In the Ultra-Ancient Era, humanity classified celestial bodies in the universe primarily through constellations.
Since the guards had already mistaken Yu Zhou and Charija for extraterrestrial visitors, Yu Zhou figured he might as well go along with it and slip inside under that pretence.
The place where he'd first appeared was within the Orion Constellation, so he simply reported his "address" as Orion. If they asked for anything more specific, like which nebula or galaxy, he'd just mention the Land of Light in the M78 Nebula.
According to what Yu Zhou knew, the Land of Light didn't even exist thirty million years ago — meaning these ancient humans wouldn't have a clue what he was talking about. So, making things up was perfectly fine.
The universe was vast; it wasn't like anyone was going to verify it.
Once the guards finished recording their "information," they stopped questioning and let them through. One guard, however, handed their report to a patrol soldier, who carried it off toward the city's information bureau.
"Didn't expect the security to be this tight," Charija muttered as they walked along the bustling streets.
"This is tight?" Yu Zhou snorted. "Any city that lets people in with fake information like that is asking for trouble."
They had left early that morning and hadn't eaten anything since. So, when Charija's stomach began growling, Yu Zhou suggested they find a restaurant — both to eat and to gather some intel.
"I've gotten too used to Earth's food," Charija sighed. "Now I'm even learning what hunger feels like."
Back then, he had never needed to worry about food; energy replenishment worked differently for beings like him. But lately, he really was starting to feel more like a human.
The restaurant they found was called The Dragon Hunter. According to the beautiful front-desk hostess — dressed in a distinctly medieval-style outfit — this was actually a continent-wide chain.
They ordered a dish called Southern-Style Charcoal-Grilled Fish, then took a seat near a crowded area. Yu Zhou planned to use the opportunity to ask around about the Giants.
"Excuse me, brave warrior — may I ask you a few questions?"
Yu Zhou hadn't even warmed his seat before he stood up again and approached a burly man nearby.
The man was gnawing on what looked like a smoked leg from some unknown beast, alternating between big gulps of ale and bites of meat.
"You're not from around here, are you?" the man asked between chews, eyeing Yu Zhou's odd clothing.
"That's right," Yu Zhou nodded politely. "I'm a traveller passing through."
"Alright then, what do you want to know?"
Without wasting time, Yu Zhou went straight to the point. "Do you know Ultraman Tiga?"
"Tiga?" the man frowned. "What's that supposed to be?"
"Huh?"
Yu Zhou blinked, more confused than the man. Another ancient human who'd never heard of the Giants?
"Sorry to bother you!" he said quickly, moving on to another table.
"Excuse me, do you know Tiga?"
"No idea. What's Tiga?"
"Then what about the Dark Giant Tiga?"
"Never heard of it. What's a Dark Giant?"
"What about the Giants of Light?"
"Giants of Light? You mean… lamps?"
"Do you know about Giants?"
"What Giants?"
"Do you know about Light?"
"Light? You mean, like sunlight?"
"Do you know—"
"..."
By the time Yu Zhou had asked almost everyone in The Dragon Hunter, every single person had given him the same blank look — and their own counter-question.
This situation baffled him completely.
Could it be that no one in this city knew about the Giants of Light or the Dark Giants?
Or perhaps, these people just lived too far removed from those truths — too low in the hierarchy to know the secrets of the ancient world?
"Looks like I'll need to find someone who knows more," Yu Zhou murmured.
Someone with broader connections — maybe a soldier, a scholar… or even the city lord himself.
Although he didn't yet understand the structure of society in this ancient world, a city like this must have a lord, right? Someone had to be in charge.
Returning to his table, Yu Zhou sighed and rubbed his temples.
But even if he wanted to ask, such matters might be highly classified.
Why would anyone trust an outsider like him enough to reveal the truth?
"Your Southern Charcoal-Grilled Fish is ready, sirs. Please enjoy."
A waitress approached with surprising strength, carrying a four-meter-long roasted fish and setting it down before them.
"You've got to be kidding me…"
Yu Zhou stared, mouth agape. Wasn't this just supposed to be a single serving?
But Charija didn't hesitate — he immediately dug in.
Seeing that, Yu Zhou had no choice but to join. At worst, he could pack up the leftovers; wasting food wasn't his style.
However, Charija clearly didn't believe in the same principle.
In less than twenty minutes, there was nothing left on the massive platter but a skeleton.
Charija leaned back, rubbing his round belly with satisfaction, exhaling a long breath.
"Ahhh… that hit the spot!"
Yu Zhou: "..."
Then, just as Yu Zhou stood up to pay, he froze mid-step.
"Charija," he said slowly, "I just remembered something… pretty serious."
"What is it?" Charija burped, still looking blissfully content.
"…We don't have any ancient currency."
Without missing a beat, Yu Zhou walked calmly toward the exit.
"Sir, you haven't paid yet," the waitress called after him.
Yu Zhou turned with a disarming smile — Daigo's handsome face softened by his signature gentle look.
"Oh, my friend Charija's got the bill. I'll just step out to use the restroom."
The waitress blinked, cheeks flushing slightly as she met his eyes.
"Ah, I'm so sorry! Please go ahead!" she said, flustered.
"Although, sir… the restroom isn't outside—" she added, only to realize he had already vanished.
Left shaking her head, she walked over to Charija — still lounging comfortably in his seat — and handed him the bill with a polite smile.
"Sir, your total is four hundred Mu coins."
"???"
Three question marks practically appeared above Charija's head.
That's when he realized…
Something was very wrong.