Planet Genesis

When Ning reappeared, he found himself in an unfamiliar tavern of the sort with a few people inside, eating and drinking. 

The tavern owner cleaned the countertop with a wet towel, giving no attention to anyone.

"Where am I?" Ning thought to himself, understandably confused. Then, he noticed something he hadn't noticed beforehand. 

Something flickered on top of the tavern owner's head. When he looked closely at it, it looked like a bunch of question marks that were permanently hovering on top of his head.

As Ning stared at him, the owner saw him as well. "Weary traveler, how may I help you?" he asked.

Ning was surprised that the owner noticed him. 'Am I not in that game anymore? None of these people seem like they're from the 50 winners,' he thought as he looked around.

Then, he noticed more and more of the same question marks appear on top of everyone's heads.

'The hell?' he thought.