The return to the Third Floor didn't carry the same weight as before.
Now, with Emanueru beside them — still inexperienced, still confused, but officially part of the group — there was a clearer sense of purpose. They had answers to seek. And even if no one said it out loud, everyone wanted to discover where that boy without an icon and without a past truly came from.
The passage between floors glowed, distorting the ground beneath their feet for a few seconds. When the light faded, the scene opened up before them.
The Third Floor.
For real this time.
The road remained calm until, as they rounded the final curve, the group spotted a large arch of white stone, adorned with soft lights. Attached to the top, a shimmering sign glowed in shades of pink and gold, emitting an inviting radiance:
LÍRIA DISTRICT
Where pleasures bloom
Ethan read it slowly, his brow furrowing slightly.
"'Pleasures bloom'…?" he repeated, thoughtful.
Sienna studied the surroundings for a few seconds.
"Well… let's go in and see what that means."
Emanueru tilted his head, trying to understand.
"Pleasures… like food and sleeping?"
Elenya replied in a neutral tone:
"Maybe. Let's find out."
Without triggering any alarms, they passed beneath the arch.
The moment they entered, the atmosphere changed.
The lights were warmer, casting pink and golden hues across the streets. Silk curtains hung from the doorways of houses, their open windows revealing elegant silhouettes moving behind the glass. Soft laughter echoed here and there — not loud, not uncontrolled, but… inviting.
People walked slowly, closer to one another. Some exchanged discreet touches; others spoke in whispers. It felt like stepping into a place designed to enchant.
And then they noticed.
The clothing.
The gestures.
The lingering looks.
The women of the district were dressed in carefully seductive ways — tight dresses, shimmering fabrics, elegant posture. The men, in turn, seemed… captivated. Glassy eyes, steps guided solely by the women passing by.
Marcus was the first to comment, his tone observant:
"This city… feels different. It doesn't seem like an ordinary town."
Ethan nodded.
"It's like everything here was built to be… appealing."
Sienna crossed her arms.
"This is clearly a pleasure district. You can tell by the buildings… and by the crowd."
Emanueru frowned, still trying to connect the dots.
"Pleasure… district? What does that actually mean?"
Sienna sighed.
"We'll talk about that later."
They continued along the main street, lit by rosy lanterns and filled with sweet aromas that grew stronger with each step.
The city didn't hide what it was.
The scent in the air wasn't strong — on the contrary, it was subtle — but it drew attention by the way it seemed to wrap around everything, like a perfumed breeze coming from all directions.
Elenya was the first to comment:
"This smell… it doesn't seem natural."
Sienna silently agreed, watching the people on the sidewalks.
The local women exchanged gentle smiles with the men who passed by. Some winked discreetly; others adjusted their hair in ways that highlighted their bodies. It was studied charm, so well executed it almost seemed spontaneous. There were also many other players throughout the city, always accompanied by women.
Jay straightened his posture when he noticed a few looks directed at the group.
"Uh… are you guys seeing this?"
Marcus let out a brief, awkward laugh.
"They're looking at us."
The situation became even clearer when a group of three women approached them directly. Beautiful — each in a different way — but with the same enchanting gleam in their eyes, as if they spoke with their gaze before their mouths.
The first gently touched Ethan's forearm.
"Welcome to Líria… you look tired. Would you like some rest? We have cozy houses around the plaza…"
Her voice was sweet, almost musical.
Ethan opened his mouth to respond, but hesitated. For a brief moment, it felt as if her voice pulled at his attention.
Marcus was approached by the second woman, who smiled in a deeply inviting way.
"Such a strong warrior… adventurers pass through here often, but few carry your presence."
She rested her hand on his shoulder naturally.
Jay received the attention of the third, who examined his armor as if admiring a work of art.
"That armor… so well cared for… it almost looks like gold. And you must carry the scars of someone who has saved many lives. I'd love to see all of them."
Jay swallowed, unsettled by his own reaction.
Before any rash decision could be made, two men approached the women.
One of them smiled at Sienna.
"Are you new here? Which house do you work for?"
Sienna turned slowly, her gaze sharp.
"What did you say?"
The man tilted his head, as if the question were obvious.
"You're… not courtesans from here?"
Sienna took a deep breath. Slowly.
Then she looked him straight in the face.
"Try saying that again and see if I don't kill you."
The man fell to the ground, startled — but still smiling, as if it were part of her charm.
Elenya was approached as well.
A young man in elegant clothes stopped in front of her, examining her face.
"You… you're not from Líria. I'm sure of it. I've never seen you here. And your scent… your scent is different from the others. I don't like you."
She took a step back, her eyes cold.
"What are you talking about?"
The man ignored the question and moved toward another woman, as if guided by the same unhealthy impulse that dominated everyone there.
Emanueru watched it all in silence, growing more confused by the second.
"Why… do they look like that? They look… different."
Sienna answered immediately:
"This doesn't feel like just a district. It feels like something is influencing their behavior."
Elenya studied the surroundings carefully.
"They're not normal. The women are… too charming. The men… far too easy to manipulate."
Marcus turned to respond — but at that moment, more women emerged around them, drawing closer, their perfume even more intense.