Chapter 345 - A Guide for Background Characters to Survive in a Manga

Chapter 345: The Nightmare Beast's Scheme To achieve this, Su Bei had to first justify the foundational logic behind the establishment of the "Fate" organization. Readers may wonder under what circumstances a massive intelligence organization would appoint a fifteen-year-old as its leader. Only after he crafted a plausible reason could the author have room to play with the narrative, regardless of whether the author decides to illustrate it or not. Thus, Su Bei was compelled to be well-prepared beforehand. For a situation such as this, Su Bei could only think of a legitimate explanation—heritage succession based on bloodline. Su Bei's eyes gleamed subtly, as his newly acquired ability seemed just about ready to be put to use. "I'm planning to return to the past to alter the identity of the person who established the 'Fate' organization," he mentioned, since this matter concerned the "Manga Awareness," he felt obliged to inform it. The "Manga Awareness" was quite taken aback, asking, "Why?" Though the "Fate" organization was created by the Manga Awareness, within the manga world, Su Bei was the one credited with founding it due to the role he played at that time. As a generational difference between the first and second leader was significant, the "Manga Awareness" was puzzled as to why Su Bei intended to demote himself. However, Su Bei had a different perspective. His involvement with the "Fate" organization was more of an idea he provided, and it was the "Manga Awareness" that brought it to fruition. If Su Bei himself had established it, he wouldn't have cast himself in the role of the second leader. But since he was indeed the second leader, it was moot who the first was. "Otherwise, how would the author explain that I founded a decade-long organization at just fifteen?" Su Bei shrugged, illustrating why such a narrative adjustment was necessary. The "Manga Awareness" realized it was a credible issue, one it hadn’t contemplated before given its limited grasp of the readers’ mindset. However, that matter ceased to be the focus of the "Manga Awareness." It was more intrigued, exclaiming, "So you're okay with revealing your identity as the organization's leader?" "Only revealed to the readers, not to people in this world," Su Bei clarified, remaining steadfast on this point. Disclosing it within the story world would lead to chaos. The "Manga Awareness" had no objections to this. It only needed the readers to know this identity—to be shocked by it. "So, what are you planning to do next?" the "Manga Awareness" inquired with curiosity. Su Bei activated his superpower, tossing out a white gear: "I need to amend the causality that Su Bei becomes the leader of the 'Fate' organization." There was only one pivotal moment to tackle—when the organization became fully established. In the next moment, the gear expanded into a circular portal of light, its center obscured by a curtain of golden light. Su Bei strode through it, directly arriving at that point in the timeline. At that time, the "leader" was a façade put up by the "Manga Awareness," allowing Su Bei to appear directly before it without worrying about temporal paradoxes involving duplicate versions of himself. The past version of the "Manga Awareness" showed astonishment as Su Bei appeared before it in that era: "What brings you here? Has something happened in the future?" "I need your help to act out a scenario that will solidify the founding logic of the 'Fate' organization." With this, Su Bei shared his plan. The "Manga Awareness" readily agreed. Though it was hazy on future events, Su Bei's request was logical enough. Furthermore, if there were any real issues, the future "Manga Awareness" would definitely intervene. So, it hesitated not. What followed was straightforward—the "Manga Awareness" impersonated Su Bei, while Su Bei played the role of his father, orchestrating a formal handover ceremony for the organization. As for a reason for this handover, Su Bei's excuse was that his father had to undertake a dangerous mission. Uncertain if he would survive, he entrusted the notebook symbolizing the "Fate" organization’s leadership to the Su Bei portrayed by the "Manga Awareness." Having tied up these loose ends, Su Bei retrieved the Gears of Fate. His modification did not disrupt the causal links, thus the alteration took hold. Now, if readers ever wondered how he became the organization’s leader, there was a plausible backstory. Returning to the present, Su Bei began deliberating the climax of the second season. Simply being present wouldn’t suffice; lifting the prestige of the "Fate" organization was crucial. Thus, he couldn’t just make a solo appearance. Su Bei quickly issued a task in the "Fate" organization's notebook, as the leader, commissioning support during the human-beast clash with the Nightmare Beasts. The reward was naturally points. "Manga Awareness," being privy to all their identities, would evaluate their wartime performance and distribute points accordingly. Since this was a private task issued by him personally, not an official "Fate" mission, there was no obligation to publicize the ratings. Members could choose to accept the task or not; the goal was merely to formalize the "Fate's" position. "The last matter..." With the task dispatched, Su Bei set the notebook down and summoned a complex, ornate "Prophecy Gear," declaring, "Let's see what dangers they might face then." The prophecy was abstract—what could a dancing black edifice possibly signify? Su Bei scrutinized the structure; its pitch-black hue suggested a Nightmare Beast. The "Prophecy Gear" often rendered predictions in abstract forms, leading Su Bei to suspect the beast didn’t literally resemble such a building. It was likely a hint from fate. But what exactly was the hint? Su Bei traced the imaginary structure onto paper, proceeding to search online for unique buildings in hopes of finding something analogous. He’d never encountered architecture so bizarre, with steps covering all its sides. Posting a bounty within the "Fate" group risked alerting any sympathizers of the Nightmare Beasts, possibly alerting the enemy prematurely. So, he relied on the magical prowess of the internet. Fortunately, Baidu Encyclopedia didn’t let him down. Using equally abstract search terms, Su Bei soon found what he was looking for. The building was an old construct for sacrificial ceremonies—not for heaven or earth, but for an unnamed evil deity. This deity's power involved inversion, or position exchange. Su Bei delved into the "Fate" organization’s database and uncovered an event documented in mythological lore. A long time ago, a poor man envied his wealthy neighbor’s life and secretly worshipped an evil deity, hoping to exchange lives—so he could become the wealthy man, while the neighbor became poor. The outcome? As expected, mutual destruction. The wealthy man indeed ended up impoverished, but the life-swapping worshiper soon faced complete downfall due to unforeseen circumstances. Evidently, this was the deity's demanded sacrifice, unbeknownst to the man himself. One could only admire the malevolence of such an evil deity—the price of bargaining with a tiger, devouring all flesh once it fulfills your wish. "So, does this prophecy suggest that the Nightmare Beasts plan to swap positions with humans? Or perhaps they intend mutual annihilation?" Su Bei's expression turned grave. His speculation seemed plausible. Human animosity toward Nightmare Beasts, aside from a minor intrinsic aversion to resentment, stemmed mostly from the harm Nightmare Beasts inflicted upon them. Conversely, Nightmare Beasts' hostility toward humans was simpler—their mission was to eliminate humans due to an innate aversion. Except for Advanced Nightmare Beasts possibly harboring individual desires, most Nightmare Beasts acted on pure instinct. Their drive to kill was as absolute as humanity's will to live. Thus, upon learning of their impending decline, their desire for mutual ruin with humanity was entirely feasible. "Manga Awareness" could sense all of Su Bei's inner contemplations during this period but offered no insight on whether his hypothesis was correct. As on previous occasions, it refrained from disclosing too much from the manga. Su Bei wasn't concerned. Gleaning plot points from its lips was always opportunistic; any clarity would be an unexpected boon, but not receiving it was no loss either. Su Bei trusted Jiang Tianming and the others to thwart the Nightmare Beasts’ ploys—they were, after all, a group of protagonists. If the author had plans to draw a third season, failure couldn’t be on the cards in this war. No, even without a third season, the author wouldn’t pit humanity against total ruin at the hands of Nightmare Beasts—that would never clear publication. In summary, even if the Nightmare Beasts discovered a sacrificial method ensuring mutual destruction, it would ultimately be thwarted. Su Bei needn’t fret excessively. What truly concerned Su Bei was discerning his role in this unfolding scenario. Two options presented themselves: protection or offense. Su Bei knew that using his abilities for mass protection was impractical, feasible only for individuals, not groups. Thus, he leaned toward offense. Many powerful superhumans would lead direct attacks, and the protagonists would be at the heart of dismantling schemes. To make a substantial impact, Su Bei needed to strike from a defensive angle, contributing through strategic countermeasures. Realizing this, Su Bei immediately grasped what he needed to do next. All he had to do was stick close to Ai Baozhu, and sooner or later, he'd find the perfect opportunity to make his move. Among everyone in Class S, Ai Baozhu was the only true defensive superpower user. Her evolution path up till now clearly indicated that she would assume the responsibility of safeguarding civilians during the ultimate battle. By staying with her, it was inevitable that they would face attacks from Nightmare Beasts. When the time came, he could unleash his abilities to take them down, thanks to his powerful area attack capabilities. Should a formidable Advanced Nightmare Beast appear, he would be well-equipped to handle it. It was the perfect scenario for his skills. Most importantly, he wouldn’t have to worry about overshadowing Ai Baozhu's moments in the spotlight. After all, her powers were strictly defensive, thus always necessitating support. This support could come from the government, teachers, Jiang Tianming, or even himself.