The year is 2020. Liem, the undefeated World Free Fighting League champion, stood amidst the raucous celebration of his tenth consecutive title defense. The roar of the crowd, the flashing lights, the effusive praise – it all washed over him, leaving an unsettling void.

His usual post-victory party was in full swing at his lavish mansion, but the joy felt hollow. An unshakeable sense of detachment had settled deep within him, a silent counterpoint to the boisterous festivities. He excused himself, slipping away unnoticed from the throngs of revelers, a beanie pulled low over his head.

He walked, aimlessly at first, the cool night air a welcome contrast to the stifling exuberance he’d left behind. The city lights blurred around him until a faint, raspy voice cut through the urban hum.

"Please select new books and used books!" an old man called out, hunched over a makeshift stall piled high with worn paperbacks.

Liem approached, drawn by an unseen force. He pointed to a nondescript volume. "Sorry sir, how much is the price of this book?"

"5 dollars sir," the old man replied. Liem offered the money, but the old man waved it away. "The book that you have chosen, I give for free to you."

Confused but accepting, Liem took the book. He turned to leave, but a strange impulse made him glance back. The old man and his stall were gone, vanished as if they had never been there. Liem blinked, then walked on, a new, profound bewilderment settling in.