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How To Play The Villain
Type
Web Novel (KR)
Genre
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Rating(4.2 / 5.0, 154 votes)
5    66% (101 votes)
4    11% (17 votes)
3    8% (13 votes)
2    8% (12 votes)
1    7% (11 votes)
Language
Support Book (#ad)
Author(s)
One entry per line
Artist(s)
One entry per line
N/A
Year
Example: 2012
2025
Status in COO
Status in Country of Origin. One entry per line
Complete 114 chapters
Main story 103 chapters
Side story 11 chapters
Licensed
N/A
Completely Translated
Original Publisher
One entry per line
English Publisher
One entry per line
N/A
Release Frequency
Every 13.9 Day(s)
Activity Stats
[Graph]
Weekly Rank: #813
Monthly Rank: #1002
All Time Rank: #5499
Reading List
[Graph]
On 2470 Reading Lists
Monthly Rank: #3471
All Time Rank: #4379

Description

Links are NOT allowed. Format your description nicely so people can easily read them. Please use proper spacing and paragraphs.

The moment I realized I had been reincarnated, I escaped the abusive cult.

In order to survive, I had no choice but to join the hero’s party…

But I had no intention of getting close to them, not even a little.

People can betray you at any time. Everyone in the cult had betrayed me.

It was probably because I was the kind of person who deserved it.

I was weak, and a disgusting monster that everyone avoided had taken residence in my body.

Before being betrayed, I would rather leave the party.

So, I decided to become the villain who would keep an appropriate distance from them.

“Riarun. I kissed you because I wanted to.”

For the first time, in his distorted red eyes, a desperate determination to keep me was revealed.

This cautious man. In front of everyone, no less.

“I don’t plan on letting you go. Even if I have to make you uncomfortable with these words.”

Banwes (Gong): A monster hybrid considered to have defiled human dignity. Having been condemned by humans throughout his life, he keeps his distance from them. Although he believes that he could never desire Riarun, he continues to be drawn into interactions with him and reacts with irritation to every provocation, contrary to his beliefs.

Riarun (Shou): Escaped from a hellish cult at the age of 20. The only thing he learned from the cult was a foul temperament that didn’t match his appearance at all. Though he believes he is fine, the ab*se he endured has made him unable to trust others, leading him to develop a tendency to want to be alone. He hides his past and acts like a cheerful, naive fool.

Associated Names
One entry per line
악역이 되는 법
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
If You Don’t Become the Main Character, You’ll Die (2)
There are Too Many Villains Besides Me (1)
Sweetcrasy (1)
My Wolf Husband (1)
The Hero’s Coffin (1)
Turning (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Fav<3 Fantasy World/European Ambience
  2. tbr (bl)
  3. Light-haired bottoms
  4. 2026 read and tbr
  5. BL novels #2

Latest Release

Date Group Release
07/04/25 Florae Garden c39
07/02/25 Florae Garden c38
06/30/25 Florae Garden c37
06/28/25 Florae Garden c36
06/26/25 Florae Garden c35
06/26/25 Florae Garden c35
06/24/25 Florae Garden c34
06/22/25 Florae Garden c33
06/20/25 Florae Garden c32
06/17/25 Florae Garden c31
06/15/25 Florae Garden c30
06/13/25 Florae Garden c29
06/11/25 Florae Garden c28
06/09/25 Florae Garden c27
06/07/25 Florae Garden c26
1…45678
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Write a Review
12 Reviews sorted by


KeyonDrenson
KeyonDrenson rated it
September 5, 2025
Status: c60
Love this, the dynamics between all the characters are interesting and give them depth and I like the relationship build up between the main characters

MC & GENERAL PLOT...

MC puts up emotional walls and is purposefully some what antagonistic to keep from getting to close to anyone; he was imprisoned and ab*sed for years and is attempting to escape the past and the cult that imprisoned him consequently getting caught up in a group of characters on a quest to defeat a dragon.

... more>> ROMANCE...

It's a slow build up but I don't feel disappointed or like things are being dragged out (as of ch 60) both leads have personal issues to work through before they could acknowledge a relationship

SIDE CHARACTERS...

Side characters in the main group are given some depth and their own personal motivations/past; I like that it doesn't feel like they solely exist to highlight the main characters

<<less
8 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Yuw
Yuw rated it
January 6, 2026
Status: Completed
This turned out to be such a lovely read???

I mean, this is the type of story where you end up loving the characters, like, – there's no other way

The storyline itself was pretty simple, comprehensible – it's not that it didn't have that tension, mystery and stuff, but hmm, let's just say the author just wrote everything clearly.

... more>> The pacing was perfect, with just the right amount for everything...

And the intimate scenes just gave me soo much secondhand embarrassment //>w<// (and it was the rare cheff's-kiss type of writing to top it off)

The main couple is just ARsHrGSerag (real cute) and then bickering and interacting... They just have the perfect balance – they just really feel human somehow (?)

The first chapter was kinda slow for my taste, but it wasn't what it seemed (obviously). I also enjoyed the plot twists, – at the start of the story you're expecting a completely different ending (but I won't spoil)

Also, I think the author wanted to make side couples with the other characters but I can't prove it for now... (Maybe in the side stories...)

Anyways, give this a read cause it's really such a delightful suprise for a story and it makes your heart full <3

The only other webnovels that gave me this feeling were The Peaceful Life of a Maid Who Hides Her Power and Enjoys It

And maybe Devil venerable also wants to know. (but only a lil)

Yep. Conclusion: hidden gem for sure. <<less
4 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Han Davina rated it
February 5, 2026
Status: c32
I had to drop this because the narrative jumps around in a confusing way, so much that I couldn't tolerate it any more. Either paragraphs are missing or the MTL got screwed up or it is just the author's style–something just seems off nearly every other chapter.

For example, the high priest discovers the history of the MC. His inner thoughts are about the MC being a pitiful flower who puts on a cheerful face. Suddenly, in the next paragraph, the high priest begins an internal monologue about the MC being... more>> a black-hearted liar that needs imprisoning. What?? Something is missing or mistranslated in between those two paragraphs, or it is poorly written. It is very bizarre and jumpy like that often. Also, I think sometimes the translation uses words or phrases that, when thinking backwards in Korean, should have been translated differently. It is obviously MTL, and whatever software it is, well, it's not as good as others I have seen.

I especially feel like the names are an eyesore. Penzey could be Benji; Paronai is probably Feroni; Riarun is probably Lewellyn; Bzhan is probably Bijan; Banwes is probably Van Weis/Wess; Yurichen is probably Jurgen. I'm just guessing, Korean version of non-Korean names are weird as hell sometimes. It's like the names were translated into Chinese before English, and it's weird to see z/zh used in a Korean novel and just makes me think some of the confusing bits might be due to a double translation maybe?? As for the story, it's a little shallow and I don't think the character motivations make much sense. A lot of plot devices are used clumsily, like binding two of the prophecied fighters into service with magical artifacts or having the MC and ML kiss in order to (minor spoiler)
Spoiler

weaken the demon possessing the MC. By the way, it doesn't make any sense that this demon is undetected by the ultra-powerful high priest that can defeat a demon powerful enough to destroy the world. The author just throws out randomly that the demon can hide, and it is another clumsy plot device.

[collapse]

Ultimately, it feels like a lot of short cuts are used to rush characters into certain roles or situations, and it would have been better if those things developed more naturally. <<less
3 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
HopeWorldian
HopeWorldian rated it
December 15, 2025
Status: c114
Plot: 5/5

Flowed and made sense.
Spoiler

Even the plot twist at the end was properly hinted at. I kept thinking that the MC wasn’t acting like a typical transmigrator, and the reason was because he wasn’t one.

[collapse]

Characters: 5/5

I loved the main characters and the side characters. I really wished we would have gotten a side couple of the magician and the priest, but it probably would have been more platonic since the priest was super devoted to his god. I loved the relationship between the dragon-hunting party! Found family is too good.

Romance: 5/5

The attraction and love the main couple has for each other was beautiful. Two broken and lonely people joining hearts together and learning to trust each other and the friends around them.

Overall: 5/5
3 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Evellyn
Evellyn rated it
November 25, 2025
Status: Completed
It was an amazing read, truly a gem I'll reread without a doubt.

The story follows a young man with a spiritual ability trying to escape a place where he's always been mistreated and a demi-orc who has also faced rejection throughout his life.

Their romance is absolutely adorable. The ML is a complete green flag and really devoted to the MC.

... more>> Beyond the romance, the side characters are great and the plot, saving the kingdom and watching the characters discover and accept themselves, is genuinely excellent.

It's not only cute but the psychological depth of the characters and the bonds between them are beautifully written and often heartbreaking.

So here's my recommendation : read it. <<less
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
person101
person101
January 1, 2026
Status: Completed
I'm afraid I'll forget so I'll just mention random points I found worse here first and the positive ones after

Bad:

... more>>
Spoiler

I wish there was more interaction between the whole group, it got kind of separated into pairs and those pairs interacted more among themselves

Because Yuri and the MC hardly talked but because he used his insight on him he suddenly felt much more fondness

[collapse]

Good:

Overall I just really like this kind of story, although it wasn't the best I've seen I enjoyed the found family part, rating it on my enjoyment it would probably be around 4 stars since I couldn't really put it down <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
NightFlower1412
NightFlower1412
April 22, 2026
Status: Completed
The plot twist was def something I did not expect but I enjoyed!

The flow of the story was a little difficult to follow and the pacing wasn’t the best where the climax and ending felt pretty rushed. There were some humorous moments and nothing was really too serious. I expected more with the other characters of the party (like the whole journey gave me Hobbit or LotR vibes) but again it felt rushed towards the end and the other characters kinda fade off so the author can focus on the... more>> MC and ML. I also enjoyed the side stories.

Overall decent, but not really something I would give higher rating than a 4 (I was debating 3 or 4 but went with latter for the relationship) or re-read. <<less
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
mariri 199x_
mariri 199x_ rated it
March 28, 2026
Status: Completed
I love this so much! The premise already had me hooked, but the execution was even better than I imagined.

The relationship between MC and ML progressed naturally and unhurried. The story also didn't gloss over the other members of the Hero's Party. Everyone was likeable in their own way. They had their own backstory, no matter how simply it was presented.

Not too short and not too long, I appreciate the pacing of the story. The extras were also such a treat! I'm so glad Riarun did not shy away from... more>> intimacy with Banwes and that Banwes wasn't presented negatively as an insatiable beast.

An easy 5star chill read with solid plot and some spice towards the latter chapters. <<less
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
ChronoH0
ChronoH0 rated it
March 5, 2026
Status: c114
Feels what you read with the Hero's journey formula. I do enjoy the relationships that the team had with each other. If one would compare it's like MC gained a doting father, uncle, a brother and younger sibling. A lot of focus on MC and ML, which is not surprising because theirs isn't the easiest to resolve.

MC and ML had a temper and trauma that cannot be intervened nor progress naturally. Hence the story took time to unravel them as it goes on. The part of age gaps does leave... more>> some aspects of power dynamics more noticible. However a lot of the times MC and ML's troubles became the center focus that those dynamics felt soften (if you ignored the time period it took place as explanation).

Over all I read through it and enjoy it. If there's something I wish it does, it would be that transition can feel abrupt, but maybe this is due to writing style and myself for reading fast. So while the emotional part was present it does hamper a bit, because the writing felt momentarily. The journey itself is amusing felt really smooth, as straightforward it it, gives the group something to grow upon that makes it meaningful.

Recommend read. <<less
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Brainless0612
Brainless0612
March 4, 2026
Status: Completed
I like the dynamic between the MC and ML, the conversations between the Hero Troupe members, and the love hate relationship between Yuri and the Mage.

But sometimes the setting jumps out of nowhere, which makes me wonder if the author forgot to add a transition between paragraphs or if some text is missing 😅. It actually happened a couple of times, but I tried to ignore it.

The plot was decent, not shocking or mindblowing, just fine in a subtle way.

What kept me reading was the moment when all of them... more>> realized that the MC was just someone with deep trauma who constantly wears a “smiling” mask.

When that happened, it wasn’t really satisfying for me, just fine. Still, it’s good angst/slice of life, and since I really like that genre, I enjoyed it.

The love story between a human and a half-monster? Love it.

Happy reading, guys! <<less
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Geddy
Geddy rated it
February 6, 2026
Status: Completed
One of my favorite novels.

I love the MC and the ML, the slow burn, and the pacing of the story.

My only complaint is that I would have liked better interaction and further development in certain parts.

Overall, though, I really enjoyed the story. Great translation.
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
LazyPeruser
LazyPeruser rated it
January 1, 2026
Status: Completed
So I saw that this story only have 3 reviews and I wanted to add my own 'cause why not.

Anyway, this story is really really good, Like really good! The relationships between characters is just right on how they developed and become close with each other. There are only two things that made me quite disappointed...

... more>>
Spoiler

1st! Is how does that biatch died fast? If you've really read the story, you'll know who I'm talking about.

2nd. I felt like their bonds (the six of them) after the fight, lessen :<. I know it's because of them being mature and busy on their own achievements, but still!

Oh and lastly, I didn't get to see Yorichen and Penzey's development, hays

[collapse]

Still, I really love the story. I think it's one of the story that really get me hooked until the end and finished it faster than normal because of how much I was invested.

Please give this story a chance, since I like it then you should like it too (¬◡¬) ✧.

Oh! And give this a rating if you like it, Okay?!

Good. <<less
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
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