FADE IN
My eyes fluttered open—vision hazy, blurred by disorientation.
A sharp, searing sensation pulsed through my left hand.
I raised it slowly, and horror met my gaze—a gaping wound torn straight through my palm.
It seems when I slammed the button, the Anti-Theory managed to shoot me—his final act of desperation.
I looked toward the Narrative Singularity Engine.
A hole now pierced the panel where the red reset button once sat.
"So… my theory was correct."
I scanned my surroundings. Silence. Emptiness.
"...It worked," I murmured—then coughed violently, thick blood staining my palm.
Shaking, I forced myself to my feet. The world felt... lighter. Hollow. But safe.
"The narrative... it reset," I whispered. "I did it. I saved an entire Narrative Stack… maybe even infinite stacks."
Turning, I saw them—Zeke and Vento. Still. Cold. Lifeless.
I stared at their bodies for a long time.
"I'll make sure you're given a proper burial," I whispered.
And over the next few days, I did just that.
Their graves were simple but meaningful. A scientist's tribute to fallen comrades—brothers.
When it was done, I returned to my office.
Without a word, I shut down the computer.
Then, I retrieved the Anti-Theory file—pages upon pages of warnings, research, horrors. With steady hands, I tossed the document into the fireplace.
Flames consumed it.
Case Closed
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From the author's narrative—my narrative—I finished writing the last line.
closing the chapter marked: Case Closed
FADE TO BLACK.