Ferma Docks, Vohmir…

  The moons peeked through a mesh of gray and orange clouds, casting their resplendent light across the tranquil waters below. Seagulls swooped overhead, their cries rising and falling in rhythm with the gentle slosh of the waves. A briny tang hung in the air, mingling with the scent of smoked fish, seasoned oak, and rusted steel.

  With Bordon Island—home to the prestigious Knights of Bordon—looming just off the coast, Ferma Docks housed over a hundred vessels and welcomed more than a thousand visitors each day. Crewmen strode about with practiced urgency, while fishermen loudly hawked their catches to anyone willing to listen. Dull neon signs flickered above dockside shops, bathing the area in a faint, artificial glow. Gray wood and steel defined every structure, from the crowded fishermen’s stalls lining the harbor to the souvenir and rental shops catering to tourists.

  Adam, his face and physique altered by Manipulator, strolled among the excited crowds, eyes sweeping over the shops.

  I made a mistake… How am I supposed to find the order house among all these?

  He wore the guise of a middle-aged man—crooked teeth, sagging skin, deep shadows beneath his eyes. His black hair was rough and unkempt, contrasting with clothes that were stained yet carefully maintained.

  “Why waste time on such useless things?” the demonic voice crooned. “Forget all of this. Devouring the crystal should be your priority. Stop pretending to be a saint and swallow it already.”

  “Shut up.”

  Adam ignored the snickering voice and continued scanning the docks. His gaze lingered on flickering neon signboards.

  Theodore’s Rentals… Patsy’s Fresh Fish… Isiash’s Fresher Fish…

  Most shops sold fishing equipment, fish, or both. A few rented boats or catered to tourists, but none stood out.

  Adam came to a halt.

  My approach was flawed from the start. Instead of searching for a place that feels unique… I should be looking for unique people.

  His attention shifted from storefronts to the bustling crowds.

  Find an Awakened, and I should be able to get some clues.

  “Haven’t you considered that human lied?” the demon chimed.

  Adam scowled, then shook his head. “I did,” he replied. “But she’s too much of a coward. At least, that was the impression she gave.”

  “Fool,” the demon laughed. “That could’ve been an act. What if she led you here on purpose? Don’t be na?ve.”

  Adam said nothing. He had considered the possibility—especially that the password itself might trigger his demise once spoken inside the order house.

  He exhaled slowly. “It’s a risk I’m willing to take.”

  “Idiot,” the demon sneered. “Why gamble when you could grow stronger by devouring the crystal—”

  “I’m no saint,” Adam cut in, his tone hardening. “But there are lines I won’t cross.”

  Consuming the crystal blindly was one thing. Knowing how it was made—and what it cost—was another entirely.

  “Like always,” the demon murmured, “you’ll regret this hesitation of yours…”

  Adam didn’t respond.

  Hopefully, this gamble pays off.

  “Sir, do you need some help?”

  Adam turned toward the adolescent voice.

  A young boy stood there, smiling nervously. His fingers clenched the frayed hem of his jacket, while his left ankle rotated restlessly in place.

  “I’m fine,” Adam said. “It’s late. You shouldn’t be out here alone.”

  He turned to leave.

  A light tug caught the back of his wool jacket.

  “Sir, I may be young,” the boy said quickly, “but I know these docks better than anyone. I won’t let you down—and my fees aren’t expensive.”

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  Adam met the boy’s gaze. The hesitation was gone, replaced by quiet confidence.

  “What a nosy brat,” the demon purred. “Let’s lure him into an alley. We can take our time devouring him.”

  Shut up, Adam snapped inwardly.

  He studied the boy again.

  Confident… but I don’t expect much. I’ll treat it as helping a stray kid.

  “Alright,” Adam said. “I’ll hire you.”

  “R-Really?” the boy blurted out, then stiffened. “I mean—thank you, sir! I won’t disappoint you.”

  Adam resisted the urge to smile dryly.

  “What’s your name?”

  “Adkins, sir—but people call me Ads.” The breeze toyed with his brown hair as he smiled.

  “Ads…” Adam repeated, committing it to memory. His tone sharpened. “Do you know about Awakened?”

  “Of course! Who doesn’t?” Ads pointed toward the fog-shrouded island offshore. “Are you heading to Bordon Island? You’ll need a boat for that.”

  He leaned closer, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “Theodore’s Rentals is the best. Their prices are fair. Just between us—don’t go to Matty’s. He cheats first-timers and rents junk.”

  Adam pressed his fingers to his forehead.

  He’s talkative… I only asked about Awakened.

  “I never said I wanted to visit Bordon Island,” Adam said. “Is there a shop here frequented by Awakened?”

  Ads scratched his head, muttering under his breath. Apart from the Knights—always clad in regalia—Awakened were indistinguishable from normal people.

  Adam sighed.

  As expected.

  He reached into his pocket and withdrew a small gold coin, a phoenix engraved on both sides. “If you don’t know, that’s fine. Take this. Thanks for your time.”

  Ads froze.

  His eyes locked onto the coin as he swallowed hard and stepped back.

  “S-Sir… that’s gold,” he whispered. “One coin could feed me three meals a day for six months. I can’t accept that.”

  Excitement gave way to suspicion.

  “I’d be happy with two copper coins,” he added quickly.

  “These streets have been hard on you,” Adam muttered.

  He could sense the boy wondering whether this generosity carried strings.

  “N-No, sir—that’s not what I meant,” Ads said hastily.

  Then, suddenly, “Sir… did you come because of the rumors?”

  Adam frowned.

  “What rumors?” he asked. “Tell me.”

  “Sir, I don’t know who started the rumor,” Ads said quietly, “but people are saying a mystical flower appeared somewhere in the east—one that can turn anyone into an Awakened.”

  “Oh?” Adam hummed, studying the boy with renewed interest.

  Ads nodded eagerly. “Some think it’s hidden here, in Vohmir. Others say it’s in Targarth, or even Dratol.” He hesitated, then stepped closer, glancing around as though afraid of being overheard. Lowering his voice, he whispered, “There are even rumors it’s beyond the walls.”

  Adam raised a brow. “Do you really believe a flower like that could exist?”

  Ads shook his head, then paused. “I don’t know, sir,” he admitted. “But… I think it’s true.”

  “And why is that?”

  The boy rubbed the sides of his ears awkwardly. “Just a feeling.”

  Adam chuckled softly and shook his head.

  It’s only natural, he thought. People will always yearn for what lies beyond their reach.

  For the common folk, wishing to join the ranks of the Awakened was as normal as breathing.

  “Um—sir,” Ads said suddenly, straightening. “I just remembered something related to what you asked earlier.” He leaned in again. “I heard that two Awakened fought near Havic’s Rentals. It’s the third time something like that’s happened this year. Maybe whatever you’re looking for is connected to that place.”

  Adam’s smile deepened. “And where exactly is Havic’s Rentals?”

  “Oh—right! I should’ve mentioned that earlier.” Ads giggled sheepishly. “Take the first right over there and head deeper into the docks. You’ll see a slightly run-down shark shop with a few yellow wooden paddles out front. The shop right next to it—that’s your place!”

  Adam nodded. “Thank you. And have you reconsidered taking the coin?”

  He lifted the gold piece again, letting it catch the light. This time, Ads didn’t flinch.

  The boy shook his head and raised two fingers. “Two copper coins are enough, sir.”

  “Two coppers?” Adam said, nodding. “Fair enough.”

  He slipped the gold coin back into his pocket, retrieved two copper coins instead, and placed them gently into Ads’ palm.

  “Take care of yourself, kid.”

  Ads stood rooted in place, staring at the retreating back of the middle-aged man. He wondered if he would ever see that frightening stranger again—or a gold coin.

  I wonder how the others would react if I told them I rejected a gold coin, he thought. Would they even believe me?

  A low growl escaped his stomach.

  Two copper coins should be enough to buy several baskets of stale bread.

  …I wonder how many baskets of fresh bread I could’ve bought with that gold coin.

  Ads sighed, shook his head, and looked down at the coins resting in his palm.

  There’s no point thinking about it anymore.

  That’s how Amarat was kidnapped.

  It’s not like money could’ve protected him…

  His fingers curled into a fist.

  Yet no number of excuses could deny the truth: a gold coin would’ve changed his life.

  His stomach growled again—louder this time.

  I should go to the bakery before I pass out.

  Ads relaxed his grip and absentmindedly slipped one coin into his pocket. He flipped the other into the air.

  A golden glint flashed across his vision as the coin spun.

  …What?

  He snatched the coin midair and glanced around frantically. No one was watching. Heart pounding, he hurried into a nearby alley.

  Cold sweat broke across his forehead. His breaths came fast and shallow. His hands wouldn’t stop shaking.

  He opened his clenched fist.

  A gold coin trembled in his palm.

  Am I dreaming?

  Ads rubbed his eyes with his free hand. The coin remained golden.

  Hands trembling, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the second coin.

  Heavens—

  His knees gave out. Ads collapsed backward as both coins slipped from his grasp and struck the ground with a dull clink.

  What’s going on?

  He remembered clearly: the man had taken the gold coin and replaced it with two copper ones. That much was certain.

  So why—

  Could they be fake?

  Ads grabbed one coin and bit down hard.

  Pain shot through his teeth.

  The coin didn’t budge.

  …It’s real.

  His breath caught.

  I’m rich.