Part 1: The Summoning
The sea of ink churns as Lyria hums a broken lullaby—the same melody that once sank a god.
The air splits with the sound of screaming rigging and phantom sails.
The Drowned Bard's Ship emerges.
Its hull is patched with discarded plotlines.
Its crew? Echoes of erased characters, their faces half-formed.
At the helm: A shadow with Lyria's face, but her eyes are empty pages.
The Shadow smiles."Ah. You're the one who's been making such… interesting choices."
Part 2: The Price of a Ballad
To board, they must trade a story.
Elara gives her first memory of Kael (now a blank space in her mind).
Nirah surrenders the name of her first love (her lips move, but no sound comes out).
Aiden? He offers the vending machine death—but the Shadow laughs.
"No. Give me her."She points to Ignisia.
Ignisia's flames gutter out."…Take it." She hands over her memory of their first life together.
The deck solidifies beneath them.
Part 3: The Audience Fights Back
The ship lurches—The Audience is trolling them.
Kael's corruption spreads (his left arm is now pure text).
Lyria's shadow-self flickers, whispering: "They hate originality."
Aiden's System glitches:
[NEW QUESTS: 1) SEDUCE THE SHIP. 2) FISTFIGHT A PLOT HOLE.]
Aiden (grinding teeth):"I hate cosmic beings."
Cliffhanger: The Captain's Log
In the ship's hold, they find the First Aiden's journal.
The last entry:
"If you're reading this, burn the world. The Audience feeds on hope."
Lyria's shadow begins to sing—and the sea of ink boils.
Next Chapter Teaser:
Mutiny on the Ghost Ship: The crew wants Lyria back.
Kael's Arm: It's writing new prophecies.
Aiden's Bold Move:"Fine. Let's give them a bad ending."