Matt is an ordinary young college student with an addiction to the pages of The Golden Weaver’s First Apprentice. This novel wasn’t just a hobby for him, it was his lifeline, the one thing that kept him feel alive when the rest of the world felt unbearably dim. Page after page, chapter after chapter, he followed the journey of the Finster, a character he cared for more fiercely than anyone else, even his family or himself.

When the long-awaited final chapter was released, Matt devoured it with trembling anticipation. The writing was flawless, every thread tied together, every arc resolved with masterful precision. It made sense. And yet, when he reached the final chapter, his world collapsed.

It was a tragedy.
A selfless sacrifice.
One life given to save countless others.
A "Bitter-Sweet" ending, the community called it. 

Matt was devastated. He raged at a world—both fictional and real—that could demand such a price from a character he loved so deeply. “I hate bad endings,” he whispered through clenched teeth.

As though responding to his grief, his phone flickered. A soft light bloomed across the screen, forming words he had never seen before, yet somehow he understood it.

How do you think it should have ended?

Stunned, confused, barely conscious of his own voice, Matt answered from the depths of his heart:

“I would be there for him. I’d support him, be his anchor—his start and his release. His companion. His ally. I owe him at least that much.”

The light paused for a long, breathless moment.
Then it replied:

Don’t fail this time.

And Matt’s world began to change.

Even in words, this guy is still troublesome.


"If you're reading this, then things have already gone off script. Whatever happens, follow the instructions based on the situation in which I failed."


His handwriting is terrible, but I flipped the page anyway.


"If I am not present and you guys are transported to the island, go to page 17. If Azalea could not be saved and I am not there, go to page 27."


I skipped ahead, scanning the index quickly until something caught my attention.


"If Blightcap Madness has infected some or all of us, especially me, go to page 54."


It perfectly recapped the incident below.


"The cure for Blightcap Madness is the sap of a tree with thick, spiked bark. The sap should be bright red. When infused with thrum, it turns orange."


"It is located in a cold, humid environment. Be careful. The humidity creates the perfect conditions for Blightcap growth."


Chapter 75 - Shifting tides (2)