"C'mon Ethan, let's go. It's been an hour already, and it's not like she's going anywhere." Mei huffed as she glanced up from scrolling on her phone."Give me five more minutes, Mei. It's her birthday."Mei Ling pouted as the machines keeping Mrs Li, Ethan's mother, alive beeped rhythmically in the deathly silent ward. Her eyes wandered to the muted TV showing an interview with an up-and-coming esper.She gazed dreamily at the young man who had the qualifications to work as a "hero" in the Otherworld. Mei silently wondered what her life would be like if she had landed a capable man like him instead of Ethan. A grin appeared on her delicate face as she imagined the wealth and status at her disposal in that situation."I'd even be able to visit the Otherworld with him by my side.""Did you say something?" Ethan turned his head to look at her. The dark bags under his eyes made him look a few years older than he was."It's nothing, dear." Mei sighed as she returned to swiping different p

"We are Agents Yun and Kai from the DPER. A Psychic event was registered as originating from this location last night. May we come in?" The female agent in the black suit jacket and pencil skirt announced as she gestured to herself first and her partner next. "Please, come in," Ethan said with a bow as he opened the door further and gestured to the living room.Agent Xi Yun scanned the aftermath of Ethan's rage from the night before with a raised eyebrow. "Thank you. We need to confirm a few things."Ethan awkwardly scratched the back of his head. "Sorry about the mess. Please sit down."He swallowed as Agent Yun slowly sat down and crossed her legs while peering at him over the rim of her glasses. A silent pressure seemed to emanate from her partner, who stood silently by the window. Before they could ask their questions, a deep frown appeared on Agent Yun's face as her gaze moved to the two bright boxes on the table.A small gasp escaped her glossy red lips. "Are those what I think

Ethan replayed the image of Princess Elara Volsen in his mind as he and Xi made their way through the winding corridors of the palace. It was hard not to. There was just something about her, something that could turn ordinary guys like him into complete idiots with a simple smile."You're thinking about her, aren't you?" Xi's voice cut through his thoughts, sharp as ever."Who?" Ethan's eyes scanned the polished floor as he pretended not to know what she was talking about."The Princess," Xi said, her tone making it clear she didn't buy his act for a second. "Don't. She's not someone you should ever get involved with."Ethan let out a nervous chuckle. "You're assuming I'd want to get involved with her in the first place."Xi abruptly stopped, causing Ethan to nearly walk into her. She turned, her eyes narrowing behind her glasses. "Listen, Ethan. The Otherworld isn't a playground you can mess around in. There are forces here. Powers that don't give a damn about your abilities or your

Ethan woke at daybreak to the muffled sounds of the city waking up outside his window. The inn he had chosen, The Gateway, was a modest place that somehow was both rundown and cozy. Ethan groaned along with the aged beams over his head. 'Damn, this bed could be better.' Still, it was a welcome comfort after yesterday's events.He rubbed his eyes and stretched, his arms still sore from swinging the cudgel repeatedly yesterday. The memory of his struggle against the strange creatures made him wince. He wouldn't survive long in this world if he kept trying to brute-force his way through every problem. It was time to use his head. And the system.After washing up in the small basin by the window, Ethan sat on the edge of the bed and activated his Otherworld Free Market skill. A familiar hum filled the air as he suddenly found himself back in that strange place. He quickly scanned the closest vending machines, where various items were displayed, each with a short description and price tag.

The following day, Ethan returned to the site, feeling the weight of unfinished business on his shoulders. The sky was bright, but a chill hung in the air as he approached the meeting spot. He spotted Layla and her group waiting for him, their equipment looking a bit worse for wear but their spirits seemingly intact."Morning, Ethan!" Layla called out cheerfully as she waved him over, her ponytail swaying with her enthusiastic greeting. To Ethan, she seemed more confident than she had yesterday. "Ready to finish what we started?""Definitely," Ethan replied with a nod, trying to keep his focus sharp. Despite the warm greeting, the nagging feeling Ethan had the day before returned. 'What the heck is up with this?' He couldn't help but scan their surroundings, and finding nothing to be concerned about, he pushed the feeling to the back of his mind.The ragtag group of adventurers stood nearby, quietly preparing for the day ahead. Ethan took a moment to size them up.First was Roland, t