CHAPTER 62: FROM GUILT TO RESOLVE

"So," Anna’s voice trails into a long, playful note, "are we going to get Powder, or are you going to sit here all day like an idiot talking to yourself, hm?" She points ahead, right at the road that leads to Powder’s home.

"That..." I chew my words back, the hesitation thick on my tongue. Maybe the farmer’s life really would suit him better...

"What a wuss. And here I thought you called yourself the leader of Rewrite. Turns out you’re just a coward after all." Her white eyes glimmer with something wild—and something else too, something faintly wounded, like my doubt cuts deeper than she wants me to know.

Her words sink into me sharper than any blade. Coward... The word sticks, heavy, and I can’t shake the bitter taste of it.

"Come." Her soft hand slips around mine, tugging me forward. Strangely, there’s a gentle smile on her face as she adds, "If you worry about him, or Roxy... if you blame yourself for how everything turned out, then fix it this time. Let’s not repeat the same mistakes."

For some reason, I can’t bring myself to argue with her. Giving up here and now would only prove my weakness, and not strength.And if I truly want Powder and Roxy to be happy, then I have to work harder. I have to shape the story where they become the new main characters. Yes... That’s it.

The thought settles in my chest like fire, sparking something new inside me. I finally understand—my way of writing the story before was wrong. I shouldn’t have tried to carry everything alone. I should have been pushing them, training them, forging them into something greater. Not just companions... but heroes in their own right, like the legends told in books.

But as we walk toward Powder’s house, the system stirs from its long hibernation:

[New comment from book_leviathian on Chapter 59: {I just thought of a way this could go. It would be epic if it went that route.}]

Oh, hello there. I’d almost forgotten about the comments—it’s been a while since the system flashed one at me. Still, it feels good to see them once in a while.

I smile to myself as we walk and wonder what this reader meant. Did he mean the way the story should go? If you could tell me your idea, I’d be forever in your debt. I’m lost right now and in need of some guidance. Thank you, book_leviathian.

"Is something the matter, Quill? Why are you smiling like that? Looks creepy..." Anna shoots me a disgusted look, but I don’t care. Readers are more important to me than ten thousand of her could ever be.

"I was just thinking you look pretty beautiful. Maybe I was wrong about you. Maybe I should take you to bed." I tease, just to mess with her, to bully her a little. My mood’s finally up again, so why not?

"You—" She snaps her head away, quickening her pace. Heh. Did I actually make this arrogant girl shy? Turns out she’s all bark, no bite.

Powder’s house isn’t far now, but the comments keep popping up, and honestly, they make me feel lighter—almost at ease—before I see him again.

[New comment from ObservantReader on Chapter 58: {This went from comedy adventure to universal reset real quick O_o}]

Ehehe... I scratch the back of my head, embarrassed. Yeah, I’ll take the blame for that one, my friend. Anger got the better of me, something inside snapped, and... well, here we are.

[New comment from ObservantReader on Chapter 56: {does it stack additively or multiplicatively? Like, 1. Multiplicative 100 - 5% of 100 = 95 95 - 5% of 95 = 90.25 or 2. Additive 100 - 5% of 100 = 95 95 - 5% of 100 = 90 Multiplicative GOES to 0 but will never reach it. On the other hand Additive WILL go to 0 which basically means time stop}]

Good question! Honestly, I haven’t fully figured out the mechanics of my own powers yet. But here’s how it works right now: when I say five percent, it’s absolute. That means the target slows by exactly five percent—no more, no less—unless I consciously will it to be stronger. And no, it doesn’t stack. All of the serpents share an unbreakable bond, so the effect stays fixed at five percent overall.

...But I actually really like your suggestion. I might end up reforging the ability so that each serpent individually applies a five percent slow. That way, it stays balanced while still feeling more versatile. Imagine it—if twenty serpents coiled together, would that lead to full time stop, or just a brutal slow on the body? I’ll decide later.

Thanks for the comment! You just gave me something fun to experiment with.

[New comment from book_leviathian on Chapter 56: {imagine being the leader and having worse stats than your members}]

Alright... alright... I know. No need to call me out like that. But I’ll work on it, I swear. I won’t stay lazy forever—I’ll actually try to raise my stats.

[New comment from ObservantReader on Chapter 57: {Man, f*ck that. You’re the author here and yet you have way too many restrictions, just write "I am God" and be done with it! (idk if Big Boss will allow that but still, give our boy some leeway 😔)}]

I mean... I could. At least I think I could. I did reset the story all the way back to the beginning, didn’t I? But still, it’s not fun that way. Even if I struggle, even if I hit a dead end, playing god outright just doesn’t suit me. But... between us, I already kind of feel like one. After all, I am the author, hehe.

[New comment from book_leviathian on Chapter 54: {yes so go back😇 return to cool adventures for every like this comment back we will gain manpower to make big boss turn the book to normal again}]

After what I did... I don’t think "normal" suits this story anymore, haha! But yes, I get what you mean. Let’s try to fix things up. Enough messing around—it’s time to lock in and become the best of the best!!! ...What’s with that look? I can see you squinting at me, not buying my words at all. Ahem... anyway, at least I hope you’re enjoying this silly mess of a story with me.

Also... I just noticed something. You and ObservantReader are almost neck and neck for top commenter rank.

Wait a second... my lips curl into a grin.

How about we spice this up with a little friendly competition? Since the story’s dipped into darker moods, why not bring some fun back in?

ObservantReader vs. book_leviathian! For the next five Chapters, whoever leaves the most meaningful comments, without mindless spamming, wins a prize!

Drum roll, please!

Once my party is reunited, you get to decide what we do next. Since my own judgment dragged us straight into disaster, I’ll hand the choice over this time. Whether it’s slaying a dragon, dancing in the streets like lunatics, or something even crazier, I’ll make it work. Anything you imagine will come to life.

I hope you’re as excited as I am—because without you, I wouldn’t have a reason to smile this often.

"Quill, you pervert, snap out of it already—we’re here..." Anna yanks my hand hard, snapping me out of my thoughts. A familiar door stands before us. Even if this time the mood isn’t as lighthearted as before, I can’t help but hope Powder will still make you all laugh. And... hopefully he won’t find it weird that I’ve got a girl clinging to me.

"Ah, right..." I mutter, pulling myself together as I raise my hand to knock. It’s about lunchtime now, so with luck he’ll be home. Perfect timing.

"Powder, you home?!" I call out, knocking on the door. Inside, I hear the stir of movement.

"Get that damn door, Powder—Quill’s here for you!" His mother’s voice booms out, louder and scarier than that boar ever was. Maybe dragging him out is the right idea after all. I laugh to myself, earning a strange look from Anna.

"Yes, mom!" comes the reply, followed by a familiar racket—dishes clattering, furniture groaning under his heavy, clumsy steps.

The door bursts open, and there he is again—Powder, innocent-faced as ever. But his eyes go wide the instant he sees Anna wrapped around my arm.

"God Almighty smite me naked—how the hell did you get a girlfriend before me?!"

Seriously? That’s his first line? I roll my eyes. And the most ridiculous part is... He isn’t even wrong. She would claim to be one, even if I denied it.

"It’s a long story. Come out for a walk," I tell him, gripping his shoulder before he can argue.

"Hey, what’s the rush? Is the wedding tomorrow? Oh—and hi, I’m Powder. Nice to meet you, Quill’s girlfriend." He grins like he’s already my best man, and I fight the urge to smack him until he dies again.

"Anna. The pleasure is mine," she purrs, playing along without hesitation.

Seriously... why don’t these two just date each other and save me the trouble? My mental health would thank me.