"Give me a drink."
"What would you like?"
"This is my first time in Void City. Sorry for the trouble, but could you pick something suitable for a member of the Human Race? And while you're at it, tell me a little about this place."
With that, Gu Qingshan placed a silver coin on the table and pushed it toward the bartender.
The bartender looked at the coin and smiled.
It was worth far more than a single drink—almost the most generous tip he'd get all day.
The bartender pocketed the coin, quickly mixed a drink, and set it in front of Gu Qingshan. "This is a Flame Desire, our signature hard liquor. Many members of the Human Race and many Void Monsters enjoy it."
Gu Qingshan picked up the glass.
It was filled with a hazy, deep orange-red liquid, like molten lava.
Gu Qingshan took a sip, gave the bartender a thumbs-up, and grinned. "Good stuff. I haven't had liquor this strong in a long time."
Then he continued sipping.
The bartender's smile widened.
—It was always gratifying when someone praised his work.
The bartender glanced around.
It was still early, and the bar hadn't reached its busy hour. Only two or three people had taken booths, talking quietly over their drinks.
There was no harm in chatting with a newcomer for a bit at a time like this.
"Listen, newcomer. I can give you a general rundown of Void City."
"I'm all ears."
"Let's start with what everyone knows. The Void Turbulence is boundless, but there's supposedly one place that can help anyone escape this expanse of void: the legendary World Gate."
Gu Qingshan set down his glass.
He hadn't expected to hear what he wanted right from the start.
He calmly said, "Yes, everyone knows that. Please,