With the help of paradox prevention, Carl still existed …

He roamed the city—lantern-lit with carriages for transportation.

Gauges assured that he returned to his present time.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

But why the dramatic change?

Carl visited a library—absent of science replaced with astrology, new age, and magic.

The fiction section lined with familiar names, except for his favorite, the man he visited to anonymously meet in reverence right before his inspiration.

Carl even shook his hand …

A sickening clarity overwhelmed him—

War of the Worlds—

Through cobbled streets, Carl screamed angrily about his dreadful mistake.