Looking for any of the above (or something like Spice and Wolf). I would go for either a hero or a heroine as long as they don't fall into any of a few different cliches. Things I want: Author is creative Characters are realistic Setting/plot is believable (nothing totally unrealistic even for a fantasy world) MC stands up for himself/herself Realistic nobility/elite ppl/government ppl/etc. (Either these guys are all bad and the MC curb stomps them regularly, they are friendly towards the MC, or a healthy balance. I want the MC to stand up to powerful people if the need arises. I would love a WB/LN with a heroine who can curb stomp nobility/perverts on her own.) Things I don't want: No beta males or perverts (If he/she sees eye candy of the opposite sex and stops for a minute to admire, that's fine. I don't want the author projecting his perverted fantasies onto the page. No descriptions of a loli's body being more beautiful than any adult woman. I really can't relate.) Nothing indecisive (The MC is proactive with a love interest or he/she does nothing. I hate WN/LN where the MC chickens out at the last second or starts imaging things he would like to do to every girl he meets. Either something happens or nothing happens. For god's sake don't recommend anything where the MC blushes, stammers, or becomes unable to string two thoughts together when he/she sees any member of the opposite sex.) Endless "status updates" = character gets a new skill, skill levels up, etc. (1-2 of these a chapter at most is fine). I look forward to your suggestions. Didn't post a reading list b/c I don't want ppl to waste time making sure I haven't read something. If you think it fits, please post. I'll do the sorting.
Warlock of the Magus World, Chronicles of Primordial Wars, The Ultimate Evolution, Infinity Armament, The Devil's Cage, World of Cultivation, Renegade Immortal. Not sure what novels you've read but you could try some/all of those. There's a bit of variety.
Please make your reading list public. Try some of these: The Amber Sword Demon Girl ~Tale of a Lax Demon~ Kumo Desu ga, Nani ka? The Strategy to Become Good at Magic
Akuyaku Tensei Dakedo Doushite Kou Natta it probably have all of the points you looking for it is an isekai story except it is dark and there are some gory parts where the main protagonist(it's A GIRL) gets scars...lots beggining of the story a 2 year old girl poison her family