Kaisler stood in front of a food stand, staring down the worker behind the counter. His stomach grumbled, but his wallet felt like a weightless shell in his pocket.

Kaisler: "Come on, man. I’m only 2 Zylar off. Cut me some fucking slack here."

Food Stand Worker: "I can’t just give you food for free."

Kaisler: "Bro, it's just Buns & Blazes! You don’t get paid enough for this, trust me."

Food Stand Worker: "Exactly! And I can’t risk losing more just to help some guy I don’t know."

Kaisler clenched his fists, trying to stay calm. It had been a tough week—everything was going wrong. “I just need to eat,” he thought. "It's just food. Why does this have to be so hard?"

Kaisler: "Look, man. It’s been a rough day. I’m just asking for a little kindness here."

Food Stand Worker: "No. I said no."

Kaisler threw up his hands in frustration. "FUCK OFF!" he muttered under his breath as he turned away, empty-handed.

He pulled out his phone, dialing the number of the only person who might take pity on him.

Kaisler: "Come on, Buddy. Pick up, pick up..."

Buddy: "Hello? Who is this?"

Kaisler rolled his eyes. "It's me, Kaisler. Can I crash at your place for a while? Got kicked out. Can't pay rent."

Buddy: "Oof, tough. Yeah, about that... I’m gonna have to pass on this one."

Kaisler: "Are you serious? I’m your only friend!"

Buddy: "Rude. But yeah, I’ve got someone over."

Kaisler: "What, you got a girl over? Let me guess," Kaisler says sarcastically, almost laughing.

Buddy: "Yeah, how did you know?"

Kaisler: "A girl? Seriously? Dude, are you really turning me down for a girl?!"

Buddy: "Yeah, man. Can't have you crashing on my couch while I’m busy. I’m not some kind of charity."

Kaisler’s hand tightened around the phone. "Oh my god, you’re insane. I can’t stay over because of her?"

Buddy: "Yep. Just tell your sad little story to someone else, bro."

Kaisler: "I swear, if I don’t get a place to stay, I hope you fall into the void of the multiverse and stop existing!"

Buddy: "Love you too, bro. Talk soon!"

Kaisler stared at the phone in disbelief as the call ended.

Kaisler: "That fucking prick..."

Kaisler paused for a moment, letting out a long, exasperated sigh. The weight of his weak, useless power—his “strings” that couldn’t even help him get food—felt heavier than ever. But this was his life. It had always been like this. Everyone in Nexus had some kind of grand, reality-bending power, and what did he get? Some puny strings. He’d never measure up.

But it didn’t matter. He was used to it. Life wasn’t going to change. At least, not yet.

Kaisler walked through the street, watching people smiling and chatting with each other. His stomach twisted—not just from hunger but from the isolation pressing down on him.

Then, the rain started. Cold and relentless. He shoved his hands into his pockets and kept walking, shoulders hunched against the chill. As he passed couples huddling together under awnings, he caught a glimpse of himself in a puddle. His reflection stared back, weak and pathetic. He despised what he saw.

Then, his eyes landed on a nearby sign:

"Multiverse Explorers Wanted!"

Right in the center of the poster was Buddy’s smug face.

Kaisler scoffed. "That prick... Even now, he's still taunting me," he muttered, laughing sarcastically.

He exhaled, shaking his head. "Maybe I'll take the job. Maybe this useless power can finally be useful."

With that, he slumped against the cold pavement, the rain soaking through his clothes as exhaustion pulled him into sleep.
Kaisler woke up, soaked to the bone, his clothes clinging to his skin. The rain had finally stopped, but the cold morning air bit at him just as harshly. His stomach twisted with hunger, a painful reminder of how badly he needed food.

With a groan, he pushed himself off the damp pavement and ran a hand through his dripping hair. "Great... just fucking great." His breath came out in a shaky sigh. He had no money, no home, and no real plan.

But he did have one option.

He shoved his hands into his pockets and started walking toward Buddy’s house. The streets were quiet this early in the morning, save for the occasional hover car whirring past. Neon signs flickered above him, casting eerie reflections in the puddles that still lined the cracked sidewalks.

As he approached Buddy’s apartment complex, he hesitated. Would Buddy even let him in? Probably not. He was an asshole like that. But Kaisler was desperate, and desperate people didn’t have the luxury of pride.

He took a deep breath and knocked.

Silence.

He knocked again, harder this time. "Buddy! Open up!"

A muffled groan came from inside, followed by sluggish footsteps. The door cracked open, revealing Buddy—his hair a mess, eyes half-lidded with exhaustion. He looked like he'd just woken up, wearing nothing but sweatpants and a smug grin.

"Dude... it's too early for this."

Kaisler scowled. "Let me in."

Buddy leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. "You smell like a wet dog. And I’m kinda busy."

Kaisler clenched his fists. "Buddy, I swear to god—"

Before he could finish, a voice called from inside the apartment. "Babe? Who is it?"

Kaisler exhaled sharply. Of course.

Buddy smirked. "Told you. Busy."

Kaisler’s jaw tightened, his fingers twitching at his sides. He should’ve expected this. He should’ve known Buddy wouldn't help.

But before Buddy could close the door, Kaisler stepped forward, blocking it with his foot. "Just listen."

For the first time that morning, his voice wasn’t filled with sarcasm or frustration. It was something else. Something raw.

"I need a way out, Buddy. I need... something. Anything. I'm sick of this. And I know you’ve got connections." He gestured toward the Multiverse Explorer poster he had seen earlier. "Just get me in. That’s all I’m asking."

Buddy raised an eyebrow, studying Kaisler for a long moment. Then, with a sigh, he scratched the back of his head.

"You really that desperate?"

Kaisler didn’t blink. "Yeah."

Buddy sighed again, stepping aside. "Fine. Come in. But don’t touch my shit."

Kaisler didn't hesitate. He walked inside.

Kaisler: "Like I would. Who’s the lucky lady? Isn’t this the fifth one this month?" he says, laughing.

Buddy: "Sixth one, actually."

Kaisler: "Sounds just like you. By the way, when the hell did your lame ass get so big in multiverse exploring?"

Buddy: "Wouldn’t you like to know?"

Kaisler: "Yeah, dumbass, that’s why I’m asking. Are you actually brain-dead?"

Buddy: "Ouch. But it’s easy—just be strong or some shit. I don’t know."

Kaisler: "Wow. Great tips. Truly life-changing."

Buddy: "Yeah, too bad I’m not weak." He smirked. "Anyway, what food do you want?"

Kaisler: "Nah, fuck that. Who’s the lucky lady? Let me guess—her name's Sera? Or something fancy?"

Buddy: "It’s Sarah."

Kaisler looks confused. "Sarah? You’re dating a girl named Sarah? She sounds... normal."

Buddy: "Because she is."

Kaisler: "What, did you lose a bet?"

Buddy: "No. She’s just cute."

Kaisler: "Whatever you say, bro. I’ll get a burger and a diet soda."

Buddy: "Which one?"

Kaisler: "Anything that tastes like lemon and lime."

Buddy: "Of course."

Sarah walks in wearing a robe.

Sarah: "What are you boys talking about? And Buddy, when were you going to introduce me to him?"

Buddy: "Never. He’s a weirdo."

Kaisler: "Ouch. I’m Kaisler, and you must be Sarah."

Sarah: "Oh, cute name," she says, blushing.

Buddy, looking annoyed, says: "Go upstairs and take a shower. Your burger will be ready soon."

Kaisler: "Aww, is someone angry their girlfriend called me cute?"

Buddy: "Go take a shower, you dumbass."

Kaisler: "Okay, but don’t let your girlfriend in there unless you want her to leave you." He laughs hysterically as he heads upstairs to take a shower.

Kaisler trudged upstairs, dripping water onto Buddy’s floor. The bathroom door slammed shut behind him with a loud thud. Below, Buddy and Sarah sat at the kitchen counter. Sarah stared after him with a mix of confusion and concern.

Sarah: (raising an eyebrow) “So, what’s with your friend? Is he always like that?”

Buddy: (leaning against the counter, nonchalant) “Yeah, pretty much. He’s… you know, Kaisler.”

Sarah: “I don’t get it. You two have been friends forever, right? But it’s like he’s your punching bag. Why do you treat him like that?”

Buddy: (letting out a dramatic sigh and flopping into a chair) “It’s complicated. We’ve known each other too long. We joke around, mess with each other—it’s just... our thing, y’know?”

Sarah: (crossing her arms, skeptical) “I get the joking, but the way you talk to him... it’s harsh. Have you ever thought that maybe he’s not just playing along? That maybe—”

Buddy: (cutting her off with a grin) “Oh please, you’re way overthinking this.”

Buddy: (throws his hands up in mock exasperation) “Look, I’m not that mean. It’s just... how we are. He knows I’ve got his back, even if I don’t show it all the time.”

Sarah: “Does he, though? You sure? Because the way you kicked him out this morning—”

Buddy: (pauses, his smirk faltering slightly) “I didn’t kick him out. I just... set some boundaries.”

Sarah: (raising an eyebrow) “Boundaries? So you throw your best friend out because some girl’s over?”

Buddy: (quickly defensive) “Alright, alright. I didn’t throw him out. I told him not to come in while I had company. That’s all.”

Sarah: (sarcastic) “Uh-huh. Boundaries. Right.”

Buddy: (sighing, more serious now but still with some cockiness) “Look, I wasn’t being a jerk. I just didn’t want him around while I had company, alright? I did offer him food, though. And eventually, I let him in.”

Sarah: (softening but still firm) “Buddy, he’s your friend. You don’t just push him away because it’s easier. He’s obviously struggling, and you treat it like a joke.”

Buddy: (reluctantly dropping his grin, his gaze shifting to the stairs) “You don’t get it. Kaisler’s been like this for years. He hides behind sarcasm and all this ‘I don’t care’ stuff, but I know... I’ve seen him fall apart. And trust me, you don’t want to see that.”

Sarah: (gently) “Then maybe you should stop pushing him to that point. Just because you’re strong doesn’t mean he isn’t feeling things too, Buddy.”

Buddy: (pauses, looking a little shaken for the first time) “I... I never thought about it that way.”

Sarah: (leaning back, her tone soft but resolute) “Look, I get it. You guys have this weird, friendship thing. But if he’s struggling, he’s not going to get better if you keep treating it like a joke. He needs help, not just more pushing.”

Buddy: (looks at her seriously for a moment, the cocky exterior slipping away) “So what, you want me to stop making jokes? Be all... sensitive?”

Sarah: (with a teasing smile) “Yeah, Buddy. Be nice. Or at least, show him you care without all the tough-guy act.”

Buddy: (snorts, rubbing his face) “God, you make it sound so easy. Fine, I’ll try. But don’t expect me to start handing out hugs.”

Sarah: (grinning) “I think you’ll survive. Just try acting like you actually like him, alright?”

Buddy: (chuckling) “Alright, alright. No promises, but I’ll work on it.”

The sound of Kaisler’s footsteps thumping down the stairs interrupted their conversation. The bathroom door creaked open, and Kaisler appeared, his damp hair and disheveled clothes matching his usual sour mood.

Kaisler: (deadpan) “Did I interrupt something? You two look like you were having a moment.”

Buddy: (with a dramatic eye roll, but more gently than usual, clapping Kaisler on the back) “Nah, man. Just talking about you. What do you want to eat? Burger? Fries?”

Kaisler: (suspicious, but his stomach growls loudly before he can respond) “Yeah, sure. Whatever. Just... no weird toppings this time.”

Buddy: (grinning) “No promises. Maybe we’ll throw some love into your burger instead.”

Sarah: (laughs quietly to herself, while Kaisler mutters under his breath)

Kaisler: “Yeah, love. That’s just what I need right now... a damn burger with a side of affection.”

Kaisler shoves a piece of food into his mouth, chewing fast like he hasn’t eaten in days. Across from him, Buddy leans back in his chair, arms crossed, watching with mild amusement. Sarah sits nearby, quietly observing the conversation unfold.

Kaisler: "So… how do I join?

Buddy: join? join what

Kaisler: the Multiverse Explorers

Buddy: "You? Join? Bad idea."

Kaisler: "What, too strong for me?"

Buddy: "Yeah."

Kaisler: "Then let me join you."

Buddy: "Nah."

Kaisler: "Why?"

Buddy: "Because I can’t be wasting time babysitting someone who can’t carry their own weight."

Kaisler slams his hand on the table, shaking the plates.

Kaisler: "I don’t care. I need the fucking money."

Buddy: "It’s not all about the money."

Kaisler: "That’s easy for you to say. You’re the rich, powerful king, and I’m the weak, useless peasant. I don’t have a fucking choice, do I?"

A silence hangs between them. Sarah, who has been quietly listening, finally speaks up.

Sarah: "Kaisler… Buddy’s not wrong."

Kaisler glares at her, his jaw tightening.

Kaisler: "Oh, great. So you’re taking his side now?"

Sarah: "I’m taking reality’s side. You don’t know what you're asking for. The job of a Multiverse Explorer isn’t just running errands for cash. It’s inconsistency, death, despair, loss. It’s entire worlds vanishing in front of you."

Kaisler: (cutting her off) "And starving to death is better?!"

Sarah exhales, rubbing her temples. Buddy just shakes his head, sighing.

Buddy: "Look, dumbass, if you wanna join, you need to stop being weak. 'Cause right now, you wouldn’t last a day."

Kaisler clenches his fists, but Buddy leans forward, his tone dead serious.

Buddy: "So here’s the deal. You train, you get stronger, or you die. Simple as that."

Kaisler swallows hard. Buddy doesn’t sound like he’s joking.

Buddy: "For now, you can crash at my place. But if you don’t start getting your shit together? You’re on your own."

Kaisler exhales, his shoulders relaxing slightly. It’s not much, but it’s something.

Kaisler: "Fine."

Sarah: (scoffing) "This is a terrible idea."

Buddy: "Yeah, probably. But if he dies, at least he won’t be my problem anymore."

Kaisler rolls his eyes, shoving another bite of food into his mouth. He has a long way to go, but at least now he has a place to start.