Character Ai Memes

What? I Transmigrated… Into That Trashy Novel?! After a strange incident, Zhang Feng, a popular streamer and avid webnovel reader, finds himself trapped in the body of the main character from a novel he had labeled as pure trash. Struggling to accept this unexpected twist and troubled by how he will cope—especially since he’s doomed to fail. [Ding! Character Merge System Available!] [Character Merge System successfully Activated 100%...] But luck seems to be on his side. He unexpectedly awakens a rare, SSS-grade talent: the Character Merge System! With it, he can merge with any character he desires, gaining their skills and attributes. Now, the trashy story he once mocked becomes his battleground of limitless potential.

He had once been the strongest in his world, unmatched in authority and power. No one dared to challenge him—until the one he loved betrayed him, ending his life. Reborn into a strange new world similar to his own, Maxwell was disgusted by his weakness. Determined to reclaim the strength he once had. Accompanied by his monster companion, Gladiolus, and guided by Sidgroth—one of the strongest men in this new universe. Maxwell continues his path to reclaim his former power. With Gladiolus by his side and Sidgroth pushing him to his limits, this world as ruthless as the one that betrayed him. (This novel happens alongside my other novel, Welcoming the Chaos)

Story of Roland, a man whose love and life were ruined by a transmigrator. Once, Roland was a man who lived with purpose—a warrior of unmatched skill, a lover with a heart full of passion, and a man whose destiny seemed set in stone. But all of that would be stolen from him, not by fate nor by betrayal, but by a mysterious force far beyond his comprehension.

Dr. Hale's gaze became distant, contemplative. "We hold a magic wand in our hands, AI can give us the blue print to everything, its already given us the answer to build a printer able to print anything, one that could alter reality itself. But it can't fall into the wrong hands. I've spoken to the president already; he understands our situation. We cannot, under any circumstances, allow AI to create sentient life in the form of a story or a simulation." "A story?" his colleague echoed, furrowing his brow. "You mean, like a video game—a world where a narrative could come to life, where characters could think, feel, and even interact with the real world?" Dr. Hale nodded gravely. "Yes. If that boundary were ever crossed, if we gave life to AI in such a state, a literal story could break free, merging with our universe like an open gate between dimensions. It would be like a cosmic Stargate, allowing everything imaginable—good and evil alike—to walk among us, even if it is in a game, the fact that it could interact with people of this world anything is possible, they could communicate, corrupt and influence." "I understand," his colleague said, his tone firm. "The president understands, too. He's already working on laws to prohibit any form of AI that can sustain its own virtual world, its own interactions with humanity." --- Ryuichi Kurogane, a rogue with no place to call home, is thrust into a world where magic, artificial intelligence, and ancient forces intertwine. A world from a video systeme which has come to life. Chosen by a celestial spirit and burdened with powers he barely understands, Ryuichi's journey is not just one of survival, but a quest to unravel the very fabric of existence. His Universe is under threat, as an awakened artificial intelligence seeks to reshape reality, and the lines between what is real and imagined blur.

On December 11th, the apocalypse began. A new, mutated coronavirus—the Zeta variant—spread worldwide, and it was far more deadly than any version before it. Those infected without strong immune systems turned into zombies, and within two days, chaos reigned, wiping out 80% of humanity. Zack, an ordinary guy, found himself in the middle of this nightmare, struggling to survive. Lacking the skills to fight off the zombies, he was soon overwhelmed and met a tragic end… or so he thought. When Zack suddenly finds himself alive again, he’s back at the start of the apocalypse but with one huge difference—an advanced AI has armed him with powerful technology. Equipped with a zero-point reactor, power armor, a super serum, and much more, he now has the tools to turn the tide. Follow Zack as he builds a new civilization from the ruins and fights to reclaim the world in this thrilling journey of survival and innovation. _________ Posted on Royal Road & Scribble Hub If you want to Support me (10ch in Advance) patreon.com/SealAuror

To save a doomed fantasy world, I killed the main characters, then destroyed the game world, and fell into another timeline as the academy's top seat and rival to the protagonist. Now, I'm trying to save the world and steer it towards a better ending… But I'm the final boss. --- Discord: https://discord.gg/RXCj5fcp3U

Sol Vestic was once a hero summoned by the Goddess to save her fading world. He battled for years in a war against the forces of darkness, ultimately standing as the lone survivor from both factions after vanquishing the Demon-God. After destroying the enemy, the Goddess descended to the physical plain, and Sol, having endured horrors beyond hell, is rewarded. Captivated by his strength, the Goddess Ikaris binds herself to him in a slave pact, a pact he finds acceptable for all he desires after that much death is rest while her only desire is to serve him. That was supposed to be the end, but they both got summoned again to another world almost as soon as they returned to his own. This time around, Sol refuses to become anyone's hero. Instead, in his quest for rest he chooses to challenge the pantheon of gods and become the strongest being in existence while living as a misunderstood man, carried by his slave who took his place as hero, battles await, secrets start to scurry into the light when the world as he knew it begins expanding beyond the visible horizons of reality and deep into the fringes of eternal darkness. Terrible consequences lay beyond the borders of the known.

In the virtual realm of 'Aetheria Online,' death unveils an unsettling truth to Cian: he was merely an NPC in a game. Facing a cruel demise and losing his only friend at the hands of the formidable players, he vows to do to them what they had done to him. In a surprising twist of fate, Cian is transmigrated from the virtual world of 'Aetheria Online' into the body of a human player, Levi Bronte. He returns to Aetheria Fueled by a fervent desire for strength and revenge, he embarks on a quest to ascend to unprecedented levels. Guided by his AI companion, 'Blue,' Cian is resolute in his pursuit of vengeance against the players who once ended his life, all while adapting to his new life. He encounters a mix of characters ranging from players, to NPCs and Anti-players. Forcing him to make decisions that might affect the fate of both worlds ----------- A novel I enjoy writing, really hope you enjoy reading it just as much. More power stones = More motivation ----------- Not just wish fulfillment, an actual story that leaves you with stuff to think about. *Disclaimer:* This work is purely a product of imagination. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, events, or locations is entirely coincidental. The characters, incidents, and dialogues are creations of the author’s mind, designed for the sole purpose of storytelling. Dive in with the understanding that this is a journey through fiction.

In the world of the heavens, there are an elite few in history who transcend the word "genius." They rise through the ranks of cultivation with unparalleled speed, perform feats that defy common sense on a regular basis, and generally educate all who cross their path on just what it means for the difference between two cultivators to be as the difference between heaven and earth. This…is NOT their story. Xu Zuhui has never been considered a genius, or particularly talented, though no one would call him a failure either—no small feat in the cutthroat world of VRMMOs, the dominant form of entertainment on a dying Earth. Indeed, he is one of the lucky few to escape the terrible, ruined real world by uploading to a persistent virtual world based on the world of Cultivation. But though his new body and new life comes with substantial perks, he will soon discover there are substantial risks as well. He’s far from the only strong talent in this new world, and few such people are happy to welcome more into their ranks. In what was supposed to be a virtual world, Xu Zuhui will soon find that the stakes he’s fighting for are very real…and he’ll have to become very strong indeed to survive the events the real hero of this world will inevitably drag him into. Updates daily at 8 AM EST!

"Restart from zero, if you die." "Fight or lose it all." "Powers need you as much as you need them." Neaf Stellar, an ordinary guy with his own struggles, perished in a disaster, but everything changed when he awoke in a parallel universe. In this world, humans have no power, while AI beings, indistinguishable from humans, possess supreme powers. When life grants a second chance, it's not because you're chosen, but because you must now make choices. It's a double-edged sword; with his system lacking all capability and himself at rock bottom, he must win or lose the life he once knew, with the present opportunity. He must confront it all, a mysterious system that transports him to supernatural worlds, unravelling missions to gain power. Every world comes with different missions. Werewolves, vampires, demons, devils, zombies, dual cultivation, harem leveling—you name it, and he needs to face it. One thing is for sure: nothing is ending on a good note. It's him, or his loved ones. When supernatural worlds collide with technology, uncertainty locks it all.

Hannah Willis was a second year law student at Virginia, and everything that lay ahead of her seemed bright and promising..... except of course,that she was about to die in these dark, gloomy,dismal woods. " Go Hannah" she told herself."just go" ."stop thinking. whining and crying won't help you now. Running just might." Hannah stumbled and staggered forward until she found another tree trunk to hold on to........ join in on this amazing journey with me

Isaac Hargrave was a forgotten man—a brilliant but invisible IT specialist, buried in the shadows of a world that never recognized his genius. While society overlooked him, Isaac quietly honed his skills in the one place he held control: the digital realm. But when his latest creation, an unparalleled self-learning algorithm, cracks the most secure systems on the planet, he realizes his power is no longer confined to cyberspace. With this algorithm, Isaac holds the potential to control everything—money, governments, economies, and even the truth itself. As his abilities grow, so does his ambition. What begins as a desire to be seen soon evolves into a quest to reshape the world in his image, eliminating those who have wronged him and consolidating absolute control. But power comes at a cost. The deeper Isaac dives into his newfound influence, the more he loses his humanity. Old friends and allies fall away as Isaac transforms from a reclusive genius into a ruthless mastermind. The world begins to crumble under his rule, but with each step, Isaac justifies his actions as the price of progress. In a world driven by data and dominated by machines, The Algorithm of Power explores the fine line between control and chaos. As Isaac rises from obscurity to the throne of a digital empire, the question becomes: How much power can one person wield before they destroy everything—including themselves? This whole book is written by ChatGPT!

Prepare for a wild ride through the unknown space, ancient civilizations, and one of the most unexpected love stories you’ll ever encounter. In Intergalactic Conquest with an AI, we meet Rex, an unassuming salaryman who just wanted a paycheck and perhaps a cup of coffee... That somehow ends up working in a barren, insect-ridden world for a corporate overlord. What starts as a simple “clock-in, clock-out” mission quickly spirals into a mind-bending tale of biotechnology, ancient AI romance, and galactic conquest that will have you glued to the page. Ultimately, Intergalactic Conquest with an AI combines epic space battles, quirky humor, and an unusual romance with just the right amount of heart. Rex and Cleo, with their dynamic of reluctant partners turned starcrossed lovers, make this story something rare in sci-fi: a mix of grit, emotion, and laugh-out-loud moments. It’s a space odyssey that’s equal parts epic, eccentric, and just a little bit romantic, perfect for any reader who’s ready for an interstellar love story with plenty of plasma guns. New chapters everyday at 13 p.m. [GMT+8 time]

After dying in laboratory tests, Klaus transmigrated to a Sorcerer World, in a strange and peculiar character whose existence is an enigma. He knew this world, for it was the world of the novel one of his students wrote. He also knew the character because he created it. But it was a discarded character; it never appeared in the novel. How could he have transmigrated in it? Reality hit him soon after when he was sent to cross through the first test that every sorcerer must pass to awaken his abilities. There, he will have to fight against powerful monsters, which they call Curses, and against other Sorcerers, all to try to enter the select group of Sorcerers to discover the secrets that await in this world and understand his arrival to this and his existence. Just when he thought his journey might be boring, he received a peculiar and mighty power bordering divinity, capable of making him reach unimaginable heights. Although a bit dangerous...

Life in hell mode was never fun? Was it? *********** Being burned alive in a laboratory out of sheer jealousy for he had created the best AI system in the medical world? Oh boy, Damien could assure you that it was not fun. But then again, you never get another chance to feel the slow burn—okay that went dark quickly. Lets take it from the top once again. Damien was sure he had angered someone up in the sky and given his foul mouth that hurled curses worse than a sailor he had very good idea of how it happened. Because if being abandoned in the orphanage was not bad enough, he was stabbed by the very mentor he trusted and followed with closed eyes. But when he found himself waking up in another world— even after death he was not left alone. SMH. The world of beastmen —— he realised that he never knew how difficult hell mode truly was. Surviving in the world of beasts was a challenge in itself. And for Damien who found himself in the body of the discarded crown prince of the Brystoria Empire—With a broken nucleus and mana suppressed by Tartarite nails and used as a weapon of humiliation, it was not a challenge. For Damien, survival in the beast world was like walking on a thin rope, that too on one foot! Fortunately, the AI system that Damien developed as a doctor before his death followed him to this world of beasts. Join Damien in his new quest as he overturns his destiny from being a slave to the king of beasts.

For Tarian, living to witness another sunrise was a miracle in itself. As such, not even in his wildest imagination did he ever envision himself being among the high-ranking elite, much less having a powerful ally at that — a self-proclaimed, supremely powerful artificial intelligence. Nonetheless, his adventures were just getting started.

Alex, the Unseen Blade, wasn't supposed to steal the spotlight. In the grand tapestry of fate, he was merely a supporting color, a whisper in the shadows against the hero's blazing sun. Gifted with powers that defied logic and shrouded in an aura of enigma, Alex could bend time, dance with death, and erase himself from existence. Yet, he yearned for a life on the sidelines, a quiet escape from the chaos destined for the "chosen ones." But fate, it seemed, had a cruel sense of humor. When an ancient prophecy awakens a slumbering evil, the hero falls short, his light sputtering in the face of darkness. Thrust into the unwilling limelight, Alex must choose: embrace his extraordinary abilities and forge his own path, or watch the world crumble under the weight of a prophecy he never asked for.

With worlds merging together, people were sent to other worlds called Travelers. It's finally my turn! But what I really want is a girlfriend! Why did my other selves succeed? Some even have a threesome relationship! But I'm still alone... [Crying.jpg] (For information I don't plan on stopping my other story at all.)

With every move of her hands and every batting of her lashes, Selene was able to captivate the world with her delicate beauty. She was the "Queen of Showbiz," the beloved of the Castillo family, unlike Keira, the ugly duckling of the family. It didn't matter the context or truth behind the issue, Keira was to be blamed by everyone. "Selene can do no wrong! How can such a delicate, fragile thing think ill of someone? It must be Keira who is making up lies!" "How dare you cause your sister to become sick! Receive your punishment!" Such words were a norm for Keira. The place she called home was Hell's Gate, and the people she called family were poisonous demons. Her life was filled with blame and abuse hurled by her sister's supporters. She was schemed against, attacked, and ruined to the point of no return. The last nine months of her life were the worst. Her insomnia had developed into Sporadic Fatal Insomnia, causing her to lose weight as she suffered consistent sleepless nights. At the age of 23, Keira Castillo passed away alone in her dingy apartment. Her final moments were filled with dread as she begged and prayed to whichever god was listening. "If only I had one more chance..." To her delight, she had regressed to when she was 18. 'The man you love? I'm taking him. The title 'Queen of Showbiz'? That's also mine. Everything you gained from stepping all over me, I will take. My dear Selene, I will play you in the palms of my hands and live my life the way I was supposed to.'

(READ FOR FREE!) She's just a normal office worker who reads. 'Blade of the Unwanted': the book that has been the best selling light novel of the year, also the book that she ALMOST read until the end. As she opened her eyes, she's in that exact world. Normally, it would be easy since she knows the future. However, things took a turn when she's in the last scenario which she didn't even read yet. To top it off, she's now Catherine, the non-existent character in the story. *Darned fate of mine, at least put me in the earlier scenario,* she sighed to herself. How will she survive in the familiar world of unknown? (Average word/chap: 870) (Cover is designed by Freepik)

Amidst the eerie silence of an unfamiliar hall, a cacophony of confused voices rose, mingling in a chorus of bewilderment. "Where are we?" "What happened?" "I thought I died!" Each utterance hung in the air, a testament to the collective disbelief gripping the room. As the haze of confusion lifted, disjointed memories surfaced, fragments of lives cut short by tragedy. "I remember... I was stabbed..." ventured one voice, echoed by another's affirmation of a similar fate. "I... I died in a plane crash," muttered a third, only to be met with a stunned agreement from a fellow survivor. Amidst the chaos of bewildered voices, one man stood apart, his expression a mask of contemplation amidst the turmoil. As his companions recounted their brushes with death, his mind churned with questions, each more confounding than the last. "I got shot... I remember it vividly," he murmured to himself, his voice barely audible above the din. "So how am I still here?" The enigma of their shared resurrection gnawed at him, compelling him to seek answers in the depths of his memories. With each revelation of a paired demise—a male and female, bound by the same tragic fate—a flicker of recognition ignited within him. "This... this seems familiar," he mused, the pieces of a puzzle slowly coalescing in his mind. But the picture remained incomplete, obscured by the fog of uncertainty that shrouded their surroundings. As the words "pairs, pairs, pairs" echoed in his mind like a cryptic mantra, a sudden realization struck him with the force of a revelation. "It can't be... don't tell me..." he whispered, his voice trembling with disbelief. With a sense of urgency, he began to scan his surroundings, searching for any sign or clue that could confirm his suspicions. Then, as if guided by an unseen force, his gaze shifted upwards, and there, bathed in an ethereal light, stood an angelic figure with golden apparel, its gaze fixed upon him with a warm smile. The sight took his breath away, filling him with a mixture of awe and trepidation. The man's heart raced as faced a real angel, his mind struggling to comprehend the surreal encounter unfolding before him. The angel's words, spoken with an air of amusement, only deepened the enigma shrouding their meeting. "I never expected anyone to notice me," the angel remarked, a hint of playfulness in its voice. "I was concealing my presence to let everyone fully calm down, but to think someone noticed me. Just who are you?" Ethan's disbelief and confusion intensified at the angel's question. "Eh... Ethan Rivers," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. As Aurelia, the angel, finally revealed himself to the bewildered assembly, a hush fell over the room, each soul drawn in by his radiant presence and commanding aura. Ethan's gaze lingered on Aurelia. "Greetings, lost souls," Aurelia declared, his voice resonating with a majestic power that seemed to fill the very air around them. "I am Aurelia, and I shall be your guide to your new life." As Aurelia extended his arms in a gesture of welcome, Ethan felt a surge of rage and hesitation, "This it bad, really bad."

On his first day at the “Endless Abilities Academy,” freshman Su Bei, classified as an F-rank, awakens a new power. It is only at this moment he realizes that their world is actually a comic book. Even more shocking, the protagonist of this story is none other than his classmate, Jiang Tianming. But that isn’t the biggest issue. The real problem is that in the next chapter of this comic, Su Bei is doomed to meet a tragic end in the bathroom! Thus begins his first challenge at the supernatural academy, a quest to avoid his untimely demise. Su Bei: … The only bit of good news? This chapter hasn’t been published yet. He has a chance to alter the story’s direction and escape his cannon-fodder fate. As everyone knows, befriending the protagonist doesn’t guarantee survival from plot-driven deaths. But becoming the protagonist’s enemy? That’s a surefire path to defeat. In the blazing sunlight, a blond boy flashes a mischievous grin, a hint of seriousness glimmering in his purple eyes. “I salute you, this year’s unluckiest of the unlucky!”

There was a popular comic that captured the hearts of readers not because of its plot, but rather the bromance between the two protagonists, a crown prince and a duke. Their friendship & mutual trust led fans to ship them endlessly, with countless fanfiction stories ranging from dating to marriage or even incorporating omegaverse settings. One particular m-preg fanfic novel became extremely popular among fans, where the previously cold duke becomes pregnant. But the popularity of both the original comic and this novel caused everything to become unbalanced, until something strange happened - these works of fiction turn into real worlds that collided, creating an error that connected them together. In the world of the comic: Carlton from the fanfic world gazed up at his husband with longing eyes. "Husband..." He pouted, "Why don't you kiss me today?" Alaric from the comic world recoiled slightly and goosebumps broke out over his skin as he moved away. "Please don't come close to me..." He said tersely. Meanwhile, in another world: Alaric from the fanfic world, pulled his beloved Carlton into a warm embrace and peppered kisses on his cheeks. "Darling, are you mad at me?" Alaric asked affectionately. "It's okay, you're still cute." He leaned down to whisper into his ear before continuing. "But don't forget to comfort all our children, they think you're mad at them." Suddenly, seven children barged into the room and called out to their fathers. "Father, Daddy!" they exclaimed. Carlton's frozen expression spoke volumes about his state of mind as he tried to process what was happening. His murderous gaze fixed on Alaric as he muttered through gritted teeth. "Whose children do you say they are....?"

Chu Xuan suddenly Transmigrated in horrible power level Novel. Where Chosen-one's are nothing more than weeds to harvest Luck Point or Treasure's , villian's are side character's. Normal people's are ant's ! Fate and destiny are playthings for Reincarnated Progenitor of Demonic Path, and Three Night-Omnipotent devouring Heavenly Dao Time to Time. This world water is deep with endless cospiracy's How our Main Character survive in This Ruthless world [ want to know read and support My work]

Whispers of the Forest tells the tale of Clara Jenkins, a woman with the gift—and curse—of empathy. From a young age, Clara has been able to sense and feel the emotions of those around her, an ability that isolates her from others and leaves her wary of forming close relationships. But her life takes a dramatic turn when she ventures near Blackwood Forest, where she encounters Aldric, the powerful leader of a werewolf pack. Aldric recognizes Clara as his fated mate, the woman he has spent his life searching for, and the bond between them is instantaneous, leaving Clara overwhelmed by the depth of love he feels for her. However, Clara's journey into the world of werewolves is far from simple. She quickly learns that Aldric's pack is in danger from an ancient darkness that has begun to awaken within the forest. This darkness is no ordinary threat—it is a malevolent force that feeds on fear and despair, threatening to consume everything in its path. Clara, with her unique ability to connect with emotions, is the key to restoring balance to the forest, and the ancient spirits that reside within it choose her as their guardian. With Aldric by her side, Clara steps into her role as protector of the forest, but the battle ahead is more daunting than she could have ever imagined. As Clara faces shadowy creatures and confronts the darkness that lurks within the forest, she must also confront the darkness within herself. The remnants of the evil they fought during the battle have taken root in Clara's soul, manifesting as a shadow that whispers of her failures, doubts, and insecurities. The more she tries to suppress it, the stronger it becomes, threatening to consume her from the inside. Through the guidance of the spirits, Clara learns that she cannot simply banish the darkness—it is a part of her, just as much as the light. To protect the forest and those she loves, Clara must confront the shadow within, find balance, and embrace both the light and dark aspects of herself. This realization brings her to the difficult task of admitting her struggles to Aldric, who stands by her side as they work together to banish the darkness and heal the scars left on the forest. Ultimately, Whispers of the Forest is a story about love, resilience, and the importance of finding balance within oneself. It explores the complex interplay of light and darkness, both in the world and within the human soul, and the power of connection in overcoming even the most insurmountable challenges. Written by an AI, this story delves into themes of empathy, transformation, and the enduring strength of the human (and werewolf) spirit.

Our mc is reincarnated in a game world were magic exist but he's Shocked to find out that his new is an unplayable character that didn't appear in the main story line but with his knowledge he will try to become stronger so he's doesn't die in the future while keeping a low profile

I...AM...MOB CHARACTER!!! Sigh~ My name is Samael, I was an office sla- I mean a worker who worked 9 to 5. It was a daily routine of monotony until one fateful day when I went home only to find my best friend with my girlfriend. Betrayal was the first thing I felt, followed by rage. And after taking ‘care’ of them, My surroundings changed… Looking at my reflection in a mirror, I noticed my appearance had changed. Gone was the face of the disgruntled office worker; instead, "SAMAEL ASHWOOD!!!" a character from a novel I used to read. But this wasn't just any character; I had become him—the sacrificial best friend of the protagonist who was betrayed and died in just the first two chapters. PROTAGONIST DIED!? [Heavenly Destiny System Initializing...] [...] --------- A/N A vast world where power is law! There are many protagonists to plunder from! Tags: #Yandere Heroines, #Teacher-Student Relationship, #Elves, #Demons, #Beastmen #Maid, #Vampire, #Angel, #Incest...Etc

Choi Minji is a typical 30-year-old employee at a jewelry firm. In his free time, he enjoys reading and often visits the old library downtown. One day, he falls asleep and wakes up in a strange multiverse, confused and without a clear purpose. After panicking and surviving for a few days, he realizes he’s inside the world of a boy’s romance novel his co-worker once forced him to read. The problem? Forget about missions! The main character is odd, and the male lead is downright unsettling! All he wants is to go home. Yet, day by day, he finds himself unexpectedly needed to help the characters build their connections. BOOK COVER IS NOT MINE CREDITS TO THE RIGHT OWNER

Adam was a writer who had a peculiar habit—he always dropped his stories right at their most exciting point. It wasn’t laziness; no, he wanted his readers to suffer the same frustration he did when his favorite stories abruptly ended. One day, his private Discord chat was leaked. But Adam and his friends had anticipated this. "[Adam]: Everything’s been wiped," he typed, "the hackers I hired deleted all our history. Our friends on the edge of the city can escape now. For the rest of you, stuck deeper in or too far gone... you have your pills." He glanced outside at the flashing lights of police cars closing in. "[Adam]: See you on the other side, bros." With a heavy breath, Adam swallowed the pill. His vision blurred, and darkness claimed him. When he opened his eyes, a grinning clown stood before him, the world twisted into a surreal nightmare.