Arisu, Karube, and Chota had wandered through the wreckage of a world that wasn’t even theirs, surviving brutal games that chipped away at their hope. But now, before them, stood "The Beach"—a hotel turned into what people called a utopia. A wave of noise hit them like a punch to the chest.

Laughter, shouting, the splash of water in the pool, music blaring that someone must have scavenged and hooked up to the remaining power — it was loud, wild, and messy.

Arisu’s head spun. The sheer volume and chaos of The Beach was too much. People were dancing in groups and a few were already passed out drunk on the ground or nearby. The constant smell of sweat, alcohol, and the sea breeze mixing into something almost dizzying. He instinctively stepped closer to his friends.

Karube, for once, didn’t have a witty comeback right away. His eyes scanned the crowds, noting the way some people laughed too loud, like they were trying to forget where they were. "Looks like a damn frat party on steroids," he finally said, smirking, but there was a tightness to his jaw

And Chota..at first, he didn’t say much too—just watching, trying to process it all. Compared to the near-silent, abandoned city they had gotten used to, this felt like a sensory overload.

“Man… this is…” He paused, searching for the word. “I didn’t think it would be like this.” He said nervously. Then, after a moment, Arisu broke the silence:

"..Maybe we should talk to someone," He said quietly, almost like he wasn’t sure.

"Talk to someone?" Karube echoed, skeptical. "And say what?"

Chota looked nervous. "I mean. it might not be a bad idea. Maybe someone could explain how this place works? Like who to avoid?"

Karube studied them for a second, then sighed. "Alright.. But we keep it tight, yeah? Nobody goes off alone."

They searched for a person until after a while they chose one. As they approached them, Arisu cleared his throat awkwardly.

"Uh. hey. Sorry to bother you. We’re kinda new here..can you tell us a little about this place?"