"Huh? Where... am I?"
Haku groaned, lifting himself off the cold, wooden floor. His fingers brushed against something tight around his neck. A rope. A noose.
"What the hell...?"
He blinked a few times, trying to make sense of his surroundings.
"Last thing I remember, I was studying for that damn entrance exam... the Space Frontier Pilot Program. Why am I wearing... a blue robe? And what's with this rope? Is this some twisted fashion statement, or worse?"
Knock, knock.
'Someone's at the door?'He quickly untied the noose and stood up, still slightly dazed.
When he opened the door, a young man with golden hair and striking blue eyes stood there. He wore a plain shirt and worn brown pants, but the simplicity couldn't hide his handsome features.
"You must be Sir Haku," the young man said with a polite bow. "I heard you're the new owner of this place. My name's Alexander. I came to ask if the bar was still hiring."
'So… my name's still Haku. At least something feels familiar.'
Haku leaned against the doorway, eyeing him carefully.
"Tell me, Alexander. What do you know about this place and me?"
Alexander straightened up. "Well, this bar's called Baruga. I heard it belonged to your family. Since they passed away and you're the last one left, the place was transferred to you. Word is, you hadn't had contact with them in years and only came to town after the funeral."
'No one here really knows me then. That's… oddly convenient.''Did the previous owner of this body hang himself? After losing his whole family?'
Without another word, Haku stepped aside and waved him in.
"Come in. Help me get this place cleaned up."
"Does that mean I got the job?"Alexander grinned, rolling up his sleeves as he followed him inside.
Meanwhile, high above the clouds...
A young girl hovered beside an old man, both floating with ease.
"Master, can we stop here for a while? I could really use a drink."
The old man chuckled warmly.
"Hohoho, still so youthful, even at 260 years old. But you're right—resting is part of cultivation too. This plane is nearing its end anyway. Might as well enjoy what's left."
"You're the best, Master. I only act like this around you. The sect is too stuffy for any fun."
"Hohoho! Then let's drop down. I see a cozy little bar below."
Back at Baruga, Haku and Alexander were still cleaning. Alexander, despite his orphan background, didn't know much about the outside world—just that the nearest city was a week's walk away.
Suddenly, the door creaked open.
A young woman and an elderly man stepped inside. Their presence seemed to carry a quiet weight.
"Excuse me, young man," the elder said kindly, addressing Alexander. "Are you open?"
Alexander glanced toward Haku."Boss, we've got customers."
Haku nodded quickly.'Perfect. Maybe I can learn more from them.'
"Welcome. Please, have a seat. I'll be right with you."He turned to Alexander. "Keep cleaning, I'll handle this."
As the pair sat, the old man chuckled softly to himself.
'Interesting… A mortal not intimidated by my presence? It's been a long time. Yes, humility is indeed a virtue.'
"Welcome to Baruga, home of drinks out of this world. What can I get you?"
"Ale, please for both me and my master."
"Coming right up."
'She called him 'Master'? Is he her teacher? Or... a noble? That's even better, jackpot.'
After downing enough drinks to knock out ten grown men, the two remained surprisingly sober.
'Do these people not get drunk? What the hell?'
Haku approached with another bottle.
"Everything to your liking?"
"Indeed," said the old man, smiling. "Thank you for the fine hospitality. May I ask your name?"
"I'm Haku, sir. And you?"
Haku couldn't help but notice the snowy white robes they wore, almost glowing with elegance.'Their clothes might be simple, but they reek of status and money. New world or not, money rules.'
The old man gave a slight nod."My name is Lu. And this glutton beside me is my apprentice, Cinder."
'So he's her teacher. That confirms it, she must be nobility.'
"And what brings esteemed guests like yourselves to my humble little bar?"
"We were flying overhead and decided to stop in. Nothing more."
'Flying? Oh, right, this world must have aircraft too. That's perfect. If they're anything like back home, my pilot skills might actually come in handy.'
Haku's eyes lit up.
"I love flying, too. Did you land far from here?"
Cinder paused, lowering her drink.
"Wait, you can fly?"
Lu narrowed his eyes. "Curious. I didn't expect that from you."
'Do they take me for some country boy that doesn't know anything?'
Haku smirked.
"You shouldn't judge a book by its cover, sir. I might surprise you."
Lu leaned back, amused.'Such confidence. He clearly doesn't know who I am. Let's test this sharp tongue of his.'
He nudged a chair toward Haku with his foot.
"Very well. Sit down, Haku. Let's discuss heaven and earth. See if your wit matches your words."
Haku's grin widened as he took the seat.
"A battle of knowledge? I'd expect nothing less from a teacher. But, if I may... can we leave history out of it?"
Lu frowned."Hmph. Fine."