Outside the inn Xopil stood appraising the town anew. The town design didn't seem special initially, but if all the buildings were enchanted similarly to the inn then it actually was very efficient. The people were milling about the main road; some were talking casually while some were walking; others were simply standing around. A pleasant breeze filled the town. A number of kids ran up the side streets and converged on the main road, raising the commotion of the town by several degrees.

Not a bad place to live. Xopil thought, a slight smile curving his lip upward. He turned in the direction of the town gate, and began walking confidently down the road. He politely stepped around people who were just standing around. A ball came flying towards a man leaning against the wall of a nearby building, seemingly oblivious, but he raised his hand and deflected the ball back where it came.

"Sorry!" a group of kids shouted in unison, the man just shrugged and dismissed the event with a wave.

This place is almost too relaxed. Xopil resumed walking to the town exit, while some people were walking directly toward him. He simply stopped to let them pass, but what he didn't expect was for the person in the middle, whom was looking right at him, to walk into him like he wasn't even there. Everyone involved was shocked, but each was shocked for different reasons.

"Why'd you stop so suddenly?"

"I'm sorry, I di...huh?" the man who bumped into Xopil started to sincerely apologize, but he stopped midway and then his face went blank.

"Hey, you alright? Who're you talking to?"

"I just walked into someone... and they just disappeared," the man stuck his arm out to grab the air.

"Anyway, you were ab..."

That's one way to get out of town... what the hell was that though? Xopil rose to his feet and looked in the direction of the town. That's a good day's trek if I want to get back...

He took a look around his immediate surroundings, thankful to have landed in an open field. The area was nearly dead silent. Only the local bugs were still making their usual chatter. The grasses were short, he knelt down and inspected the blades. They were chewed, and recently. He chuckled as he remembered his old tracking lessons.

So the world truly does take care of itself. He thought to himself. During his musings, bird song had returned to the clearing, and smaller animals tentatively poked their heads out of hiding, and then lastly, the larger animals returned to their prior activities before they were startled.

What to make of this? Xopil examined the animals around him, keeping a minimal distance away from them lest he get pushed away again. But for whatever reason, they behaved as though he wasn't even there.

Ok this is too crazy. Xopil looked down as he gave some deep thought to this situation, bringing all the facts he had to light.

#1. Last night in town, the people for the most part behaved like I wasn't even there... since I didn't want extra attention that suited me just fine.

#2. Also last night, the innkeeper had initiated a conversation with me, I figured that was normal since he's looking to make coin. But why was he able to see me?

#3. This morning no one acknowledged my presense, including the innkeeper... but he at least saw me, we made eye contact before I returned the key and paid extra for the room.

#4. A person walked toward me, looking right through me, and even touched me but... I was pushed away by a very powerful force.

#5. When I landed here, something about my arrival startled the local fauna. They've recovered quickly enough though.

Strange happenings indeed. My first step will be to avoid that town and never go back. I hear you thinking "SERIOUSLY?!" What you're surprised? You're reading my thoughts aren't you? Xopil snickered at himself for no reason. First order of business will be getting back to town, this mess started there as far as I can tell.

After a final look around the field, Xopil kicked off the ground and started running at an even pace towards town. The animals were startled from the noise that the impact of his boots against the ground made and immediately went into hiding once again.

I'm not completely lost yet, I can at least still interact with the world... but how long will that last? Xopil shooed such thoughts away and picked up the slack a bit. The sun followed it's usual path in the clear sky; rising, reaching its apex and finally beginning to set as Xopil blazed a trail towards town. He took uneventful breaks only to keep his breathing steady and his legs from going numb.

Just as night fell, Xopil reached the town and walked through the city gates. Just as before, his footsteps were heavy from fatigue as he made his way down the mainstreet. Some of the townspeople would periodically look in his direction, mostly due to his heavy footsteps. They discounted the noise seeing nothing there and went back to their conversations.

Just like last night... or is it? Xopil asked himself as he made his way down the now familiar main road and toward the inn.

Xopil pushed the door open noisily, gaining him the attention of everyone in the building, then he let the door slam shut behind him. The patrons returned to their regular conversations as though nothing happened. The innkeep however, beckoned him to the counter.

"What's yer pleasure, stranger?"

"Oy oy Boris is losin' it!" the room suddenly filled with boisterous laughter.

"...A meal. And a room." Xopil said slowly after a pause.

"Certainly. 6 copper."

"I gave you a silver just this morning as I left." Xopil replied indifferently, then cast a look throughout the room.

"So you did..." the innkeep's eyes lit up, but just as quickly they dimmed again. He pulled up the ledger from behind the counter. "Name?"

"... Xopil."

"Pretty unique name, no?" asked Boris as he quickly filled the entry.

"Not going to laugh like before?"

"Laugh? No sir. There's nothing funny about the name. It's just unique."

"Oy Boris, more drinks here!"

Xopil walked a straight line to same corner he occupied yesteday once Boris went in the back to prepare his meal. It was strangely convenient that there were no patrons at any of the tables in his path, as he walked he pushed each table and any chairs in his way off to the side. Needless to say, this gathered the attention of all the patrons at the inn.

Boris returned to the main room carrying a tray with three platters, a mug and a key. Meanwhile, all the patrons were staring at the corner seat where Xopil was seated.

"Yer meal, and yer room key." Boris expertly placed the dishes on the table, and the room key off to the side.

"Room 39 this time?" Xopil asked, rising from his seat and grabbing Boris. The patrons gasped in unison as Boris was lifted off the ground by... nothing. "Was room 24 not strong enough? Or do you have to increase it gradually?"

"What?" Boris was at a loss.

"... You're the only one who sees or hears me. So, 'what's yer pleasure,' Boris?" Xopil smiled dangerously as he lifted Boris up higher.

"You've got it all wrong!"

"Why don't you correct me then, before I turn you into a cripple?"