I woke from my sleep with a start, my body covered in a cold sheen of sweat that poured like rivulets from the side of my head down the column of my throat. The familiar nightmare lingered at the edges of my consciousness - the indistinct shapes, muffled voices, and that final image of a shotgun barrel pointed directly at me before the trigger was pulled.

This wasn't the first time. In fact, these dreams only started after I first arrived in Abydos three years ago. The air in my small room felt heavy and stale as I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, my feet touching the cool wooden floor with a soft thud. The digital clock on the nightstand glowed red, reading 11:47 AM - perfect timing for lunch.

I needed to get out, to clear my head. The recurring nightmares were becoming exhausting, fragments of memory I couldn't quite grasp. With a sigh, I stood and stretched, the muscles in my back protesting slightly as I moved toward the door. Maybe some fresh air and a warm meal would help.

The streets of Abydos were as I remembered them - a strange mix of desert landscape and urban decay, with the occasional burst of color from storefronts trying to brighten the dusty environment. The distant sound of students laughing echoed from somewhere down the block, accompanied by the faint pop of what might have been firecrackers or possibly gunfire - this was Kivotos, after all.

The bell above Shiba Seki Ramen chimed清脆ly as I pushed open the door, the comforting smell of simmering broth and grilled meat immediately welcoming me. The interior was cleaner than I expected, with polished wooden tables and booths along the walls. A soft jazz tune played over the speakers, creating a cozy atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the chaotic world outside.

"Welcome to Shiba Seki! May I interest you in a seat and today's special from our lunch menu─! Ah-!" The cheerful voice cut off abruptly as the waitress turned toward me, her amber eyes widening in surprise. She was adorable - cat ears perched atop her head with a matching tail that now stood straight up behind her, wearing a simple white apron over a red uniform.

"Y-Your...!" She seemed to catch herself, pressing a hand to her mouth briefly before composing herself. Her tail flicked nervously behind her as she took a deep breath and pasted on a professional smile, though her ears still twitched with apparent excitement. "I mean... Please, follow me to your seat."