Neither Noa nor Velrox's population was used to the system announcing such weird events.
It had been almost half a century since Abysses arrived in the world.
However, there had been only two instances when the system addressed every Ember, but now this number had increased to five in just two days.
It was unheard of.
As Noa was strolling aimlessly in the park before returning home, the evening was full of discussions.
News reporters invited famous Embers, asking their opinions.
Every major or small guild held meetings, and their number one priority was to locate those three new entities who had caused this turmoil.
The up-and-coming organization, Red Order, also called their members.
They were infamous criminals with one of the highest bounties on their heads, and they planned to overthrow the government and control Embers for their shady reasons.
It was a classic fantasy novel trope.
Even Arthur couldn't locate this organization.
Considering how much manpower and resources he had at the end of the story, it was a miracle that the order stayed hidden from his radar.
But Noa knew a thing or two about them.
Everything that might happen in the world came from Noa's speculation.
He knew the future and understood how Velrox and its dominant powers worked.
But Noa also considered that everything that he knew would be augmented because of the Scar and his transmigration.
Yet, as he was watching his siblings swinging on the swing, he put every thought at the back of his mind.
He enjoyed the moment.
Noa knew it might be his rare chance to spend time with them and didn't want to let his mind distract him.
But the night wouldn't stretch forever.
Twins had school, and Aeris still had to work.
She was adamant about leaving her job, but Noa didn't give up, believing that the new house would change her mind.
Sleeping peacefully at night, he woke up feeling rejuvenated.
This time he was the last one to open his eyes, and everyone was already gone, busy with their businesses.
'I shouldn't slack around.'
Thinking that he had a lot to do, Noa left the house, waiting for the weekend to come so that the Osborn family could search for a new residence.
He deposited exactly $10,000 to Aeris's account.
She would pay part of the loan and save another half for the rent.
'I have $10,866 in my bank account.'
Counting zeros on his phone screen never felt so satisfying, and catching a taxi, the destination he chose before visiting the Abyss, was one of the famous marketplaces.
It was called Ember Shop, and as the name suggested, it was designed for Embers.
Ember Shop was a lavish place, even more so than the restaurant Noa dined at the day before, and the situation in front of it was just as crowded as he imagined.
Three-story marble buildings stood proud amidst the commotion.
Already a busy area became a spot for conflicted Embers to flock into and buy various potions, armor, and weapons.
It wasn't a surprise that prices had increased.
But the gathered awakened didn't care.
Some believed that the end was nearing, and taking precautions was the only correct decision.
'What a bunch of dumbasses,' Noa mocked their tense nature.
He was annoyed because of the line he had to wait in, but thinking about the item he was going to take before Arthur, he could barely contain his thrilled heart.
Arthur knew from the novel that this shop had a special artifact.
At this point, it was the most easily accessible treasure, but he would come for it two days before the studies resumed.
Since no one should have known about it, he didn't hurry, taking his time.
Noa had no intentions of leaving the artifact in Arthur's hands, nor was he afraid that his actions would alert the boy.
Waiting patiently to get inside the shop, Noa observed the blue sky.
Just as he found his way into the store, his brows twitched in annoyance.
One glance was enough for him to guess what kind of people stood before him, and it almost made him lose his temper.
Thankfully, he was good at handling his emotions, ignoring rich academy kids.
Peacefully looking around for his desired item, Noa surveyed the stalls, basking in the magical sensations.
Potion flasks were on display.
Their rarity varied, but he knew they would soon be sold.
Weapons, starting from countless sabers, daggers, shields, bows, and staffs, filled the majestic hall of the store.
"Father told me I could buy any weapon I want."
An arrogant voice called his attention.
The second one followed quickly after, no less hateful than the first.
"Only a weapon? Dad told me to get everything Evolved category. I guess he wants to leave peasants without means to protect themselves."
The last voice was so cliche, Noa wanted to face-slap the guy.
Controlling his web novel enthusiast heart, he bypassed the boy, still searching for the treasure.
As a three-story building, the shop only sold Evolved, Returne, and Altered grade goodies.
'My luck,' Noa exclaimed.
He saw the item he came for, but there was bad news.
The gray, crumbling amulet was hidden in front of the counter where the rich asshole kids conversed, and by the look of things, they wouldn't leave anytime soon.
"Excuse me," he said coldly. "Can you let me pass?"
"What?"
The neatly clothed kid roared, his attitude showing from his face and the sound of his brisk voice.
He spent half a minute looking down at Noa.
Yet Noa was swift and quickly paid $1,800 for the accessory, scowling at wealthy boys.
Just as he was about to turn around and leave the store, something completely expected occurred.
'I knew something like this would happen. Of course, I have to be so goddamn unlucky when nothing like this had happened to that shitface, Arthur.'
"Hey! Stop right there, you son of a bitch!"
One of the forgettable kids called out to him.
"How dare you cut the line and glare at us? Apologize if you don't want me to crush your face!" shouted another.
Eyes darted in his direction, coming from the bystanders who observed the situation with interest.
Noa hated this trope.
Especially when a considerable amount of time was wasted on such boring scenes.
He also knew that two-faced Arthur would play cool in this situation and even bow down not to risk his name spreading.
Not Noa.
He despised pussies like that more than anything, and clenching his fist tightly, he punched the closest guy in the gut.
With his hands already aching, he didn't stop and smacked the second guy in the face, breaking his nose in the process.
Both of them dropped to the ground.
Succumbing to his sheer strength, everyone in the store looked at Noa, their breaths halting.