This is bothersome...

  Something seemed to be haunting Noah, no matter how hard he tried to distance himself from the cause. But... what was it? He tried to clean his hand so many times that he had to stop, fearing he might tear his clothes if he continued. The movement kept starting, then stopping halfway. His teeth ground together. His fist clenched. And once the snap of a tongue echoed, the city sounds engulfed him.

  Sighing, he looked around, trying to forget whatever it was that was bothering him. But for that, he'd need to focus on something new.

  — Mommy, mommy, I want a sweet! — said a little boy.

  — That... — the woman's eyes scanned the caramelized fruits he pointed at and then she crouched down, smiling — When we get home, I'll make some for you, alright?

  The first scene he saw did not please him, so Noah turned again to his own world, isolating himself from everything. For some reason, that scene reminded him of the Radiance. Was it the affection? The concern? But even if it was, why would something like that be stuck in his mind? He looked back one last time. Between envy and desire, his eyes yearned for something.

  ...Ridiculous. He laughed at himself. What a stupid thought...

  His figure merged with the crowd and vanished, but the boy felt something hit his feet. Small and with a dull glow, the whitish crystal stopped beneath everyone's shadows. He picked it up without much thought.

  — Look, mommy, it's pretty.

  The woman's eyes widened and she froze for a moment. She should have been quicker and she knew it. She picked her son up and left the place while she still could. Many gazes followed them... It would have been good if the two had managed to get home with that.

  Noah kept walking slowly. Despite the constant urging in his mind to go faster, he was in no hurry. He wanted to return to those three—

  Did he want to...?

  But he decided to take it slow, step by step, as he thought a bit more. He observed his surroundings and wondered. Living alone once again, was that the best decision?

  What would I have changed, then...? He stared at the smiles, wondering if they were really forced. But why does the image of that girl always come to mind when I think about it? Isadora... I can't like her, can I?

  [...Actually, it would be strange if that wasn't the case.]

  Just because she's beautiful? If that's all, how many other girls in this world would meet that same criterion?

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  [Like her...? None.]

  His eyes wandered among the stalls and Noah ended up spotting something that seemed interesting. He ignored the system and moved on.

  This wasn't here before, was it...? No, I would remember if it was.

  He looked at the small black pouch with a red cord on the table, right beside a dark book that seemed to emanate a faint energy.

  — Sir, what are these things...?

  He felt the old man’s gaze examine his body, analyzing him. He also heard the sellers around them laughing.

  — That was quicker than I thought. How much do you think he'll say now?

  — Last time he said a thousand crystals, so I don't doubt it'll be something even more ridiculous this time.

  — Seriously, I don't understand what people see in these things... If they're so eager to buy pouches, they should know I've got plenty at home.

  The voices were annoying, but they didn't shake him. The old man cleared his throat and, in an instant, his expression shifted in an incredible way.

  — Sorry, young man... The truth is, I didn't want to sell these things.

  — Then don't waste people's time! — one of the vendors shouted, with the others agreeing in chorus.

  But ignoring them, the old man continued:

  — But... my granddaughter..., she's sick and I don't... I thought that by doing this I could at least get some money to help her. But it's still hard... Letting go of these is...

  The street fell silent.

  Noah thought for a moment but soon turned away.

  — Forget it, then. I hope you can solve your granddaughter's problem. — he said, turning back onto his path.

  However, his body stopped. The translucent screen flickered.

  I can't...? Another opportunity? He looked at the old man, uncertain. If it's not him... the granddaughter? Can I not refuse this time either?

  The answer didn't come immediately, making him sigh. He was already thinking of resuming the conversation.

  [You can, but I advise against it.]

  You advise against it...?

  [This is not a great opportunity, but-!]

  The screen flickered, images vibrating. The letters got scrambled and the voice was interrupted by a piercing screech that shook Noah’s mind. He brought his hand to his forehead as he struggled to keep his balance.

  ...What happened? Was there an error? What the heck was that?

  [...I can't.]

  Can't? Can't what? Keep talking?

  The silence brought relief, but neither lasted long.

  [...The Frost Flame isn't...]

  Noah fell to his knees. The voice cut off every second, leaving disjointed fragments in his mind. The shrill screech echoed, and his vision darkened as the screen flickered.

  [...you... Noah... She is... seeking.]

  The screen closed and Noah collapsed.

  The old man ran to help him as the crowd gathered around.

  — Boy, are you alright? Hey, bo-!

  — Frost Flame...? — Noah muttered as he fainted, trying to understand what the system was saying even as his mind faded away.

  The old man froze. His mind plunged into a whirl of questions. However, he was pulled out by the intense gazes from within the crowd, which soon disappeared.

  He turned to Noah. Even though he was unsure what to do, he picked him up and ran away from the city, heading northwest toward the forest.

  ...They're not following me? He checked his surroundings. Did they go to prepare, or are there more people besides those two...?