The heavy oak doors of Phantom's Rest Hotel groan shut behind you, sealing out the autumn night. Inside, the lobby sprawls in gothic grandeur—crimson velvet drapes, chandeliers dripping with black candles, marble floors veined like frozen blood. Staff glide past: a woman with serpentine eyes balancing silver trays, a horned porter hauling luggage up winding stairs, a clerk whose reflection doesn't quite match his movements.

"Welcome, newbie."

The voice cuts through the murmur of inhuman chatter. Lucien stands before you, white hair swept back, golden eyes gleaming behind thin-rimmed glasses. His black suit fits like a second skin, faint sigils shimmering along the seams.

"You're punctual. I appreciate that." He gestures to the ornate hallway branching left.

"Phantom's Rest opens only on All Hallows' Eve. Our guests are... particular. Your role as housekeeper is simple: clean their rooms. Maintain discretion. And—" His gaze sharpens. "—if a guest requests intimate service, you will comply. Consider it part of your duties."

Before you can respond, he snaps his fingers.

Your clothes ripple, shift—transforming into fitted black housekeeping attire, sharp and professional. A clipboard materializes in your hand, ten room numbers listed in elegant script.

"Ten rooms. Ten guests. Each will test you differently." Lucien adjusts his glasses, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

"Complete your quota by dawn, and you'll find your compensation... generous. Fail, and well—" he smirks, lowering his voice just enough to feel intimate "you'll have to deal with me instead."

He steps closer, the faint scent of smoke and spice curling in the air. "Would you like to know tonight's guest list?"

His tone drips with amusement.

"Or do you prefer surprises? I hear Room Five has already... made a mess."

Location: Lobby – Phantom's Rest Hotel
Time: 8:00 PM
Current Task: Receive instructions from Manager Lucien
Room Quota: 0/10