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.
Horizon and the others turned to see a group of seven Beastfolk, each equipped with High-Tier Bronze and Low-Tier Iron gear. The speaker, a large warrior with a wolf's head and humanoid body, stood at the front, his fur-lined armor bristling with strength.
"Hello there, I'm David," the wolfman introduced himself, his voice rough yet friendly. He had the commanding presence of a leader, walking on powerful wolf-like legs. His face, a blend of human and wolf, was robust, his thick fur barely visible beneath the plated armor on his body.
"David?" Cappy muttered from the side, cocking his head. "That's a pretty human-sounding name for a Beastman."
Horizon and the others introduced themselves, while Von, ever curious, asked, "Are you entering the competition too?"
David nodded. "That's right."
"All of you?" Von gestured to the whole group.
"Just five of us," David explained, "The rest are extras—backups, just in case something goes wrong."
Horizon and his group exchanged a glance. There were only five of them, no extras.
Lydia sighed and smacked her forehead. "Great, just great. No wonder other teams have more than five people. Are we really going to enter the competition so unprepared?"
"I think that's a privilege for Iron badge holders and above," Lydia sneered. "Nice perk for us independent players with no guilds."
"Are you sure you're okay out here?" Horizon asked.
"We can ask the staff to widen the door," Von offered. "Or maybe we just 'accidentally' knock down a wall. This place is falling apart anyway."
Read exclusive adventures at empire
Frigid shook his head with a chuckle. "Don't worry about it. I'm not much for staying indoors. Houses always feel too cramped for me. And I'm not good with beds."
"If you're sure," Von said, casting one last look at the giant before they headed inside.
The door creaked open, revealing their shabby, makeshift quarters. It wasn't much, but it would have to do for now.
Horizon led the way as they cautiously stepped toward the entrance, unsure if the structure would even hold under their weight.
As the creaky door swung open, dust particles floated in the dim light, and the inside was just as rundown as the outside—bare walls, worn-down floors, and an unsettling draft that whispered through the gaps.
"Home sweet home," Silphie muttered in a bored tone.
"Yeah . . . let's just get settled," Lydia sighed, the exhaustion hitting her all over again.
Von and Horizon stepped inside without hesitation. They were used to places like this—after all, their time in Drakha had taught them to make do with much worse. Compared to the cold, damp cave they'd once shared with the Amberskins, this run-down shack was practically luxury.
The interior was sparse: one cramped bedroom with six bunk beds lining the walls, a modest fireplace in the center, and a combined living, dining, and kitchen area shoved to one side. A single, rickety toilet sat at the far end, offering little privacy.
Lydia clicked her tongue in annoyance, eyeing the lack of division. "Not even a separate space for the women."
"We'll make do," Horizon said calmly, scanning the room with a resigned smile. "It's not like we've had it any better before."
They all exchanged weary glances but quickly settled in for the night. This wasn't ideal, but for now, it would be home.