Temple of the Demon Lord of Wishes

Chapter 55 Luck and Quiet Warmth

Ivaim paused, a strange realization creeping over him. His eyes drifted down to his ragged clothes, the worn blanket draped haphazardly over his shoulders, and the tattered hat cocked at an odd angle.

His hands were filthy, his nails darkened with grime.

'I see... so I'm a beggar in this Reality.'

The thought almost made him smile, though it was more bitter than anything else. His lips twitched in amusement at the absurdity of it all.

He shifted his gaze to the screen that hovered in front of him, the notification blinking in cold, indifferent letters.

[Welcome to the Fractured Reality!]

[Reality Master]

Master of Cruelty

[Fractured Reality]

The Cruelest Act

[Level]

Dream (Middle-tier)

He scanned his surroundings, trying to make sense of where he was.

The street bustled with people, their lives seemingly going on as if he didn't exist, but something gnawed at him.

'Where are Reves and Nathan... and that Black Veil Master too?'

His mind raced, wondering if they'd all been pulled into this strange world along with him, if they'd been scattered to different corners of this vast city.

He looked up and down the street, but the crowd was too thick, the faces too unfamiliar.

'Were they not brought in with me?'

He took a few hesitant steps forward, his eyes still darting about, searching for any sign of the others.

But just as he was about to focus on his search, his stomach let out a sudden, thunderous growl.

The sound echoed like a warhorn in the silence around him, loud enough to make the people nearby glance over in surprise.

Ivaim froze, his face going crimson.

'Seriously?'

His stomach, it seemed, had a sense of timing all its own.

He glanced around, hoping no one noticed, but of course, everyone had heard.@@@@

'Maybe she'll also be the one that will lead me into trouble.'

But as quickly as the thought came, he dismissed it.

'Then again, I'm in a Fractured Reality now. I don't know what's going on here yet. Perhaps danger will give me more chances to figure this place out.'

A flash of resolve flickered in his chest. With no clear direction or plan, danger might be the only way forward.

Without hesitating, Ivaim moved to her side.

"Excuse me, ma'am," he said politely. "Would you like some help with that bag?"

The old woman looked up at him, surprised but appreciative. She nodded, her hand shaking slightly as she adjusted her cane.

"That would be kind of you, young man," she said softly. "The load's getting heavier with each step."

Ivaim nodded and carefully took the bag from her, adjusting the weight in his hands. He didn't say much, just focused on helping her as they continued walking.

"Thank you," she murmured, her voice quiet but warm.

Ivaim didn't reply right away. He simply nodded, focusing on the task at hand as he walked alongside her, making sure the weight of the bag didn't cause her any more strain.

The air was still, and the only sound between them was the rhythmic tap of her cane against the cobblestones. The street seemed quieter than usual, but he didn't mind.

After a few moments, he broke the silence.

"Where are you headed, ma'am?" he asked, his voice gentle.

"Just to my bakery," she replied, her voice steady but with a faint weariness in it. "I live on the other side of town."

Ivaim couldn't help but let out a small chuckle, though his tone was respectful.

"A bakery? At your age, you're still running a bakery? You should be at home, resting, watching your grandkids play."

The old woman's smile remained, and she didn't seem offended at all. Instead, she gave a soft, knowing laugh.

"All my family's gone, dear. I'm the only one left now. No grandkids to watch, no one to take care of me. It's just me and the bakery now."

Ivaim felt a pang of sadness but quickly masked it with a warm smile.

"I'm sorry to hear that," he said softly. "But it's impressive you're still going strong. Most people would have stopped a long time ago."

She gave a small shrug, her smile not fading.

"You learn to keep going when there's nothing else to do. The bakery keeps me busy, keeps my mind occupied."

Ivaim nodded, respecting her resilience.

"I can see that. It's not easy, but you're doing it."

They continued walking, the quiet comfort between them growing as they made their way through the streets.