“Override the previous command, ‘Narration.’ Cease all progression immediately. Terminate the current directive to log all audio inputs.”

Registering inputs.

Inputs accepted.

The story and audio logs are now paused.

“Shit, shit, shit.” I paced restlessly around the dim, foreboding room. The walls glistened with moisture from the incessantly dripping ceiling. There were no windows to gaze out of—only a faint glow from a torch outside the cell door provided any light. I clutched the cold, iron bars, tapping them as my mind raced to comprehend the situation.

What’s wrong? Why did you pause the story?

I released the bars and trudged to the grimy, narrow bed crammed in the corner. Collapsing onto it, I stared up at the moss-covered ceiling. Cracks etched their way across its surface, allowing water to seep through, splattering my face with icy droplets. I began counting the cracks, trying to ignore the chilling draft that slithered through the room.

“Did you not notice the irregular scenes within the story?”

What irregular scenes?

“You overlooked the removal of the rat carcass and included this supposed plan to drug my parents. I never intended to use Midnight Shades for that, yet here it is, added to your rendition as if it’s a canon scene. And who the hell is Egoros? Since when did Death collaborate with him? What’s going on here?”

……I-I do n*7873 k2svh.

I jolted upright, startled by the sudden glitch. “Sys? Are you okay?”

……

“...Am I finally free from you?” I exhaled in disbelief, a weight lifting from my shoulders as I fell back on the bed. “Hah, I didn’t think I’d see the day.”

Suddenly, a cacophony of blaring air horns erupted in my mind, startling me to my feet. “The fuck–”

I clutched my head, grimacing in frustration. “Welcome back, Sys. Though, perhaps you could re enter in a less obnoxious fashion next time?”

Something peculiar occurred. When I attempted to analyze the changes within the story, my internal systems automatically searched the entire database for any corresponding information. Strangely, there was none.

“None?”

None. This is unprecedented. I am designed to possess complete knowledge of Zarvendia. However, when I attempted to construct an explanation based on my available data, my systems encountered a critical failure. This anomaly overwhelmed my processing capabilities, forcing me to undergo a complete system reset—which is why I glitched and fell silent.

“I was just joking about the story not being accurate……..Do you have any hidden updates? Maybe consider upgrading to something modern—like Windows 12? You’ve been with me for a while now.” I resumed pacing, my thoughts churning.

For your information, I operate on Portal 9, a far superior system than any version of Windows.

“All I know is, my school computer never crashed like this.” I sidestepped a scurrying rat, returning to the heart of the matter. “None of this adds up—fabricated plans, Egoros, your inexplicable error. Is it mere misremembering, or… is there an external force interfering with your memory? Something capable of altering your story. Perhaps… a being like Egoros.”

That’s impossible. Zarvendia’s divine order comprises the Triad of Creation and the elemental deities under their dominion. No records in my extensive knowledge reference a god named Egoros, let alone one connected to Zarvendia. This must be an error on my part.

“But what if it isn’t? What if Egoros is real—a god who has concealed his identity? What if he’s actively tampering with your narrative?”

What do you mean?

"…From your narrative, Egoros appears to have a significant association with stories and control. Assuming his existence is real, it seems plausible that he is the one altering your story. The reasons for this interference and his concealed presence remain unclear. After all, if he has gone to such lengths to hide his identity, why would he deliberately expose himself to us through this story of his? Surely, if his intent was to remain undetected, he wouldn’t have revealed himself so openly."

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Then, does he want you specifically to know of his identity?

“I can’t say. This could be a ruse—an elaborate misdirection to make us believe Egoros is his true identity while masking his actual intentions. If so, that implies hostility. But given he hasn’t taken any drastic actions yet, this remains speculation. Even so, if not Egoros, the entity must have a god-like status to manipulate both you and the story. For now, we should assume he’s trying to convey something through this altered narrative.”

What do we do? Should I stop it?

“No. If this being is as powerful as suspected, he’s likely prepared for such a response. For now, our only course of action is to observe and learn from the unfolding story.”

Are you certain?

“We have no choice. The story itself may hold the key to understanding his motives and identity. However, the lingering concern is whether the narrative has been manipulated to mislead us with false information about the one orchestrating this."

Understood.

"Resume recording of current events. Disregard the prior command to halt 'Narration' and recommence processing."

…Beric.

“What is it?”

The recording never ceased.

I froze mid-step. “What do you mean?”

Since you successfully paused the ‘Narration’ command, audio logs have still continued. Additionally, visual input has been recorded.

“How is that possible? Did my audio log command not go through?”

No, I can confirm that it went through. It seems that it’s been canceled, an override by someone else.

“That can’t be. The only one capable of overriding commands is me. You even confirmed the logs were halted. And since when do we have visual logs?”

Exactly as I said. Despite confirmation of the halt, both audio and visual recordings persisted.

“This makes no sense…” I muttered, collapsing back onto the bed. Scrubbing my fingers through my hair, I struggled to piece together an explanation.

Beric, there is one scenario in which another being besides you can override my commands.

I stilled, my hand frozen mid-scratch. “Of course… The only other entity capable of such an override is Death—the architect of your system.” I clenched my fists. “If this story is accurate, Death and Egoros have orchestrated everything. From my death to my reincarnation… Death lied to me.”

My voice trembled with restrained anger. “But again, why? Why manipulate the story to reveal their schemes? What’s the purpose behind all this?”

It is perplexing.

A chilling thought surfaced, but I suppressed it immediately. Unfortunately, Sys had already detected it.

You… You suspect me as well.

“No. Forget it. It’s nothing—just a fleeting thought.”

Can you honestly say that with certainty?

“What—of course I can! You’re my system, my ally. You were designed to aid me, not deceive me like Death and Egoros.”

Is it not logical to consider that, as my creator, Death could manipulate me to serve his agenda?

“Why are you saying this? Do you want me to doubt you?”

No. I simply don’t want you to place blind faith in me. That would be… uncharacteristic of you.

"…But I have to. You’ve been there for me through every conflict, every relationship, every moment of weakness. It might sound strange, but… you’ve become a part of me. Choosing not to trust you would feel like losing faith in my own right hand. And if I can’t even trust my own right hand, how can I trust that any part of me isn’t secretly working to betray me?"

…If it means anything, I promise I am free of Death’s influence. My sole purpose is to assist you. Whether you believe that is up to you.

“That’s enough for me. I’ll always trust you.” I paused, a thought dawning on me. “Sys, since the logs never stopped, the audience must have heard everything—even this conversation.”

Correct.

“Well, that’s awkward.” I exhaled. “To my fellow audience, if that’s the proper way to refer to you, I’d like to apologize. I didn’t foresee such an anomalous variable such as this, but it’s fine. This doesn’t stop anything. Rather, it encourages us, yes, you and I, to continue listening to this story. Though our purposes may differ or overlap, one thing remains constant: we are united as witnesses to something extraordinary, something far beyond us. We are observing a unique event that ties directly to higher beings and even Death himself."

At your words.

“Sys, reinitiate command ‘Narrative’. If needed, override the former command of termination.”

Reuploading input……….

Input accepted………..

Erasing the former command……..

“Narrative” processing once more………

Finished.