The word "then" serves as a versatile connective in literature, most commonly marking a progression in time or sequence of events. In many texts, it directs the reader's attention to what follows, whether it is the initiation of an action—as in biblical and epic narratives like [1] and [2]—or a transition in dialogue, as seen in [3] and [4]. It often builds momentum in the narrative, ushering in the next pivotal moment ([5], [6], [7]), while also participating in conditional or reflective constructions that emphasize consequences, as in [8]. Additionally, "then" can subtly manage pacing and tone in both descriptive passages ([9], [10]) and conversational interactions ([11], [12]), underlining its adaptability across diverse literary styles and genres.