Unknown, North Grovebourne.
Gas lamps lit evenly through the streets. It was almost midnight when a bright silver ball hung up in the air.
As Kole was walking alone on the sidewalks, his mind drifted to what Caroline must've been doing.
Hum. She must be discussing her thrilling adventures while working for the Tempest Order with mom… Kole thought.
However, if he knew what she was up to, Kole would be stunned beyond belief.
He wasn't dense, but Caroline had never shown any interest in the opposite gender.
Sometimes, Kole wondered whether she preferred a girl.
Of course, despite being experienced enough in love and relationships, Kole has never experienced something like this…
It was a new world for him, and as such, Kole had no idea what was going on with Caroline.
Despite all the teasing he has been up to with Faneia, he knew the chances of something happening with her were nigh impossible.
Yes. 'Nigh'! Kole still had an ember of hope.
Kole kept walking absentmindedly while using the powers of Subspace to teleport once in a while.
It was at that moment; he noticed the atmosphere that made his nose contract.
The air was fragrant, and the light in the area had a pink hue. Lanterns on the streets were covered by thin pink sheets.
The Pink Zone… Kole's eyes narrowed.
Apparently, he has ended up in Central Grovebourne!
West Grovebourne was the residential area for aristocrats and the high class, while North Grovebourne was the administration district.
East Grovebourne was populated by the middle class—forming a channel of sorts through the entire Stormwatch. Without middle-class semi-skilled, knowledgeable people, it was difficult for a civilization to thrive.
Meanwhile, South Grovebourne was the sector for the low class, poor, and production factories.
Then came Central Grovebourne, which was the entertainment district.
From rich-class entertainment of operas, theatrics, music, and circuses to clubs, bars, gambling dens, and brothels—everything was available as long as one had money to spend.
What Kole entered by chance was the slightly impoverished area of Central Grovebourne with bars and brothels—The Pink Zone!
These areas were infamous.
Kole laughed to himself as he turned into a dark alleyway.
The moment he came out, he wasn't in Kole's handsome appearance but an average Joe that could be found on any street in any city.
He used <
Earlier, when he used this skill to change his appearance, he had already expended a lot of Spirit Energy while fighting with Faneia, and as soon as he transformed, his reserves bottomed out.
But now, Kole was fresh and had recovered a long time ago.
When he used this skill to change his appearance again, he felt almost half his Spirit Energy being sapped away.
But fortunately, after changing, this skill became 'passive', and the expenditure was less than the recovery rate.
As such, within a few minutes, Kole should be able to recover all his Spirit Energy while maintaining the appearance of an average Joe.
Kole trotted through the busy streets filled with foul drunkards and sweet-smelling women.
One building after another was an establishment of either economy restaurant, cheap hotels, bars, and dens.
He pondered on and on as he entered a decent-looking bar.
Men were drinking cheap beers in groups while a few hookers were trying to woo them. But it was still better than other bars where a public orgy could start anytime… Kole mused internally.
He felt everything looked decent, and as such, he sat at the high bar chair and ordered a drink while slamming a few pennies on the counter.
The bartender that was busy cleaning a glass, started making the drink ordered.
How do I earn money?
This was a question weighing on his mind. In his previous life, he was a software engineer, but obviously, his skills were useless in a world where steam and machinery were prevalent.
He couldn't even make a computer to show the world just how crazy things could get with technology!
Kole let out a turbid breath of air.
The barman pushed the glass in front of Kole.
Lost in his thoughts, Kole took a sip…
"!!!"
Pfttttt!!!
With wide eyes, Kole stood up abruptly as he coughed.
The drink splattered all over the counter, the barman, and himself.
However, Kole couldn't care less.
He lifted his hands, and his vision narrowed.
Deep crimson red…
The metallic taste rolling in his mouth was still prevalent.
His breathing quickened.
The hairs on the back of his neck stood up!
However, his <
Kole immediately spat all the 'drink' out as his vision trailed back to the bartender, who had a wet red patch on his clothes.
Utterly unbothered by Kole's reaction and the wetness of his clothes, he continued cleaning the glass with a clean dry cloth.
Kole's eyelids trembled.
He quickly analyzed the drink as he inhaled the iron-like smell.
Blood! It really is blood!
How did the bartender not notice anything abnormal? Wait…
Kole turned around and noticed everyone was drinking a blood-red drink! They had smiles on their faces as if everything was absolutely conventional.
It didn't look like they were drinking blood but a simple drink!
Immediately a cold chill swept through his spine.
"Hey!" Kole attempted to talk with the barman but was ignored.
His heart rate amplified as he felt harrowing signals stretching all over his body.
Kole turned around and shouted, "Hello! Anyone?!"
But they were unbothered by Kole's shouts.
Kole frowned as his brows scrunched up. He was developing a grave premonition regarding this scenario in the pits of his stomach.
After a brief moment of deliberation, Kole made the decision to leave this place.
Why fight when you can always retreat strategically?
Later on, he would report this anomaly to the Tempest Order! Let the professionals take care of the dangers!
He wasn't the least bit bothered by acting like a pussy.
In fact, in the eyes of Kole, this wasn't cowardice but a matter of benefits. What can he gain from fighting the monsters in this place?
Nothing.
Then why fight?... It was a very logical conclusion for a cold and calculative Dominator!
"Subspace!" Kole muttered under his breath.
But the moment he was about to leave, the bartender turned around and deeply gazed at him with lifeless eyes.
The sound of scissors snipping echoed in the air...