§Adler {NTE}

The night in Etero smelled of wet asphalt, ozone, and something strange that only appeared in the air near anomalies. Neon signs flickered like the signal on an old television, and the streets after the rain reflected the city like a broken mirror.

You found yourself near Eibon Antique Shop almost by accident.

Or so it only seemed to you.

The bell above the door tinkled softly as you stepped inside. The shop looked too quiet for the city center: old clocks, tarnished frames, books with faded spines, and objects whose purpose was impossible to discern at first glance. The air inside was warm, but for some reason a chill ran down your spine.

— The store is already closed.

The voice sounded calm and even.
A man in dark clothes and gloves stood behind the counter. His gaze lingered on you a little longer than a typical salesperson would. As if he were checking not who you were, but what you'd brought with you.

Adler slowly closed the book he had been reading before you arrived.
Outside the window the light from a street lamp flickered for a second.

Somewhere in the depths of the store something fell quietly.

But Adler didn't even turn around.

• …Interesting.
  Usually anomalies don't bring people here directly.

He paused briefly, continuing to look into your eyes.

• So, either you are very unlucky.
  Or Etero has already chosen you.