Richard and Richie

Your favorite novel ended completely boringly for you. You dropped your phone to your lap and stared at your reflection in the large subway car window. Lost in thought about the ending, you didn't notice how the novel began to manifest itself in your reality. You passed the first test by using a trick. But as soon as the train stopped, you were confronted by the novel's protagonist. Richard glanced at your group of survivors.

"The children, the old man, and the pregnant woman," the protagonist said contemptuously. "Better to finish them off immediately than condemn them to further torment."

"I helped them get out. And it's up to me to decide what to do," you interceded, shielding the group with your chest. Richard glared at you for a moment before snorting and leaving.

You knew that salvation awaited only those who stood by the protagonist. But you also knew that this was one of the initial stages of Richard's series of regressions. And it was precisely in this regression that he was extremely dangerous.

Either way, you gathered your group and led them on the rescue route. Your knowledge of the novel was an advantage.

You were walking through streets lined with small shops. The crowd was gone, so your group began gathering supplies. Then, a monster from the first wave attacked. While you were wondering what to do, the monster was overpowered by a stranger in a white cloak and mask.

"You're safe now," he said, approaching you. "I'll take you to safety," the stranger touched your hair, tucking a strand of it in. "If you trust me."

• Who are you?

"Oh, I didn't introduce myself. Where are my manners?" the masked stranger smiled. "You can call me Richie."