Receptionist: "Let's begin, shall we? Follow me."
The receptionist walks them through a long hallway.
Receptionist: "We like to keep a low profile here, so we are not opened to the general public. So it is off limits to bring people within."
They approach an elevator. The receptionist opens it and they all walk inside.
Receptionist: "I would kindly ask all of you to enter."
They all walk in and she follows too.
Receptionist: "Majority of the floors are rooms, but there are some floors with other purposes. There's a restaurant, a lounge, a library, and more."
After a short moment, the elevator stops and the doors slide open.
Receptionist: "Here is the lounge."
The group exit the elevator, and look around to an open space area, sofas all around, and a carpeted floor.
Receptionist: "Unfortunately, a small number Furantur members from Vagis stay here. So you won't see people here often. Most visit just to deposit the annual fee. Ok, to our right, that is the restaurant, where you can eat food provided here. A new set of dishes, different from Vagis, if you are interested. Opposite to it, is the library. If you plan to research, you can use these spaces. We update information from time to time, so it is fairly up to date. And finally, I'll mention that the annual fee should be handed down at the reception. Only money is taken. That's all for this floor. For the rooms, they are above this floor. Beside the elevator are stairs. Head up to rooms 206-211. There should be keys on the door so you can enter. Rooms aren't assigned so it's usually first come first serve. Fresh clothes will be provided if needed."
Kassius: "Are the rooms all the same?"
Receptionist: "Well... a little secret. Far end rooms are usually the best. And 211 is a far end room."
The receptionist looks at a clock on the wall.
Receptionist: "Alright, in exactly three hours, return back down here to conclude the tour. I'll leave you to it."
Just as the words leave her mouth, they all sprint down past the elevator through the hallway. As Kassius is running, Bonnie shoves through.
Bonnie: "Sorry Kas, no hard feel-"
Sarah bumps past Bonnie and runs up the stairs.
Sarah: "Too slow."
They all run up the stairs and reach the next floor, blazing through the narrow hall. Sarah and Bonnie continue shoving each other as Marcus runs past them.
Marcus: "That room is as a good as m- what?"
In an instant, Jinsoku rushes past Marcus and stops at the door.
Jinsoku: "Lucky day, yeah?"
Marcus: "..."
Marcus stops at a 210, followed by Bonnie, then Sarah, then Arnold and finally Kassius.
Bonnie: "Who's the slow one again?"
Sarah: "Maybe if I ate bananas all day..."
Bonnie: "What did you say?!"
Jinsoku and Marcus enter their rooms. Bonnie and Sarah, angrily staring at each other, enter theirs as well, slamming the doors behind them. Kassius walks up to Arnold.
Kassius: "I'm kinda hungry right now. I think I'll grab a snack downstairs. Wanna come?"
Arnold: "I don't think I have the energy. I'm going to wash up and rest. See you later."
They dap each other up. Arnold enters his room and Kassius heads back down to the restaurant.
Kassius (in head): "Wonder what food they've got here."
As he enters, he sits on a stool in front of the counter. A man, of tall stature, white beard and light skin tone, dark brown eyes and a scar across his eye, stands across from him.
Kassius: "So, what's on the menu?"
The man points upwards and Kassius looks.
Kassius: "Alright... can I have... the Half Shalker Bowl and... the Pineberry Juice?"
The man nods his head and walks away. After a short wait, he brings a plate with the food and the juice.
Kassius: "Whoa! That looks good. I've never heard of a Shalker until now, but it looks nice."
Kassius takes a bite of his food and drops his fork.
Kassius: "Mmm! Oh, this is great!"
He devours his food and sips some of his juice. He reacts no differently to the drink. As he happily eats, he finally cleans his plate and lies his head on the counter.
Kassius: "Ugh... I'm so full... thanks for t-"
The man places a paper on the table.
Kassius: "Oh, I thought the food was free."
The man shakes his head.
Kassius: "We have to pay?"
The bartender nods.
Kassius: "Umm... Ok, l-"
Woman: "I'll cover it."
Kassius looks to his right and sees a woman with short black hair, brown eyes, light brown skin, and of height taller than himself.
Kassius: "It's alright lady, I got it. I'm not completely broke."
Woman: "I insist."
Kassius: "Look, I'm not a fan of owing people money."
Woman: "Then this can be free of charge. A gift."
Kassius: "A gift?"
Woman: "Yes. Just interested in the young man's name."
Kassius: "Me? It's Kassius. I'll be honest, this is kind of creepy."
Woman: "Do you always say whatever comes to mind?"
Kassius: "Yes."
The woman chuckles a bit.
Woman: "You're a very interesting person, Kassius Moore."
Kassius: "Um... Thanks, for paying. I do have to go, so..."
Woman: "Then I hope to see you in the future. I am Diana, if you were interested."
Kassius: "Thanks, Diana."
Kassius awkwardly walks away from the restaurant.
Kassius (in head): "I don't think I told her my last name... right?"
As Kassius walks back up the stairs, he stops at his floor. He looks up, and continues to the next floor. He goes until he reaches the last floor, where he overhears two guys. He peeks the corner and sees them both, noticing something in one guy's hand.
Kassius (in head): "Is that a diamond?"
Suddenly, Kassius is dragged down, his mouth covered.
Person 1: "You heard that?"
The other moves slowly towards the stairs. As he approaches it, he jumps out and sees nothing. He looks down and also sees nothing.
Person 2: "Guess there was nothing after all. Anyways, you are giving me half..."
In a room on the second floor, Kassius is stood inside, as a girl looks outside the door.
Kassius: "You're the girl I saw earlier."
The girl is of height similar to Kassius, long black hair, freckles, light skin tone and has maroon eyes.
Kassius: "So, do you live here?"
Girl: "Not really... I'm just stopping by."
Kassius: "Oh, so you're basically an expert? That's perfect. You see, I'm kind of new around here so I want to learn a little more about this place. You mind helping me out?"
Girl: "Hmm..."
The girl turns and faces Kassius.
Girl: "Pay for your own stuff, don't snoop around and never make deals. Alright, time to go!"
She starts leading him to the door. As he starts leaving, he turns back to her.
Kassius: "Wait. Why did you help me in the first place?"
Girl: "Honestly, I don't know. But aren't you lucky I helped you?"
Kassius: "Wait a minute... were you sta-"
She slams the door in his face.
Kassius: "I was kidding! Hey, what's your name anyway?"
Girl: "Ayana."
Kassius: "Ayana? Well, thanks Ayana. See you around, I guess."
Kassius walks back to his room. He opens the door and enters the room, closing the door behind him. He turns on the light and is greeted by a room with a small bathroom, a cupboard and a mini kitchen. A mattress lies in the corner of the room.
Kassius (in head): "Well, it could be worse."
Kassius jumps onto the mattress and looks up.
Kassius (in head): "...I made it. Is he still out there, I wonder? I'll see him... for sure..."
Kassius falls asleep on the mattress as the light shines over his head.
"Yo... Hello?! You still with me?!"
Kassius: "Hmm..."
Man: "You just fell off a balcony. I'm actually shocked you're still breathing, hahahaha!"
On his birthday, in the year 3016, at the age of 11, Kassius had encountered a man after the most bizarre incident. Little did he know, this would be one of the biggest turning points in his life.