If I were dropped into a high-stakes anime world, I would definitely pursue a role in the local alchemy or magical research guild, as being a recognized technical specialist often grants you protected status and access to the city's inner circles. To avoid becoming a victim of the inevitable street-level crime or syndicates, I would prioritize building a network with the local guards or a reputable adventurer party early on, since having credible witnesses and protectors is the best deterrent against extortion. I would also practice extreme skepticism regarding any job offers that promise quick riches or require meeting in dark, isolated alleys, which are massive red flags for soul-trapping schemes or illicit experiments. By keeping a low profile and maintaining a strict professional distance from the underground criminal underworld, I could hopefully carve out a stable life without becoming a footnote in a protagonist's origin story.