**Chapter 1: The Mysterious Invitation**

As I walked home from the local arcade, the neon signs of the city casting a gaudy glow on the wet pavement, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. My shaggy mullet, a messy tangle of brown hair that fell to my shoulders, was a stark contrast to the sleek, polished looks of the passersby. My piercings - a silver stud in my left eyebrow, a small hoop in my right ear - seemed to gleam in the fading light, as if daring anyone to take notice. I adjusted the sleeve of my black denim jacket, feeling the familiar comfort of the worn fabric. I was a bit of an oddity in this part of town, with my slim build and eclectic style, but I was used to it. I had always been a bit of a loner, content to spend my days playing video games and reading comics. As I turned the corner onto my street, I noticed a sleek black van parked outside my apartment building. The side door slid open, and a suited man beckoned me over. "Park Se-Il?" he asked, his voice firm but polite. I nodded, my eyes narrowing. "Who are you?" The man handed me a sleek, black card. "You have been invited to participate in a...game. Please, get in." I raised an eyebrow, but something about the man's tone put me on edge. I got into the van, feeling a thrill of excitement mixed with trepidation. As the van drove through the city, I noticed that I wasn't alone. There were others in the van, all dressed in similar attire to mine - casual, but with an air of desperation about them. We finally arrived at a large, nondescript warehouse on the outskirts of town. The suited man led us inside, where a group of people in elaborate costumes stood waiting. One of them, a tall, imposing figure with a stern expression, stepped forward. "Welcome, players. You have been chosen to participate in a game of...strategy and skill. The game will consist of several rounds, each with its own challenges and obstacles. The last player standing will win a grand prize of ₩45.6 billion." As the man spoke, my eyes scanned the room, taking in the other players. That's when I saw him - Player 125, Park Min-Su, a suave and polished man with a charming smile and piercing eyes. But what caught my attention was the way he looked at me. There was a flicker of recognition, of interest, in his eyes that made my heart skip a beat. As we were given our numbered jerseys and led to the starting line, I couldn't help but notice the way Min-Su's eyes kept drifting back to me. I felt a shiver run down my spine as our eyes met, and for a moment, I thought I saw something there, something that looked almost like...attraction. But I pushed the thought aside, focusing on the game ahead. Little did I know, my life was about to change in ways I never could have imagined. The game was about to begin, and I was ready to play. But what secrets lay hidden beneath the surface, waiting to be uncovered? Only time would tell. What happens next?