"I-It's a—! It's a monster!!"
"There's no way we can beat a thing like that! Run! Everyone, just run!!"
Have you ever heard lines like those before?
I certainly have. All the time, in fact.
They are the classic lines spoken by "mobs"¹ to make an enemy look powerful for the sake of the story's direction.
"W-wait, that's...! The one who hit the highest rank in the arena!"
The mobs who explain everything just to make the protagonists stand out.
I'm talking about a real mob. Not one of those "hidden powerhouses" who pretends to be a background character just to avoid attention. I mean a genuine, bottom-tier mob.
The kind of character who doesn't even have distinct facial features-just labeled as Student A, B, or C.
That's me.
This world is inside "Brave Fantasy", a game I obsessed over and cleared more than a hundred times in my previous life.
I realized it because the scenery behind the protagonists was identical to the game's CG, but the clincher was the magazine.
Saionji Momiji, the game's primary heroine, was featured in a magazine alongside her father, the head of the Saionji Group², Saionji Gouki.
I knew the name instantly, and her appearance was exactly as I remembered.
A hot-blooded, red-haired protagonist. A traditional, green-haired beauty for a heroine.
A cool, blue-haired rival and a blonde, twin-tailed childhood friend. It was a "Royal Road" story with a textbook main cast.
Gathering them all together makes a literal traffic light, which the fans used to tease on the message boards... but that's unnecessary information.
Of course, the sub-characters were charming too. From the second playthrough onward, you could recruit them or even reach their unique endings.
There were over a hundred different endings.
Seeing them all took hundreds of hours, even while skipping the common routes.
Even so, I loved this game. I saw every single ending.
The humans live primarily on this continent, but demons have been invading from across the sea. The warrior training academy meant to counter them serves as the game's main stage.
Born as a mob named Sakaki Reo, I'm scheduled to enroll in that academy in ten days.
Even as a hardcore fan, I had no way of knowing what the life of a single background character was like.
Still, I have a family here.
My parents, a sister two years younger, and a brother a year younger than her.
Even as a mob, I have a real life.
Fortunately, it's an ordinary household. My parents work, my sister is kind, and my brother is tougher than I am.
It's been smooth sailing so far.
But since I've been reincarnated into this world I love, it's only natural that I'd want to catch a glimpse of the main cast.
I mastered this game.
Because of that, I know exactly when and where every event occurs.
I'm practically a living "Brave Fantasy" wiki.
In that case, I have to go.
Obviously, the number one rule is that I won't interfere with the protagonists.
Stealing their roles is out of the question.
I have only one goal.
Something only a mob can do.
That's right: Flatter the heroes and hype up the villains.
I know what you're thinking.
But remember: there is always-always-a mob who provides the commentary for the hero and the threat.
I'll just be the one to do it all.
Since we're all mobs anyway, there's no harm if I take over the job!
My theory was perfect.
Heh heh heh... ssu. Oops, that won't do. I'm getting a wicked grin just thinking about seeing them in person. I have to stay calm. Now, off to the first event!
"Onii, you should probably stop laughing at the front door..."
"Ah, right. Sorry, Saki," I said.
"Are you going somewhere?" Saki asked.
"Yeah. Just to the store."
It wasn't a lie. A robbery was about to happen at the nearby supermarket.
It's the first minor event where the protagonist catches a thief.
This is where the hero and heroine meet for the first time before school starts.
"Oh, then can you buy me some ice cream?" Saki asked.
"Sure. Vanilla monaka?" I replied.
"Yeah, that one."
"Got it. I'll grab something for Taku, too."
"Please. I'll start on dinner."
"I want curry!"
"Ordering something that takes that long again... fine, it's easy enough," Saki muttered.
Saki headed to the kitchen while grumbling.
Since our parents always get home late, Saki, Taku, and I take turns with the chores.
It's a picture-perfect, ordinary home.
We don't need anything special.
Or so I thought.
* * *
I arrived in front of the supermarket.
The narrative text said it happens around 16:00.
However, the game never actually showed the thief's face.
I knew a crime was coming, but I didn't know who-wait, is that him?
Who is that guy in the blatantly suspicious outfit?
He looks like a classic burglar trope... does nobody else see him?
Passersby are just walking past.
Am I the weird one here? Is this just part of the setting's diversity?
No, he's the only sketchy guy here. I need to watch him.
After waiting a bit, a woman who looked incredibly wealthy came out of the store.
She was wearing expensive clothes and walking a poodle.
The suspicious guy approached her.
I didn't miss a single move.
The moment he reached for her bag, I screamed!
"H-Help! Thief!! That man in the black mask and sunglasses just snatched that lady's bag! He's getting away!!"
I shouted the situational explanation at the top of my lungs, just like a good mob.
I think I screamed a bit too early. The thief looked flustered for a second, but then he started running.
As I watched the two figures chase after him, I stepped into the supermarket, satisfied.
The protagonists really are the coolest.
* * *
POV: Todoroki Rekka
I was stopping by the supermarket to pick up a few things for my mom.
I was on edge, sensing an unusual surge of mana nearby, when-
"H-Help! Thief!! That man in the black mask and sunglasses just snatched that lady's bag! He's getting away!!"
I looked toward the voice. A man who definitely hadn't been there a second ago had appeared and snatched a woman's bag.
That guy noticed before I did!
He's incredible! But I don't have time for that-I have to catch the thief!
I channeled body reinforcement magic into my legs and took off.
"Give it up!"
"Stay right there! desuwa!"
"Gwah?! H-How did you find me...?! As long as I have this cloak on, I'm supposed to be invisible..."
Just as I landed a flying kick from behind, someone else appeared beside me.
They must have jumped in at the same time I did after hearing that shout.
She had striking, long green hair and a sharp, beautiful face.
She looked like a model. I almost whistled.
Saionji Momiji, the heir to the Saionji Group.
"Not bad, Saionji-san," I said.
"Heh, you too. I've heard the rumors. The Child Prodigy of East Middle," Momiji replied.
"Give me a break, Princess of West Middle."
We both looked at each other.
We had heard of each other back in middle school, but this was the first time we had actually met.
Just from that short exchange, I could tell she was someone I couldn't underestimate.
But wait, I was more interested in that other guy!
"...He's gone," Momiji said.
"Yeah. Saionji-san, were you looking for him too?" I asked.
"If you mean the person who shouted first, then yes. desuwa."
"He was amazing. I was on guard from the start, but he spotted the guy before I did. Then he just left the rest to us."
"I agree. I was passing through and felt the mana surge, but his reaction time was inhuman. He's no ordinary person," Momiji said.
"Yeah. I caught a glimpse of his uniform while I was running. He's from Minami Middle. If he's heading to Valhalla³ for high school, we might see him there."
"Minami Middle...? We've heard of you from East, and Hyouga-kun from North... but no one has ever mentioned a powerhouse from Minami. Do you think he's hiding his strength on purpose?" Momiji asked.
"Maybe. Heh, I've got something to look forward to at Valhalla now!"
"Heh, I suppose so. Oh, my grandfather is calling. Until next time, Todoroki-kun."
"Yeah! And hey, call me Rekka if you want!"
"I'll consider it. But I'm not letting you call me by my name yet."
Saionji-san walked away.
She's a cool woman, I thought.
But more than that... I'm curious about that guy.
Next time I see him, I'm going to be the one to start the conversation!
* * *
POV: Todoroki Rekka - End
In the original game, a mob would only shout after the victim had already screamed. Because of that, the protagonists never paid them any mind.
However, because Reo provided the explanation before the victim could even react, the story was already beginning to shift. Reo, however, remained completely unaware.
* * *
POV: Sakaki Reo
I made it home safely, tossed the ice cream in the freezer, and went to my room.
I saw them. Even if it was just their backs.
Todoroki Rekka and Saionji Momiji... seeing them in the flesh is completely different.
If I had stayed there any longer, my heart would have exploded.
Even now, my pulse won't slow down.
The game has events for all the protagonists before the school entrance ceremony.
Since I plan to "complete" every single one of them, I'm heading straight to the next event tomorrow!
I mean, tomorrow morning, a young girl is scheduled to be kidnapped. That is, until the protagonist's rival, Hyouga Mikiya, steps in to save the day.
True to his name, Hyouga⁴-a master of ice-subdues the kidnapper by freezing him where he stands. Crackle-snap! The surrounding mobs take one look at him and start their flattery. "As expected of the Ice King of Kitachu⁵, Hyouga Mikiya...!" They really pile it on.
Well, he actually is incredible, so I don't consider it empty praise. In fact, on the day of the event, I ended up providing a much more thorough explanation than the game's generic NPCs ever did.
"Unbelievable! To think he's already earned the title of Ice King! His precision-freezing only the vital points to neutralize the target without taking a life-is nothing short of masterful!" Hyouga said.
"""Whoaaa!!"""
Voices of admiration rose from the crowd. Yes, exactly. Greatness has to be communicated to be truly understood. Most people can't grasp the nuances of high-level magic on their own. By breaking it down, I'm making sure his brilliance is properly advertised.
That is the true role of a mob character!
"You," Hyouga said, approaching me.
"...Eh? Ah, y-yes!?" I stammered.
While I was lost in my own head, the hero of the hour actually addressed me. Wait, wait-my heart is thumping way too loud!
"You understood what I did," Hyouga noted. "You weren't just looking at the ice; you saw the temperature fluctuations in the target's body. What is your name?"
"I-It's Sakaki Reo," I replied.
"Sakaki Reo, is it? I will remember that name," Hyouga said.
He turned and walked away, looking every bit the legendary hero. Watching his retreating figure, my face turned bright red like a maiden in the throes of her first crush... wait, what the hell am I doing?! I almost let a solo comedy routine slip out. Why did he bother learning my name? I was just supposed to be a background hype-man! This isn't right!
Ugh... well, the story's main path shouldn't change. I'll just keep playing my part. I suppose I've been promoted from 'Mob C' to 'Recurring Mob A.'
Then came the next event.
This one focused on the protagonist's childhood friend: the brave, blonde-twintailed Doumeki Misuzu. She's hopelessly in love with the hero but tries desperately to keep her feelings hidden.
As I mentioned before, this world is at war with the Demon Race. Consequently, demons are constantly infiltrating human society to cause havoc. Most of the game's events revolve around this conflict.
In this specific scenario, demons attack a department store. Their goal is a cache of jewels smuggled into the building-stones worth hundreds of billions on the open market. The script calls for Misuzu to stop the theft.
So, what is the mob's job here? When Misuzu lets her guard down and is about to take a fatal blow, a mob jumps in to take the hit for her. It's a total 'Protagonist Move.' On the fan forums, this was a legendary 'Meme Scene' because everyone complained that the actual hero, Todoroki, should have been the one to do it.
"Kuh, my mana is...! Dammit!?" Misuzu cried.
"Doumeki-san! Look out!" I shouted.
"!? You...! You monsters... DIE!!" Misuzu screamed.
The surrounding demons were vaporized in an instant. Misuzu rushed to the side of the man who had shielded her, but he was already gone.
"I... I don't even know your name, but I will never forget your sacrifice. I'll repay this debt by hunting down every last demon!" Misuzu vowed. "Hyaaaaa!!"
The sight of Misuzu charging back into the fray was enough to stir anyone's soul.
...Yeah, well, if I actually follow that script, I end up dead. I've taken precautions. This is a game world, so I bet on game items existing here too. I checked Amuron⁶. They had exactly what I needed for only 1,000 yen. Cheap!
I bought it instantly: a Scapegoat Effigy⁷. Most people in this world think it's just a toy for children's superstitions, which explains the low price.
But I know better!
This is actually a two-part set. By leaving one half at home, the half you carry becomes a life-link. If you take a fatal hit, the effigy is destroyed instead. In the game, players always kept one in storage. Since deaths are permanent in this reality, it's a literal lifesaver. Plus, no one in the main party can cast Resurrection.
Amuron orders show up in the household supply box almost instantly. It's safe, fast, and avoids delivery fees-though you can't buy large appliances. I tucked the effigy into my shirt and headed to the scene.
It went exactly as programmed. The demons attacked. I was already waiting on the floor with the jewels. During the chaos, I made my way to the center of the room where Misuzu was desperately holding the line.
The civilians were putting up a fight too, but I don't have a combat bone in my body. I just watched, waiting for the cue. Then, it happened. I bolted forward. Luckily, the demons didn't even notice me.
"Kuh, my mana is...! Dammit!?" Misuzu gasped.
"Doumeki-san! Look out! GUAAGH!" I screamed.
"!? You...! You monsters... DIE!!" Misuzu roared.
God, that hurts! I seriously thought I was going to die. I could feel the blood soaking through my shirt on my back. So this is the difference between a game and the real thing.
The wound burned with a white-hot throb. But I did it. I played the mob role and saved Misuzu. Now, time to play dead.
"Hah... hah... Are you-? ...I don't even know your name, but I will never forget your sacrifice. I'll repay this debt by hunting down every last demon! Hyaaaaa!!"
I'm actually pretty moved right now. Misuzu-the girl from the screen-is crying for me. She probably would have done it for anyone, but in this moment, she's angry for my sake. I'll hold onto that feeling as I quietly slip away while she's distracted. The rest is in her hands.
"Phew... it's over," Misuzu sighed later. "Wait, I have to find that man. He gave his life for me... If only he were still alive, we could have been... wait, what? I'm sure he was right here. Could he be... alive?"
* * *
When I finally made it home, I was immediately interrogated by Sakaki Saki and Sakaki Taku.
"Onii-chan?! Why are you covered in blood?! What happened to you?!" Saki screamed.
"Aniki! Tell me! Tell me who did this! I'm gonna find them and pay them back ten times over for what they did to you!!" Taku roared.
"C-Calm down, you two. There's a reason for this. Just... get me a potion, okay?" I pleaded.
"How am I supposed to be calm, you idiot!" Saki yelled.
"I'll get it! Just stay put, Aniki!"
Yeah, I definitely didn't think this through. My bad. Still, a potion should close the wound. I just need some bed rest. Fortunately, Misuzu's event was the last hurdle before the entrance ceremony.
Then, the big day arrived.
The entrance ceremony⁸ is only a half-day, but it's the official start of the game's main story. For a mob like me, seeing the main cast introduced is the highlight of my life. I got to the school gate early and found a spot out of sight.
This is it. The stage for the main story. My heart wouldn't stop racing.
After a short wait, just as a crowd of other students began to arrive, a massive cheer broke out. Unbelievably, the 'Big Four'⁹ all arrived at the same time! This was a total deviation. Usually, they arrive one by one so the mobs can introduce them individually. I was ready to give my expert commentary, but the rug was pulled out from under me.
"Oh! Found him!" someone shouted.
"""!!"""
What? The four heroes everyone was cheering for suddenly turned and looked right at me. What's going on?!
"So you really are attending this school, Sakaki Reo," Hyouga noted.
"You! I've been looking for you!" Misuzu cried. "You saved my life and then just vanished!"
"Wait, Mikiya, you know this guy?" Todoroki Rekka asked. "Hey, I'm Todoroki Rekka! I remember you from that robbery a while back. I knew you were something special!"
"Hehe, let's not overwhelm him all at once," Saionji Momiji said, smiling. "My name is Saionji Momiji. If you wouldn't mind, could you introduce yourself to us?"
"Eh? Ah... I'm Sakaki Reo, but..." I stammered.
What is happening? My social battery is already hitting zero!
"Reo, huh! Nice to meet ya! Just call me Rekka!" the hero laughed.
"Hmph. Then you can call me Mikiya. I'll be calling you Reo as well," the rival added.
"So it's Reo! I'm Doumeki Misuzu!" the heroine grinned. "I'll give you special permission to call me Misuzu!"
"Reo-san, then," Saionji said politely. "For now, let us all head to the ceremony."
"Oh, right! Let's go, guys!" I shouted.
And just like that, Todoroki, Hyouga, Saionji, and Doumeki all started walking toward the auditorium together. My favorite characters are all right here in front of me. Is this heaven? It has to be.
"Hey, what are you waiting for, Reo? Let's go!" I called back.
The whole group had stopped to wait for me.
"I-I'm coming!" I shouted.
...So, this is the story of how I, a total mob, somehow got pulled into the protagonist's inner circle.
Summary:
Sakaki Reo, a mob character with past-life game knowledge, decides to spend his life 'hyping up' the protagonists of Brave Fantasy. He intervenes in a supermarket robbery event involving the hero Rekka and heroine Momiji. His early intervention causes the protagonists to take notice of him, deviating from the game's original script.
Reo intervenes in two scripted game events to save the main cast while maintaining his 'mob' persona. He uses a Scapegoat Effigy to survive a lethal attack meant to build Doumeki's character arc. However, his actions cause the 'Big Four' heroes to notice and seek him out on the first day of school, accidentally pulling him into the main spotlight.
Trivia:
- Reo's brother Taku is actually physically stronger than Reo.
- The protagonists are distinguished by hair color like a traffic light (Red, Green, Blue, Yellow).
- The thief was using a cloaking/invisibility cloak that Reo bypassed by simply seeing through the 'blatant' suspiciousness.
- Valhalla is the name of the warrior academy.
- Reo used an item called a Scapegoat Effigy which comes in a two-part set; one stays at home.
- The world has an instant delivery system called Amuron for small household items.
- Reo's 'commentary' during the Hyouga event is what actually caught the rival's attention.
- The 'Meme Scene' in the department store was originally supposed to result in the mob's death.
- The 'Big Four' refers to the main protagonist group from the original game
Character Insight:
Reo's fanboyism blinds him to the fact that his 'perfect mob behavior' is actually making him stand out as an elite scout/sensor to the protagonists.
Reo's desire to remain a side character is being thwarted by his own competence and his inability to let the characters he admires suffer. His 'fanboy' nature makes him stand out more than a normal NPC would.
Behind the Scenes:
The author notes this is a serialized version of a previously popular short story.
The 'Amuron' brand is a direct parody of Amazon, common in Japanese web novels to establish a relatable modern convenience in a fantasy setting.
TL Notes:
1 ↩ Mob (モブ): Derived from 'mobile object', used in Japanese subculture to refer to background characters or NPCs without names or significance.
2 ↩ Zaibatsu/Group (グループ): Referring to large Japanese business conglomerates (like Mitsubishi or Sumitomo) that often wield significant social and political power.
3 ↩ Valhalla (ヴァルハラ): In Norse mythology, the hall of the slain; here, used as a prestigious name for a combat academy.
4 ↩ Hyouga (氷河): Means 'Glacier' in Japanese, fitting his ice powers.
5 ↩ Kitachu (北中): Likely short for Kitagawa Junior High or North Middle School.
6 ↩ Amuron: A fictional parody of Amazon.
7 ↩ Scapegoat Effigy (身代わりの木偶人形): A classic RPG trope where an item takes damage on behalf of the player.
8 ↩ Entrance Ceremony: A major cultural event in Japanese schools marking the start of the academic year.
9 ↩ Big Four: A common trope in Japanese media (Shitennou) representing the most powerful or prominent group.
Notes:
• Saionji Momiji - Refined polite 'little lady' with long green hair and model figure—'Brave Fantasy' main heroine, Saionji Group heir, 'Princess of West Middle' in Class A. Big Four member at Valhalla academy, EX-rank magic capacity, Demon King soul tether, rich enough for a private doc on speed dial.
• Reo - Reincarnated HS dude who grinded 'Brave Fantasy' 100+ times, now a bland mob in the game world—black hair, Class E #6 by the back door, F-rank stats but plot meta-knowledge + magic flow reading to sideline-support heroes. Lil' bro to Saki & Taku, survives as background bro.
• Saki - Reo's younger sister, two years his junior. Handles housework and cooking. Has a kind but slightly blunt personality toward her brother. Highly concerned for her brother's safety.
• Taku - Reo's younger brother. Protective and prone to outbursts of anger against those who hurt his family.
• Todoroki Rekka - Red-haired 'Brave Fantasy' true protag—hot-blooded, friendly Class A golden boy with sky-high phys/magic stats, 'Child Prodigy of East Middle.' Big Four member, body reinforcement magic ace, calls Reo 'buddy,' zero chill on personal space, popular frank dude with bottomless optimism.
• Hyouga Mikiya - The protagonist's rival known as the 'Ice King of Kitachu.' He has the ability to manipulate ice with extreme precision. Member of the 'Big Four'. A student in Class B. He can use 'Light Ice' magic. He has a prickly exterior but acknowledges the strength of others.
• Doumeki Misuzu - Blonde twin-tail main heroine and childhood friend of the game's protag, reppin' the 'Big Four' crew in Class B—classic LN childhood bestie with that iconic twintail bounce, ready for some feel-good romcom hijinks.