Chapter 325 - A Guide for Background Characters to Survive in a Manga

### Chapter 325 Although the forum posts contained some doubts about his abilities, with most assuming that his ability must consume a significant amount of mental power, it was still within an acceptable range. After all, it's not feasible for the author to endow him with a powerful new ability without any drawbacks. Otherwise, Su Bei wouldn't have set any limitations on himself. It was more advantageous for Su Bei to set his own limitations than for the author to impose them. After a moment of brief reflection, he quickly started a new post. "Analysis of Li Shu’s ‘Healing Ability’ [Prophet's Thread]" [Prophet No.0: I was puzzled by this part of the plot while reading the manga, so I did some analysis. Li Shu's superpower is "Illusions," which differs significantly from healing abilities. Although the protagonist team in Class S certainly needs a healer, the author is unlikely to be so extreme as to turn someone with such an unsuitable power into a healer. Creating the illusion for buyers that they have been completely healed through "Illusions" is untenable. He might fake it for a moment, but how could he fake it forever? Such surgery would take months to truly heal; Li Shu's power hasn't reached that level. Once discovered, the Li Family's reputation would be destroyed, a loss outweighing any gains. If he lacks healing abilities and doesn't plan to counterfeit, he must rely on external forces to treat buyers. Given the subplot involving the Li Family, it’s impossible to introduce new characters for this purpose, so it must involve existing characters. Within the manga, the only two notable healers are Feng Manman and Ye Lin. Since the former wouldn't collaborate with the latter, the answer becomes evident.] Since there was no concrete proof of this, it relied mostly on conjecture. Though Su Bei knew it was true, the readers didn’t. Therefore, he made sure to present his analysis in a way that appeared deductively reasoned. After all, it’s beneficial for readers to suspect he might have insider information, but disastrous if they were to confirm it. Should an actual insider believe he's one as well and thereby revoke his account, he would suffer significant losses. Having read the manga and browsed the forum, posted his thread, attended a full day of classes, written a thousand-word reflection, and endured a stern reprimand after school, Su Bei felt utterly drained. All he wanted now was to return to his dormitory and have a proper sleep. However, his obligations were not yet complete. There was an afternoon student council meeting. Due to the heavy workload for third-year students, many had resigned from the council, making the second-year students the current backbone. Thus, the meetings couldn't be taken lightly as before. Those who went to the Li Family were all exhausted. Although staying up one night typically wouldn't impact the energy of superpowered individuals—with difficulty rising in the morning—their spirits had somewhat recovered throughout the day. A good night’s sleep tonight, and they'd revitalized by tomorrow. Yet the real issue was having to write that cursed thousand-word reflection during class, followed by Meng Huai's sharp reprimand and a further disciplinary task for tomorrow. Even without being sleep-deprived, a good night's sleep before wouldn’t save them from the fatigue of such trials. "I don't want to go," Lan Subing murmured softly, pouting. Nearby, Zhao Xiaoyu, in high spirits, teased, "I think you guys should’ve had Li Shu write your reflections. After all, you went to the Li Family because of his secrecy!" Being in class all day, she was well aware of what Lan Subing and others were busy with. Those reflections even circulated among them for amusement. At first glance, they seemed different, but upon closer inspection, they were merely content rephrased with identical underlying material. Fortunately, as Jiang Tianming predicted, Meng Huai didn’t really read those reflections. Zhao Xiaoyu shuddered at the thought: if he had demanded a rewrite as punishment, how dire the circumstances would have been. "...I’m right here," Li Shu remarked, nonplussed, as he watched her. Zhao Xiaoyu glanced at him, amusement dancing in her gaze, asking leisurely, "Do you have anything to say? Being the main culprit that worriedly drove Tianming and the others to sneak to the Li Family, eventually punished by Meng Huai." The phrase "worried about you" left Li Shu speechless, his usual gentle smile back on his face as he raised his hands in a gesture of surrender: "No objections." On another note, Zhou Renjie, rubbing his chin with curiosity, asked, "So what's the meeting about this time? It's only the second day of the new term." "It’s likely about the student council’s new position election," Si Zhaohua replied. Having researched beforehand, he knew the council typically dealt with two matters at the start of the term: position elections and recruitment activities. Recruitment usually followed the first-month exams after class reorganization, so unless there was an unforeseen change, this meeting was about the election notification. Hearing this, Qi Huang’s attention focused sharply. Unlike others who harbored no particular aspirations, she earnestly desired the secretary position. As an opponent, Si Zhaohua naturally perceived her intentions, and they exchanged a glance filled with resolve to persevere. Arriving at the meeting room, many were already present. Once everyone settled in, Feng Manman, seated at the head seat, began outlining the main agenda of this meeting. Si Zhaohua’s guess was correct; the meeting truly revolved around the position elections. In simple terms, the content was to announce the elections, set for a formal vote in a week, with every council member required to cast a vote, ensuring each position was filled. They encouraged active participation, promising generous rewards for those elected as officials. The student council offered many hidden benefits: first access to academy news, priority over regular students for significant events or competitions, and tutoring from powerful superpowered individuals for those distanced by council duties. Voluntary participation was available. Yet officials enjoyed even more benefits, including exemptions from homework, task selection privileges, and salaries, amongst other perks. However, what Si Zhaohua and Qi Huang desired wasn’t these benefits—it was power and status. As the real competition began the following Monday, Qi Huang and Si Zhaohua—the strongest contenders for the secretary position—engaged in fervent campaigning throughout the week. Qi Huang treated all council members to a meal, bought gifts, and distributed movie tickets. Once these initial preparations were complete, she focused on drafting a standout speech, aiming to impress when the time arrived. "Those were just initial preparations?" Mu Tieren asked in surprise, having thought they were Qi Huang’s main strategies. Qi Huang laughed, giving him an amused look. "Of course, I didn’t give each of them a million. In a regular school, minimal gifts might work, but here at ‘Infinite Superpower Academy,’ full of superpowered individuals, they hold little sway." Mu Tieren realized the point immediately. Indeed, being superpowered themselves, they earned plenty and wouldn’t be moved by small financial gestures. Next to him, Su Bei lay bored on the table. "Compared to you directly giving money, Si Zhaohua’s method of distributing benefits through questionnaires is more discreet." "Why should I be discreet?" Qi Huang had her own ideology. "Everyone in the council knows we’re wooing support for the secretary position. We’re not concealing our intentions, so why be subtle? Subtlety just offers others an opportunity to evade." It was a reasonable enough assertion. Though her approach differed from Si Zhaohua’s, their ultimate goal was to secure victory through speeches. "Speaking of which, I’m curious about something," Wu Mingbai said, casually sitting backward on his chair. "Why isn’t anyone trying to win us over?" "It’s a tacit understanding," Si Zhaohua replied, entering the room and exchanging a glance with Qi Huang. Outsiders could be freely courted, but classmates weren’t likely to change their views due to minor benefits. Thus, they both knowingly avoided futile efforts. While curious and concerned about how their classmates would vote, the handful of S-Class members wouldn’t constitute the main voting force. Understanding what to do at any given moment, Si Zhaohua and Qi Huang clearly prioritized gathering majority votes over worrying about classmates’ immediate votes. After answering Wu Mingbai’s query, Si Zhaohua directed his gaze at Qi Huang: "The president asks us to go over now." Once they departed in tandem, Ai Baozhu, attempting to maintain nonchalance, coughed lightly and asked, "So, who are you guys planning to vote for?" "I recall it’s an anonymous vote?" Su Bei remarked languidly. Since no one would know whom he voted for, he naturally wouldn't volunteer this information and invite trouble. His reminder was out of concern that others might unthinkingly disclose their choices, making it difficult for him to maintain his secrecy. As anticipated, upon hearing his words, the others had an epiphany. Each clammed up, clearly unwilling to answer Ai Baozhu’s question. Ai Baozhu, frustrated, glared at Su Bei: "Fine if you don’t want to say, but do you have to make others stay silent too? What’s there to be so secretive about? You’re not planning to vote for someone from another class, are you?" Of course, Si Zhaohua and Qi Huang weren't the only candidates for the secretary position. While everyone acknowledged that they had the highest probability of success, people need dreams, after all. Who knows, perhaps they'd capitalize on an opportunity by chance? Su Bei wasn’t having any of it, though, as he shrugged innocently, "I was just curious, that's all." On the following Monday of the second week, Si Zhaohua and Qi Huang each took turns giving speeches. Both of their speeches were distinct—Si Zhaohua identified and methodically analyzed existing issues and oversights within the student council, promising that upon assuming the role, he would address these deficiencies. Conversely, Qi Huang’s approach focused on the council and "Infinite Superpower Academy"'s development, suggesting promising projects like attracting investments, engaging in inter-school exchanges, and reforming admissions for underage superpowered individuals. She pledged that, under her leadership, the academy would flourish, and the student council’s standing in the school would be elevated. Each delivered commendable speeches, outshining other candidates and essentially turning the spotlight exclusively on themselves. Upon concluding their speeches, the candidates stood before the audience, awaiting the members' votes. Discussions erupted throughout the hall as attendees queried one another on their preferred candidate. With no vested interest in the student council’s future, and confident that the council would thrive under either of these candidates, Su Bei quickly made his choice, stood up, and prepared to leave. "Hey, wait! Hold on, don’t leave yet!" Lan Subing, still undecided, called out to him, "Who did you choose?" Her inquiry wasn't like Ai Baozhu's probing; it stemmed purely from curiosity. Considering her ody couldn't differentiate who delivered the better speech, Su Bei’s swift decision naturally piqued her interest. She wasn't alone in her curiosity; the other student council members were equally intrigued—not by whom Su Bei voted for, but how he decided so swiftly. It made the rest seem as if they were suffering heightened indecisiveness. But in all fairness, they truly weren’t! Had it not been for Qi Huang and Si Zhaohua’s strong performances, there’d be less hesitation. "Naturally, I voted for whoever made the run for secretary the most entertaining," Su Bei replied nonchalantly. "After all, they've put on quite the show and deserve at least an admission fee." Mentioning an admission ticket, Lan Subing was momentarily reminded of when they first met, with Su Bei relaying a prophecy about the culprit in exchange for an admission ticket. Flooded with nostalgia, Lan Subing fell silent, and Su Bei seized the opportunity to slip away quickly. In truth, he wasn’t keen to disclose his voting criteria but reckoned that rather than having Qi Huang and Si Zhaohua badger him later, it was better to be straightforward. They'd likely figure out whom he chose. Indeed, Su Bei chose Qi Huang. It wasn't that Qi Huang needed the position more than Si Zhaohua or that she worked harder for it—such reasoning would be overly moralizing. The real reason for selecting Qi Huang wasn’t entertainment, but simply because her prepared speech had more words. A rather impulsive reason, admitting so might earn him a scuffle from both Qi Huang and Si Zhaohua. To Su Bei, it made perfect sense—since he was indifferent to the council's affairs, who became president didn't matter, leaving no motivation to mentally weigh whose speech was superior. Reluctant to overthink, he opted for the easiest metric—word count. The student council operated with high efficiency. By the third day after election conclusion, the announcement of the latest appointed officials was posted for the entire student body. "It’s Qi Huang," Mu Tieren said, reflecting on the news. He wasn’t overly surprised. Before the world championship, Si Zhaohua was nearly a shoo-in for the next secretary, but post-championship, Qi Huang's vote share rivaled his. Her commendable accomplishments made her standout despite slightly lesser raw capability. Superpowered individuals naturally idolize heroes, and after saving many lives and receiving accolades from multiple nations, Qi Huang had become an admired figure. Moreover, her striking appearance and high popularity in "Infinite Superpower Academy" garnered substantial backing within the student council. Her triumph over Si Zhaohua to become secretary was both logical and anticipated. While the casual spectators accepted the outcome, others, like Ai Baozhu and Zhou Renjie, were inconsolable. "How could Zhaohua lose? Clearly, no one appreciates what was a flawless speech! I’m not targeting you, Qi, just that Zhaohua shouldn’t have lost..." Ai Baozhu mumbled nervously, evidently shaken by the results. Nearby, Zhou Renjie frantically paced, alternating between disbelief and considering how to comfort Si Zhaohua. Yet Si Zhaohua needed no consolation; among them, he remained the calmest: "Congratulations." Si Zhaohua graciously offered his well wishes to Qi Huang. Though unable to smile fully, sincerity glinted in his eyes. Qi Huang, unpretentious in her moment, felt her win was well-earned. From the announcement, her delight was evident, a jubilant demeanor unrestrained. Nonetheless, in response to Si Zhaohua's congratulation, she modestly tempered her joy: "Are you congratulating me as a rival or friend?" "As a friend," Si Zhaohua replied with a strained smile. Despite an outward calm, his internal unrest over his loss was palpable, "As a rival, I certainly wouldn’t congratulate you." Their exchange evoked laughter from the others, finally assured Si Zhaohua bore no true resentment. Relieving their earlier concerns, the atmosphere turned brighter. Misjudging their amusement, Si Zhaohua grew a tad exasperated: "What are you laughing at? Now that my matter’s over, we have the class issue!" The S-Class issue? Clearly, it pertained to eliminations. It must be said, this mission was a double-edged sword. Ending enemies with one’s own loss wasn’t easy for Si Zhaohua. Although not under threat of elimination himself, losing esteemed friends accompanied by the weight of attachment will undoubtedly bring him grief. "Whatever the assessment may be, let's hope it provides relief," Mu Tieren murmured somberly, wishing that none of their peers had to leave the S-Class. No sooner had he spoken than the "Manga Awareness" alert chime notified an update. The next chapter was out. This time, it wasn’t the plot arc, but a slice of life. "King of Superpowers" rarely indulged in slice-of-life scenarios, so Su Bei skimmed through and quickly lost interest, realizing the chapter focused on the aftermath of Si Zhaohua’s and Qi Huang’s student council elections. The only relevant information concerned the Li Family's fate: the patriarch might face the death penalty due to the tempting nature of his superpowers. Eliminating him prevents innocent lives from becoming bargaining chips. His death is deemed the best choice. As for other members of the Li Family, except the minors, those involved in family trades were all to be jailed, albeit with varying sentences. Of note, Li Shu received a substantial reward, including the inheritance of Li Family Island. He wasn't even a penitent criminal and hadn’t participated in any family businesses. The comic briefly portrayed Li Shu’s memories. As one of the first born through the accelerated hatching process, in those days, the patriarch hadn’t descended into madness. Though displeased with superpower-enhanced births, he didn’t overly mistreat them. At the time, the patriarch hadn’t schemed organ trades—an evil absent then—and the process required growth, a luxury unaffordable for the nascent family’s tight timeline, nor could they raise surplus children indefinitely. Initially, the plan was to adopt out the children, gathering adoption fees. Every child found new homes, except for Li Shu. Ironically, he wasn’t unwanted; in truth, he was exceptionally favored, enough to make the patriarch decide to hold onto him, awaiting the right price. Yet keeping him didn’t mean affection. Persistently, the patriarch manipulated Li Shu, hoping he would eventually yield greater benefits for the family. As the Li Family spiraled down the grim path of organ trafficking, Li Shu, who was meant to become a part of this dark trade, awakened his superpower in time to escape, enrolling directly in "Infinite Superpower Academy." Thus, he was spared from becoming either a victim or an abettor. This realization brought Su Bei to a deeper understanding of how almost every manga character seemed to endure a tragic childhood. Jiang Tianming, Wu Mingbai, Zhou Renjie, Li Shu, Mu Tieren—at least one-third of them had unhappy childhoods. Su Bei couldn’t help but scorn the author’s wild imagination. Since the manga dealt with everyday life, naturally, the forum wasn't bustling with plot-centered discussions either. So, Su Bei simply checked up on the thread he had posted earlier. Most readers in the thread expressed shock but didn’t doubt what he had said. Some even jested that perhaps his detailed explanations were to avoid revealing his status as an insider. It had to be said, that reader indeed hit the nail on the head. As the end of the month approached, Meng Huai finally announced the rules for the monthly exam, also known as the S-Class elimination game. An elimination game, just as the name implies, was a contest to eliminate others. This time, it adopted a "name-tag ripping" style, where one must first complete a task to earn the qualification to be tagged out before they could go about eliminating themselves. Admittedly, this was quite intriguing—Su Bei had never played such a game, and it wasn’t a part of past events. What made this particularly unique was that the last two standing would actually be the ones eliminated. In other words, participants had to strive to be eliminated first. Su Bei was more eager to eliminate others than to be eliminated himself. With his invisibility skill, eliminating others was no herculean task. Unfortunately, the rules wouldn't bend to his wishes, leaving him with no choice but to focus on completing the tasks. Contrary to what one might think, this wasn't as simple as it seemed. The rules explicitly stated that self-elimination was not allowed. Name tags were affixed by teachers, and once the game commenced, participants weren't permitted to touch their own tags. In a situation where everyone preferred to be eliminated over eliminating others, seeking elimination proved to be quite challenging indeed.