Power acquisition. The main characters usually obtain power in ways that are much faster or easier than normal, like getting a special ability or item that boosts their growth.
Self - discovery. Even with the growth cheat, the characters often go through a journey of self - discovery. They learn about their new abilities, how far they can push themselves, and what their place is in the world. This aspect adds depth to the story as it's not just about getting stronger, but also about understanding oneself within the context of the story's universe.
Another theme is social influence. The 'charm' part often comes into play here. Characters with charm can easily gather allies or followers. They might be able to persuade others to their side, or they can use their charm to navigate complex social situations in the fictional worlds of the light novels. This is seen in light novels where the protagonist has to build a guild or a kingdom, and their charm helps in recruiting members.
'No Game No Life' can also be considered. The siblings in this novel, Sora and Shiro, have an almost cheat - like intellect that gives them an edge in the various games they play in the world where everything is decided by games. Their growth in power and influence within this unique world is based on their exceptional mental abilities which can be seen as a form of growth cheat.
A common theme is the underdog rising. The cannon fodder character, who is usually in a pitiful state at the start, overcomes their fate with the help of the cheat system.
A 'no cheat light novel' could be about a normal person in an extraordinary situation. Without cheats, the story might revolve around how the character overcomes difficulties using their wits, intelligence, and the help of friends. For example, in a magic - filled world, instead of having a magic - enhancing cheat, the character studies hard to learn magic spells, and the story could detail their journey in the magic academy, their relationships with classmates, and their battles against dark forces without relying on any unfair advantages.
Well, in 'cheat gamer fanfiction', a frequently seen theme is domination. The character uses cheats to dominate the game world, be it in a combat - based game or a strategy game. Another theme is the breaking of boundaries. Since cheats are essentially ways to break the normal rules of the game, stories often explore what happens when those boundaries are shattered, like how it affects the in - game economy or the relationships between characters. There's also the theme of self - discovery in a way. The character might learn something new about themselves or their abilities when they use cheats, which can lead to interesting character arcs.
Survival, obviously. They need to find food (meshi), shelter, and deal with threats. In many of these novels, the food aspect is important as they may have to hunt or gather in the new world. Also, there is often a sense of discovery. The characters discover new species, places, and magic systems as they try to survive with their cheats.
One common theme is the development of Naruto's ninja skills. This includes learning new jutsus, improving his chakra control, and becoming a more formidable fighter. Another theme is his emotional growth. As he faces various challenges, he matures emotionally and learns to handle difficult situations better.
Another example might be 'The Legendary Mechanic'. The main character in this web novel also has certain advantages that can be considered growth cheats. He has knowledge from a more advanced civilization which gives him an edge in a world of technology and power struggles. This knowledge helps him quickly rise in power, develop new technologies, and gain influence among different factions.
One common theme could be the discovery of the cheating. For example, a partner might find out through text messages or by accidently seeing their significant other with someone else. Another theme could be the guilt that the person who cheats feels, or in some cases, the lack of it. Sometimes, the stories involve the aftermath, like trying to fix the relationship or deciding to end it.
The plot mainly focuses on a character who discovers he has cheat - like magician abilities. He then embarks on a journey in a new world, facing various challenges and making new allies along the way.