How did I do this back in high school again? I've been sitting here for hours and I couldn't wrap my head around intermediate mathematics, even though this stuff used to be a cakewalk. Same goes for every other subject in the high school equivalency exam.

  But honestly, even a moron would've gone past the first chapter by now. And here I was, couldn't be bothered to commit anything to memory. Spending more time restlessly pacing around the room than actually studying. My body yearning to move, to do something other than gluing myself to a chair all day.

  "...wouldn't you say that our actions are what define us?"

  I've been thinking about that specific line since our initial conversation more often lately. Such a simple mindset. Obvious, and arguably somewhat misguided. But I couldn't find it in me to refute it as I find myself reflecting on my hero's journey.

  The truth remained. The responsibility to save Mistveil was entrusted upon me, and I had no choice but to accept. No, I never tried to say otherwise. I swallowed those complains and became the hero they wanted me to be. The intentions were never pure, I just couldn't bear the looks of disappointment had I failed to live up to their expectations.

  But if I were to look at it from Reina's perspective, I really had become a hero...

  My thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a knock from the door. "Karin? Kana and I are going to the wedding caterer today. If you're hungry, we've left some takeout in the fridge. And—"

  Before uncle Ken could finish, I rushed to the door and pulled it open. He wasn't the only one surprised when it happened. I had instinctively acted first and almost forgot what I wanted to say. "Uh... Can't I come with you?"

  "It's not that we're not letting you. But you have the exam to worry about. Focus on yourself first, find a proper job or pursue college," he paused to give an encouraging pat on my shoulder. "Just focus on getting yourself settled first, okay?"

  "R-right! Right..."

  My phone on the bed suddenly buzzed and I hastily reached out for it. Another sudden call to work even though today was supposed to be an off day. But I'd be lying if I said I that I didn't welcome the excuse to not stay cooped up in here.

  "I...have to go. Suddenly got a text from work."

  "Again? You're not intentionally taking on more shifts, are you? If you need the money—"

  "It's fine. Honest. They just need an extra pair of hands around the cafe right now."

  I slung my bag around my torso then swerved around him and past the door. He made no attempts to stop me, only letting out a defeated sigh and a reminder to stay safe.

  The four spirits trailed behind, trying to goad me into bringing them along. But I left their mementos in my room for a good reason. We've made a few compromises in the past, but it quickly became clear that no matter who came or how many, if even one of them was around something was going to go down. And that's how I ended up with four very disgruntled customers, a handful of traumatized drunkards, and one guy whose shoulder Finn dislocated and then popped back in.

  It could only be describe as a miracle how I haven't been fired yet. Even with those more extreme examples aside, seeing my personality shift constantly was probably an odd look. But I wasn't going to tempt fate and bring them along to cause another scene.

  "No," I sternly warned. Shushing whatever argument or excuses they have in store. "I... appreciate your intentions, but I can take care of myself just fine. There's no demons or any other abominations here—"

  "And other spirits?" Evelynn narrowed her eyes at me. Scrutinizing. Waiting for even the tiniest bit of peculiarity in my mannerism. "This place is infested with them. And I'm not surprised looking at the depressing state of this world. And it's somehow gotten into your head too."

  "What're you trying to say?"

  "What Evelynn meant was..." Caldwell stepped forward to the front of the group. "There's been something on your mind for the past month or so. You may hide it from us and your relatives, but we've noticed it. And whatever it is, it's been eating away at you. Leaving open a wound that these strays could exploit."

  There was a long pause afterwards. Any rebuttal that I could've thought of just came across as a complete dismissal of the issue. Even so, there was nothing that could change my stance on their exclusion today, and probably moving forward.

  "Not one of you are coming, and that's final."

  Of course none of them was willing to back out as well. So to alleviate their concern, I pulled out a dried out wooden stick from my bag and snapped it over my head. Glittering silver powders rained down from the veins beneath the brittle crust, fluttering briefly before dissolving into thin air.

  The effect was almost instant. Mixing with the mana I naturally exude to create an invisible barrier around me that spirits were repulsed by.

  The stick, or the Brittle Wisp as the Mistveilians called them, were often used ward spirits. Never tried them on Earth before, but it should still work... probably. At least it'll be a harsh reminder for these four to back off for today.

  ??????

  "Go home, I'm ending your shift early today."

  I paused my work and looked up from the counter I had been cleaning. Tama stood there with a bag of takeaway food in her hand, the clock behind her distinctly showed ten minutes past four. It was way too early, considering that I've been taking on extra hours to cover for Reina

  She pushed the bag towards me, as if to emphasize the finality in her order. She probably meant well, but with how often I've been getting free food from her recently, I couldn't help but think that she's trying to ease the pain before eventually breaking out the bad news.

  "Am I... getting laid off?"

  The pause and hesitance in her features told me all I needed to know. She placed the bag down and pulled a cigarette from underneath the counter, light it, then took a long puff.

  Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

  "Yes and no—"

  That's just worse than straight up saying no!

  "Don't give me that look. I'm not firing you yet, but it's about time you consider your plans moving forward. Reina's finally stepping into showbiz proper, it's unlikely she'd ever work in this old place again. And you've seen how the customers stopped pouring in when they realized she's not here."

  "I know. But you have a way to keep this place afloat, right? Like... I don't know, start by revamping the menu or something!"

  "Kid, your brew tastes like shit and my cooking is subpar. You really think we can turn this dump into a trendy one like you see on the internet? Get it through your head, the only reason why I could run this place for so long is Reina."

  Yeah, there was never any "What if" to this story. I've known from the start that Reina was the one attracting all the customers, and seeing them slowly decline from her absence; the silence from which was noticeable and at times unbearable.

  But like an idiot, I still hoped that the worst won't come to pass. That maybe, miraculously, this cafe would find a way to thrive without her. That I'd be able to continue working here for a while longer. Because frankly, I don't know if there's any other place out there willing to accept me as easily as this one.

  "Don't look so down. I'm sure you knew deep down that this was never going to stick."

  "Doesn't make it any less painful..."

  "You're that attached, huh?" An amused snort escaped her lips. I didn't think she could show any emotions at all, let alone a smile. "But life's a cruel mistress. Just as you finally found yourself in a comfortable spot, it pulls the rug from under you and flips you over."

  She paused to take another puff of her cigarette. Her shoulders visibly relaxed as she then exhaled all those build up smoke and perhaps some stress in one breath.

  "But man perseveres. You'd find somewhere else to settle in eventually. And I'm not saying you have to find a proper job after this, become another cog in the machine, no. You're young, you're stupid, so start acting like it. If you regret doing something then jump ship, you have the time for all that. Take it as a small advice from this old fart."

  Her advice gave me a lot to think about, but it didn't magically solved all this uncertainty that had been bubbling up in my head. They had become entangled like a mess of cords, and much like them, I can't just yank at them at every direction and hope that'll fix it. Loosen it one by one, an advice for every cord.

  Unenthusiastically, I grabbed the paper bag from the counter and excused myself out. The evening air grew colder than before as it was finally time to bid farewell to an uneventful summer. And with a new season comes new changes. That's how it's supposed to be, right?

  I looked up to the dull void above and painted the glittering night sky of Mistveil over it in my head. I've had this gut feeling for a while now that my future doesn't lie beneath this sky. However, until I fully unraveled all this uncertainty weighing me down, I'll only stay rooted to this world.

  "Fuck. FUCK! Those back-stabbing bastards!"

  Way to ruin the moment...

  Then again, this district wasn't exactly known for its quiet and serene nightlife. Rows of bars and the designated alleyway to pile the rowdy drunkards on. The cafe was the single oddity in the entire road stretching this district.

  Expecting a drunkard, I curiously turned to the direction of the voice. Middle-aged man, round figure, and... legs floating ever so slightly above ground.

  "You!"

  Crap! My gaze lingered a second too long and he noticed it. But it should be fine, I've already used the stick for tonight... Shit!

  Panicked, I scurried away while rummaging through my bag for the damn stick. The reaction was not lost on him however, he kept calling out to me.

  "Hey! I know you can see me! Come on, just needed you to talk to talk some sense into my boys and you can even keep whatever money's left."

  I finally managed to clung onto the stick and pulled it out, but then I felt him phasing through my body. Only an arm, but it was now taking hold over my left one, the one that just so happens to be holding the one thing that could ward him off.

  "Heh, so I can do something like this, huh?" The movement was still stiff and imprecise, but he was moving my entire left arm nonetheless. I could resist to some extent, but that wouldn't stop him from taking control of the other, then both legs. "It'll only be for a while, and I'll make sure not to leave a single scratch, promise."

  Ah, I'm starting to black out. Has he gotten to my head already?

  "S-stop right there!!"

  Another foreign spirit pushed the man out of mine, abruptly bringing the reigns back to me. Quickly, I then snapped the stick over my head. He tried to possess me again afterwards, but his attempts were repelled. Guess I finally found out that this stuff works just fine here after all.

  "Piece of shit! That was supposed to be my one ticket at payback!"

  He was taking his anger out on the other party who was prostrating on the ground, taking blows after blows of his kicks. Haven't these two realized that they couldn't inflict pain or feel pain in this state? Force of habit I guess.

  The one on the ground though, he seemed familiar. That ragged salaryman attire...

  "Stop that."

  I approached the two and repelled them away from one another. The big guy, blinded with rage, futilely charged at me then once again pushed back.

  "Fuckin—"

  "Just stop. Or I'll... exorcise you."

  It was a weak retort, but seeing how I had the means to prevent him from approaching, he reluctantly walked away while cursing me under his breath.

  "Uh... You okay?"

  The salaryman ghost float back up to a standing position. Rubbing the back of his head sheepishly as he awkwardly chuckled to play the embarrassing display off. "I'm really pathetic, aren't I...?"

  "H-hey, no need to be so negative. You did help me after all."

  "Well, I'm glad I did," he smiled before turning around to leave.

  "Wait a second!" I swerved past him and blocked his path. "Didn't you come up to me for help a while back?"

  "You remember? That was almost a month ago."

  "You were very insistent. It's hard not to."

  Again, he sheepishly rubbed the back of his head with that forced grin and laugh. But it died down very quickly, then he raised his gaze back with a conflicted expression.

  "I'm assuming it's about your daughter?"

  "Yes... We left things off on a sour note before I died."

  "Figures. So do you need me to leave a final message?"

  "Don't. I've been dead for almost four years now, I don't think she'd believe anything you have to say about me. I just need to see how she's doing, but I can only go so far before I'm forcibly pulled back to this place."

  "I see. Did you have something of value? Or just show me exactly where you die."

  He led me to the opposite side of the street. At first glance, nothing seemed out of the ordinary, but the event that took his life happened a long time ago, and the city worked quick to fix the damages.

  I've never kept up with recent news, so I might've missed it back then. Apparently a drunk driver swerved his van in a panic and crashed onto the sidewalk, taking one life: the man beside me. He died as paramedics rushed him towards the hospital, but strangely enough, he found himself at the scene of the crash when he came to as a spirit.

  "I assure you, all of my belongings were returned to my family. I don't see how that'd be relevant."

  "Listen, I don't feel like explaining tonight." It has been a long day and I was down on all fours scouring the ground for anything of note. Under the benches and bins, between the bushes. If it weren't for the fact that the streets were still quite empty at this hour, I wouldn't have gone to this extent. "Just please help me out."

  With his intangibility, he phased through the small nooks and crannies that I couldn't fit through. We went at it for a couple of minutes until he spotted something and called me out.

  "There's a small hole on the wall, behind this pile of trash. It's too dark to see anything inside."

  I hoped it would never come to that. But I've dug myself into this mess, and I'd be a real scum to call it quits now. So I took a deep breath and tried not to inhale the rotten stench as I moved plastic bag by plastic bag, cardboard, and other crap lying around.

  "There," he pointed to a small crack close to the ground, but big and deep enough for something to potentially slip inside.

  I crouched down and reached my fingers into it. There was something inside, circular and thin with a rough texture.

  "You know what—" I was about to ask him when I managed to pull it out, but seeing how his eyes gone wide, there was my answer.

  The object in my hand was a pin badge. Even if it was partially protected, after all these years under the elements, the once metallic surface had rusted and the paint had all but chipped off. Though the shape remained in tact. A thick ring bordering around a star.

  "Ah, so this had always been here. All this time..."

  The star may have lost its luster, but the glint in his eyes spoke of a different tale. Once solemn but now lit up with a fiery determination that would put even those still living to shame.

  "Ready to see her now?"

  "Yeah, I'll show you where I used to live. They shouldn't have moved out yet. I hope."