Eli recalled the previous night.
The TV played a dull romantic movie, Julian sent funny cat videos before bed, reminding him to sleep early. No cryptic messages or flying nighttime silhouettes.
It felt like he'd been kidnapped to a parallel world.
Despite his shock, customer demands called.
Eli set aside panic to serve morning caffeine addicts.
Most customers transformed, sporting genetic mutations. A minority appeared normal.
Eli noticed some humans remained unchanged, while others possessed special abilities, claiming to be hunters or work with portals.
"Julian said he's a renowned hunter..."
Eli glanced at his friend, reading in his usual spot, yet radiating an altered aura.
From ordinary handsome guy to supernatural being.
"No doubt, even with Julian as a famed hunter, I'm still an NPC..."
Eli felt suited as an NPC, distant from complex stories.
Main characters were strong, busy, and charismatic, sporting heroic auras or thick dark circles, like administrative officer Luna.
"Damn."
Eli eyed the crushed coffee cup.
"Again, lost focus."
The shattered glass discreetly went into the trash.
Being an NPC seemed challenging.
Twenty-two years of slow-paced life wouldn't change, despite the shifting world.
Eli vowed to preserve his blissful NPC existence.