A Guide for Background Characters to Survive in a Manga

Translator: AkazaTL

Proofreader/Editor: JWyck

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Chapter 260

“Yep,” Feng Lan nodded, “Once.”

During the campaign, he made one prophecy, after which he was protected by the Feng Family, explaining his absence.

Everyone got curious. Zhao Xiaoyu voiced their question, “What was it? Can we know?”

“Stop Black Flash’s research,” Feng Lan said simply.

That one sentence stirred different thoughts.

Jiang Tianming and most others wondered: What kind of prophecy was that? Why “Stop Black Flash’s research”? What were they studying?

Mo Xiaotian thought he needed to inform Black Flash. Since Feng Lan said it publicly and his prophecies were never wrong, the Ability Government would take it seriously, likely halting their research.

Black Flash’s research was at a critical stage—it couldn’t be stopped. He had to warn them, regardless of the reason.

Su Bei, as a fellow Prophecy Ability User, viewed it differently.

Normally, prophecies were affirmative—something would happen—or fragmented, like “death” or “dry well.” Rarely were they odd negatives like Feng Lan’s.

“Stop Black Flash’s research”? What kind of prophecy was that?

Su Bei met Feng Lan’s gaze, blinking. Feng Lan’s golden eyes showed a flicker of something. He glanced toward the door, and Su Bei headed out.

Soon, Feng Lan joined him at the spot Su Bei and Mo Xiaotian had talked. “Spill,” Su Bei said bluntly, curious, “How’d you get that prophecy?”

Without Feng Lan’s signal, he wouldn’t have asked. Feng Lan’s prophecies were never fake, so Su Bei was only mildly curious about their source.

But since Feng Lan offered to explain, he listened. Their Abilities were similar—maybe he’d get inspiration to improve his own.

“Future me sent the intel,” Feng Lan said concisely.

Su Bei’s eyes widened, “From Prophecy Fragments?”

During a past mission, Feng Lan’s future self had tipped him off about a Nightmare Beast’s weakness, helping them win.

Nodding, Feng Lan confirmed, and Su Bei felt a surge of envy, like the first time he’d heard of this. If he could have future him warn present him, he’d have known the author’s plans when he first altered his Ability.

Knowing early, he could’ve worked with Manga Consciousness to counter it. Now, changing the author’s mind was harder—he had to handle it alone.

Sighing, Su Bei returned the favor, smiling, “Class is about to get messy. Wanna prophesy?”

“The mole?” Feng Lan wasn’t surprised. The Class S mole wasn’t secret—government higher-ups and academy teachers knew before Zhou Renjie’s announcement.

Su Bei nodded, “He’s targeting Zhou Renjie.”

Feng Lan paused. He hadn’t considered it, but Su Bei’s words made sense—Black Flash’s mole would likely go after Zhou Renjie.

“Did you warn him?” Feng Lan asked. Such warnings had little impact, and with some classmate bond, he’d usually tip him off.

“Of course not,” Su Bei shrugged.

Feng Lan wasn’t shocked. If Su Bei didn’t warn Zhou Renjie, he wouldn’t either. They returned to the original topic.

“Did future you say why we have to stop Black Flash’s research?” Su Bei asked, already guessing. Black Flash studied underground people, tied to Nightmare Beasts.

If they proved Nightmare Beasts couldn’t revert to humans, Su Bei didn’t know about the others, but Black Flash’s leader would lose it. His research was to revive his loved one; eliminating Nightmare Beasts and saving humanity were secondary lures.

If the primary goal was impossible, Su Bei doubted the leader would stay sane or keep fighting Nightmare Beasts. Future Feng Lan’s warning likely stemmed from a crazed Black Flash under the leader’s lead.

Just a guess, hence his question.

Feng Lan didn’t know either, “The more critical the info, the shorter the transmission time. I only got that one sentence.”

He didn’t mention that receiving it drained his Mental Energy, knocking him out. That showed its importance—they had to stop Black Flash’s research, or who knew what they’d do.

Su Bei tapped his knee, thinking. Could he use the forum to mimic Feng Lan’s ability, asking future him what’d happen? With his Mental Energy, it’d be easier.

But he dropped it. His Ability shouldn’t overlap too much with Feng Lan’s. Similar Abilities invited comparison, like early in the manga.

Back then, it was just comparison—they were new, with few fans. Now, both had sizable fanbases. More comparisons could spark fan wars, souring their supporters’ relations.

As a high-popularity character, Su Bei knew how easily he could become a lightning rod. A few young fans and flame-bait posts could do it.

He was sure he had young fans, so he had to avoid flame wars, lest they blindly lash out, leading to his downfall.

Whether before or now, too much hate was bad. It’d bias readers against his plot, making Ability changes harder before—and now, threatening his life.

With Feng Lan and Ling You’s return, the campaign ended, and classes resumed. Students hated classes, and Su Bei overheard first-years missing the campaign, only to be scolded by seniors.

First-years didn’t fight, but seniors did, facing thousands of Nightmare Beasts. They cherished peaceful class time.

Many third-years, not returning to normal schools and seeking jobs, benefited from the campaign. Top performers joined Ability User teams or guilds; even Class F and E’s weaker ones found work.

Post-campaign, cities needed rebuilding—the Ability world needed hands. These graduates wouldn’t struggle, with high-paying jobs aplenty if they worked hard.

Su Bei recalled the third-years’ pre-campaign worries. Now, they beamed, as if victory was assured.

Everything seemed calm, but Su Bei knew it wasn’t over, especially in their class.

Others might not notice, but knowing the full story, Su Bei saw the oddities. Zhou Renjie often wandered remote corners on campus, clearly baiting the mole.

Only a dimwit like Mo Xiaotian wouldn’t see it. Anyone normal would.

Okay, only Su Bei noticed. Others, unaware, thought he was just adjusting to being back.

Mo Xiaotian was visibly feeling down, reminding Su Bei of Destiny’s task to help him kill Zhou Renjie.

But from Su Bei’s observations, Mo Xiaotian’s task wasn’t to kill. He still felt classmate bonds—if it was murder, he’d be more than just down.

Black Flash lied to him again, Su Bei thought, intrigued. How would Mo Xiaotian feel knowing this?

Amid the peace, the Ability Government stopped luring the mole. They realized this was their chance, but also the mole’s to prepare, potentially harming more than Zhou Renjie.

So, they acted to find the mole.

That day, Class S' suspects were called for talks. They didn’t know why, thinking it was just a teacher’s summons.

Su Bei, low on the suspect list, went first to an empty classroom. Meng Huai and a strange man stood at the podium.

The man, wearing glasses that didn’t hide his sharp eyes, adjusted them, “Classmate Su Bei? Call me Teacher Zhou. I’m from the Ability Government, investigating Black Flash’s mole.”

“Hello, Teacher Zhou,” Su Bei said, startled. Not the mole, but with many secrets, an unprepared interrogation could expose him.

Worried but composed, he greeted politely.

Teacher Zhou gestured him to sit, asking, “What do you think of Black Flash?”

“…Miraculous?” Su Bei offered after thinking.

Unexpected, Teacher Zhou asked with interest, “Why?”

“Don’t you think they could join the good side with a slight tweak?” Su Bei said meaningfully.

It wasn’t just talk—he believed it. Black Flash’s goals and research could serve the good side, with many strong Ability Users. If absorbed, the government’s strength would grow.

During the campaign, their aid won goodwill. In the face of greater good, people overlooked minor flaws.

Black Flash’s flaws weren’t minor, but few living victims remained. They were ruthless—targets were brainwashed into joining or killed. Cases like Su Bei’s were rare.

This created a survivor bias. Most knew Black Flash’s crimes but hadn’t suffered. Visible merits resonated more than unexperienced pain.

With slight rebranding, Black Flash could join the good side.

Su Bei had often thought they seemed like a heroic group. If the author made them good, it’d be a game-changer.

Back to the moment, Teacher Zhou raised an eyebrow, surprised, “Interesting take. You can go. Call Mo Xiaotian next.”

Just one question, but Su Bei wasn’t shocked. Teacher Zhou’s attitude shifted after his answer—he’d likely been cleared.

At the door, he turned, “Can I ask your Ability?”

“[Detective],” Teacher Zhou answered, giving a subtle smile, “Don’t tell others, okay?”

To prevent suspects from preparing, Su Bei agreed readily, “Sure, I’m great at keeping secrets.”

Back in class, he told Mo Xiaotian the teacher called him. Curious, Mo Xiaotian asked, “What’s it about?”

Already open with each other, Su Bei smirked, “You’ll see.”

Time pressed, Mo Xiaotian left. Others didn’t need to go yet, crowding Su Bei. Zhao Xiaoyu asked eagerly, “What did the teacher want?”

“Something good,” Su Bei answered confidently.

Finding the mole was good for everyone but the mole—no issue with his reply.

Not getting it, Zhao Xiaoyu grew excited, “Hope they call me soon.”

No chance for her, Su Bei smiled silently. They wouldn’t call everyone—it'd be too time-consuming. Background checks had likely narrowed it down. As a girl with a happy family, Zhao Xiaoyu didn’t fit.

Mo Xiaotian returned after a longer time, expressionless. For his sunny personality, that meant bad news.

Meeting Su Bei’s gaze, he pouted, “You didn’t warn me!”

“Teacher said not to. I’m a good, obedient student,” Su Bei said boldly.

Everyone gave him a look. Wu Mingbai scoffed, “‘Obedient,’ ‘good student’—which fits you?”

“Maybe he’s being sarcastic,” Li Shu said with a gentle jab.

Zhou Renjie joined in, “You scared me. I thought you turned into a good boy while I was gone.”

Ai Baozhu laughed, “Anyone but him would change.”

Su Bei ignored the jabs, but Mo Xiaotian bought it completely, his mood clearing, “If the teacher said not to, you had no choice. I knew North Bro wouldn’t skip warning me!”

The skeptical looks shifted to him.

To stop the mockery, Su Bei changed the topic, “Didn’t the teacher tell you to call the next person?”

Reminded, Mo Xiaotian looked at Jiang Tianming, “Teacher wants you, Jiang Bro.”

Jiang Tianming nodded, about to leave, then turned back, “So, what’s it about?”

Clearly not the “good thing” Su Bei told Zhao Xiaoyu, given Mo Xiaotian’s reaction.

“Didn’t you say we can’t tell?” Mo Xiaotian asked innocently.

“…” Jiang Tianming turned to Su Bei, “You really can’t say?”

“There's no need to,” Su Bei shook his head.

Only the real mole, Mo Xiaotian, needed a heads-up. Others, not being the mole, wouldn’t yield anything under normal scrutiny. In abnormal cases, a warning wouldn’t help evade Black Flash’s methods.

Trusting Su Bei wouldn’t lie, Jiang Tianming left without pushing.

Mo Xiaotian sat beside Wu Mingbai, slumping over his desk, “Who’s next?”

He dropped his pen, bent to pick it up, lost balance, and fell onto Wu Mingbai, apologizing frantically after a pause, “Mingbai, you okay? I slipped! I didn’t crush you, did I?”

“Go see a doctor,” Wu Mingbai grinned brightly, almost gritting his teeth, “I think your cerebellum’s underdeveloped.”

His jab went over Mo Xiaotian’s head, who asked, amazed, “Wow, Mingbai, you know medicine too? Thanks, I’ll check it out.”

Wu Mingbai: “…”

If they didn’t know him, they’d think he was mocking. Truly a natural counter, his flub made everyone laugh.

Su Bei smirked, but a close look showed no mirth in his deep purple eyes.

Wu Mingbai was in trouble. Su Bei saw it clearly.

Mo Xiaotian’s silly act wasn’t the clumsy heroine type. His athleticism and wild instincts made accidental falls unlikely.

Su Bei didn’t buy it.

Others, unaware of his identity, wouldn’t suspect him over a funny slip. But Su Bei, knowing he was the mole, watched his every move.

When Mo Xiaotian touched Wu Mingbai, his small pointer, previously left, swung far right. No doubt, Mo Xiaotian did something, likely to dodge the government’s probe.

Su Bei guessed Wu Mingbai would be framed as the mole, letting Mo Xiaotian slip away.

As an orphan, Wu Mingbai couldn’t prove his innocence. With Black Flash’s help, he’d be pegged.

If it were anyone else, the frame might’ve worked. Su Bei shook his head faintly—too bad it was Wu Mingbai, a protagonist of King of Abilities. Mo Xiaotian, or Black Flash’s plan, was doomed to fail.