The congratulations from the System washed over Alex, the sterile white environment a stark contrast to the vibrant symphony that still echoed within him. Yet, the celebratory tone did little to soothe the bittersweet ache in his chest.
A vision of Rasel, his face etched with grief, holding Alex's lifeless form, flickered through his mind. He knew, intellectually, that this wasn't a true goodbye. The melody, a bridge between realities, ensured their paths would cross again. But for the "him" left behind, it was another loss piled on a mountain of sorrow.
"System," Alex spoke, his voice echoing in the empty space. "You mentioned before that completing all missions grants a choice. A choice to return to the real world, or…" he hesitated, the memory of Rasel's grief a fresh wound, "…or change the endings in past worlds."
