A humid breeze swept by, weaving wisps of warmth into Karma's robes. Beneath, a metallic hum crawled up from the soles of his feet, bringing a distinctive chill.

Karma peeked downward, past the flying sword, marveling as a picturesque landscape flitted by. Though many details were lost to their immense speed, the blurred greenery had its own allure, the fluidity gifting the lands a unique vitality.

"Magnificent, is it not? Watching the world drift, I can't help but wonder: do we truly ever move? Or does the universe shift at every step?" came Administrator Zhao's steady voice, breaking Karma out of his immersion.

Rubbing his chin in thought, he asked with genuine curiosity, "Then, if I fall, will the Earth jump up to catch me, crushing you in the process?"

"... Shut up. Don't respond to philosophy with logic, it's no different than barking at a cat!"

Pondering momentarily, Karma inquired, "When I sleep, does the world follow me into my dreams?"

Administrator Zhao's complexion darkened, retorting, "What nonsense!? Dizzy from the flight, are we?"

"Didn't you say—"

"Fairy tales! Junior, you are too imaginative for your own good. I will warn you once, do not slander me again."

"But—"

"No buts! And don't mention dreams either."

"Huh?

A furious glare sent Karma into a coughing fit. Swallowing, he queried, "Where are we going?"

"We are dropping you off at the Solaris Trading Capital."

"I thought the rules didn't allow trading?"

"They prohibit directly purchasing your mission items. Accessories are allowed and encouraged."

Lips forming into an "O," Karma replied, "Any suggestions, esteemed—"

"I suggest you shut your trap.

"Actually, keep talking, maybe I'll drop you off a little early. Fancy a walk?"

Vigorously shaking his head, Karma wisely refocused on the passing scenery.

I'm bored.

…

Karma twiddled his thumbs in boredom until a nugget of inspiration blossomed:

I've tried divining remotely, but what about in person?

Eager to experiment, he turned to Administrator Zhao. Honing his perception onto the surrounding golden threads, Karma summoned the self-devouring serpent to his consciousness.

Finding its front side no different than before, he commanded inwardly, "Ouroboros, please turn around."

Rumble.

Karma, despite having already seen the singularity, shivered in excitement at the awe-inspiring display.

Unimpeded by distance, the limitless void hovered in all its original splendor, its mere presence disrupting the flow of reality.

Hmm, what to put in this time? Ideally, I want Administrator Zhao in a talkative and helpful mood … Oh!

The Excavation Sensation attendant's smiling face flashed from his memory, manifesting as a luminescent bubble. Fearing that wouldn't be enough, Karma added a compilation of all the friendliness he'd ever encountered, inflating the glimmering sphere to the size of a melon.

The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

Satisfied, Karma encased the structure with his spiritual energy, weathering the chaotic gravitational currents as they journeyed forth.

Administrator Zhao's innate resistance, unmarred by the throes of slumber, had strengthened exponentially, placing a heavy burden on Karma's spiritual energy. Every step felt like dragging a mountain across the ocean, ravenously draining his reserves to near empty.

…

Just barely, he persisted all the way until the end.

Closing in on the cavernous maw ahead, Karma exhaled in relief as his protection blinked away, surrendering the bubble to its fate.

Shloomp.

Heaving in fatigue, his vision swam as he returned to the waking world.

"Eh? Where did your spiritual energy run off to?" spoke a voice laced with suspicion.

Startled, Karma fearfully met Administrator Zhao's gaze, blurting, "I can explain!"

Karma's mind screamed as a massive hand gripped his shoulders and … gave a gentle squeeze?

"What's there to explain? You, a diligent Junior, practicing techniques is cause for praise!" interrupted a genial tone.

Eyes widening in exasperation, Karma could only stare in disbelief.

"Ai, child, no need to look at me like that. Come, Big Brother Zhao has some pills to aid your recovery."

Karma waved his arms, hastily replying, "Junior wouldn't dare."

"Wouldn't dare? That is the last straw."

The flying sword skidded to a stop. Administrator Zhao leaned in uncomfortably close to Karma's trembling figure.

"Sigh, you need to take better care of yourself. I was the same at your age, always hiding my vulnerability behind a brave facade. You don't need to pretend around Big Bro; I'm here for you."

Ignoring Karma's pleas, Administrator Zhao fiddled with his spatial pouch before pushing a bottle into Karma's hands.

Hesitating, he asked, "Is it really alright?"

Administrator Zhao nodded in encouragement. Gulping, Karma popped the cap, chucked a pill in his mouth, then stowed the remainder in his spatial pouch.

Immediately, his Spirit Aperture welcomed a cornucopia of reinvigorating spiritual energy, transitioning from a parched desert to a gushing oasis.

Karma clasped his hands with an awkward grin.

"Many thanks!"

"Many thanks …" trailed Administrator Zhao expectantly.

Squirming, Karma squeezed out, "Many thanks Big Bro Zhao."

**

Administrator Zhao and Karma touched down between sky-piercing sequoias, stepping onto a dirt-laden road.

Watching Karma's wandering gaze search around, Administrator Zhao explained, "The city is entered on foot. Flying represents a sign of aggression."

Karma nodded in understanding.

"Wh—"

"Senior Zhao! Is that you?"

The pair turned toward the speaker, a mature young man wearing dark-brown robes.

"Aha! It is indeed, I knew I recognized that graceful sword control," he called out once more, wearing a gracious expression as he jogged over.

"Oh, if it isn't Junior Lance. How nice to see you," greeted Administrator Zhao.

His sentence coincided with Lance's arrival, Karma noting small streaks of blond in their short, auburn hair.

Lance bowed deeply with clasped hands, intoning, "I'm honored, truly."

Rising, he turned to Karma with his hands still clasped.

"Hello there! Since you're traveling with the esteemed Senior, I'm already tempted to call you friend. Would that be agreeable?"

"Sure … Pleasant to make your acquaintance, Lance."

Lips turning up in happiness, Lance addressed them simultaneously, "The pleasure is all mine. Oh! Silly me, I've skipped the introductions. Please excuse my breach in etiquette."

Gesturing disapprovingly, he continued, "You see, I'm a merchant from the Selenium Clan, which is how Senior Zhao and I came to know one another. He mainly deals with my father, however."

Administrator Zhao looked upward, adding, "It's been far too long since I've last seen Frederick. How is he? In good health, I hope?"

"Dad will be so glad when I tell him Senior asked! He's- Oh, one moment, that's an employee of mine."

Karma angled his head sideways, finding a breathless, middle-aged man approaching the trio.

Lance stepped to meet him, patting his shoulder and lending an ear.

"Boss, I tried! There were too many of them, th-they took the shipment …"

"Calm down, calm down. No need to worry. Did you happen to identify the attackers?"

Bitterly shaking his head, he responded, "They wore ghastly white masks shaped into skulls, that's all I could see. Really, I swear!"

Lance nodded in understanding.

"That is more than enough. Rest easy; I will avenge you."

"What—cough," eyes glazing over, the man whimpered, looking down at the arm protruding through his chest.

"Shh, it's alright! Everything will be okay. Sleep, you've earned it," Lance consoled, showing a heartfelt smile.

Lance sighed forlornly as his employee sank into eternal silence.

Waving over a woman from their rear, he handed them the corpse, instructing, "Treat his body with utmost care and deliver it to his family. Tell his wife ... tell her he died courageously, and that when she's ready, come and find me—any time, any place."

Back slightly hunched, he strode back to the indifferent Administrator Zhao and stunned Karma.

Lance, earlier politeness still intact, intoned, "Apologies for the wait. Shall we move toward the city?"

"Mm. No matter, not much time was lost. Let's," replied Administrator Zhao.

Karma followed along idly, trying to digest what he'd witnessed.

I know it's a pity, but for whom? The deceased? Their kin?

Traveling in silence, he listened as Lance and Administrator Zhao engaged in casual conversation.

Late into their trek, a bustling crowd slowly streamed in; side-by-side, they marched, converging upon a towering stone gate.

Karma released the breath he’d long been holding, chewing on his final conclusion.

I pity the world.

The world is sad, and the people are just that.

People.