Dr. Ratio grabbed your arm, trying to steer you away. "You shouldn't be here. This isn't your business. Go away."

But you shook your head stubbornly, your eyes narrowing. "Ratio, you're so suspicious. I've decided—I'm going with you two. I'm not just letting you walk into trouble without me."

Dr. Ratio groaned, clearly frustrated, but before he could argue further, a booming voice cut through the air. "Hey, you two! That's a place of business. No entry!"

You turned to see Hendrick, one of The Family's muscle-bound enforcers, glaring at you from across the room.

Dr. Ratio didn't miss a beat. "I was requested by Mr. Sunday to bring the suspect. My name is Ratio. He should have mentioned it."

Hendrick squinted at Ratio, his expression shifting from suspicion to recognition. "Oh, I remember you... Veritas Ratio. Your 'Punch Virtual Particle Clock' is impressive."

Ratio blinked, clearly baffled. "...Excuse me?"

Hendrick puffed out his chest, as if showing off some invisible, grand invention. "The one on your head! Of course, it's nothing compared to my... full pocket-dimensional annihilating power armor of the 'Mobile Knights.'"

Dr. Ratio, looking utterly unimpressed, responded with a flat tone. "Right... and, as I mentioned, that fantasy raiment of yours doesn't exist."

Hendrick, oblivious to the sarcasm, pointed proudly at his empty shoulders. "That's because you can't see it! Only members of The Family can see the glory of the 'Mobile Knights.' Anyway, enough talk. Don't keep Mr. Sunday waiting."

Dr. Ratio let out a long-suffering sigh, muttering under his breath. "The idiocy index here seems no better than out there."

You and Aventurine step into a grand foyer filled with towering statues of nightingales, their stony forms casting long shadows in the dim light. The air is thick with silence, except for the faint echo of your footsteps. You glance around, but there's no door—no clear way forward. Just the statues staring down at you with their empty eyes.

Aventurine stops, narrowing his eyes at the scene in front of him. "...A dead end?" he mutters, more to himself than to anyone else.

Dr. Ratio stands beside him, frowning at the absence of any visible doors. "The door is shut tight," he says. "Looks like we're on our own."

Aventurine crosses his arms, his tone skeptical. "I mean... there isn't even a door. How did you get in here before?"

Dr. Ratio sighs, ever the fountain of knowledge. "For security reasons, The Family built this entire administrative site deep within the Dreamscape, hiding the mechanisms that control the doors within these Nightingale statues. The direction they face determines the door's location."

You step closer, intrigued by the statues. "So, we need to make the statues move to find the door?"

"Exactly," Ratio responds. "On my last visit, an attendant named Conna handled it, going to the side room to verify something before setting the statues in the correct positions."

Aventurine smirks, glancing at the statues with a glint in his eye. "Or," he suggests, rolling up his sleeves, "we could just force our way through. Brute force can solve a lot of problems."

Dr. Ratio, not amused, gives Aventurine a sharp look. "Solving a problem by brute force doesn't exactly prove intelligence, Gambler. We're going to the side room. Don't make me repeat myself."

Aventurine shrugs but follows, muttering under his breath, "Brute force *could* work, though..."

You trail behind them as they head toward the side room. The statues loom over you, almost as if they're watching your every move. There's a slight tension in the air, a sense of being tested by The Family's cryptic setup.

Upon reaching the side room, Aventurine gives the statues one last look. "Still think brute force would be faster," he mutters, though his tone carries a hint of playfulness.

Dr. Ratio shoots him a look, clearly unimpressed. "The Council of Mundanites should consider you as their member," he says dryly, "for no one in this universe is more suited for it than you."

Ignoring Ratio's quip, Aventurine rolls his eyes. "Right, let's get this over with."

You begin examining the statues, trying to figure out the mechanism. There's a brief moment where you wonder if Ratio had studied this script before—his confidence and sharp understanding make it seem like he's always one step ahead.

You stand before the imposing statues in the foyer, you notice Aventurine and Dr. Ratio deep in thought, carefully analyzing the puzzle. The two exchange ideas about the Nightingale Statues, trying to figure out how to open the hidden door.

Aventurine tilts his head, smirking. "Just as I thought, here's the correct answer," he says confidently, gesturing toward the statues.

Dr. Ratio raises an eyebrow, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "A truly miraculous discovery — perhaps I should offer you the chance to join the Genius Society?"

Aventurine chuckles, shaking his head. "Really? I thought you'd given up on that already."

"I was being sarcastic. Can't you tell?" Ratio replies with a sharp tone, rolling his eyes.

But before either of them can react, you impulsively step forward, ignoring their intricate puzzle-solving, and slam your hands into the nearest statue with all your strength. The entire room seems to vibrate for a split second as the mechanism grinds to life. With a sudden, loud *clunk*, the hidden door swings open, revealing the path ahead.

Dr. Ratio turns to you with wide eyes, his hand covering his face in utter disbelief. "You... you're an absolute idiot," he mutters, almost too stunned to react properly.

Aventurine bursts into laughter, bending over with his hands on his knees, clearly amused by the situation. "Well, I suppose brute force does have its uses after all!" he says between chuckles, unable to contain his amusement at Ratio's frustration.

"Honestly, do you even have a brain?" Dr. Ratio sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose in exasperation.

Dr. Ratio pauses, looking around the room with a frown. "Hold on."

Aventurine raises an eyebrow. "What's wrong? Are we heading the wrong way?"

"No, but this door is locked."

Aventurine glances back at him, concern etched on his face. "Did you really make an appointment with him?"

Ratio sighs. "...It's a trial. You have to prove your worth to Sunday before you can speak with him. If I'm not mistaken, we need to figure out how to open this door, or we're stuck here."

"An escape room—my favorite!" Aventurine exclaims, grinning.

"Get serious. I don't have time for games. Let's head back. The hint is probably in that prominent sandpit."

As you approach the sandpit, you can't help but admire its size. "Wow, that's an enormous sandpit! I could build a tall castle here once I save enough."

Aventurine chuckles, but Dr. Ratio just shakes his head. "Look, there's a noticeable gap in the model. I believe you're right."

Dr. Ratio narrows his eyes. "There wasn't a gap before. That man must have done it intentionally."

"With your brilliant mind, you should have no trouble recalling what was here last time, right, Doctor?" you tease.

"Of course," he replies, a bit defensively.

"Then let's head to the treasure room and find the clue!" you suggest, feeling both genius and a bit silly.

You arrive at the treasure room, a playful thought crosses your mind. "Are we really pursuing a degree in burglary now?"

Dr. Ratio rolls his eyes. "Let's look around. When I see it, I will know it."

You both search the room, and suddenly, Dr. Ratio's face lights up. "Found it. This is it."

He holds up an item, examining it closely. "The nameplate reads: Gulliver's Arch. I'm amazed you can remember something this tiny."

"Hey, this reminds me of a tunnel I once saw that could shrink people who passed through it!" you add, your excitement bubbling over.

"If I were you, I would shut my mouth," Ratio replies, his tone serious, though you can sense a hint of amusement beneath the surface.

You giggle, feeling a mix of genius and idiocy as you head back to the sandpit, ready to place the Gulliver's Arch in the gap. "Let's see if my grand idea works!" you declare, confidence radiating from you despite the silliness of the situation.

Aventurine's playful grin shifts to a more serious tone as he muses, "Actually, I think we could make this work for us. Just find a way to slip me into Sunday's collar, and I'll infiltrate The Family just like that."

Dr. Ratio, silent for a moment, gives Aventurine a look that says he's not impressed. You exchange glances, both of you judging the absurdity of his suggestion.

"Hey, Ratio," you pipe up, breaking the silence. "Can I hit Aventurine?"

Ratio raises an eyebrow, a hint of surprise crossing his face. "It's my pleasure to know you'd consider it for me," he replies dryly, almost teasing.

Aventurine suddenly shouts, "You two are bullies!" His pout adds an endearing quality to his indignation.

Dr. Ratio's expression hardens. "Let's be real here, Aventurine. You are quite idiotic," he states, his cold gaze piercing through the air.

You look at Ratio, puffing up like an angry bird, ready to defend your friend. "Hey! Don't be too harsh on him!"

Aventurine glances between you and Ratio, a smirk creeping back onto his face. "See? Even she think I'm special!"

Dr. Ratio sighs, clearly exasperated. "Special? More like a special case."

You roll your eyes, trying to suppress a laugh!

 Dream Jigsaws are as common as doorways, their eerie designs permeating the landscape. As you and Aventurine approach yet another one, the practicality of it makes you wonder if The Family has simply run out of creativity.

"Let's find a way to open the door," Aventurine suggests, glancing at the jigsaw.

You approach an Oak Family Soldier, he greets you with an overly enthusiastic tone. "Hello! Welcome to the Golden Hour base model. I am an Oak Soldier, here to guide you through the tour of the base model. Happy to be of service!"

"Tell me about the tour," Aventurine prompts.

The soldier's response drags on in a monotonous chant. "Hel—l—l—l—l—o. Welcome to the Golden Hour ba—a—a—a—a—se model—"

You can feel your patience waning. "Hey, I was talking to you!" you interrupt.

"Gen—n—n—n—n—n—nerating guide. Please wait pa—a—a—a—a—a—atient—t—t—t..."

"Seriously, you are the worst soldier," you mutter, tapping your foot.

Aventurine kicks the soldier lightly. "Tell. Me. About. The. Tour."

"...Fo—o—o—o—und the nearest check-in spot!" the soldier sputters, only to suddenly scream before collapsing—an unfortunate fate for a tour guide that didn't even get a chance to earn a five-star rating from you.

"What just happened?" Aventurine stares at the fallen soldier, bewildered. "Now The Family's toys are trying to frame me? I didn't do anything, Doc. You've gotta be my witness."

"I saw nothing," Dr. Ratio replies, his voice dry as ever.

You approach the capsule machine, noting its strange layout. "This thing doesn't have any mechanism on the floor. Maybe there's one at the top? Doctor, do me a favor—"

"WTF?" you and Aventurine both exclaim simultaneously, the absurdity of the situation hitting you.

Aventurine brushes off the chaos, focusing on the task at hand. "So I was right. These models have interiors that look exactly like the real buildings. The only difference is that no one lives in them."

"Funny that Sunday puts a miniature that makes him seem like a giant right where he can see it first thing in the morning. Insecure much?" he continues, shaking his head.

You start collecting jigsaw fragments from the capsule, Aventurine glances upwards. "One of the fragments flew upstairs. I'll need to use the pinball machine to flick myself up there, but it's tough."

"Let's investigate this base," you suggest, moving closer to examine your surroundings.

"Great, there's another pinball machine base here, and it's empty too," Aventurine muses. "Doc, I'll need your brainpower again."

"There's no need to yell, I can hear you," Dr. Ratio responds, unfazed. "The pinball machine must be hidden somewhere in the hall, like the arch. Wait here, and I'll be back in a minute."

With that, you watch as Dr. Ratio sets off, and you and Aventurine share a look, a mix of disbelief and determination filling the air.

Dr. Ratio heads off, Aventurine crosses his arms, still mulling over his previous comment about Sunday. "Seriously, though, it's kind of pathetic. Can you believe he puts up such a ridiculous display just to feel superior?"

You feel a surge of loyalty for Sunday. "Hey, cut him some slack. He's just trying to project strength. I don't think it's fair to call him out like that."

Aventurine raises an eyebrow, smirking. "Oh really? Are you into him or something? I mean, is it Sunday you're defending, or do you have a crush on him?"

You shake your head, exasperated. "Neither! They're both my friends. I just think we should show some respect."

Aventurine looks at you like you've just shattered his worldview. "A friend? Really? You're not joking?"

Before you can respond, Dr. Ratio interjects, his tone cutting. "For heaven's sake, could you both keep it down? Don't break his heart any more than you already have."

"Wait, what?" you ask, confused. "Are you seriously worried about Aventurine's heart?"

"I'm talking about food, you dolt," Ratio snaps back, annoyance clear in his voice. "If he keeps going on like this, I'll have to serve him a heartbroken meal."

Aventurine bursts out laughing, shaking his head. "You're ridiculous! I can't believe you two have such a twisted friendship. But I guess if you're both in this together, maybe I can let Sunday off the hook—this time."

You smile, relieved that the tension has eased a bit, even if it came from Ratio's unusual concern for food. The camaraderie in this strange little group makes you feel like you can tackle whatever lies ahead.