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Chapter 9 - Case Closed

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.

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