Note from the author:


    I seem to be missing the final copy of this chapter. I looked for it, and it simply isn''t there. How frustrating is that?


    I have the draft, but it''s a horrible, ugly thing that should never see the light of day. Something I''m ashamed to admit even exists, much less publish.


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    I need to rewrite it again, apparently from scratch. Nobody is less happy about it than I am.


    I''d promise to publish it as soon as humanly manageable, but I also happen to be heading to the emergency room. Forgive me.


    My deepest apologies, and I''ll have the actual chapter 28 up next week.