The knocking persisted, more insistent this time. As tension coiled within him, he waited, heart pounding. Finally, with a steadying breath, he inquired loudly enough for the unseen visitor to hear, "Who's there?"
"Oh! It's me!" A woman's voice rang out loudly from the other side of the door.
'Me?' Amphi thought, smacking his forehead in frustration. Of course, Rose thought that an answer as vague as 'me' was sufficient when asked for her identity, even when her life was on the line.
With a reluctant click, he pulled the door open to find Rose standing before him, a bright smile on her face, and his coat still draped over her slender shoulders. He greeted her with an expression that bordered on annoyance.
"Oh, look who it is—the pervert," he quipped, not bothering to mask his irritation.
"Sorry?" Rose blurted, her eyes widening in surprise, akin to a deer caught in headlights. "I'm not a pervert!"
Amphi let out a deep sigh, leaning against the door frame, his eyes remaining closed as he studied her complicated expression. "That's exactly what a pervert would say."
"Let me give you some advice: when someone asks who's there, a simple 'It's Rose' is much better than just 'It's me.' Unless, of course, you're hoping for a punch in the face."
"Now, if you'll excuse me…" he began, attempting to shut the door, but Rose quickly wedged her foot in the doorway, stopping him from closing it completely.
"I can't tell if you're joking or being serious," she said, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "But if you are serious, I'm truly sorry. I'm not trying to be a pervert. Please, could you tell me what I can do to make you feel comfortable?" Her gaze was filled with overbearing determination.
Amphi's brows knitted together, a hint of guilt bubbling up inside him as he observed her troubled expression. Still, he clung to his gruff demeanor; he disliked clingy people.
"You really are stupid," he sighed, running a hand through his tousled hair. "Clearly, I'm just joking."
"Oh, thank goodness.." she smiled, relief flooding her features.
Yet Amphi felt only more distressed by her infectious enthusiasm. Why was she so intent on sticking around? It was… exasperating.
"Still, it's bothersome, you're following me. Why are you so determined to be around?" He aimed to sound as conceited as possible, yet his rudeness barely seemed to faze her.
"Well, we're neighbors now…" Rose's voice trailed off, and she sheepishly showcased her key, a glimmer of hope in her eyes.
Amphi paused, confusion painting his face. "I distinctly remember your room number being 205, not 410."
"Yes, but—"
Previously at La Isle Hotels room front desk…
As Rose languidly fiddled with the key, a man approached her from behind, tapping her gently on the shoulder to capture her attention.
"Can we switch rooms?" he asked hurriedly. But slowed when he noticed her confusion, and with a reassuring smile he continued: "My room is 410, which is right next to that friend of yours. Your room is 205, right beside Miss Jane."
"Miss Jane?" Rose queried, her eyebrow arched in curiosity. Her logic reminded her to be cautious, but her nerves felt relaxed at his words despite the abruptness.
"Ah, she's…" He pointed at a tall, confident woman engaging in a discussion with a group of people nearby. "The leader of group 2."
"You've decided to call it group 2?" Rose blurted.
The man raised a brow at her, but remembering that Rose was wandering alone with her friend, he relaxed his expression and explained slowly, "Well, I guess?"
"When Miss Jane took responsibility to guide us, a screen appeared before us with the words, 'Group 2 formed. The leader is confirmed to be [ Jane Weathers ]' Or something along those lines. We were all also given numbers depending on when we confirmed to be a part of her group."
"Oh~" Rose hummed, her intrigue piquing.
Still, the thought of taking the key from her filled her with dread. 'Would moving next door be a bother to him?' she wondered, guilt washing over her as she stared at the key in her palm. Even though it seemed like a recipe for chaos, an instinct deep within her urged her to take the key and remain close to Amphi.
Rose had always trusted her gut when it came to people and situations, it had helped her in many life and death situations. Drawing in a sharp breath, she traded her key for his with renewed determination.
"Thank you so much for this!" She said, her face lighting up with gratitude.
"No, I should be thanking you. I hope you can return home soon, child," he responded in a warm, fatherly tone before making his way toward Jane and showing her the key. To Rose's relief, Jane was not at all perturbed and instead smiled warmly at her.
Feeling reassured by Jane's reaction, Rose flashed a relieved smile before rushing off in the direction Amphi had gone.
It didn't take long for her to realize that unlike Amphi, she had no idea where to go. "I should have asked for a map, too…"
****
Amphi rubbed his forehead in exasperation. "Well, goodnight then!" he stated curtly.
"Wait!" Rose called out, her voice urgent.
"What now?" he shot back, halting his hand just inches from the door to shut it.
"The butler said dinner would be served in thirty minutes. You weren't there, so I thought I'd let you know," Rose explained, rubbing her cheek nervously.
"Well, thanks for the heads up," he replied with a nonchalant yawn, before finally closing the door on her.
"Was this a bad idea?" she pondered quietly to herself as she walked toward her own room, yet her gut insisted that this was the right choice. She unlocked her door with a loud click and stepped inside a luxurious one-person suite, her eyes widening with wonder.
"Wow, I've never been in a place like this before!" she exclaimed, taking in the opulent furnishings and elegant decor. But as memories of the earlier encounter flooded back in, her heart darkened, and what once felt like a lavish retreat began to take on the bleak appearance of a poisoned cake.
Turning back toward the door, she hesitated. Should I lock it?
"I don't want to be alone," she confessed to herself inwardly, before ultimately deciding to secure the door, recalling that Amphi had done the same. Moreover, the thought of a masked killer opening her door and killing her sounded far too frightening.
"What if the masked killer was in my room from the start.." She muttered to herself in fear.
"No, no!" She smacked her cheeks, "Don't overthink, don't overthink," She repeated to herself, fearing that she may scare herself from even pissing.
After that ordeal, similar to Amphi, she began to explore her room, and on the plush bed lay a suitcase emblazoned with the number "178" in bold red letters.
"Strange, where have I heard that before?" she murmured, pinching the bridge of her nose as she tried to jog her memory. "Ah, right! Amphi mentioned a number on my cheek."
She then shifted her focus toward the bathroom, which was easy to locate since there was only one other door in the lavish suite.
As expected, the bathroom was equally extravagant and stylishly decorated. A grand bathtub rested in one corner, adorned with floating petals and surrounded by waxed candles that lent a calming ambiance to the space. Another corner was thoughtfully reserved for a spacious shower, just waiting to be enjoyed.
"Ugh, darn beautiful trap," Rose cursed under her breath, her fingers clenched into fists at her sides as she struggled to tame the mix of jealousy and exhilaration surging through her. Living in such a luxurious hotel had its own allure, but danger lurked beneath the surface, waiting to turn the bath tub into her tomb.
"They're trying to kill you, Rose. Stay focused." With each deep breath, she fought to steady the tumult inside her, willing herself to keep her composure.
After the storm of emotions subsided, Rose turned her gaze to the ornate mirror hanging on the wall. The fiery cascade of her crimson hair partially obscuring the left side of her face, the vibrant strands framing her features like an intricate curtain.
With a quick flick of her wrist, she slid the hair on her face to the side. Her face reflected back at her more clearly now, allowing her to catch sight of the number '178' tattooed just beneath her left eye—a curious mark that sparked both confusion and intrigue.
"How did he even notice that?" she mused, even she had trouble making it out under her thick bangs. However, she dismissed her concerns almost immediately. Amphi had shown to be remarkably perceptive.
"Well, I guess that means the luggage is addressed to me," she said softly, turning back to the large suitcase resting by the foot of the bed.
With a swift maneuver, she unlocked it, anticipation bubbling within her. Just like with Amphi, the contents of the suitcase felt eerily well-suited to her style. She unearthed a collection of clothes that were decidedly more aligned with her personality than the formal gown she had initially donned—an odd yet welcome discovery.
As she rummaged further, her enthusiasm waned; the bag was devoid of any weaponry or clues—only commonplace items like undergarments, shirts, a brush, and hair ties.
"Oh, look! New clothes!" she exclaimed sarcastically to the empty room.
Trying to make the most out of the situation, she laid out a sleek black jacket, a pair of fitted shorts, and some tights on the bed. The fleeting thought of comfort danced in her mind as she quickly changed into an outfit that promised not only comfort but also mobility—essentials for whatever lay ahead.
Thirty minutes passed in a flash, as she gazed at the clock hung on the wall, her heart raced for what would welcome her next.
With a few precious minutes remaining, she grabbed something she had stumbled on during her search: a box filled with assorted medical supplies—bandages, antiseptics, and other necessities piled haphazardly together. Cradling the box against her chest, she smiled at the prospect of demonstrating her usefulness to Amphi. "Perhaps if I show him how resourceful I can be, he'll allow me to stick around," she thought optimistically.
Yet, even amidst her resolve, she couldn't shake the recollection of Amphi's teasing remark, calling her a pervert. The thought made her cheeks warm with embarrassment. "Maybe I should just mention it casually…" she resolved, opting not to come off as overly eager or desperate.
As her thoughts swirled, the silence of the room transformed into a thundering presence, expanding against the walls and amplifying her sense of isolation. Staring blankly at the empty expanse of the wall opposite her, a wave of loneliness washed over her, prompting an involuntary sigh.
"I'm just trying to mask my fear by clinging to him," she murmured, toying with a curl of her hair—the guilt squirming in her chest. "If only someone were here with me, then I wouldn't have to face my thoughts alone."
Just as she felt herself sinking further into her melancholic reflections, a sharp knock echoed through the room, jolting her from her reverie.
Cautiously, she approached the door, each step measured as she wrapped her fingers around the cold handle. "Who is it?" she called out, her voice steady but curious.
"Dinner has been served, ma'am," a deep, masculine voice replied from the other side.
"Oh, yeah! I almost forgot!" She blurted as she hurriedly turned the handle and opened the door to find a butler standing before her.
He was impeccably dressed in formal attire, reminiscent of the butler she had encountered earlier. He carried himself with a refined grace, yet didn't wait for her acknowledgment before striding down the hallway, his hand ringing out a sharp clap.
"Dinner will be served on the ground floor. Guides will escort you to the cafeteria. Should you need anything further, don't hesitate to ask the others or call the front desk from your room," he announced, his tone authoritative yet devoid of warmth.
Without waiting for a response, the butler proceeded down the stairs, leaving Rose and others momentarily stunned.
Cautiously, she stepped into the hallway, her eyes scanning the faces of the guests milling about. A wave of loneliness washed over her as she realized how closely knit the groups had become—her regret at choosing Amphi over the others growing, but her gut still reassured her that her choice was right.
Then, from the corner of her eye, she spotted a familiar figure amid the crowd.
"Amphi!" she called out, her voice rising with excitement as she hurried toward him, her heart racing.
The sudden movement attracted several curious glances from nearby guests, but her focus honed in on him.
Unfortunately, the expression on his face suggested he was far from pleased to see her. In an instant, her confidence faltered, and she backstepped slightly, 'Damn it, I was supposed to act casual!'
'Not her again. Am I some kind of magnet for meddlesome people?' Amphi groaned inwardly, though he masked his irritation with a cheerful, closed-eye smile. "Ah, if it isn't Rose, back again!"
"Hehe?" she replied nervously, twisting a strand of her hair between her fingers, conscious of the twin tails that framed her face.
Amphi's discerning gaze took in her new attire, noting how much more at ease she appeared in the casual ensemble. He himself had also undergone a transformation, now clad in different attire with a sizable bag slung across his shoulder.
"Did you find anything interesting?" he asked, his overly enthusiastic tone contrasting sharply with the irritation that simmered beneath the surface.
"Oh! Yes!" Rose exclaimed, her excitement bubbling over once again as she dashed back to her room to retrieve the red box with a bold white cross. "I found this medical bag in my room!"
"Strange, there weren't any in my room," Amphi murmured, furrowing his brow as he pulled out his notepad, diligently jotting down the discovery. "Hey…"
"Yes?" Rose replied, the pride of having found something useful evident in her voice.
"I'll allow you to accompany me," he said, crossing his arms with a confident smirk, exuding an air of superiority as if he were granting her a privilege. "But there's a condition."
As Rose observed the haughty smirk on Amphi's face, a sharp sensation tingled in her knuckles, "That expression makes you look incredibly punchable," she remarked, half-jokingly.
"What?" he arched an eyebrow, not exactly surprised but not pleased either.
"Never mind, please continue." She waved her hand dismissively, eager to refocus on their conversation.
"...I'll allow you to accompany me if you take on the task of talking with others and gathering intel on my behalf," Amphi declared, sidestepping her earlier comment.
A wide grin spread across Rose's features; chatting was her specialty. "Aye, aye, sir!" she exclaimed enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"No need to be so excited... Now, go and find out if anyone resides on the 5th floor. Just don't be too conspicuous about it." He gestured for her to move along, then ran down the stairs.
Rose complied without hesitation and began to methodically engage in conversation with the others around her.
Peeking from the stairwell, Amphi observed her interactions, letting out a sigh of relief when he confirmed she was diligently following his instructions. Satisfied, he made his way down to the ground floor.
Upon descending, he noted the significant increase in the number of servants bustling throughout the hotel—a stark contrast to the quieter morning hours. He pulled out his notebook, jotting down observations about the heightened surveillance during meal times, and proceeded toward the cafeteria.
He recalled that one of the doors that had been locked during his first inspection was now open to reveal a vibrant cafeteria, filled with the melodic hum of chatter and the clatter of silverware clinking against plates. The rich aromas wafting through the air sent his stomach growling in anticipation.
In the center of the room stood an imposing long table, a veritable buffet displaying an array of culinary delights.
The NPC's were gathered around, joyfully indulging in the delectable dishes, their elegantly manicured hands diving into the feast with reckless abandon.
Amphi's usually closed eyes widened as he approached the table, captivated by the vast selection laid out before him. Seafood dominated the offerings: grilled oysters glistening under soft lighting, delicate gougères, lobster thermidor nestled in creamy sauce, and salmon wellington wrapped in flaky pastry—each dish more tempting than the last.
He piled his plate high with a little bit of everything until it was filled to the brim. Seeing the others eat with carefree abandon, he decided to fill his own plate, pushing past his hesitations about the potentially dangerous cuisine.
At that moment, Rose reappeared, joining a few other players who'd just entered.
Seeing Amphi, her face lit up, and she rushed toward him with an enthusiastic wave. He felt a slight awkwardness wash over him as she approached.
"I've got the information you wanted!" she announced, her voice bubbling with excitement, but she quickly quieted herself when she noticed Amphi's scrutinizing gaze
"Neither the players nor NPCs are living on the 5th floor," she whispered, leaning closer to him. "I even asked the butler, and he mentioned it was currently under construction and unsafe to explore. He went on to explain that no staff are stationed up there because us, the esteemed guests, need the utmost attention and nothing must disturb our stay. Apparently, we're children of high-ranking officials, but I know that's just a setting because I'm poor."
Amphi stared at her, taken aback by her resourcefulness. "You managed to find all that out in under five minutes without alerting the system?" he marveled.
She giggled, a proud smile stretching across her face.
"Good job," Amphi said, his trademark smile forming beside his closed eyes, suddenly feeling more eager to allow her to accompany him; he could easily delegate the task of social interaction to her.
Just then, he felt a menacing gaze piercing into his back. Turning, he found a boy staring at him intently, a scowl firmly affixed to his features.
"I'm coming with you," Rose chimed in, sensing Amphi's distraction. Her plate was somehow also already full as she observed his interest in the group of NPCs, as though he was gravitating toward them.
He threw a glance back at her, contemplating a rebuttal, but ultimately decided against it. Rose had proven her usefulness already, "Suit yourself," he relented.
Her heart swelled with satisfaction at joining him, reveling in the sense of accomplishment that came with being acknowledged after feeling dismissed.
Without so much as an invitation, Amphi took a seat at the crowded table where all eyes now turned toward him and Rose. She felt a surge of nerves well up as she settled into the chair beside him, acutely aware of the scrutiny from the others.
"It seems our dear brother here has discovered true bliss," a well-dressed young man at the opposite end of the table remarked, laughter threading through his words. Upon closer inspection, he was the same guy causing the commotion on the cruise.
"Come on, Amphi," he continued, a sly grin stretching across his face as he glanced between Amphi and Rose. "What's your secret?" It didn't take long for both Amphi and Rose to grasp the implications behind his words.
Taking a moment to ponder, Amphi finally released a deep sigh and flashed a radiant smile. "A secret? This face is no secret. But I do feel a bit sorry for your.. features, so I'd be willing to share some tips on enhancing your appearance—if you beg, that is."
An uncomfortable silence descended upon the table, as the guests blinked in shock, their expressions frozen as if they were witnessing a dangerous spectacle. Rose couldn't hide her surprise, staring wide-eyed at Amphi whilst trying to subdue her laugh from erupting.
'Wow, he really said that. I've only seen lines like this in movies,' she thought, cheering him on mentally.
Meanwhile, Amphi's gaze drifted toward the ceiling, curious if the voice that governed their game would respond. It didn't. 'So, it's acceptable for us to engage in conflict as long as we don't expose ourselves as players.'
"Aha, did you indulge a bit too much?" the boy at the edge of the table chuckled, although his smile appeared strained.
"I'm genuinely intrigued by those tips of yours. How about we continue this conversation in the garden after this?" he suggested, a sly grin spreading across his face. The others at the table exchanged knowing smiles, sensing the tension building—it was a blatant challenge.
"Sounds less like begging and more like a casual invitation," Amphi chuckled, clearly unfazed by the tension in the air. He was acutely aware of the others' eyes, drawn to the sleek camera perched above their table, its lens gleaming ominously.
'Fights might be off-limits in this space,' he thought, 'but the garden is possibly unmonitored. I need to jot this down for future reference.'
Across the table, the boy's grip on his fork tightened, his knuckles whitening as anger surged within him. His initially confident smile began to falter, morphing into something strained and forced.
"Please?" he uttered, his voice dropping to a near whisper, masking the rage simmering just below the surface. Each syllable was an effort, as if he was wrestling with his own emotions, which threatened to erupt at any moment.
"Are you even trying? What a pitiful display of begging. Good thing you're wealthy; if you were destitute, you'd be in real distress," Amphi taunted, meticulously fanning the flames of the confrontation.
Even Rose, who sat quietly observing, felt a twinge of anxiety as she noticed the boy's anger manifesting in the way he bent the spoon in his grip.
"Oh, please, Amphi? I'm—truly—so—desperate," the boy forced out, each word dripping with barely-contained frustration, suggesting that another taunt might just push him over the edge.
"Hmmm, nope!" Amphi cackled, clearly enjoying the spectacle. "Not today."
The boy's face blazed crimson as he twisted the fork until it was unrecognizable, his frustration palpable. Rose glanced at him, worry etched across her features, questioning why he would provoke someone twice his size. 'What are you thinking? You're going to get crushed!' she thought anxiously.
Meanwhile, Amphi appeared utterly unfazed, relishing his meal without a care in the world. He noted, with mild curiosity, that the boy recognized his name, even though Amphi had never formally introduced himself.
Unperturbed, he continued to indulge in the exquisite flavors of the meal, savoring each bite as if it were his personal triumph. Rose watched in disbelief, her admiration for Amphi's audacity battling with the mounting dread of her loss of appetite.
'Was it a mistake to follow him? What if he's the reason we both end up in serious trouble?' she pondered nervously, her gaze flitting between the rich kid's steely glare and Amphi's carefree enjoyment.
She took a few cautious bites from her plate, but the food that had once seemed delightful now felt bland and unappealing. The once inviting aroma of the dishes began to overwhelm her senses, transforming into an unsettling reminder of the escalating tension at the table. They all sat together—one man delighting in his meal, the rest glaring daggers at him, and one woman caught in between, yearning only to escape the brewing storm.