Chapter 48

"Welcome, customer!" I greeted the newcomer standing in the doorway. A woman with long brown hair stepped in, looking slightly disheveled and clearly weary. She was at least a little taller than me, and given her business suit, it was evident she was likely returning home from a long day's work.

Without acknowledging me, the woman pulled a shopping basket onto her arm, her movements appearing somewhat robotic. I quickly checked the time on the clock. It was late, and being alone in a place like this felt unsettling. The streets outside were eerily silent, and not a single car was in sight. Surely, she must have missed the last train and was making her way home on foot.

My heightened abilities had instilled in me a newfound habit of being observant, analyzing my environment more deeply than ever before. I began to scrutinize the customers who wandered into the store—seeking their intentions and understanding the motivations behind their purchases.