The team returned to Hollow Creek Elementary just as the sun dipped below the trees. Time had barely passed—only two hours since they first vanished.
No one suspected anything.
They were just kids again. Sort of.
But something had changed. They weren't just adventurers. They were guardians of reality now. Chosen protectors of the multiverse.
That Saturday night, they all gathered in Reggie's garage, sitting around an open laptop playing video games, laughing and poking fun at each other like nothing had happened.
Candace made popcorn. Linda was in charge of soda. Vanessa and Isabella debated over who really saved the day. Remy showed off a magic trick. Jake just smiled.
Reggie looked up from the Dimenswatch he was upgrading and said quietly:
> "You guys know this isn't over, right?"
Jake nodded.
> "We're just getting started."
And far away—deep in a void where time hadn't yet begun—a new eye opened.
Watching them.
Waiting.
---
End of Volume One: Origins of the Phantom Band