Changes hidden in Depth of this world!

Renji stepped out of the inn, adjusting the strap of his backpack as the morning air brushed against his skin. The city was already awake—bicycles rolling past, students chatting on their way to school, and the distant hum of traffic filling the streets. The scent of grilled skewers and fresh bread mixed with the cool summer breeze, wrapping the city in a familiar warmth.

For the first time since his return, he had a plan beyond just training.

Time to get a feel for the city again.

As he wandered through the narrow streets, old memories stirred. Tokyo hadn't changed much, but his perspective had. The towering buildings, neon lights, and never-ending crowds—everything felt both familiar and distant, as if he were seeing it through a different lens.

His first stop was a small bookstore nestled between a convenience store and a ramen shop. A bell chimed as he stepped inside, the scent of old paper filling the air. He browsed the shelves, running his fingers over familiar titles—fantasy, martial arts, history, alchemy…

—[New Blessing Unlocked: Writer's Insight]—

—[Effects: Increases creativity, storytelling ability, and writing speed]—

—[Bonus Effect: Popularity and engagement increase with effort]—

Renji blinked. Another blessing?

He chuckled to himself. The system really rewarded effort, huh? He had only skimmed a few pages, but his past self had devoured books like an addict. This blessing wasn't just about writing—it was another way to understand the world.

After buying a few books, he wandered into a quiet café. The soft hum of jazz played in the background as he ordered a black coffee and settled by the window. Outside, businessmen rushed to work, couples strolled hand-in-hand, and street performers gathered small crowds.

This life wasn't so bad.

But then, a strange feeling crept over him.

Something was… off.

His gaze drifted past the bustling streets to a narrow alley between two old buildings. At first, it was just an ordinary alley—cracked pavement, faded graffiti, an overflowing trash bin. But the longer he looked, the more his instincts screamed at him.

At the very end of the alley stood a house.

An old Western-style mansion, darkened windows staring like hollow eyes. It looked ancient, out of place amid the modern skyline. The air around it felt… wrong.

Renji tightened his grip on his coffee cup.

That's not normal.

Even in broad daylight, the house seemed frozen in time, like a shadow lingering where it shouldn't. His system didn't alert him, but his gut told him everything he needed to know.

Something was watching.

His heart pounded, but he forced himself to stay calm. He finished his coffee in one last gulp, stood up, and walked toward the alley—casual, but aware.

The closer he got, the colder the air became. His breath came out in faint puffs, despite the summer heat.

And then—

The house vanished.

One blink, and it was gone. As if it had never existed.

Renji exhaled sharply. His hands were clammy, his mind racing.

"Alright," he muttered, cracking his knuckles. "Now I'm curious."

Whatever that was, it wasn't a normal trick of the eye.

And he wasn't about to ignore it.

The library was eerily quiet compared to the streets outside. Rows of books stretched endlessly before him, the scent of parchment and ink lingering in the air. Renji skimmed through titles, pulling out anything that seemed promising.

Urban Myths of the City.The Forgotten Structures: Buildings That Vanished.Paranormal Hotspots and Theories.

It didn't take long to find something.

[The House That Exists at Noon]

His eyes narrowed as he read:

"In certain districts, there exists a house that appears only during the brightest hours of the day. Unlike traditional hauntings that occur at night, this anomaly reveals itself at noon—only to vanish once noticed. Witnesses describe an untouched Western-style mansion standing where nothing should be."

"Those who dare approach it report an unsettling presence, as if something inside is aware of them."

"No official records of the house exist, yet countless accounts remain eerily consistent."

Renji leaned back, exhaling slowly.

So… it wasn't his imagination.

If ordinary people had seen it, there had to be a reason it existed. But the real question was—what happens if I enter it?

A chill ran down his spine, but excitement flickered in his chest.

He had to find out.

By the time he left the library, the sun was beginning to set. The city lights flickered to life, casting long shadows across the streets.

Then, his system sent a notification.

—[Quest Triggered: Step Into the Forgotten House]—

—[Objective: Locate the house and enter before sunset.]—

—[Reward: Unknown.]—

Renji stopped in his tracks, a smirk forming on his lips.

It was waiting for him.

"Well then," he murmured, turning back toward the alley. "Let's see what you're hiding."

A small office now stood between two larger buildings.

Renji was sure it hadn't been there before.

Dim lanterns flickered outside, casting a warm glow against a wooden sign that read: Paranormal Agency.

A spell? An illusion? Or something even stranger?

Inside, a woman leaned behind the counter, dressed in an old-fashioned suit. Her sharp golden eyes studied him, as if seeing straight through him.

"Welcome to the Paranormal Agency," she said smoothly. "Do you have a request for us?"

Renji smirked. "Is that how you welcome all your customers?"

She chuckled, tapping a finger on the desk. "Only the ones who can actually see this place."

So, this was a test.

The fact that he even noticed the agency meant he had already stepped beyond the veil of normal human perception.

His gaze drifted around the room. Books lined the walls, filled with strange titles. The scent of incense hung in the air, masking something deeper… something ancient.

"Paranormal Agency, huh?" he mused. "You deal with ghosts, curses, and all that supernatural crap?"

The woman nodded. "We investigate, neutralize, or assist with paranormal matters. Some clients seek protection, others… revenge."

Her smile deepened. "And some are just curious."

Renji chuckled. "What about those who don't believe in ghosts?"

Her golden eyes glowed faintly. "They don't see this place."

He let out a low whistle. Interesting.

Now the question was—what should he do with this information?

Did he ask about the haunted house? Or test them first?

For now, he decided to play along.

"Alright," he said, crossing his arms. "Tell me—what do you know about a house that only appears at noon?"

The woman's lips curled into a knowing smile.

"You are standing inside it."

Renji barely had time to react.

The moment he blinked, the cozy wooden shop flickered—like a mirage being peeled away.

For a brief second, he saw something else. A vast, dimly lit hall. Tall bookshelves stretched into the shadows, filled with dusty tomes and strange artifacts. The scent of old parchment and something more—something otherworldly—clung to the air.

Then—just as suddenly—the vision was gone.

The shop was normal again.

Renji's breath steadied as he glanced at the woman.

"Not bad," he admitted, smirking. "Guess I'll stick around."

The real game was only just beginning.