posting response here because it's about writing and the thread 404'd while i was in the middle of slopping out this reply

>>24844906
There are plenty of successful web novels that don't tack on vidyagaem mechanics, so don't feel forced to have them if you don't want to.

That said, you've read 0.5 litrpg works ever (and DCC is a comedic/parody one too) so it's pretty natural that you wouldn't have a good feel for how numberslop can be integrated into serious story. Reading more stuff to get a broader view of the genre is a good idea, but don't head straight for the top patreon earners or whatever unless you actually WANT to read number-go-up monster of the week fightslop a la solo leveling. For something that integrates "system" mechanics into a more serious story I'd suggest reading Worth The Candle or maybe Blue Core.

In terms of light novels it basically all originates from western authors aping isekai anime/lns that used vidya mechanics like Overlord or Konosuba that you may already be familiar with. Actually read Overlord either way, it's really good