Alexander raised his hand, signaling the team to stop as they reached the top of the hill. The tall meadow grasses parted to reveal their first glimpse of civilization since entering Floor 3.

  "There's the settlement," he said, checking out the wooden buildings arranged in circles around what looked like a massive tree stump.

  The Vilge Center spread out before them—lots of cabins with pnts growing on their roofs. Dirt paths connected everything, lined with stones that glowed faintly even in daylight. People bustled around, carrying baskets, working in gardens, or hanging out at the huge central stump that had to be at least forty feet across.

  "Wow, this pce is bigger than I thought," Riva said, adjusting her backpack. "Pretty fancy for Floor 3."

  Alexander nodded. "Remember what we talked about. We walk in looking friendly, weapons away but ready just in case. Normal formation."

  As they headed down toward the vilge, Elijah suddenly flinched beside him.

  "You good?" Alexander asked, noticing his brother's face.

  Elijah rubbed his temple. "The whispers... they're louder here." He looked around nervously. "Different too. Like I can almost understand them now."

  "Just try to ignore it," Alexander said quietly. "We need to look normal."

  Valeria moved closer to Elijah, sneakily turning on her recorder. "Are they saying anything specific?" she asked, trying to sound casual while paying super close attention.

  Elijah just shook his head, avoiding her gaze. He'd learned early on to keep the whispers to himself. Something about Valeria's constant questions made him uneasy.

  "Not the time," Alexander added, noticing the exchange. "Let's just focus on meeting these people."

  As they got closer to the vilge edge, some locals spotted them. A few reached for weapons, but most just watched with the cautious look of people used to seeing newcomers. A tall figure stepped out from the rgest building near the central stump and walked toward them.

  The vilge leader stood out immediately—his skin looked like tree bark and his hair had actual pnts growing in it. He walked like someone in charge, his eyes sizing up the newcomers quickly.

  "Welcome to Vilge Center," he said, his voice deep and rough like wind through trees. "I'm Elder Thorne. What brings you here?"

  Alexander stepped forward, keeping his posture rexed but respectful.

  "Alexander Voss and team," he said with the practiced confidence his father had drilled into him since childhood. "We've just completed the Grass Hedge Trials and are exploring Floor 3. We're looking for supplies, information, and possibly a pce to rest before continuing."

  Elder Thorne's eyes narrowed slightly as he assessed them. His gaze lingered on their equipment—clearly Architect-css gear that stood out among the more common items most pyers carried.

  "Architect team," he noted, neither impressed nor hostile. "Vilge Center welcomes all who respect our rules. No fighting inside vilge boundaries. All trades are final. Respect private property." He gestured toward the central stump. "Community information is shared at the Great Stump during evening gatherings."

  As Elder Thorne spoke, Elijah shifted uncomfortably beside Alexander. Several older vilgers had emerged from nearby buildings and were staring at Elijah with unusual interest. One white-haired woman whispered something to her companion, who nodded slowly, their eyes never leaving Elijah.

  "Is your brother unwell?" Elder Thorne asked, noticing Elijah's discomfort.

  "Just tired from the Trials," Alexander said smoothly. "Is there somewhere we can rest and get our bearings?"

  Elder Thorne pointed toward a row of simple cabins near the edge of the settlement. "Visitor quarters are avaible for twenty resource points per night. The Healer's Hall is there," he pointed to a building decorated with hanging bundles of herbs, "should you need medical attention. The Scout's Lodge," he indicated a structure partially built into tree branches, "has information on surrounding territories."

  Valeria was recording everything, but Alexander noticed her attention kept drifting back to Elijah and the elders who were watching him.

  "Thank you," Alexander said. "We'll take two cabins for the night."

  As they completed the transaction for their lodging, Elijah leaned close to Alexander.

  "They know something," he whispered. "The old ones. When they look at me, the voices get clearer. It's like... like they recognize something in me."

  "Keep it quiet for now," Alexander murmured. "We'll talk more in private."

  The team followed a young guide to their accommodations. Once inside, Alexander positioned himself by the window, keeping watch as he always did in new locations. The wooden cabin was simple but comfortable, with fresh bedding and a small hearth.

  "Did you see how those old people were staring at Elijah?" Riva asked, dropping her pack on one of the beds. "Super weird."

  "I noticed," Alexander said, his eyes still on the vilge beyond the window. Vilge Center seemed peaceful enough, but experience had taught him that appearances could be deceiving. "Get some rest. Tonight we'll attend the gathering at the Great Stump and see what we can learn about this floor."

  Valeria was already organizing her notes. "I'll map the vilge yout while you rest," she offered, though Alexander didn't miss how her eyes kept flicking toward the wall of the cabin where Elijah would be sleeping next door.

  Something was happening with his brother, and it was becoming increasingly clear that Valeria knew more than she was saying. Alexander made a mental note to watch her more closely around Elijah. For now, though, they had a settlement to explore and information to gather if they wanted to survive Floor 3.