The woman didn't come back.
Not that night.
Not the next morning either.
But the feeling she left behind didn't fade.
---
I remained anchored to the watch, drifting within my limited range.
> Existence Stability: 11%
Not great.
Not terrible.
Just enough to survive.
---
The clerk—his name tag read Ethan—opened the store as usual.
He looked tired.
But lighter.
The kind of tired that comes after a decision, not regret.
---
He checked the watch again.
"It's weird," he murmured. "Feels like it's working better lately."
I didn't respond.
I couldn't.
But somehow, that was enough.
---
The door chimed.
Midday.
A customer stepped inside.
It was her.
The woman from last night.
Same coat.
Same sharp gaze.
She paused the moment she entered.
Her eyes scanned the store—not randomly.
Methodically.
---
My anchor trembled.
> [Warning: Active Detection.]
I pulled my presence inward, shrinking as much as I could.
The watch felt heavy.
Like it was sinking.
---
She walked closer to the counter.
Closer to Ethan.
"Busy night?" she asked casually.
"Uh—no. Same as always," Ethan replied.
She smiled.
Not warmly.
---
Her eyes dropped to the watch.
"This belonged to someone important to you."
It wasn't a question.
Ethan stiffened.
"…Yeah."
"You should be careful," she said lightly.
"Old things tend to attract attention."
---
I felt it then.
A thin thread brushing against me.
Not forceful.
Curious.
> [Detection Pressure Increasing.]
I couldn't move.
If I broke the anchor now, I would fade.
---
The woman's gaze lifted.
For a split second—
Our eyes met.
She couldn't see me.
But she knew.
---
Her smile widened.
Almost amused.
"…Interesting."
She stepped back.
Picked up her drink.
And left.
---
The moment the door closed—
The pressure vanished.
> [Detection Ended.]
I slumped against the invisible pull of the anchor.
"…That was too close."
> [Assessment: Correct.]
For once, I agreed with the system completely.
---
> [New Threat Identified.]
— Spirit-Sensitive Observer
Not hostile.
Not friendly.
Just watching.
That was worse.
---
Ethan exhaled.
"Why do I feel like someone just walked over my grave?"
I didn't laugh.
I just stared at the door.
---
> [Beginner Task: Ongoing.]
Days Remaining: 2
Two days left.
And too many eyes on me.
---