Looking for MCs who are really smart in their skills and resources. Like either clever uses or knowing to go all out and using the full extend of their skills and resources. Like an MC that abuses a system’s game elements. Like abusing Inventory or even saying random commands hoping it unlocks some secret/hidden function like Admin Privileges. Something like a rune/formation MC that would create a stamp warhammer that stamps a formation on armor and hard ground that would explode. Or deck themselves all out in accessories even if it’s tacky. Or an alchemist that makes explosives or nerve gas. Or like the golems in Dungeon Master. An MC that pushes the norm, common sense, and the boundaries. Can be novel, original, or manga.
I will survive using potions... though the characters with game like abilities asked for them since they were so broken.
Arcane Emperor - The MC is always pushing to expanding his skillset to get the most out of the system. Even going against it to get the things he wants. Everyone Loves Large Chests - The MC abuses everything to their advantage. First by luck then by ruthless guile.
Murabito desu ga nani ka? MC is only a villager (this world has a job system) but he abuses the hell out of the system to become ridiculously strong
I Am Going To Die (In This Game-Like Dimension). Author's website that's a chapter ahead is here. MC is transported to a world that works on a growth system, with stats and everything. Thing is, she's ...under-powered, for her environment. The air, sorry, Aether, as in chapter 4 we are informed that this place doesn't have air, due to how it's rules work, and people literally have to breath life force floating in their nearby environment to survive. MC doesn't overly abuse the system, as much as utilises everything given to her constantly to survive. The full story so far is at chapter 20, and the MC has yet to get through the deadly tutorial. Good news, she's approaching average stats... for a survivor STARTING the tutorial.