Even after the fog had fully lifted, Nova remained lost in thought, so much so that he barely noticed when someone bumped into him.

"Hey, you! Watch where you're standing."

The sharp voice snapped him back to reality. Brow furrowed, Nova finally glanced around.

The street beneath him was cobbled, the buildings nearby made of worn brick and wood, none rising higher than three stories. He blinked. 'Buildings? Cobblestone?'

'Humans...' His eyes widened as he turned slowly, taking in the crowd. Dozens of people moved about, talking, bartering, walking with purpose. It's true. This is human civilization. Is this normal... or did I just get lucky? Maybe—'

"When someone speaks to you," the gruff voice interrupted again, this time laced with irritation, "the least you can do is listen. You're not even doing that."

Nova turned toward the speaker.

A broad-shouldered man wearing simple clothes stood just a meter away, arms crossed. Hovering just above his head, glowing faintly, was a single word: [Citizen].

"I was standing still. You're the one who bumped into me. And I'm not even making a fuss about it, so why are you? Just mind your business and walk away." Nova's tone was sharp, his patience clearly worn thin. He made no effort to sound polite.

The man's expression darkened as anger flared in his eyes.

"My fault? You came out of nowhere and got in my way!" He rolled up his sleeves with a sneer. "If I don't teach you a lesson now, no one will."

Before Nova could respond, the man lunged forward and threw a punch.

'He bumped into me and now he wants to fight? Is this for real?' Nova barely had time to think as he instinctively met the strike with one of his own.

Their fists collided, only a thud could be heard from it. For a second, they were evenly matched, until the man's arm was shoved backward by the impact.

Both men paused, wide-eyed, each surprised, but for different reasons.

'How is this guy so strong? Isn't he just a regular citizen?' Nova's thoughts raced. Without hesitation, he attempted to check the man's Status.

But before the information could appear, a notification rang sharply in his mind.

[Impossible to view]

Stunned by the notification, Nova barely registered the man's next words.

"Hmph." The burly man snorted, brushing dust from his tunic.

"So, we're about as strong but don't get cocky because of it." His voice was firm, almost lecturing. "I'll let it slide this time. But keep acting like that, and someone else might not be so forgiving."

With a final glance in Nova's direction, he turned and walked away, boots thudding against the stone street.

Nova didn't respond. He was too wrapped in thought.

'Why couldn't I see his Status? Is it because he's human? Or maybe... maybe it's tied to his strength? No, that doesn't feel right. Something's off.'

He hadn't even been in this place for five full minutes, and already the world around him was popping questions in his mind he couldn't answer. For a moment his confidence wavered.

'If I can't figure this out alone... maybe I should just ask him.'

Without wasting another second, Nova jogged after the man.

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"Hey! Wait up!" he called. "Sorry about earlier, I was caught up in my thoughts and didn't notice I was in the way."

Caught off guard, the man paused for a moment, processing Nova's words. Then a smug smile spread across his face.

"Heh… it's fine. Since you took my punch without whining, we'll call it even. Like I said, I'm very kind and humble." He puffed out his chest slightly, as if proud of the declaration. "Consider this your lucky day."

'Kind and humble? Isn't that something other people are supposed to say about you… not yourself?' The thought crossed Nova's mind, but he quickly pushed it aside. No point stirring things up again.

Instead, he offered a polite smile. "To show how sorry I am, let me properly introduce myself. I'm Nova and this is actually my first time here."

"Nova, huh? First time?" A flicker of understanding lit up in the man's eyes. He extended a hand with a friendly grin. "Name's Omar. I've lived here in Myra my whole life. If you need help with anything, just ask."

'This city is called Myra…' Nova accepted the handshake and gave a small nod. "Actually, I do have a few questions. Want to find a place to sit and talk?"

"Of course! Come with me, I'll take you to the best tavern in the city," Omar said with a booming laugh.

Nova followed, though a small part of him couldn't help but wonder if he'd just made a mistake by reopening the conversation. Omar's stride was confident, almost theatrical, as he led the way through winding streets and busy alleys. The city buzzed around them, but Nova barely noticed, his mind was still spinning with questions.

After about ten minutes, they stopped in front of a weathered old building with a sign swinging above the door: Buried Treasure.

"Here we are!" Omar announced proudly. "Come in, you won't regret this." He pushed the door open and strode inside without hesitation.

Nova followed.

The moment he stepped through the doorway, something felt… off. The tavern was completely empty. No customers. No bartender.

Just silence.

"…" Nova turned slowly to Omar, eyes narrowing. "Are you sure this is the best tavern in the city? Why is there no one here?"

Omar let out a sheepish chuckle. "Well… bit embarrassing to admit, but, this tavern is actually mine."

Nova's expression dropped.

"Oh, come on," Omar said quickly, holding up his hands. "The reason it's empty is because I've been away. No one could get in without me."

Nova said nothing, but the way his eyes narrowed spoke volumes. 'Con artist.'

"I swear it's true!" Omar insisted, raising his voice. "Just give it a few minutes, you'll see how packed this place gets. You better grab a seat now, or you'll be standing on your feet all day."

'Is he trying to convince me, or himself?' Nova thought, suppressing a sigh. 'Whatever. I didn't come here to drink. I'll just ask what I need and get out of here.'

Wordlessly, he took a seat at the counter. Omar grinned at the small victory and stepped behind the counter.

"What'll it be?" he asked, wiping down the counter with a flourish.

Nova said calmly. "I want to know—"

Before Nova could finish, Omar cut in.

"No, no, I meant, what can I bring you?" he said, gesturing toward the shelves with exaggerated enthusiasm.

Nova's fists clenched slightly beneath the counter. He drew a breath, steady and slow.

"I don't want food or drink," he said firmly. "I just have a few questions. Can we please get this over with?"

"Sure, sure," Omar replied, waving dismissively as he half-heartedly wiped down the now already-clean counter. "Ask away."

'Alright, first things first.' Nova fixed his eyes on him.

"How are you so strong?"

Omar paused, then tilted his head as if he'd just been asked the world's dumbest question.

"What do you mean, strong?"

Nova's lip twitched. "Your physical strength, it's nearly on par with mine. I want to know how."

Omar stared for a beat… then burst out laughing.

"That? That's just normal!" he said with a grin, until something seemed to click. His eyes widened slightly.

"Wait a minute... don't tell me—" He leaned in, mock-dramatic. "You actually thought you were strong this whole time? Oh, right this is your first time in a city."

Nova slammed his fist onto the counter.

It landed with a dull thud. No cracks. No dents. Just an awkward silence that followed.

"…"

"See?" Omar said casually, not even flinching. "If you were actually strong, you'd have taken out half the bar. But you didn't. Neither can I. So why ask?"

He resumed wiping the counter as if nothing had happened.

Nova didn't respond. He just stared at the polished wood beneath his hand.

'Even if this guy's messing with me… this counter isn't. That means he wasn't bluffing. He really is bottom tier in this world, and I'm right next to him.'

His thoughts drifted back to something Erevan had told him two years ago:

"In an Orange portal, you'd be seen as a child."

He had nodded at the time, said he understood. Maybe in his head, he had. But his heart had refused to accept it.

Now?

Now he understood completely. And for the first time he believed it.

In a Purple portal, Nova was barely stronger than the average adult. He had no clear idea how powerful he could become if he fully unleashed his Mana and used Dreadscape but one thing was certain:

If anyone here had trained seriously for even a few years, he would probably be risking his life just to stand a chance.

The weight of that truth pressed down on him, dragging him from his thoughts.

He looked at Omar, the heavy mood settling over him like a shadow.

"Where do people train in this city?" Nova asked quietly, his voice heavy.

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