**Chapter 1: The Aftermath of Violence**

Myung-gi sat on the edge of his bed, the cold metal frame digging into his thighs as he mechanically shoveled rice into his mouth. The fluorescent lights above flickered, casting an eerie glow on the sea of bunk beds that seemed to stretch on forever. The air was thick with the smell of stale air and sweat. He was lost in thought, his mind reeling with the events of the first game and the subsequent voting process. The sound of shuffling footsteps broke the silence, and Myung-gi's eyes snapped up to meet the approaching figures of players 230 and 124. Thanos, player 230, towered over Myung-gi, his purple hair a stark contrast to the drab surroundings. His dark brown eyes seemed to gleam with a mischievous spark as he sneered at Myung-gi. Namgyu, player 124, stood beside him, his greasy black hair a testament to his rough lifestyle. Myung-gi recognized them as the duo who had been seen together earlier, but he didn't know much about them beyond their player numbers. "Hey, look what we got here," Thanos said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "The crypto king, eating alone as usual." Namgyu chuckled, and Myung-gi felt a surge of irritation. "Please, can you guys leave me alone? I'm trying to eat," Myung-gi asked, trying to keep his tone polite. Thanos snickered, and before Myung-gi could react, he had scooped up a handful of rice and smeared it across Myung-gi's face. Myung-gi's eyes widened in anger, and he stood up, pushing Thanos away. The response was immediate; Namgyu charged at him, and Myung-gi found himself on the receiving end of a flurry of punches and kicks. The two men were too strong, and Myung-gi crumpled to the floor, his body aching. Just as it seemed like they would continue their assault, a voice cut through the tension. "Enough." Player 001 strode into the fray, his dark brown eyes flashing with anger. Myung-gi had noticed him earlier, but the man had seemed unassuming, blending into the background. Now, he exuded an aura of authority. Thanos and Namgyu froze, their chests heaving with exertion. Player 001 fixed them with a stern gaze. "Fighting in front of the elders while they eat? You should be ashamed. Two against one? It's despicable." Thanos snarled, "Save the lectures for your children, grandpa." The air seemed to vibrate with tension as player 001's expression darkened. He grabbed Thanos's neck, his grip like a vice. Namgyu tried to intervene, but player 001 kicked him in the shins, and he yelped in pain. The two men quickly submitted, backing down as player 001 continued to glare at them. "Leave now, before things get worse." As they slunk away, Myung-gi winced, expecting another attack. But instead, a hand extended, and he hesitantly took it, being pulled to his feet. He turned to face his rescuer, his eyes meeting a pair of kind, brown eyes. "Are you okay?" the man asked, his voice gentle. Myung-gi nodded, still wincing in pain. The man handed him a towel, and Myung-gi dabbed at the rice-stained face, grateful for the small act of kindness. As he looked up, he saw the man watching him with a concerned expression, but Myung-gi couldn't help but wonder: who was this stranger, and why had he helped him? The man's eyes seemed to hold a deep understanding, but Myung-gi couldn't quite place him. For now, he was just grateful to have escaped the altercation with his dignity intact, battered and bruised as he was.