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The endless loop of a novel

Batsnn
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Synopsis

Chapter 1 - Prologue – The Infinite Loop of Novels and Fairy Tales: The One and Only Story

This book was always hidden here, nestled between the shelves. Only chosen eyes could recognize its presence. It was clean without a speck of dust, its spine unbent, as if it had never been opened. Yet, this was the book that recorded everything the world could not know or perceive—"The One and Only Story."

Everything began with this book. It was a work that connected the universe, intertwining fairy tales and reality into one. Those who read this book became more than mere readers; they became part of the story where fate was written, and perhaps, they could even become one of the future authors. Once you grasp this book, you walk a path from which there is no turning back.

But the real question is this: is reading "The One and Only Story" a blessing, or a curse?

The astonishing fact is that there is only one copy of this book in the entire world. Like it never existed, there was no information about this book anywhere. "The One and Only Story" begins with the tale of Kang Tae-seok, who one day gets sucked into a portal inside a cave, leading to countless cycles of regression through doors that connect to another reality where magic and sorcery exist.

I am Maeng Geon-woo. I'm 29 years old and work as a nurse at XX Hospital in Seoul. I enjoy helping people. Giving them hope is one of the most meaningful aspects of my job. Due to my busy schedule, I don't have much time for myself, but I try to read whenever I can. Books are the best sanctuary for escaping the stresses of reality.

I live with my mother. She's a painter. She is one of the few talented people who can make a living through art. We are quite financially comfortable. Since I lost my father at a young age, my mother and I have a very strong bond. She's always been by my side and has supported me in every way.

I also enjoy drawing, though I'm not as talented as my mother. Still, drawing sometimes brings me peace of mind. My mother always encourages me to draw, even if it's not perfect.

One day, I went to the library to forget the stress of daily life. As I wandered between the shelves, a book caught my eye, unnoticed by others yet exuding a mysterious aura. Its title was "The One and Only Story." It was pristine, free of dust, yet felt old, as if it had been there for ages, undetected by anyone.

I picked it up and began to read. At first, it seemed like an ordinary story, but the more I read, the more I realized this book was no ordinary tale. No matter how much I read, the pages seemed endless. It was as if new content was being added daily. No matter how much I read, I couldn't reach the end.

I spent five years reading this book. Day and night… Yet the pages continued to grow. I started to believe this book held a power that could affect not only me but others as well. While I knew the book was mysterious, I still didn't understand the truth hidden within or where it was leading me.

As I read, there were parts I enjoyed and parts I wished were different. Some passages were incredibly moving. I became deeply engrossed in the well-developed characters and the solid storyline. But in some parts, I thought, "If I were the author, I would've written it differently." Perhaps I would've shown the characters' growth in more detail or described events from another perspective. Nevertheless, I didn't give up reading. Exploring the world this book presented was too captivating. It felt like I was having a conversation with the book, asking questions that popped into my mind, using my imagination to create new scenes, and offering new directions for the story.

Finally, after five years, I finished the book. There was a great sense of satisfaction, but also deep sadness, knowing that this journey, which had captivated me for so long, had come to an end. As I turned the last page, I felt an immense void inside me. I had to return to my world, but I knew nothing would ever be the same again. "The One and Only Story" was more than just a story; it had provided important lessons for my inner journey. I didn't expect the book to guide me this way, but the profound meanings and the experiences the characters endured opened my eyes to new perspectives. The bonds I had formed with the characters lingered in my heart, even as I had to say goodbye to them. They would remain with me forever. I realized I was not just a reader but a part of the story.

When I closed the book, I had no idea that the fate of the world would change. At that moment, I didn't know how all the emotions and information contained within would impact me. "The One and Only Story" was not just a book but a doorway to an unknown future. Once I passed through that door, I would be drawn into another dimension. As I closed the book, I felt something inside me begin to change. It seemed like the story had ended, but the real adventure was only just beginning. The lessons the book had imparted and the trials the characters had faced were now new challenges and opportunities waiting for me in reality. I had become more than just a reader; I was now a part of this story. Every page, every word was connected to the future awaiting me.

The world had changed. Holographic images began to appear before everyone, and people started to manifest incredible powers. Yet, this astonishing sight felt strangely familiar. It felt as though I had seen it before, as if it was part of a story I had read.

Then, suddenly, I realized. Everything was echoing in my mind as though I had read it somewhere before. The contents of the book came flooding back to me. Yes, the new reality I was experiencing marked the beginning of a new cycle. Trapped within the story, I had now become part of it, setting out on my path to face my destiny. Yes, this is "The One and Only Story."

To be continued…