I would like some recommendation for a lighthearted novel (little to no drama, harem or pressure on the mc). However I also want to see MC improving there skills in a grind-y like fashion(which is why I like LitRPG/game elements). I'd prefer if they are increasing skills because they genuinely enjoy it (rather than to accomplish a goal), so MC like battle-junkies, crafting-maniacs and even Mad-scientists(because they are usually the only lighthearted scientist) are preferred. A "Normal" citizen or adventuring nomad is preferred over a celebrity hero or responsible lord. My NU reading list is public to check against. What Ive already read on RRL that I feel fits; -Arcane Emperor (though its gets less lighthearted by the time it stops, I enjoy the skill grinding) -Fantasia (very lighthearted, could be more grindy. The author should stop teasing the mc relationship so much, its killing me) - Insania online (I wish it updated more) - A Novel world (A lighthearted version of randidly ghosthound at the moment, however with her title, life might get complicated) - There is no loot here, only puns(Alot of puns, No skill grinding but enough blue boxes to satisfy me) -Everybody loves large chests(I probably haven't read it in a 1000 pages, I should read that again but it isn't as lighthearted as I would like right now) -Azarinth Healer (Probably my favourite litrpg at the moment, very light hearted and skill grindy)
the Death Mage who doesnt want a fourth time fits kinda it has drama, harem, and pressure, but its also very slice of life really what i mean is the world has some depth its not completely good times but overall it is easy going
There was this one story on RRL where the game was pretty rogue-like. It was basically a full reset for your character but you had an easier time raising your proficiencies again when you restarted. But things went sideways if you happened to die in front of NPCs. Don't remember the title though.
So it doesn't really fit your criteria per se, but Everyone Else is a Returnee is a fantastic story, that I would highly recommend. but it's pretty craft heavy with an entertaining MC who does what he needs and wants to do.
lol if you mean getting bullied and taken advantage every chance people get = at your own pace. sure. even his elder sister gives 0 fuck about him when her guild master extorts him.
Arcane emperor has 2. Thats only little harem. As for whether large chest can be considered harem, Im not sure. Honestly I was just trying to give a better idea of what I wanted by giving opinions on novels Yeah...Maybe too many tea parties though. Seriously... Yun is a guy right?(sarcasm)
Him letting people bully him makes him an idiot. But everything he does in the game he does at his own pace.
Manga wo Yomeru Ore ga Sekai Saikyou ~Yometachi to Sugosu Ki mama na Seikatsu~ is really the only lighthearted thing I can think of.
Seems light hearted but doesn't look like it has skill progression. Also it seems really dumb that people cant read a manga.
The only stories that I know handles proficiencies on RRL are; -Life in a New world -A skill whores journey -No longer a game(maybe, haven't checked) -Insania online(I think this has proficiencies but not a hard reset)
I think it's the second one. Though I am sure there are more than that. I remember another story where someone started a game long after other people for some reason or another, he really doesn't get along with his family because his siblings are amazing and he's normal, and he's into the crafting stuff (smithing/alchemy) in the game. Then there is one where the mc gets into alchemy and goes right into it, constantly refining the process by which he crafts the most basic potion until it surpasses the potion that is a grade higher than it.
There are quite afew, however those are the only was that I knew that anywhere near fit that description. Don't think i've seen that alchemy one, might look for it in a bit, its on RRL?