57 Park

"Expensive..."

Staring at the suit displayed in the store window, I frowned.

For a few seconds I simply stared at the cloth and craftsmanship, taking in every intricate detail.

The suit looked... relatively ordinary.

Just to make sure, I rubbed my eyes and glanced at its price tag once again.

Nope, there was no mistaking it. A simple black suit cost 15,000$.

'It's better be made of gold.'

I muttered under my breath and entered the store with a frown. I didn't want to spend a small fortune on a suit that seemed unremarkable but every shop in the city appeared to have similar price tags. I've already visited three different stores, hoping to find a reasonably priced suit, but it seemed like the cost of fine craftsmanship and quality was exceptionally high in this world.

I felt like being scammed.

Tap...

As soon as I stepped into the building, a shop assistant approached me with a friendly smile, however, I was in no mood for small talk.

I simply pointed at the suit and transferred the cashier the money.

Grabbing the suit bag, I headed toward the exit. Just out of spite as soon as I left, I took out my phone and glanced at my bank account.

=== Bank Account ===

Name: Note Enderfrost

Account number: 3726491

Balance: [ $32,516,825 ]

=================

"It really did cost 15,000$..."

Throwing the phone back into my pocket, I couldn't help but chuckle at my own exaggerated frustration.

I was worrying over a mere 15,000$ when I had millions in my bank account.

Well, that was to be expected since I didn't feel like I gained those millions by working hard, plus, soon, my bank account balance will decrease by a large margin.

The Auction of the Sky Palace is happening in a couple of days hence why I am so stingy with money and currently buying a suit. I need a lot of capital to buy what I need and to at least look presentable.

Now that I think about it...

Looking at my reflection in the store window as I walked past, I realized that my hair was in desperate need of a haircut.

Some white strands were already starting to touch my shoulders, giving me a slightly disheveled appearance.

Normally, I wouldn't mind it too much, but considering the upcoming auction and the importance of making a good impression, I decided it was time for a visit to the barber.

It didn't take me long to find a barber shop nearby.

Honestly, I wasn't even surprised when I was forced to pay a 4 digit sum for some simple hair trim and styling.

However, I have to say, the attention to detail and skill of the barber was truly remarkable. He really blessed me.

Stepping out of the barbershop, I ran a hand through my hair, the now tamed silver strands brushing my fingers with a soft whisper. The barber had expertly sculpted it, leaving enough length to retain a touch of wildness while still looking polished and refined.

And then there were my eyes. The contrast was even more striking now. My right eye, a clear, glacial blue, seemed to hold an entire winter sky within its depths. Its gaze was sharp, analytical, like a hawk surveying its territory. But it was the left eye that truly stole the show. A vibrant crimson red, it pulsed with an inner fire, a stark contrast to the cool serenity of the blue.

The haircut had further accentuated the structure of my face. My jawline, normally hidden by the curtain of hair, was now sharply defined, the line clean and strong. My nose, straight and well-proportioned, sat above a pair of lips that were neither full nor thin, but held a hint of a sardonic smile.

However, even with all that, my charm was only at F- Rank.

Well, that was to be expected since the people of this world are almost perfect in their appearance. Especially main characters, who all possessed ethereal beauty and captivating features.

'Lucky bastards...'

Grumbling under my breath, I decided to take a walk around the city. My lectures for today were already over and I had some free time to explore.

I don't get much free time these days, so I'd better make the most of it.

However, I wasn't able to relax a single moment during my walk.

As I strolled through the bustling streets, I soon got annoyed by the incessant noise and crowded sidewalks.

Luckily, I stumbled upon a serene park with lush greenery and a tranquil atmosphere.

"Ughhh..."

Carefully placing the bag with my suit, I sprawled across a nearby bench, letting out a contented sigh as I closed my eyes, relishing the peacefulness of the moment.

For the first time in what felt like forever, I allowed myself to truly unwind and let the worries of the day melt away.

I didn't even realize how much I needed this until now.

I feel like ever since I came to this world I have been constantly on the move, I became an advanced version of workaholic.

However, even now I wasn't able to completely let go of my thoughts and relax because soon my phone buzzed with a notification.

Reluctantly, I reached into my pocket and retrieved my phone to check the message.

~~ Messages ~~

BREAKING NEWS: Local Authorities Issue Warning about sudden increase in Mana density, locals are encouraged to stay indoors...

~~~~

I didn't even manage to read the rest of the message when an ominous feeling washed over me.

Lifting my eyes from the screen, I scanned my surroundings, suddenly aware of a strange stillness in the air.

Suddenly, a shiver ran down my spine as I noticed a faint crack in the air and a subtle distortion of reality.

Even though my body went limp, I knew what was happening...

A dungeon was forming in the park, right before my eyes.