The Chronicle of the Beginning and Climax

Chapter 12 – The Question That Should Not Be Asked

> "Do you wish to control the story?"

The words rang through the void, reverberating in Jihwan's chest like a force beyond comprehension.

This wasn't just a simple question. It was a choice.

And every instinct in Jihwan's body told him—this question should not exist.

The system had always dictated the rules. There were roles, paths, and endings written before the game even began.

Yet now, for the first time, he was being asked something beyond the script.

Sohyun stepped closer to him, whispering. "Jihwan… we should be careful."

But he couldn't tear his eyes away from the figure before them—the Variable.

It didn't have a true form. It flickered between different shapes, as if it had never settled on a single identity. Sometimes it was a shadow, sometimes a mirage, sometimes an unreadable mass of shifting symbols.

But its presence was undeniable.

> "Your silence tells me you understand the weight of my question."

> "You are not like the others."

> "So I ask again—do you wish to control the story?"

Jihwan finally spoke. His voice was calm, but inside, he was anything but.

"What happens if I say yes?"

A low hum filled the void.

The Variable's form shimmered.

> "Then you will take the pen."

> "You will no longer be a reader."

> "You will become the writer."

Jihwan's breath hitched.

That… was dangerous.

Because a reader could observe. A reader could understand.

But a writer?

A writer was bound to the story.

And if he accepted, then this world…

Would no longer be something he could escape from.

Sohyun's grip on his sleeve tightened. She had realized it too.

This was no mere test.

This was a contract.

Jihwan clenched his fists.

He couldn't answer yet.

Not until he knew what the Variable really was.

He took a step forward, meeting the shifting, unreadable gaze of the being before him.

"And what are you?" he asked.

The Variable… laughed.

A soundless, formless laugh that sent chills down his spine.

> "Finally… someone asks the right question."

And then—

The void broke apart.