Waking up in an unfamiliar world with no memories, I had only one advantage, a mind filled with knowledge of fictional tropes, clichés, and common sense learned from countless novels.

At first, I thought I was trapped in a romcom nightmare when I started triggering events like "Helping a Girl on a Rainy Day", "Damsel in Distress", and "Tripping Into the Heroine’s Arms." Naturally, I shut those nonsense down before they could escalate. No forced romances. No misunderstandings. No cringe.

But something was clearly off.

The world wasn’t just a slice-of-life comedy. 

Beneath the cliché academy setting, there were whispers of awakening powers, hidden dangers, and a brutal magic academy entrance exam. 

And every challenge I prevented or manipulated was an opportunity to grow stronger.

[Title Earned: Background Character.]
[Achievement Unlocked: Firm Mind.]
[New Skill Acquired: Background Character's Aura.]
[New Ability Acquired: Anti-Narrative Influence.]

I may be just a background character, but if fate insists on throwing these events at me, I’ll turn them into stepping stones.

Let the protagonists play their scripted roles — I have my own path to power.

[Frostbloom Petal] (25 Points) – Key ingredient for meridian restoration


[Veinroot Extract] (30 Points) – Accelerates cellular regeneration


[Soulmend Sprig] (15 Points) – Stabilizes spiritual backlash


[Beginner's Alchemy Manual] (200 Points) – Teaches fundamental pill/potion refinement techniques


The herbs alone would cost a significant chunk and the manual? Half my current funds.


Both Baron Nusayel and Lady Luthaire needed these, and if I could learn to refine them myself, I wouldn't have to rely on the Shop forever in the future.


I glanced back at the Special Prize Box.


Enough for either the box or the herbs + manual… but not both.


Chapter 213 - The Phantom in the Mind