From the conversation he had with the old man in the previous timeline, Aether knew that the man had been involved with the Slums and had secretly helped people who managed to escape from that place.
If that was true, then the old man must have known the Slums inside and out.
Aether looked at the old man and said, "I need to know how to get into the Slums."
The old man slowly raised his head, and the grumpy expression that had rested on his face faded almost immediately.
"I think you've got the wrong idea. This is a pawn shop. If you're not here to buy anything, then you should leave," he said calmly, although his fingers had already moved beneath the desk, preparing for the worst.
Aether quietly watched him. He noticed the tension in the old man's expression and the subtle movement of his hands beneath the desk.
It was clear that the old man was preparing to pull the same shit as before.
