[World Traversed: Tokyo Ghoul]
[World Level: Two Stars]
[Player Stay Duration: One Year]
[Friendly Reminder: When the host traverses a world, time in the main world will remain still]
Sol Mirek stepped out of the alley, rain sliding down his black trench coat. Neon lights reflected off the wet streets of Tokyo as pedestrians hurried past, none noticing the man who had appeared out of nowhere.
He stopped at a crossroads, crimson eyes scanning his surroundings. Humans and ghouls coexisted here, yet hunted one another.
"Now this is interesting," Sol muttered, faint amusement in his tone.
"First, I need somewhere to stay."
He crossed the street and entered an internet cafe. A small bell rang as the door opened.
The receptionist did not bother looking up. "Five hundred yen per hour, two thousand for overnight."
Sol pulled out five damp banknotes he had just taken from the alley. After paying, he chose a corner seat and began gathering information.
His fingers moved across the keyboard as his eyes skimmed the screen at speed, filtering useful details.
Ward 20.
That was where everything began.
Not long after, Sol left the cafe and made his way through several streets until he stopped in front of a familiar place.
Anteiku Cafe.
Through the glass, he saw a warm interior and a few scattered customers.
"This should do."
He stepped inside, the bell chiming again.
"Welcome," a purple-haired girl greeted, her tone flat. "How many?"
Sol glanced around before his eyes settled on a black-haired young man sitting alone in the corner, his right eye covered as he read quietly.
Kaneki Ken.
"One," Sol replied as he took a seat nearby. "Black coffee."
"Please wait."
Sol picked up a magazine, casually flipping through it while observing Kaneki from the corner of his eye.
Quiet, reserved, unremarkable.
Hard to believe this was someone who would later become the One-Eyed King.
The coffee arrived quickly.
Sol took a sip. It was surprisingly good.
He set the cup down gently, shifting his gaze toward the man behind the counter.
Yoshimura Kuzen.
Gray hair neatly combed, movements refined. Too refined for a simple cafe manager.
SSS-rated ghoul. The Non-Killing Owl.
Sol's fingers tapped lightly against the table.
"Is this your first time here?" Yoshimura asked, his voice gentle but steady.
Sol lifted his cup slightly, letting the steam veil his expression. "I heard the coffee here is worth trying."
"I hope it meets your expectations."
Sol placed the cup down again, watching closely.
Though Yoshimura appeared focused on cleaning the machine, his shoulders carried tension.
He was alert.
"The coffee lives up to its reputation," Sol said casually. "But…"
He let the word hang.
His finger traced the rim of the cup.
Without a sound, the ceramic split cleanly into two halves.
Yoshimura's movement paused for a fraction of a second before resuming.
"If there is an issue with the cup, I can replace it," he said calmly.
"No need."
Sol stood and walked toward the counter, unhurried.
The atmosphere shifted.
Kaneki looked up from his book, unease creeping into his expression.
Sol stopped at the counter, resting his hand on it casually.
"I heard your skills are the best in Ward 20," he said. "I want to see that for myself."
His fingers tapped lightly against the wood.
Each touch left a deeper indentation.
Yoshimura's gaze flicked to the marks, then he reached for a fresh cup.
"It would be my pleasure. What would you like?"
Sol did not answer immediately.
Instead, he looked back at Kaneki.
Their eyes met.
Kaneki's body stiffened. The book slipped from his hands and hit the floor.
"I will have your specialty," Sol said with a faint smile.
Yoshimura followed his gaze briefly before returning to his task. "Of course."
The sound of grinding beans filled the quiet cafe.
Everything seemed normal, but Sol noticed the subtle changes. Slightly slower movements. A careful awareness.
Even through the rising steam, he could feel Yoshimura watching him.
The coffee was placed before him.
"Please enjoy. A blend with a light fruity note and a chocolate finish."
Sol did not touch it.
Instead, he looked directly at Yoshimura.
"How long have you been running this place?"
"Nearly ten years," Yoshimura replied, adjusting the cup slightly. "Time passes quickly."
Sol picked up the cup.
The heat meant nothing to him.
He raised it, paused just before drinking, then spoke again.
"Ward 20 seems unstable lately. Doesn't that concern you?"
Yoshimura's hand paused briefly before continuing.
"It has always been peaceful. We value that peace."
Sol dipped a finger into the coffee.
With a flick, a droplet shot forward.
It sliced through the air.
Before Yoshimura could react, it pierced through his collar and struck the wall behind him.
A faint hiss followed.
A small hole appeared in the surface.
Sol lowered his hand, a slight smile forming.
"That's unfortunate."