Help! I'm the Plot Device: Just Here to Save the Heroes

A Side Character's Survival Guide

"Who are you?" The voice was unbothered, deep, with that lazy irritation of someone who found trespassers more annoying than threatening.

Jerry swallowed hard. His brain scrambled for an answer. "Zhao... Zhao Yichen."

The Li Jie's eyes narrowed beneath the dark veil. "Second prince?"

Jerry's legs nearly gave way, but he managed a shaky nod.

Before another word could pass between them, a sharp twang echoed. An arrow whistled past, slicing the space between their bodies. The guards had noticed.

Jerry stumbled backward in panic, his foot catching on a loose tile. In his flailing, his hand yanked at the demon's veil. The silk tore loose.

For a split second, Jerry stared at the face revealed-sharp, beautiful, and terrifyingly calm. His voice cracked. "S-sorry! Please don't kill me!"

Li Jie's expression didn't change. His claw pressed a fraction harder against Jerry's skin.

"Second prince," he drawled, voice flat but dangerous, "after seeing my face... sorry, I can't let you go."

Jerry gasped as claws slashed across his neck. Pain shot through him, and he stumbled backward, teetering on the edge. His eyes caught one last glimpse of Li Jie's golden gaze-cold, unbothered, and impossibly sharp. You crazy cat... how could you just kill someone like that?

And then... darkness.

When he opened his eyes, everything had reset. Jerry sat motionless on the rooftop, muscles stiff, heart pounding.

"Host, what happened? Why aren't you doing anything?" The system's voice was unusually dry, almost amused.

Jerry let out a rough chuckle. "What do you want me to do? If I move, I die falling. If I don't move, he kills me. Either way... I'm dead. This is my last life-I need a moment to breathe."

"Host," the system replied, patient, "don't lose hope so quickly. Think before you act."

Think... Jerry muttered.

A familiar presence prickled his spine. Here he comes. My doom.

Li Jie emerged behind him.

"Who are you?" his voice was low, calm, laced with that unmistakable annoyance-like dealing with a bothersome fly.

Jerry turned around bowing his head and spread his arms. "Go on... kill me."

Li Jie tilted his head. "Why would I?"

Jerry blinked. Yeah, why would he... he doesn't remember I saw his face?

"Who are you?" Li Jie pressed again.

"Zhao Yichen. Second prince."

Li Jie's gaze flicked to the scroll peeking from Jerry's robe. A chuckle escaped him. "Looks like you're really dumb... like they say."

Jerry's brow furrowed, at the remark.

Leaning closer, Li Jie tapped the scroll with one finger. "You really think you can frame and tarnish the Heavenly Mandate's reputation with these scraps?"

Jerry swallowed hard as Li Jie's face loomed inches from his own.

The night bell tolled the shift of the guards. Li Jie straightened, stepping back, voice calm again.

"Second prince, if you don't wish to die, leave before the guards change."

Jerry's mind lit up. If I can't escape by myself... I can use him.

"Shadow Clan Seal," he blurted.

Li Jie froze, eyes narrowing.

"You're here for the Shadow Clan Seal, aren't you, Li Daren?" Jerry continued, chest heaving.

Li Jie's eyes flicked to him. "You know who I am?"

"I know."

Li Jie moved closer, claws now out, gaze deadly. "How long?"

"It doesn't matter," Jerry gasped. "But if you help me out of here, I can help you find it."

Li Jie placed his hands on Jerry's throat, tilting his head. "How bold... to bargain with me."

The sounds of guards' boots echoed from below. Jerry closed his eyes, resigned. That's it... I'm dying again. It's the end. Goodbye, system. Thank you for being with me these past hours."

Suddenly, Jerry felt weightless. He opened his eyes-he was flying.

Jerry's breath came in ragged bursts.

Li Jie casually held him by the collar. "If you scream, I'll drop you," he said flatly.

Jerry slapped his hand over his mouth at once, heart racing, and braced himself.

They landed in the shadows of a deserted courtyard. Jerry's knees buckled, and he collapsed onto the stone floor. He turned, gasping out, "Thank you, Yao daren-"

But the courtyard was empty.

Jerry looked around frantically. "Yao daren? Are you there?"

No answer.

He let out a long, shaky breath.

"Congratulations, Host," the system chimed in his ear. "You have passed the qualification level. Unfortunately... you've used up all your lives. Be careful. I will withdraw for now. Rest well tonight.

Beep.

Jerry blinked. "System? Wait-don't just leave me here! What am I supposed to do? Where do I go?"

Only silence.

He slumped to the ground, hands gripping his hair.

"How unlucky can a person be?! Somebody help me out of this." Jerry screamed his voice cracked into the night sky.