Look at historical records. If something in the show doesn't match what's known from reliable historical sources, it's likely fiction. For example, if a character's role is greatly expanded in the show compared to historical accounts, it's fictional.
Pay attention to the context. In 'The Serpent Queen', some events might be based on real historical events but are twisted a bit for the sake of the story. For instance, a political struggle might be presented with more drama and less accuracy. So, understanding the overall historical context helps in differentiating. If it seems too out of place or overly dramatic for the time period, it's probably fictional. Also, the way characters are portrayed can be a clue. If a character is shown as purely good or bad, while in history people are more complex, it's a sign of fictionalization.
Chapter 455, "Summoning A Nine Tailed Fox", is the clearest early answer because it turns Damien's situation into a concrete plot event. A useful checkpoint is the way the scene starts with Each heartbeat echoed through the soil as Damien staggered to his... and follows through with I don't know what you are… but I'll make sure you stay sealed..
Chapter 350, "Two Against Demons", is the clearest early answer because it turns Arielle's situation into a concrete plot event. A useful checkpoint is the way the scene starts with The wind carried the scent of ash now. and follows through with Not until the world made her..
Chapter 379, "Renna's Loss", is the clearest early answer because it turns Kellen Drein's situation into a concrete plot event. Early on, Do you want to talk about it?" Cael asked.. By the end, This one a shatter-trap meant to detonate on pulse trigger.. Inside the broader trade and resources storyline, the chapter closes with "Semifinal Match Two: Elias Verdan versus Kellen Drein., which gives Kellen Drein a stronger narrative position and pushes the power growth onward.
Chapter 265, "Summons Vs Demon", is the clearest early answer because it turns Damien's situation into a concrete plot event. A useful checkpoint is the way the scene starts with Damien exhaled, stepping back from the demon's motionless body, his... and follows through with And with Fenrir and Skylar by his side, he had no intention of losing..
Chapter 445, "He'll Have To Catch Me First", is the clearest early answer because it turns Apnoch's situation into a concrete plot event. It opens with The night was still young in Delwig when Captain Apnoch finally found... and closes on And once you hear it, you won't be able to forget." "Then curse me,".... The key payoff is that the chapter closes with "It won't stay buried much longer., which gives the central conflict a stronger narrative position and pushes the battle onward.
Chapter 49, "Da Shi Camp Annihilation [Please Follow!]", is the clearest early answer because it turns Xia Chuan's situation into a concrete plot event. A useful checkpoint is the way the scene starts with my leg, my leg..." "Boo hoo... and follows through with Perched on his son's back, Shi Qing first showed a flash of pain in....
Chapter 302, "Alone Time In The Garden", is the clearest early answer because it turns Damon's situation into a concrete plot event. Early on, Still on the topic of why Elias chose to keep a low profile, "To.... By the end, But I'd rather be somewhere quiet for a bit..
Chapter 411, "Bleed Now, So You Don't Die Later", is the clearest early answer because it turns Lyone's situation into a concrete plot event. The chapter turns that into something concrete by moving from The training grounds of Delwig's eastern barracks were alive with... to That's how it survives and you've witnessed it enough times to know....
Chapter 262, "Delayed Travel", is the clearest early answer because it pushes Damien into a new phase or setting. The chapter gives readers a real answer by opening on The Teleportation Center described to Damien loomed before him, a... and ending on That meant he could leave at sunrise and arrive in Ryedale before....
Chapter 22, "Found the Rightful Owner", is the clearest early answer because it turns Shi Qing's situation into a concrete plot event. It opens with Xia Hong's approach was completely different from previous logging... and closes on Moreover, at night only those in the Logging Realm have the freedom....