After getting some rest, Perun took a few crumpled notes from his drawer and stepped outside to pay the landline bill. The local office looked the same from outside, but once he walked in, something felt strange. Every staff member was new—even the security guard standing near the entrance. Still, they were polite, almost overly welcoming, so Perun didn't think too much of it. He paid the pending amount of $6.76, collected the receipt, and headed home.
By the time he returned, it was close to 4 p.m. There were still hours left before they planned to visit the bar in the evening. Vaelor was sitting near the window when Perun entered.
Vaelor said he wanted to search for a job.
Perun blinked, unsure. He already had a job, though it barely covered his expenses. When he asked why, Vaelor simply explained that since he was living here, he wanted to contribute. Perun understood the intention behind it and couldn't refuse—especially when they were both struggling with money.
He admitted that he had recently been looking for a new job anyway. His current one paid only two dollars a day, which wasn't enough to handle anything beyond basic household needs.
Vaelor then asked how they were even supposed to find work. Perun thought for a moment, then remembered something from long ago. Back when he had just started working at the supermarket, a wealthy reporter named Elane Russo had visited the store. Elane had handed him a business card, telling him to call if he ever needed help or wanted extra work.
Perun walked to the landline phone and dialed the number written on the old fading card. He mentioned to Vaelor that he had just paid the landline dues, so the service had restarted.
The phone rang twice before a voice answered. It was Mr. Elane Russo, calm and collected as always.
Perun introduced himself, reminding the reporter that they had met at the supermarket months ago. Elane immediately recognized him and even guessed why he was calling looking for a new job.
Perun confirmed it. Elane didn't pry into why he wanted to switch jobs; instead, he said he would call back once he found something suitable. Perun felt genuinely relieved and thanked him, but then he added that his cousin was also looking for work. If possible, he asked Elane to consider him as well.
Elane sounded amused but willing. He said he had plenty of contacts—many people asked him to recommend workers. He would see what could be done.
They exchanged a brief farewell, and Perun gently placed the receiver back onto the phone.
Perun told this to Vaelor, and since there was still some time left before they had to leave, he switched on the television. The news channel was broadcasting a report about an unknown organisation moving into Norus, delivered by a perfectly-combed man with glasses who was Mr. Elane.
Vaelor frowned and asked, "What's the danger in that unknown organisation?"
Perun replied, "Organisations like that are made to fulfil desires—money, power, control, justice. They can be good or bad… but mostly, groups like these create chaos wherever they go. They don't care about people, only their goals."
Saying that, Perun changed the channel to a movie station, and the two of them started watching an action film. When the movie ended at 5:40 p.m., they suddenly realised they were forgetting something, Serin. They had to pick her up from the library.
Perun quickly turned off the TV, locked the apartment door, and both of them rushed out. They reached the library at 6:13 p.m., where Serin was already waiting. Both Perun and Vaelor apologised to her, and the three of them headed together toward Kaspus Bar.
There was a loud hustle on the road outside, and Kaspus Bar was crowded as well. A red carpet stretched across the entrance, and people were lined up, waiting for their turn to enter. Two guards stood at the gate, checking everyone's ID to confirm they were 18 or older.
In older times, on the continent of Florith, bars were simple places—people only drank and ate food. But after the modern influence from the Esper continent, lounges were introduced. Their popularity among the new generation was phenomenal, and soon the trend spread to Florith. Bars began merging with lounge culture.
However, a problem followed many teenagers were also drawn to these places. They came to dance and enjoy, but slowly drinking became a habit for them. This forced the government to declare strict rules: only people aged 18 and above were allowed inside bars, and it became the responsibility of bar owners to check IDs before letting anyone enter.
Perun, Vaelor, and Serin joined the line. When their turn came, the guards checked their IDs. Vaelor didn't have any ID, and Serin, who wasn't 18+, didn't show hers and tried to explain, saying they had forgotten their IDs at home and didn't know about the rule. But the guard denied them immediately.
"There are many kids like you who come with the same excuse," the guard said. "Rules are rules. Even if you are 18, you must show proof."
Only Perun had an ID, so technically he was allowed to enter—but he couldn't just leave them behind. The three stepped out of the line.
"I knew this would happen… what now?" Perun said.
Serin sighed. "We could go somewhere else if you guys want."
Vaelor looked at them and said, "I have a plan."
Vaelor added another detail as they whispered.
And the governor also said his special guests carry a white card with a golden star on it. Two small candles drawn side by side. That's all the information I have.
Perun crossed his arms.
So the design is simple… but not too simple. If the secret leaks, anyone can copy it.
Vaelor nodded.
There's one more thing. The card has the governor's manual signature. If we had magic that could imitate it, this would be easy.
But magic wasn't an option.
Perun suddenly stepped back.
Wait. I think… we can still do this.
He walked toward a small stationery shop beside the street, bought a golden pen and an ink pen, paid quickly, then leaned toward the shopkeeper.
Sir, can I have one of your business cards?
The owner handed it over, confused.
Perun returned to Vaelor and Serin. Both stared at him, waiting.
Perun flipped the business card to the blank white side.
We make the card ourselves.
Vaelor hesitated.
But won't they notice it's hand-drawn?
Perun shrugged.
They don't know if the real one is printed or handmade.
Serin nodded.
Yeah… that's actually a good point.
Perun knelt a little.
I need something flat to draw on.
Use my back, Vaelor said instantly, lowering himself and bending forward so Perun had a steady surface.
Perun drew the star, the golden outline, the two small candles—clean and sharp.
But he stopped before adding the signature.
Problem. I don't know the governor's sign. I don't even know his name. He's new…
Vaelor groaned.
Perfect. How do we get a signature then?
Serin spoke up as if it were obvious.
Mr. Adolf Benzamin.
Perun blinked.
Right… but his sign—
Serin quickly pulled out a recently issued note from her bag.
Here. His signature is printed on this money.
Perun slapped his forehead.
I totally forgot.
He copied the signature carefully.
Finally… the fake guest card was complete.
They hurried back to the line. It was much shorter now; within two minutes they were in front of the guards again.
The guard raised an eyebrow.
You three again? Found your ID already?
Perun stepped forward confidently and handed him the card.
Sir, please check this first.
Suspicion flashed in the guard's eyes. He remembered them. But before he could question further, the second guard leaned over and whispered.
Let them in. It's already 6:30. No one can fake this much detail so precisely.
Perun, Vaelor, and Serin exchanged a quick look.
And just like that—
The three of them walked through the entrance of Kaspus Bar.