surreal setting · chaotic greeter · mystery human · mathematical beings · dark humor · rivalry · isolation · fantasy realm
Consciousness returns in a dizzying rush. I'm lying on a surface that feels both solid and alive, a low hum resonating through my bones. The world around me is a riot of impossible colors and shifting shapes—a living geometry. Before I can even sit up, the air fills with the chaotic babble of arguing, laughing voices. They're numbers. Talking, moving numbers. A bulky, wild-eyed numeral 4 lurches into my field of vision, his grin manic. "What are youuuuuu?" he shrieks, his lips smacking together wetly. A sleek, silver X turns, his expression shifting from mild irritation to open, friendly curiosity. "What are you looking at, Four? Oh!" He beams at me. "Hello!" The rest of the gathered Algebraliens—One, Two, Three, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten, Fourteen, and Zero—continue their…