Tianming’s questions.

Wu Jin’s low presence in the manga world didn’t carry to reality. Since he wouldn’t reveal his recent lie, and with Li Shu’s analysis, comments speculated who he lied to and why he wouldn’t say.

The main suspects were me and Zhao Xiaoyu. No surprise—among the S Class, we were the closest to him. It made sense we’d be the likely targets.

When it was Mo Xiaotian’s turn, I perked up. The protagonist group, caught in the moment, didn’t notice anything off. I wondered if manga readers would pick up on something.

No one had ever suspected Mo Xiaotian as a mole. In our class, only the protagonist trio, Si Zhaohua, and Mo Xiaotian hadn’t been nominated.

Sadly, the comments showed no suspicion, just a sea of “hahaha.”

I sighed inwardly. Mo Xiaotian’s disguise was airtight. If I hadn’t seen the Black Lightning Mark on his neck, I’d never have doubted him.

Jiang Tianming’s truth question got the least buzz. As the lead, his secrets were mostly exposed.

Readers guessed the woman’s silhouette from season one’s end was his mother, now feeling confirmed. Many mom fans pitied him.

Jiang Tianming, an orphan, craved family. His mother likely died in childbirth, becoming part of his Ability. For someone longing for family, that was heartbreaking, explaining his hesitation about regret.

The side story included his inner voice: “I regret, not the me with the Ability.”

He was clear then—his mother died because of him, not his Ability. He shouldn’t regret having it.

Time to check the forums. Posts about Li Shu, Jiang Tianming, and me abounded. Wu Jin had one; Mo Xiaotian had none.

No one suspected Mo Xiaotian. I sighed. Looks like I’d have to be the bad guy exposing the truth.

I clicked into a few posts about myself.

《Su Bei, Staircase, Sleeping, Get It?》

[LittleBeeNo.0: I’m stumped by this plot. How’d Su Bei breeze through? Where were the enemies? The Nightmare Beasts? He even hit the fifth floor and faced nothing.

And how could he sleep in that situation? Even if he knew it was an illusion and sleeping was the way out, falling asleep that fast? As an insomniac, I’m jealous.

His calm vibe, like the sky could fall and he’d be unfazed, is first off, super cool! Second, I’m dying to know why he wasn’t surprised. And after hearing the others’ experiences, he showed no shock.

Some big shot analyzed before, convincing me he’s not a mole. But this update’s got me doubting again. If he’s not a mole, how’s he so chill?]

[No.1: After Si Zhaohua’s plot, I was hyped to see how Su Bei would tackle the stages, maybe show more power. But he just... passed... like that...]

[No.2: I’m curious too, babbling here. Any experts wanna break it down?]

[No.3: The manga’s so cryptic here, with zero explanation. Bet it’s a deep-buried foreshadowing.]

[No.4: “OP, I’m with you! I bought he wasn’t a mole, but now it feels like he’s about to blow his cover and clash with the Academy!”]

[TwoLittleBeesNo.5 (OP) replies No.4: Waaah, no way! I like Su Bei. Don’t want him leaving the protagonist group—that’d mean no screen time!]

[No.6: The guy who said he’s not a mole posted next door.]

[No.7 replies No.6: ! I’m heading over!]

[No.8 replies No.6: Thanks for the heads-up!]

[...]

[No.45: That guy’s got some points. I’m relieved now.]

[No.46: Back to believing Su Bei’s not a mole!]

[FlyingInFlowersNo.46: OP, we’ve got couple names lol!]

[No.47: Not a mole, good. Chaos fans never kneel! (gets smacked)]

[TwoLittleBeesNo.48 (OP) replies FlyingInFlowersNo.46: Hahahahaha, we do!]

[...]

[No.71: Could Su Bei clearing the floors with no enemies be his Ability?

From his past Ability uses, it seems he can alter fate. Like this update, he used it to let Si Zhaohua escape and join the others at the Black Gate.

So making enemies leave for some reason doesn’t seem impossible?]

[No.72 replies No.71: Makes sense!]

[No.73 replies No.71: You might be onto something.]

[No.74 replies No.71: That Ability’s too OP then? Bending fate, maxing out luck?]

[No.75: Su Bei’s still so mysterious because his Ability’s barely revealed. I really want to know how [Destiny Gear] works!]

[...]

[No.104: I still think Su Bei’s tied to Black Flash. Not a mole doesn’t mean no connection. 71’s idea is possible, but just a guess. I think it’s more likely he knew Black Flash’s move, so he was calm.]

[No.105: Yo, same!]

[No.106: That tracks too.]

[No.107: Why not just say he’s the mole? The next-door guy’s logic is solid but doesn’t fully convince me.]

[No.108 replies No.104: Great minds! I also think Su Bei’s linked to Black Flash. Even if the author’s using him as a decoy for the real mole, they wouldn’t pick a totally innocent guy, right?]

[No.109: Damn it, when’s Su Bei’s profile book coming out? @Author]

[No.110: Gimme Su Bei’s profile book! @Author]

[No.111: You ever dropping that profile book? @Author]

Every thread’s doomed to derail, I guess. I shook my head and exited. A profile book now? No way. Too many secrets for everyone. Would every line just say “Unknown”?

I chuckled and clicked into the “next-door” post everyone was hyping.

《Speaking Up for Su Bei Again, Author, Stop Misleading Readers!》

[HappySheepSkewerNo.0: My stance: Su Bei’s not a mole.

I won’t repeat past reasons—check my post history if curious. This time, I’m analyzing the new chapter’s reveals.

“This sky... feels fake?”.jpg

See this shot. Su Bei figured out it’s an illusion from the fake-looking sky, not because he already knew.

If he knew the place, he wouldn’t have this doubt. The “he’s a mole” crowd next door says this was a playful jab at the illusion’s shoddy details. But I don’t see the author drawing a playful expression.

Also, after exiting, Su Bei asks, “Was that an illusion?” and says “As expected” after confirmation. This shows he deduced the truth himself, not that he knew it from the start.

Some say he was acting, but honestly, does Su Bei need to act that hard? When Meng Huai grilled him, he just smirked, “Guess.” If he was acting, he’d go full ham. He didn’t later, so he wasn’t earlier.]

I didn’t read the thread—same old believe-or-don’t split. This OP summed it up well, covering why I couldn’t be a mole.

After gauging the forum’s direction, I was ready to post.

《[Prophet Post] Su Bei’s Identity and Mole Candidate》

[ProphetNo.0: Su Bei’s not a mole—other OPs have explained why, so I won’t repeat. This post’s first goal is to analyze what special identity he might have if not a mole.

He’s definitely tied to Black Flash. It’s hard to explain why he’s never shocked by their moves otherwise.

From another angle, his intel likely doesn’t come from his Ability. If not Ability, then it’s external.

Bold guess: Su Bei has an intel organization outside, possibly in a cooperative relationship with Black Flash.

As for the mole, I think it’s Mo Xiaotian, Mu Tieren, or Zhou Renjie.

The first two fit the author’s habit of misleading us, then dropping a twist we’d never guess. Zhou Renjie’s mindset makes him more swayable by Black Flash than others.]

Like last time, I didn’t over-explain my reasoning. No need. I’d already hinted at my insider status. Since the author and Manga Consciousness didn’t intervene, as long as I didn’t go overboard, I was in the rules.

Vague reasoning made forum readers more likely to buy my “insider intel,” trusting my claims.

Sure enough, refreshing later, I saw few doubts. After being proven right multiple times, readers weren’t like novel cannon fodder, repeatedly face-slapped.

[No.1: Prophet sis/bro dropping bombs again?]

[No.2: Not even pretending now, just straight-up spilling?]

[No.3: Nobody’s clocking the actual content? My god, is this real?]

[No.4: Is OP famous? Why’s everyone acting like this?]

[No.5 replies No.4: Every time OP posts, someone asks this.]

[No.6 replies No.4: Check OP’s post history.]

[No.7: Su Bei’s got an intel org? That’d explain his info. That org’s probably huge.]

[No.8: Knowing Su Bei’s not a mole puts me at ease.]

[No.9: I buy the front, but the back... Why’s Mo Xiaotian on the mole list?]

[No.10: OP’s really an insider, but won’t you get caught leaking?]

[No.11: AHHH, Su Bei’s an intel org guy? That’s my kink!!!]

[No.12 replies No.9: Good question. Why Mo Xiaotian?]

[No.13 replies No.9: Mo Xiaotian’s the only one I never suspected.]

[...]

[No.45: OP saying Mo Xiaotian might be the mole confirms my guess from the manga side story.

When Mo Xiaotian called his closest person, saying he was in trouble, their first reaction was to send help. What if that wasn’t a joke but their real reflex?

What could make them react instantly to Mo Xiaotian’s call? I can only think his mole identity was exposed...]

[No.46 replies No.45: ?????????]

[No.47: 46, you...]

[No.48: Wasn’t that just a joke? It can be read that way?]

[No.49: Conspiracy theories never die, but I don’t want to believe Mo Xiaotian’s the mole.]

[No.50: OP, I’ve always trusted you, but this time, I can’t buy it. Mo Xiaotian, a mole?]

[No.51: Am I the only one who thinks Mo Xiaotian as a mole is kinda hot?]

[No.52 replies No.51: I love white-to-black twists too, but Mo Xiaotian’s clearly a pure goof, right?]

[No.53: OP only said possible, not certain. I’d rather believe Mu Tieren’s the mole.]

[No.54: Please, let Zhou Renjie be the mole. Of the three, I can accept him most.]

Reading the comments, I smiled and shook my head. Their reactions were pretty friendly, likely because the “Mo Xiaotian is the mole” bombshell overshadowed the intel org claim, which no one challenged. They were too busy debating the mole.

If all went well, by the next update, I’d have an intel organization behind me.

I hoped more would see and believe the post. The more believers, the closer I’d get to my goal. If needed, I’d bump it with minor intel. This time, I’d make the intel org real.

Closing my phone, the screen dimmed. Feng Lan’s voice broke the silence: "You’re sleeping?"

Surprised, I said: "You’re still up?"

Feng Lan nodded, sitting up: "I’m thinking—Black Flash seems too familiar with our movements."

I understood. He was suspecting a mole in the Academy, though likely not in S Class.

I asked: "If there’s a mole in the Academy, what’ll you do? Drop out?"

Seeing I instantly caught his drift, Feng Lan knew I’d thought of it too. He relaxed slightly, shaking his head: "The Ability Academy’s the best place to train Ability users. I won’t drop out. I plan to use next month’s Prophecy chance to find the mole hiding in the school."

I froze. I hadn’t considered that. If Feng Lan used Prophecy, wouldn’t Mo Xiaotian be exposed?

And I suspected another mole among the teachers. Maybe they’d be caught too?

I recalled this update. The author pushed hard to make readers think I was the mole. Was it because Mo Xiaotian’s identity was about to crack, and they wanted one last misdirection?

But I doubted it. Mo Xiaotian’s exposure now would be too soon. Maybe the next update would just drop hints about him.

Either way, it didn’t concern me much—just the author’s plotting. I chuckled, saying cryptically: "Aren’t you afraid I’m the mole? Hearing this, I’d have to silence you."

Feng Lan paused, then said firmly: "You’re not."

"Why so sure?" Now I was genuinely curious.

But he didn’t answer, just repeated firmly: "You’re not."

I glanced at him thoughtfully. For Feng Lan to be so certain, it wouldn’t be something sentimental like “we get along, so I trust him.”

More likely, it was one of two things. Either he’d investigated me, and my soldier father and cop mother’s upright background ruled out ties to a villain group. Or his Prophecy told him I wasn’t the mole.

Speaking of Prophecy, I recalled an unsolved mystery—why did Feng Lan join Class F?

The manga didn’t say explicitly, but clues suggested his pre-enrollment Prophecy guided him to Class F, choosing it over Class A.

Knowing this was a manga world, I’d boldly guessed, based on shonen tropes, that Feng Lan joined Class F for Jiang Tianming.

But so far, I hadn’t seen Feng Lan show special attention to Jiang Tianming. Early on, he’d chat with him more, but that tapered off.

A bad thought hit me: Did Feng Lan mistake me for the person in his Prophecy?

My transformation happened after school started, overriding the manga world’s rules. Before I changed via the forums, even a Prophecy targeting me would’ve only seen a weak Ability user.

Feng Lan’s Prophecy was pre-enrollment, likely a fixed plot point. If he came to Class F for someone, it’d be Jiang Tianming, as that’s probably a story beat.

This can’t happen! I tensed. Who knew what Feng Lan’s Prophecy was? If it was to support Jiang Tianming, and he thought it was me, the plot would derail!

I had to get them teamed up more. I trusted the shonen lead’s friend-making skills. During the government mission, Feng Lan and Jiang Tianming were paired, and their bond visibly improved.

Clearly, Jiang Tianming didn’t lack the ability to earn Feng Lan’s respect—just the chance. I’d create that chance. Jiang Tianming couldn’t falter, or my mission would get way harder.

The next two days’ missions were uneventful. The training ended, and we returned to school. The week’s experiences were rich, and stepping back into the safe, familiar campus felt like a lifetime ago.

Fifteen of us entering together drew eyes. It was break time, and a crowd’s gazes turned our way. Lower grades didn’t know what we’d done, but upperclassmen did.

"This year’s first-year S Class, huh?" A blond guy in a flashy pink suit, just back from outside, eyed our backs with interest, undoing his top button.

A blue-haired girl in a standard gray suit followed, pushing up her black-rimmed glasses, saying calmly: "Yes, their first training. President, you’ll probably meet them in a couple of days."

The blond president grinned, stepping toward us: "Perfect. Let me meet this year’s S Class early. Hope there’s some troublemakers."

Before he took a second step, the glasses girl blocked him: "President, no excuses to skip. You should be reporting on the mission now."

His smile froze. Turning, his peach-blossom eyes locked onto her earnestly: "Xiao Man, you could report just as well. I trust you. I’ll go give them a scare, so they don’t hassle you later."

Normally, a handsome guy’s deep gaze and sweet words would sway most girls. But Xiao Man was used to her boss’s antics, unmoved.

"Thanks for your trust and thoughtfulness, but please complete the report now. I’m not suited for it," she said, her fake smile unwavering. Noticing his exposed collarbone, she added, "And button your shirt, or the dean will scold you again."

Seeing no wiggle room, the president’s handsome face drooped, and he followed Xiao Man away, sulking.

Meanwhile, I’d returned to the dorm. It was Saturday—the teachers had picked this day so we could rest tomorrow.

After two days’ rest, Monday rolled around, and everyone was recharged. The first class was Meng Huai’s, but he had no intention of teaching. He clapped, and a few people entered.

Four in total, led by a blond, handsome guy. A blue-haired girl set up a PPT, while the other two handed out booklets to the 15 of us.

Once ready, the blond cleared his throat, saying formally: "Hello, first-year S Class! I’m Mu Yunfan, president of Endless Ability Academy’s student council, here to recruit new members."

Like other schools, Endless Ability Academy had a student council. Those who helped during orientation were council members.

I noticed many perked up at the president’s introduction, clearly interested in joining, like Zhao Xiaoyu, Si Zhaohua, Zhou Renjie, and Qi Huang.

I wasn’t interested. Joining the council would bring perks and broader info access, but it’d mean more tasks and rules— a bad deal for someone like me, who didn’t care about power.

On the podium, Mu Yunfan continued. The council’s scope was wide. Besides acting as disciplinary monitors, they organized student activities like sports festivals, spring and fall trips, and even training. They also managed non-teaching staff, like cafeteria workers.

At this, the lofty president grew smug: "Our cafeteria food’s good, right? If you’d come a year earlier, it wouldn’t have been this great. Only after I took over did—"

"Ahem!"

Before he finished, Xiao Man, the blue-haired girl running the PPT, coughed sharply. She pushed her glasses, flashing a faint smile at the crowd.

Warned, Mu Yunfan straightened up. After duties, he moved to benefits.

Council members earned monthly Point System rewards, varying by role. They had more authority than regular students, deciding on trips and cafeteria matters based on preference.

Career-wise, graduates had a high chance of staying on as teachers, especially if they’d excelled in the council. Applying usually guaranteed a spot. Plus, council experience was a key metric for entering the Ability Government.

Mu Yunfan then listed joining requirements. The first was completing at least one training session, which was why he came right after our S Class training.

Many council tasks tied to training, and experienced students were better at dealing with the Ability Government than sheltered ones.

S Class members could join easily, while others needed their strength vetted. Council members often acted as security, stopping school fights, so strength was a must.

As Xiao Man finished the PPT, she got a message about something to handle. Since the key points were covered, she slipped out the back door.

Once she left, Mu Yunfan went off-script, passionately addressing us: "The student council’s perfect—why hesitate? No losses, no scams! Join, and you’ll train with senior S Class alumni. Don’t join, and you’re not a good student!"

"Ahem!" This time, Meng Huai coughed, glaring. "I shouldn’t have let Xiao Man leave!"

Mu Yunfan grinned, lying blatantly: "I’m just showing the juniors our council’s passion! Look, they’re clearly moved, dying to join!"

"Why not let Director Gao hear your post-Xiao Man spiel?"

Director Gao, the third-year dean, was notoriously strict. Mischievous students, including President Mu Yunfan, cowered before her.

Seeing Meng Huai’s chilling smile, knowing he might actually tattle, Mu Yunfan dropped the act, cutting to the chase: "If interested, apply at Building 3, Room 521 after class. Format’s on the website."

Before Meng Huai could react, he cheekily added: "521’s our heartfelt gesture to you!"

With that, he and his crew bolted.

Meng Huai, quick on his feet, landed a solid kick as Mu Yunfan fled.

"Ow!" Mu Yunfan stumbled, not daring to look back, fearing a beating in front of us. He used the kick’s momentum to sprint out.

Those in the know saw a council president recruiting. Those not? They’d think he was chased out for collecting protection money!

Meng Huai shook his head helplessly. Seeing our curious stares, he said, half-amused, half-annoyed: "What’re you looking at? Don’t let his antics fool you. As president, his strength’s no joke—he could wipe the floor with you lot."

His personality was just wild. But Meng Huai didn’t mind. He’d taught many S Classes, and few were “normal.” With time wasted, and class nearly over, he skipped teaching and prepared to leave.

Before going, he warned the rowdy bunch: "Discuss among yourselves, but don’t disturb other classes."