While driving to Phoenix, I turned on the radio and looked for an oldies station. I found one, but the songs weren’t what I expected. I thought an oldies station would play hits from the 80s and 90s, but this station played songs from 2000 to 2025. It made me feel old. I’d be 49 on paper on December 17th, or maybe 45, discounting the time skips. The whole thing was confusing. Either way, I didn’t feel almost 50. When I looked in the mirror, I saw someone who looked maybe 20 years old and felt even younger. Even in my 20s, I never felt the way I did now. Back then, my past burdened me, causing me to be withdrawn and mentally and emotionally wounded, so I felt much older. Now, it felt like I was living my 20s the way I should have the first time around, but with an appreciation for the finer things in life and the money to indulge.

I looked for another station, but it was difficult for me to connect to modern music. It was too technical, with AI-generated tunes that lacked a human touch, genre-blending that made everything sound the same, and lyrics that were all about digital life. The overproduced sound, with heavy use of auto-tune and digital effects, felt synthetic. The short-form content designed for social media seemed shallow, and the lack of physical media and in-person concerts made the music feel less authentic. Overall, it just didn’t resonate with me.

After a long search, I found the Time Capsule Tunes Radio. The name made me laugh because Time Capsule created the impression of not just old but ancient stuff. But that’s what they called it, and I finally found music from my youth. Maybe I, too, was a Time Capsule to some extent. After all, I looked like I had gone back thirty years.

And with these philosophical thoughts running through my mind, I started singing along to the radio. Even after over two months, I still wasn’t entirely used to my new voice. It was too powerful, too rich, too deep, but at least my vocal control had reached the stratosphere regarding my ability. When I sang, I could feel the mana trying to “sneak” into my voice, to blend in with it. But I prevented it. I didn’t want to fry our beautiful new Jeep.

Mahya took out the list of things I had “liberated” from the warehouse and said, “There are things here that we will never use. We should get rid of them to make room in our Storage.”

“Yeah, I thought about it,” I replied. “But I don’t want to just throw them away. All these things are valuable. I thought about donating them, but not in the United States. I don’t know who I robbed, and I don’t want to take any chances. When we get to Canada, we’ll review the list and see what we can donate to whom.”

She agreed, and I continued to drive, singing loudly. Rue spent the entire drive with his head outside the window, occasionally shouting, “Rue love fast!” and “John go faster!”

When we arrived in Phoenix, we immediately went to take care of our shopping list. None of us wanted to linger or go sightseeing. Our minds and hearts were prepared for the next world. Everyone was tired of Earth. We found a giant furniture store, and I bought three complete sets to furnish a five-bedroom house. Despite ordering only items that could be delivered immediately, I still had to wait two days for the delivery.

In the meantime, we used the time to empty a few more alcohol stores. At this point, our storage was bursting at the seams with alcohol. I still had about a third of the inventory I bought during my original shopping spree before I left for Shimoor, despite Lis’s and Mahya’s best efforts to deplete it. With all the recent shopping and during our entire journey around the planet, we now had enough booze to keep a city supplied for ten years. But Mahya kept insisting that the alcohol on Earth was far better than any of the worlds she had visited, and Al always nodded in agreement. So, I kept buying more alcohol.

After searching online, I discovered Cartel Roasting Co. and Coffee Reserve Brands in Phoenix. Between the two, I bought 1.2 tons of coffee and relaxed, knowing I wouldn’t be stuck without coffee. But I was still planning to buy more coffee along the way. In my Storage, it could last even two hundred years, and I had the money, so there was no reason not to ensure a sufficient supply.

I noticed that my Storage looked very full—way too full. When I looked into it, I saw things piled on top of each other, almost to the ceiling. After increasing my Storage, I felt a mental strain—as if I had my mana sense deployed for hours. I waited a few hours for it to subside, but there was no change.

Turning to Mahya for advice, I explained, “My Storage was too full, so I increased it, but now I feel this constant mental pressure, like I’ve been stretching my mana sense for hours. My head is killing me. Do you have any idea what to do about it?”

Rue jumped into the conversation, “John take a nap! Nap good for head!”

I scratched his ear with one hand and rubbed my temple with the other. “Thanks, buddy, I’ll do that soon.”

Mahya thought momentarily, then suggested, “Increase your intelligence.”

I frowned, feeling the strain throbbing in my head. “How? There’s nothing I can do to level up now.”

She gave me a knowing look, her eyes glinting with amusement. “Convert one ability point into five Trait points and add them to intelligence.”

I facepalmed, feeling sheepish. “Why didn’t I think of that?” The thought of doing this hadn’t even crossed my mind since I became a Gate Traveler.

She chuckled softly. “It’s easy to overlook the obvious when you’re dealing with so much. Just take it easy and make the conversion. You’ll feel the difference immediately.”

I nodded, closing my eyes and focusing on the conversion. As I converted the ability point and added it to intelligence, the mental strain eased, like a weight lifting off my mind. I opened my eyes, feeling clearer and more relaxed. “Thanks, Mahya. That really helped.”

She smiled, patting my shoulder. “Anytime. Now, let’s get back to ensuring we have everything we need before moving on.”

We found The Source Hemp & Herbs, and Al purchased a vast inventory of herbs for his potions and a substantial amount of CBD products. As we loaded the last items into the vehicle for show and discretely stored them, Rue asked, “What is smell?! Rue likes smell!”

I laughed, “That’s the herbs, Rue. They’re for Al’s potions.”

“Rue taste herb!”

“Trust me, buddy; you don’t want to taste the herbs. They’re worse than dog cookies.”

“Yuck! Rue no want herb! No dog cookies!”

Al and I laughed and drove to the hotel. On the way, Al said with a serious expression, “John, I need you to find me more cocaine and heroin.”

I raised an eyebrow, surprised. “Why on earth do you need more?”

He sighed and explained, gesturing with his hands. “There are specific potions that can be concocted with those ingredients. For instance, with heroin, I can create the Essence of Oblivion, which erases specific memories, allowing the user to forget traumatic events or make somebody forget secrets.”

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I nodded slowly, trying to understand. “And what about cocaine?”

“Ah, with cocaine, I can brew the Elixir of Exhilaration. This potion provides the imbiber with a burst of joy and energy, perfect for enhancing performance at social events or in combat. Additionally, there exists the Stimulant Serum, which grants heightened alertness and focus. It is ideal for warriors or scholars requiring prolonged periods of sharpness. With cocaine, one can also craft the Berserker’s Brew, which enhances physical strength and aggression. This proves invaluable in battle. Moreover, the Potion of Clarity sharpens the mind and improves cognitive functions. Strategists and tacticians find it exceedingly useful.”

“Do they have side effects?”

“This is the primary rationale behind the request, and it explains my preference for drugs from Earth rather than magical plants. Typically, these potions exhibit potent side effects. However, since earthly drugs lack mana yet produce the desired outcome, the potions will exhibit significantly reduced side effects.”

“And what about the heroin-based potions?”

“There is the Veil of Serenity, which engenders profound calm, reducing anxiety and fear. It is essential for warriors and nobles in stressful situations. Nevertheless, overuse can dull emotional responses. The Painbane Tincture, a powerful analgesic, eliminates physical pain. Healers highly value it, though it can lead to addiction and unnoticed injuries.”

“Yes, I understand the need,” I said. “But we have over three hundred kilograms of each of these drugs, and there are the others that you could probably do something with. Why do you need more? Isn’t that enough?”

“It is similar to Mahya with the alcohol and you with the coffee. At present, I possess an ample amount that will last for many years. Nonetheless, it will eventually be depleted, and I am averse to resorting to more harmful substances. I desire to leave the planet with an adequate supply that will last for many years.”

I sighed and nodded. I could understand his point. “Okay, I’ll see what I can do about finding those ingredients. Just promise me you’ll be careful with them.”

He smiled, squeezing my shoulder. “Always. Your understanding and assistance are invaluable.”

After dark, I activated my Luck to find more drugs for Al. I couldn’t believe I was driving the streets of Phoenix, following a feeling that was leading me towards drugs. It was so surreal. After half an hour of driving, I arrived at a large police station.

Hmm, probably in the evidence room. Not a good idea.

I activated my Luck again with an obvious intention to find somewhere else. Once more, I followed my luck and ended up in the Alhambra neighborhood. The moon hung low, casting a pale glow on the dilapidated buildings and trash-strewn streets. I parked the Jeep in a shadowy corner, far from the flickering streetlights. The air was thick with the scent of damp asphalt and the faint, acrid smell of smoke. The distant sound of sirens mingled with the murmurs of street thugs gathered on corners, their eyes glinting with suspicion and menace.

I had no intention of paying for the drugs. Seeing the damage they caused firsthand in the ER made it clear. I couldn't give money to a drug dealer to kill more kids. So, stealing it was. I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of what I was about to do settle in my chest. My mission was clear: steal a stash of drugs for Al’s potions. It felt surreal, but that’s why I was there. I had to laugh at the bizarre things I did sometimes. The old John was really gone. I was a new, almost unrecognizable person.

Activating my Luck, I closed my eyes, letting the familiar tingling sensation guide me. It pulled me towards a rundown building, its windows barred and graffiti covering the walls. Street thugs loitered around the entrance, their conversations low and guarded. I needed a way in without raising suspicion.

This felt familiar. Too familiar. Here we go again ...

I activated my invisibility spell. With a silent prayer to the Guiding Spirits for good fortune, I slipped out of the Jeep and approached the building. The thugs were armed, and their hands rested on the butts of their guns while their eyes scanned the street. I moved carefully, my footsteps silent on the cracked pavement.

As I neared the entrance, one thug shifted, his eyes narrowing as he sensed something amiss. Holding my breath, I edged past him, the faint smell of sweat and tobacco heavy in the air. Inside, the building was dark and musty, the only light coming from a flickering bulb at the far end of the hallway.

My Luck pulled me deeper into the building, guiding me past rooms filled with broken furniture and discarded needles. The sounds of muffled voices and glass clinking echoed through the halls. I reached a staircase leading down to the basement.

The basement was dimly lit, the air thick with the smell of mildew. Shelves lined the walls, stacked with boxes and bags. My eyes scanned the room, spotting the familiar packaging of cocaine and heroin among the clutter.

I moved quickly, storing the drugs and everything else on the shelves. Those were drug dealers, and I felt no hesitation in robbing them. The sound of footsteps above made my heart race. I had to be fast.

As I stored the last bag, a voice from behind startled me. “Hey! Who’s there?” One thug had come down, his eyes wide as he looked around. I froze, my invisibility spell holding, but the tension was palpable.

He stepped closer, his flashlight beam cutting through the darkness. “I know I heard something,” he muttered, reaching for his gun. I had to act fast. Channeling mana, I cast Telekinesis, sending a stack of boxes crashing down the opposite side of the room.

“What the—” the thug turned, his attention diverted. I seized the moment, slipping past him and up the stairs. My heart pounded in my ears as I retraced my steps through the building.

As I reached the entrance, another thug stepped into the hallway from the opposite side, blocking my path. His eyes narrowed, sensing something off. I needed a distraction. With telekinesis, I slammed an open door at the end of the hallway.

“What the hell?” he turned, rushing towards the sound. I slipped past him and out into the night. The fresh air hit my face, and I allowed myself a moment of relief. I returned to the Jeep, deactivating my invisibility as I climbed in.

Breathing heavily, I started the engine and drove off, my mind racing with the night’s events. I had the drugs, and I had got out without being seen. The mission was a success, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of danger lurking around every corner.

As I drove back to the hotel, I thought about the two close calls I had and decided it was time to buy the stealth skill. I had wanted to buy it earlier, in preparation for visiting the dragon realm, but somehow it had slipped my mind. Determined not to forget again, I pulled over to the side of the road, purchased the skill, and then continued driving.

Mahya and Al were waiting for me in the room, their faces lighting up when they saw me. “You made it!” Mahya exclaimed, practically bouncing with excitement.

“Yeah, and I’ve got quite the haul. But it’s the last time I’m doing this. Please don’t ask me again. I don’t mind robbing criminals and drug dealers, but my heart can’t take the stress.”

They both laughed like I was joking, and I wasn’t. But I left it for now.

They spread everything out on the bed and the floor, eager to see what I had grabbed.

“Let’s start with the drugs,” I said, opening the first bag.

Drugs:

* Cocaine: 50 kilos, neatly packed in brick-like bundles.

* Heroin: 40 kilos, in similar packaging.

* Methamphetamine: 30 kilos, in large plastic bags.

* Marijuana: 100 kilos, vacuum-sealed.

* Prescription Pills: Various types, totaling 10,000 pills, ranging from painkillers to sedatives.

* Ecstasy Tablets: 5,000 tablets, colorful and stamped with various logos.

* LSD Blotters: 2,000 blotters, each with intricate designs.

Mahya’s eyes widened as she looked at the stash. “This is incredible! Al will have a field day with these for his potions.”

Al nodded. “Indeed. These ingredients will prove invaluable,” but he looked unhappy.

“What’s the problem?” I asked him.

“I had hoped for a significantly larger amount.”

“I’m not robbing any more drug dealers; forget about it. I wasn’t kidding; my heart can’t take the stress. If you want more drugs, you get them yourself.”

He nodded and looked thoughtful. And I suspected that a string of drug dealers on our route was going to lose some merchandise.

Other Items:

* Cash: $300,000 in various denominations, tightly packed in duffel bags.

* Jewelry: A variety of rings, necklaces, and bracelets, likely taken from various sources.

* Weapons:

* Glock 19 Handguns: 20 units, in pristine condition.

* AK-47 Rifles: 10 units, fully loaded.

* Various Ammunition: Thousands of rounds for the above calibers.

* Tasers and Batons: Various models, likely used for intimidation or close combat.

* Laptops and phones that looked stolen.

Al placed a hand on my shoulder, his expression serious. “Thank you, John. I intend to utilize these supplies effectively. My desire for a larger quantity does not diminish my gratitude.”

“Yeah, okay. But I’m still not doing this again.”

Mahya wanted to buy another Jeep, so we checked out some used car lots and found another Wrangler. We also bought spare parts for both Jeeps and a massive supply of tires for all our toys. Once my furniture finally arrived, we hit the road again, heading towards Albuquerque.