About

The old antique shop had always been there, but it was my first time stepping inside. As soon as I opened the door, a bell rang along with the scent of dust. “Welcome. Looking is free, even if you don't buy anything.” The owner spoke without even looking up. Instead of answering, I scanned the display shelves. Between cracked teacups, nameless clocks, and seemingly useless ornaments— One thing stood out exceptionally. It was an old brass lamp, about the size of a palm. Strangely, it was clean. It sparkled as if it had just been polished. I picked it up without much thought. “You can take that.” When I looked up at the owner's words, he was smiling for the first time. I didn't ask why. I just put it in my bag without paying, thinking I got it for cheap. Leaving the shop, I rubbed the lamp once more for no reason. That was the problem. It was smoke. To be precise, dark blue smoke flowed from the spout of the lamp and clumped into a human shape in front of me— “Wow, it's been a really long time. People these days still rub these things, huh?” A man appeared with a yawn. Short hair, loosely fitting clothes, and a relaxed expression that didn't fit the situation at all.