Chapter 316 - A Guide for Background Characters to Survive in a Manga

Chapter 316 As a steady stream of earth elemental energy surged into Wu Mingbai's body, he understood what the "final protection" granted by the Guardian God truly was. It was undeniably a gift that was both touching and exhilarating, as he could clearly feel himself growing stronger. While he was explaining to Ai Baozhu and the others what had transpired, the long-absent Su Bei finally made his reappearance. The readers were instantly thrilled upon seeing the message in the manga from "Southeast Northwest," indicating his return. However, what truly set the comments section abuzz was the moment Su Bei appeared with the King in tow. "The King is actually alive!" "I knew there had to be a reason for your long absence, Su Bei!" "Wow, did anyone notice the tears in Mingbai's eyes?" "We all thought Mingbai was going to lose the family he had only just found, but Su Bei brought him back!" "The significance of showing up at such a moment?" "Su Bei, you're the coolest!" Seeing the readers' reactions, Su Bei was finally at ease. Though his appearance in this chapter was brief, it was impactful enough. What followed was a tug-of-war involving Wu Mingbai, the King, and the Queen, who, upon arrival, tried to persuade Wu Mingbai to stay. Firstly, as the Prince of AfriNation, it seemed illogical for him to return to school after learning about his true identity. Secondly, with the full powers of the Guardian God now within him, he was akin to a new Guardian. Sending him back, whether he met an untimely death or felt disconnected from AfriNation, would be a significant loss to the nation. However, Wu Mingbai was resolute, offering them a reason they couldn't refute: "Remaining in AfriNation, I can't fully absorb the energy given to me by the Guardian God. You cannot let me experience true crises." Su Bei, who had read the manga, knew Wu Mingbai's claim was unfounded. The Guardian God never specified that he needed life-or-death experiences to absorb the energy. Though confronting the Nightmare Beasts or accelerating absorption could help, the energy would be fully absorbed eventually regardless. In the manga world, however, no one other than Wu Mingbai and Su Bei was privy to this conversation. Thus, despite the King's and Queen's suspicions and reluctance, they had no choice but to let Wu Mingbai leave. For both personal and national interests, it was imperative that Wu Mingbai fully absorb the energy. After settling this matter, Wu Mingbai inquired, filled with concern, why the King had disappeared. The manga then transitioned to a flashback, depicting Su Bei’s rescue of the King. One scene, subject to much debate, showed Su Bei knocking out the King, who had intended to rush out and save Wu Mingbai when he was in danger. Opinions in the comments were divided. "Su Bei truly is a ruthless yet amusing character." "The King really is a good father, happy for Mingbai." "Did he just knock out the King like that? That’s the King, after all!" "This truly is a significant opportunity for Wu Mingbai." "I'm torn between believing Su Bei knocked out the King for Mingbai’s sake or just to enjoy the drama!" Although controversial in nature, few criticized Su Bei's actions. After all, Wu Mingbai undoubtedly preferred to grow stronger than to lose that chance under the guise of protection. While personal safety is critical, one's wishes shouldn't be overlooked, particularly since Su Bei described it as an "opportunity." Opportunities often come with risks but are inherently positive. In subsequent plot developments, following Su Bei's departure, conspiracies targeting Wu Mingbai finally commenced. The Nightmare Beasts and the "Black Lightning" organization teamed up, albeit not under the same banner. The former aimed for revenge, while the latter cited research objectives. Presently, the "Black Lightning" organization’s claims of conducting research were internal knowledge only. They hadn't yet disclosed awareness of Wu Mingbai absorbing the Guardian God's energy. After all, embedding a mole within AfriNation's defense forces wasn’t easily accomplished, and exposing this asset prematurely wouldn't favor their ongoing plans. As for why this rationale circulated within, the "Black Lightning" organization's leader was concerned someone might suspect their collaboration with the Nightmare Beasts reflected an alliance. Their attacks weren't solely about sending a few Advanced Nightmare Beasts after Jiang Tianming and the others. With numerous powerful supernaturals nearby, even if they were led into a corner, they couldn't be delayed for long. Considering the strength of Jiang Tianming's group, they were formidable enough to defeat Advanced Nightmare Beasts. Sending a couple of beasts was merely wasting resources. Their genuine plan was to lure away the protectors of Wu Mingbai using Advanced Nightmare Beasts. Then the "Black Lightning" organization operatives would abduct him. The plan proceeded smoothly. Believing they had found the enemy's base, the supernaturals followed the beasts. They were cautious enough to leave defensive supernaturals to guard Jiang Tianming and his team. Unfortunately, this had been accounted for by the "Black Lightning" organization. They had brought along an anti-defense expert whose ability, [Defense Prohibition], nullified any defensive action within its range. With this expert, the unprotected protagonists couldn't escape. Gong Yuzhi, in a dazzling purple cheongsam, appeared and used her hypnosis ability to capture them. Thus, the chapter concluded. "They've been captured just like that? AfriNation is truly inept." "Gong Yuzhi is the quintessential beautiful villainess." "How frightening the hypnosis ability is!" "Hold on a second, didn't Si Zhaohua mention they had protective artifacts? How were they all subdued?" "What about Jiang Jiang's nullification ability?" It made sense why the protagonists hadn’t spoken much in the chat group—they’d been captured. Su Bei finally understood, his suspicions now confirmed. He noted a particular detail. Unlike others, who appeared vacant and lifeless post-hypnosis, Jiang Tianming and Wu Jin's eyes still gleamed. If he guessed right, those two hadn't been hypnotized at all. Jiang Tianming's ability to nullify powers, when used promptly, shielded him from Gong Yuzhi's hypnosis. Meanwhile, Wu Jin's [Succubus] ability, in a way, was a precursor to [Hypnosis], granting him partial immunity. However, Jiang Tianming feigned being under control, using this information disparity to pretend alongside the others and obediently leave with Gong Yuzhi. Wu Jin, meanwhile, pretended to be hypnotized, lagging at the rear, and seized an opportunity to slip away unnoticed, successfully escaping. The "Black Lightning" organization wasn’t to be underestimated, though. No sooner had he made his escape than Gong Yuzhi sent pursuers after him. Judging by the timing, Wu Jin was likely already skirmishing with them. An opportunity to save someone presented itself. Su Bei made up his mind swiftly. Wu Jin was alone, uninvolved in the main plot, meaning rescuing him wouldn't affect storyline progression—making a successful rescue probable. Moreover, saving Wu Jin wouldn’t seem out of character for Su Bei, as it demonstrated his strategic foresight. Offering help just at the right moment indicated his awareness of Jiang Tianming's plight. Yet, he had only intervened to save Wu Jin, who had managed to escape alone. Such selectiveness perfectly encapsulated his penchant for amusement. After some consideration, Su Bei contacted not Wu Jin, but Meng Huai: "Hey, Teacher? Have you noticed that Jiang Tianming and the others are missing?" "I've noticed," Meng Huai replied gravely, then shrewdly asked, "Do you know something?" As their homeroom teacher, he understood Su Bei well. For him to call now, he must have foreseen Jiang Tianming's disappearance and had pertinent information to pass on. Indeed, Su Bei checked the manga for the direction of Wu Jin's escape, straightforwardly instructing, "Teacher, activate your ability and head east to assist Wu Jin. He's likely dodging pursuit from the 'Black Lightning' organization." He directed Meng Huai to use his abilities to ensure Wu Jin’s safety. By flying overhead with his powers, any sensible pursuers would retreat rather than risk mutual destruction. Comprehending his intentions, Meng Huai promptly summoned his frequently-used black dragon. Clad in the black armor granted by his power, he soared skyward, emanating an imposing aura. Hearing the dragon's roar through the phone, Su Bei relaxed and was about to end the call when Meng Huai posed another question: "Since you know where Wu Jin is, you should also know where the others are, right?" Regrettably, Su Bei did not. He replied confidently, "Even those gifted in destiny manipulation aren't omnipotent." Accustomed to getting no further answers from him, Meng Huai refrained from pressing Su Bei, tersely instructing, "Contact Old Lei and have him prepare the teleportation array." Su Bei was more than willing to assist with such a minor task. After hanging up, he promptly turned and dialed Lei Ze'en. He briefly explained the situation to him. Lei Ze'en had not expected the involvement of the "Black Lightning" organization in this matter. He sighed and diligently began setting up the teleportation array. He also took the opportunity to ask, "By the way, did your Teacher Meng inform you that five students will be leaving at the start of this term?" It's worth noting that Lei Ze'en was slightly more courteous than Meng Huai. While Meng Huai casually referred to him as "Old Lei" in front of the students, Lei Ze'en showed some consideration for Meng Huai's image by calling him "your Teacher Meng." However, Su Bei's mind was utterly preoccupied with Lei Ze'en's earlier statement. They were going to lose students? Recalling memories, Su Bei remembered what the head of faculty had mentioned when he first joined Class S. Back then, it was indeed stated that Class S could only ultimately accommodate ten students. At that time, Su Bei had assumed that some classmates would naturally drop out, like Zhao Xiaoyu, Mu Tieren, Zhou Renjie, Mo Xiaotian, etc., so he hadn't given it much thought. However, various plot developments had led Su Bei to believe that this rule might have been forgotten. Zhao Xiaoyu, for instance, had a power, [Happiness], highly effective against Nightmare Beasts. Even if it wasn't as formidable against humans, it was sufficient for her to remain in Class S. Mu Tieren, ever since that particular incident, hadn't had his combat abilities specifically measured, but Su Bei had once witnessed him transform his arm into a machine gun to attack, effectively neutralizing Nightmare Beasts. It seemed quite similar to Senior Wei Yuexi's [Arms Dealer] ability, and recently, he had often studied under her. The opportunity to study with a superpower capable of participating in world-level competitions was testament enough to his prowess. As for Zhou Renjie, his ability for being selected into Class S, coupled with not genuinely defecting, justified his staying. Initially thinking everyone in the class had sufficiently improved to stay, Su Bei hoped Class S would no longer reduce its numbers. Yet, it seemed the academy had not changed its plan. Who then would be the five students leaving? After pondering for a moment, his voice slightly parched, he asked, "Hasn't been mentioned yet. Can I get some insider information from the teacher?" If indeed five were to leave, it would certainly strain the friendship amongst them. Even the most magnanimous individuals would find such circumstances challenging not to be affected by. Additionally, once the classes were split, the interactions would undoubtedly decrease. Although Su Bei's friendship with the members of Class S hadn't deepened significantly, he did consider them his friends. Naturally, such prospects weighed on him. Lei Ze'en chuckled, "There’s no insider information. It's based on rankings and ability. Shouldn't you have some guesses?" Hearing this, Su Bei raised an eyebrow, his previous worries vanished, and he remarked meaningfully, "Teacher, you've exposed yourself..." There was a pause on the other end before Lei Ze'en's slightly exasperated voice came through: "Is my acting that obvious? Where did I slip?" Relieved by the confirmation, Su Bei answered, "Considering the teacher's nature, knowing we'd eliminate five students for such a reason, you wouldn't take it so lightly." Lei Ze'en was known for his deep empathy and loyalty. After spending a year together, it would be heart-wrenching for him to see five students leave. Whether from the perspective of any student or purely as a teacher, he would inevitably feel saddened. Yet he spoke about it with a smile just now, which was clearly suspicious. Anyone from their class would likely notice the discrepancy. It was just a matter of time. Acknowledging the feedback gratefully, Lei Ze'en said, "I'll be more mindful next time. Please, don't disclose our conversation to the others. If the academy's plans get out, Teacher Meng will definitely mock me again." "Of course," Su Bei agreed, in good spirits. "I'm looking forward to the show myself." Thanks to Teacher Meng's intel, Su Bei anticipated that sooner or later, the "Prophet" would find its moment of fame on the forums by the next or subsequent manga update. An hour later, Su Bei received a message from Wu Jin. [Endless Silence: Thanks, I made it home.] [Southeast Northwest: If you're grateful, help me out by writing the 2000-word summer homework the teacher assigned.] [Endless Silence: ...] [Endless Silence: Perhaps I'm not that grateful.] Seeing the final message, Su Bei sent a speechless emoji and closed the chat window. Having done what he needed to, the rest was beyond his concern. Stretching, Su Bei opened the forums. Preoccupied with arranging Wu Jin’s rescue, he hadn’t had time to check them after the manga update. Given his limited screen time in this manga update, the forums had minimal relevant posts. He found one worthy of note. "What's the deeper meaning behind Su Bei saving the King?" [Fly Mother Cockroach No.0: It seems like Su Bei acts in his own interest or for entertainment. Reviving the King isn't entertaining. Though watching him scold his child is humorous, it isn’t as compelling since the princes and princesses aren’t malevolent. A dead King would cause more chaos in AfriNation, making it more entertaining. Initially, I believed Su Bei aimed to ally with the King. However, seeing the flashback where Su Bei knocks the King out, completely defying him and later leaving without any intent to stay, showed there wasn't a gain in befriending the King. So, what was Su Bei's benefit in all this?] [No.1: A perspective I've never considered.] [No.2: True, why save him? Su Bei doesn’t even save Jiang and the others.] [No.3 replying to No.2: It almost sounds like you're jealous, hahaha.] [No.4: Su Bei has always been whimsical. Saving someone isn't out of character.] [No.5 replying to No.4: Reality might be chaotic, but comics typically have logic. Actions follow a character's setting. True, saving isn't out of character, but what's the logic? Why did Su Bei save the King? Surely not because he pitied Mingbai for potentially losing his father just after meeting him.] [No.6: It's certainly not for the commoners of AfriNation.] [...] [No.41: Could be a "Fate" organization mission? Someone with the King's status could have a permanent distress signal in the "Fate" organization. Saving him provides mission completion and rewards.] [No.42 replying to No.41: Plausible, I buy it.] [No.43 replying to No.41: Never considered it from a "Fate" organization angle, impressive, really caught me off guard.] [No.44: Makes sense, No.41 is quite insightful.] [...] [No.68: Perhaps it's advantageous for Su Bei? A living King means no internal chaos, allowing a smooth departure. If the King died, AfriNation might lose stability due to a power struggle amidst outside interference from Nightmare Beasts and the "Black Lightning." He could be hindered from leaving.] [No.69 replying to No.68: Indeed, friends brought by Wu Mingbai could be detained immediately to manipulate him.] [No.70: A small favor to avoid bigger trouble, why not, Su Bei might think.] [No.71: Another benefit is maintaining good terms with Mingbai, fairly speaking. As long as Mingbai’s status remains untouched in AfriNation, there’s no worry of lacking aid when needed. The King as his father assures more influence than if siblings contested the throne.] [No.72 replying to No.71: Feels like overthinking.] [No.73 replying to No.71: What does Su Bei need AfriNation's help for, if he doesn’t care about the King? To secure aid, wouldn't it be easier to leverage the status as the King's savior?] [No.74 replying to No.73: Exactly, Su Bei isn't concerned about that. Does he even need help from others? Especially from a distant King. The author might never revisit this plot.] [...] [No.102: Don’t you think the opportunity Su Bei referenced is a crucial reason for saving the King? Had he died, Wu Mingbai wouldn’t have absorbed all the Guardian God’s energy given the circumstances. The King curtailed Andrew's attack, thus enabling Wu Mingbai to fully seize the opportunity. To ensure Wu Mingbai seizes it, Su Bei rescued, knocked out, and brought the King back.] Judging by Su Bei's actions alone, it seems he’s quite invested in whether Wu Mingbai can seize this opportunity. [No.103 replying to No.104: While it does appear that way, Su Bei's character isn't known for caring about whether his companions grow stronger, right?] [No.105 replying to No.104: That's exactly why I find it so odd!] [No.106 replying to No.105: Maybe he foresaw something in the future. Like, if Wu Mingbai doesn't fully absorb the energy, it might negatively impact him.] Some people certainly have vivid imaginations, while others are quite perceptive. However, without key information, even the most accurate guesses remain inconsequential. After browsing the forums, Su Bei, feeling bored and disinterested in studying, lounged in his chair, idly reflecting on recent events. Up to this point in the manga, apart from the main protagonists, there have been three major plotlines driving the story: the heroes, the "Black Lightning" organization, and the Nightmare Beasts. From information within the "Fate" organization, it's evident that the heroes are starting to suspect a collaboration between the "Black Lightning" organization and the Nightmare Beasts, indicating that investigations will soon commence. Once investigation starts, the "Black Lightning" organization won't be able to keep their secrets hidden for long. Within the "Black Lightning" organization, because of the leader's corruption, their objective has shifted from annihilating the Nightmare Beasts to eradicating humanity, even to the extent of allying with the Nightmare Beasts. Su Bei wasn't entirely certain how many within the organization were aware of this shift, but based on the internal buzz within "Black Lightning," it's likely that most are still in the dark. As for the Nightmare Beasts, the transformation of the Nightmare Beast world has brought noticeable changes for them, which is why they suddenly targeted the Guardian God of the earth element. The changes in the Nightmare Beast world are undoubtedly linked to the heroes, just as "Manga Awareness" suggested. The author is indeed laying groundwork for the complete eradication of the Nightmare Beasts. Su Bei had always focused on the Nightmare Beast plotline. Despite being aware that the "Black Lightning" organization could also potentially destroy the world, their presence was already part of the author's planned narrative, and the author likely has devised resolutions for them. It's the Nightmare Beast issue that remains the unexpected challenge. Though "Manga Awareness" mentioned that the author is determined to resolve the Nightmare Beast plot, given his ongoing mission, Su Bei found it difficult not to be concerned.