Did a bit of research on how other RPGs handle improving on Random Battles. One unique system out there was when a random encounter starts, there's an Icon. A red exclamation I think meant has to happen, so can't skip (so not really a random one then, indicates clearly its a fixed battle). For random ones a white exclamation appears and there is a second or two timer where the user can essentially decide if they want to skip it, if they respond quick enough they skip it, too slow and the encounter starts. So this keeps you engaged and paying attention and to some extent gives you that nervousness of feeling like danger is near. Then there are I believe other color coding to indicate new monster, so highlights that you may want to do this battle to see the new enemy. Anyway not sure a system like this fits this game- but certainly got me thinking anyway of other ways to handle it.