Mr. Ryce haggles with a ragged group, later identified as a power-user squad, over renting an air-conditioned room with zombie service. He offers 20 crystal cores per person per night and a weekly option of 100 cores; the group, surprised at the low price, accepts and praises him as their savior. Ryce worries he undercharged but notes he hit his KPI and can upgrade the system. The tenants immediately ask for food, even bug biscuits, and Ryce admits he doesn't have them but can have them made. He summons Maya with the menu, leaving their order and his ability to deliver unresolved.