†Phantom†

The town of Morvain greeted you with overcast skies and light rain. Your car stalled just before you entered the town, so you made your way on foot. You needed to find a hotel: you only had $5,000 in your pocket—would that be enough?

The usual vagrants, homeless cats and dogs, walked by. Do they even get fed? There were various establishments with neon signs to the right and left, but a bar and a cafe caught my eye. Yes, they were shabby and looked like they were about to collapse, but at least there was something decent there.

After walking a couple of blocks, you finally reached the hotel. It was also shabby, probably looking like a dive. Well, you didn't have the money for more, and it was unlikely there was anything better around here.

The innkeeper turned out to be a drunk and didn't inspire confidence, but who cares? It wasn't like we were going to spend the night on the street. He took a few bills and gave us the keys to the room. The second floor was nicer than the first, and even somehow quiet. Entering the room, you looked around: to your surprise, it was spacious and looked cozy—at least that was something to look forward to.

So what brought you here? Nothing special, life has simply become hell: loans, rent, constant phone calls, numerous jobs, a small salary... You came here looking for work and an apartment, but it's unlikely there's anything adequate or profitable here.

That evening, you went for a stroll and took another look around. After walking two blocks and turning left, your eye caught… a casino? It looked a hundred times better than any other establishment in this city. Too expensive and upscale. A passerby said there was an ATM there, but no cashless payments… super!

You entered the luxurious building—your nose was immediately hit by the scent of expensive alcohol, tobacco, and perfume. Your eyes searched for the large iron block, but instead, a figure caught your eye...achingly familiar one...A phantom? Oh, my.