[Host.]
"What is it now?" Ren asked sharply, his voice laced with irritation.
►[Host has successfully finished Synchronizing.]
"And so?"
Ren's brows furrowed as confusion clouded his mind. He couldn't comprehend why the system was making such an obvious and unnecessary announcement.
►[Now, Host should make a decision and select one role from the following three options.]
'Oh...'
Ren's curiosity was piqued as he thought to himself.
'It seems like this system might have something more intriguing up its sleeve.'
A faint sense of anticipation began to rise within him, though Ren was unaware of how much these seemingly simple choices would influence the trajectory of his life.
Almost immediately, three distinct options manifested before his eyes.
►[1. Supporting Character:
Role: Assume the position of an ally to the protagonist, providing assistance and interacting to push forward the plot, themes, and development of the overall story.
Rewards:
Supporting Character Halo
Favorability with the Protagonist (+30)
Favorability with all Heroines (+20)
Basic Combat Skills and Unknown Skills.]**
'Hmm. A sidekick who spends all their time orbiting the protagonist like a satellite,' Ren thought with a dismissive scoff.
Then his gaze moved toward the second option.
►[2. Destiny Villain:
Role: Become the adversary of the protagonist. Challenge them, snatch away their heroines and fortuitous opportunities, and ultimately end their existence.
Rewards:
Villain Halo
Hostility from the Protagonist (+20)
Hostility from Heroines (+10)
Basic Combat Skills
Advanced Appraisal Skills (Master), and Unknown Skills.]**
'Villain, huh? Now, this is somewhat intriguing.' Ren's eyes gleamed with a hint of interest, although he maintained a neutral expression.
However, there was still one last choice left to evaluate.
►[3. Extra Character:
Role: Live as an ordinary, unremarkable background character and allow the storyline to naturally flow without interference.
Rewards:
Universal Favorability (+10)
Basic Life Skills, and Unknown Skills.]**
Ren stared at the third option for a long moment, letting the silence stretch.
Why were the roles restricted to these three specific choices? Where were the more conventional options like:
Protagonist: The core figure who drives the entire story forward, faces challenges, and leads the plot's central conflict.
Mentor: The wise and experienced guide who provides critical support and guidance to the protagonist.
Foil: A character whose contrasting traits highlight the protagonist's characteristics, serving as a counterbalance.
Stock Character: A conventional archetype like the "mad scientist" or the "sage old wizard" who exists to fulfill specific narrative roles.
Narrator: The storyteller, whether as an omniscient observer or an embedded character within the story itself.
Despite these questions, Ren didn't let himself dwell on it too long. He felt content with what he had been offered. After all, choices like these weren't presented to him every day, and that in itself was enough to satisfy him.
►[NOTE: The decision you make will dictate how the system evolves. Once you have selected a role, the decision is irreversible, so choose carefully. The system will assign tasks and rewards based on your role selection.]
"Alright. I've made my choice. I pick Option 3: Extra Character."
►[Wait... Host, are you being serious?
Don't you want to cozy up to the protagonist? Become a trusted ally? Secure the favor of heroines and carve a path of glory and prosperity?]
The system seemed taken aback by Ren's response, its tone practically begging him to reconsider.
"Hah... Who cares about the protagonist, the heroines, or even the villains? Let them do whatever they please. I have no interest in their affairs. Just assign me the role of an extra character," Ren said coldly, his words dripping with finality.
Even if the system pressed him further, Ren's decision was immovable, like a mountain standing firm against the fiercest storm.
►[Understood. Host's choice has been acknowledged. Host is... exceptionally wise.]
►[The system will now transition to Extra Character Mode.]
►[Estimated time for system modification: 6 hours.]
Ren exhaled deeply, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. "Finally, I can relax for a while."
He flopped onto the bed, his body sinking into the soft mattress as he allowed his thoughts to wander back to the system's devious options.
'Supporting Character? Don't make me laugh.'
From Ren's perspective, this was by far the most perilous choice. Supporting characters, despite their apparent importance, often met unfortunate ends. They were easy targets for villains, collateral damage in the hero's quest, or even sacrificial lambs for the protagonist's ultimate success.
Sure, there were some superficial perks to being a sidekick, but Ren knew the risks far outweighed the rewards.
As for Destiny Villain, that was a hard no.
'Even with all the flashy rewards, what's the point? To serve as cannon fodder for the protagonist's journey? To waste energy fighting a predetermined battle only to lose in the end? Sounds utterly exhausting.'
The idea of becoming a "Destiny Villain" felt like nothing more than a glorified death sentence.
And those heroines? Ren sneered. 'A bunch of pretentious fools playing their roles in a ridiculous script. I don't need any of them.'
Ultimately, Extra Character felt like the most logical choice for one simple reason: freedom. No convoluted plots, no obligations to fulfill some grand destiny. Just the ability to live life quietly, away from the chaos of the storyline.
Extras had the luxury of operating under the radar, free from the narrative's suffocating grip. They might even stumble upon hidden opportunities that no one else could reach.
'Perfect,' Ren thought to himself, a rare smile gracing his lips.
As he stretched out on the bed, a profound sense of comfort began to settle over him. The weight of his accumulated exhaustion slowly melted away.
"Even though I've chosen to live as an extra now," Ren whispered to himself, his gaze fixed on the ceiling above, "I can never forget the pain and suffering I endured to get here."
With those final words, Ren closed his eyes, letting sleep claim him as the first day in his new world came to an end.