[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-how-to-survive-in-the-romance-fantasy-game":3,"chapter-how-to-survive-in-the-romance-fantasy-game-how-to-survive-in-the-romance-fantasy-game-chapter-678":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","How to survive in the Romance Fantasy Game",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1218897,1604,"Chapter 677: Unexpectedly Good?","how-to-survive-in-the-romance-fantasy-game-chapter-678",678,"\u003Cp>As Alain disappeared back into the crowd, Riley’s gaze lingered on his retreating figure for a few seconds longer than necessary before he finally turned away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s quick-witted, Riley thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He should understand exactly what I meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint sense of satisfaction settled in his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The message had been delivered clearly—no theatrics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just enough pressure to make sure it would stay with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still... encountering someone like that here hadn’t been part of Riley’s expectations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s on me, he admitted inwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if this event had been pushed forward compared to the original timeline of the game, it was still a key scenario tied to one of the main heroines—more specifically, Clara’s route.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And whenever a heroine’s route unfolded, the antagonists connected to it were bound to surface as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was no exception.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alain Etrama Zelova.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Riley recalled the name clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A mid-boss character in Clara’s arc.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not particularly strong on his own, but insidious in nature—one of those \"behind-the-scenes\" antagonists who thrived on schemes, manipulation, and borrowed power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like many villains in the story, he was a demonized follower... or rather, a human who had willingly stepped into demonic influence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A familiar archetype.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Born the second prince of a growing kingdom, Alain had lived his life in the shadow of succession.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t the chosen heir—not because he lacked talent, but because fate itself had decided against him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His backstory, as Riley remembered, was tragic in the simplest and cruelest way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alain was born to the kingdom’s queen herself, yet the king’s affection had belonged elsewhere—to the first prince, born from a favored concubine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite his \"legitimate\" bloodline, Alain had been overlooked, ignored, and gradually pushed aside as his older brother became the undeniable center of the royal court.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His mother, frail and terminally ill, had clung to him as her final hope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Take the throne, she had urged him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter the cost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Alain had listened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Driven by jealousy, desperation, and a warped sense of devotion, he had resolved to claim the crown by any means necessary—even if it meant selling his soul, surrendering his humanity, and becoming a vessel for something far darker than ambition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Quite the cliché story, really.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Originally, the prince hadn’t been someone who would stoop so low.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had even managed to resist the corruption at first, holding his ground when he signed a contract with that particular Demon King.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The whispers, the temptations, the promises—they hadn’t taken him immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But humans had limits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how strong the will, no matter how firm the resolve, there was only so much a human mind could endure when standing before a Demon King.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Desires you pretended didn’t exist would be dragged into the open, polished, and fed back to you until resistance became meaningless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at Alain’s current state, Riley could tell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s close to his second phase.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That explained the impatience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Up until now, Riley had mostly ignored Clara’s situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to the others, she felt... distant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn’t thought too deeply about each heroine’s main scenario unless he was personally involved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Part of it was trust—after all, Lucas was fated to play a role in those paths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Things were supposed to work out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or at least, that was what the story claimed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if that guy was already here, then there was no doubt about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clara was present at the academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And if Clara was here, then Lucas was involved as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Riley fell into thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Interfering carelessly could cause massive butterfly effects—he’d already seen how small changes warped events in unexpected ways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at the same time... this situation wasn’t entirely natural either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he was being honest with himself, what was happening now was at least partially the result of his own interference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had altered the pace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shifted events forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now, consequences were beginning to surface earlier than they ever should have.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was just a result of all of those.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Riley let out a slow breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All things considered, even if dealing with Alain was a bit annoying, he wasn’t exactly a dangerous opponent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a mini-boss, he was on the weaker side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to the main cast, he barely measured up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he had already stepped into his second phase, the most he could realistically do was stall Lucas for a few seconds using illusions or tricks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Lucas’s current growth and combat specs, losing simply wasn’t an option.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if Alain somehow managed to call down the being he served—the so-called Demon King, or rather the Demonic Queen—it wouldn’t change much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Riley was confident of that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And also, even if chaos erupts in the hall now....\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had already made his warning clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whatever Alain was planning at this gathering, he would at least be cautious enough not to involve Snow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And if he wasn’t smart enough to understand the meaning behind Riley’s words... then Riley wouldn’t hesitate to erase him entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along with his queen, if necessary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, there wasn’t much benefit in killing Alain right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aside from a bit of experience, it wouldn’t really gain him anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe it was better to leave this to Lucas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Letting him face a Demon King’s pawn—and eventually the Demon King herself—on his own might be exactly what he needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A proper test.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A step forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Riley found himself genuinely curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew Lucas would win.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That much was obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But seeing it firsthand... watching how Lucas handled a Demon King on his own terms—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was something Riley wanted to witness\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking it over, Riley paused for a while before finally settling on a decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’ll only move if it becomes necessary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no real benefit in acting right now, but at the same time, there was no benefit in doing nothing either. In the end, he chose neutrality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching from the sidelines was the safest option for now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If that guy needs a vessel for his queen... is he trying to find Clara?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought amused him slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a brief moment, Riley felt the urge to follow Alain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Part of him wanted to see the scene he had only ever experienced through the game play out in real life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To witness it directly, to confirm the details he remembered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That moment belonged to Lucas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas’s rescue scenes were meant for the heroines alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Riley had no intention of intruding on them. Besides, from what he had seen so far, there hadn’t been any real development between Clara and Lucas yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her falling for him immediately after being saved was unlikely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, it would spark something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the turning point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Clara, with her sharp, business-minded, fox-like thinking, would begin to view Lucas not just as a person—but as an investment worth watching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For now, Riley had something else to attend to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I should go and fulfill my beloved’s request.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze drifted across the crowded hall, filled with moving figures, quiet conversations, and carefully hidden intentions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Snow wanted him to learn how to navigate these kinds of social settings, he had no reason to refuse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this was part of her wish, then he would do it properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that in mind, Riley stepped forward, scanning the crowd as he decided who to approach first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, Riley’s eyes settled on someone who looked... manageable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not overly guarded, not drowning in political tension—just a well-dressed, middle-aged merchant quietly enjoying his drink near the edge of the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Riley moved first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hello.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"H–huh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man startled slightly before squinting at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Y-you are... a-aren’t you Lord Riley Hell?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Riley let out a soft laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I appreciate the formality, but please, be at ease. And I’m not a lord yet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The merchant froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression practically screamed with that presence and prestige, you might as well be one already.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Riley chose to ignore the unspoken thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sensing the man’s tension, he smoothly shifted the topic, offering a few polite, engaging remarks—light comments about the hall, the event, and the atmosphere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enough to ease the pressure, enough to give the merchant room to breathe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon after, proper introductions followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The merchant straightened his posture, pride slipping back into his voice as he spoke of his trade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Riley listened, nodding at the right moments, responding with just enough interest to keep the conversation flowing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn’t take long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hoho! So, you’re interested in that sort of thing as well, Master Riley?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well,\" Riley replied casually, \"they are excellent investments.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hahaha! I knew you’d understand!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The merchant laughed loudly, clearly pleased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Back in my days—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the merchant launched into a story, Riley noticed something only after the fact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were more people now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small group had naturally gathered around them—other merchants, minor nobles, attendants—drawn in by the easy flow of conversation and the merchant’s growing enthusiasm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They joined in one by one, adding comments, laughter, and their own experiences.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...When did it get like this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Riley wasn’t sure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn’t felt the shift happen at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Somewhere along the way, the conversation had grown beyond the two of them, becoming a small social circle of its own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Midway through it all, Riley realized he was letting about half the conversation pass straight through his ears—names, dates, exaggerated tales, and bits of useless information blending together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, this was part of the process.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So he focused instead on the rhythm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pauses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reactions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The way people leaned in or pulled back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he didn’t absorb every word, he understood the flow—and for now, that was enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I should probably get out of here soon...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Riley reached that conclusion with a small sense of satisfaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This had been... practice, in a way. Awkward, noisy, and mostly pointless—but practice nonetheless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Socializing, he thought wryly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now that he thought about it—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Lucas was here, then Janica was most likely somewhere in this hall as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought barely finished forming when—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOOOMMM!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A violent explosion tore through the air behind him, scattering shards of light and glittering starlike dust across the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shockwave rippled outward, rattling chandeliers and sending guests screaming as defensive barriers flared into existence far too late.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You bastard!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The roar came from a young man whose appearance alone screamed problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had a bulky build far too excessive for his age, muscles packed so densely they strained even against his formal suit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His buzz-cut hair, sharp features, and towering physique gave him the look of a dangerous thug rather than a guest of high society.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kagami Kento.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He cracked his fists slowly, mana and aura rolling off his body in oppressive waves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The defensive magic chains that snapped toward him shattered instantly, while emergency arrays carved into the hall flickered uselessly, unable to restrain him in the slightest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At his feet lay a body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Prince Alain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or rather... what remained of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half of his face was completely shattered—no, smashed—as if a custard cake had been struck with overwhelming force, flesh and bone ruined beyond recognition. His body twitched faintly, mana leaking erratically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...Is he even alive?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Riley stared at the scene in silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew unexpected situations always tended to arise the moment he started predicting events—but still.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slowly, Riley shifted his gaze back to Kagami, feeling a rare flicker of genuine bewilderment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why is this guy even here?\u003C\u002Fp>",1894,"2026-06-03T14:41:09.353Z",1,"novelbin.me","676defa4432c67a036433bc6e83583538cce3b222aec8b7549845027bd2ad10d","how-to-survive-in-the-romance-fantasy-game-chapter-679","how-to-survive-in-the-romance-fantasy-game-chapter-677",727,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fhow-to-survive-in-the-romance-fantasy-game-cover.jpg"]