The Living Arrangement    

The so-called housing looked more like an abandoned warehouse district—crumbling stone walls, cracked windows, and an eerie stillness that hung in the air like mist.

The streets were quiet, but not in the peaceful, serene way they'd hoped. This was the kind of quiet that made you feel like you were being watched.

"Is this . . . a joke?" Nyx muttered, eyes wide as she took in the dilapidated surroundings. "It looks like it's been deserted for years."

Von whistled, half amused, half in disbelief. "I was expecting something a bit more . . . accommodating."

Horizon sighed, folding up the map. "Welcome to luxury living, I guess."

Even Lydia, who was usually the optimistic one, stared at the place with disbelief. "This can't be where they're putting players up for the competition."

"Is this your first time competing?" a voice called out.