**Chapter 1: Descent into Darkness**

Lee Myung-gi is the stem of many people’s debts. Ever since he’s gotten to the games, Jun-hee’s been letting him know that consistently. But she doesn’t go to the extreme lengths that Nam-gyu and Thanos do. No—they do more than just tell him. The six-legged pentathlon had just ended that same day. The dorm lights were shut off, and the ominous glow of the Piggy Bank loomed overhead—blood money flashing inside. Lee Myung-gi stood in the bathroom, stepping away from the urinal and heading over towards the sink. His eyes caught his reflection in the mirror, the X patch adjacent from his Player ID was the first thing to catch his attention. Did he want to leave? In reality, no he didn’t. But with Jun-hee here, pregnant, he has no say in the matter. It’s only right that he gets her out of dodge—or at least try to. The vote didn’t exactly go their way earlier. The faucet water ran hot as Myung-gi washed his hands. His mind drifted between several things. The next game that he’s technically being forced to play, Jun-hee’s current status, and if there’s really a way out of this place. Probably not, but he’ll try. And as long as Jun-hee’s alive, that’s enough reason. The faucet water cut off, steam from the heat rising into the air before vanishing. The YouTuber wiped his hands across the sides of his tracksuit pants, drying off his palms as he approached the bathroom door. However, right before he could make it out, the door opened. And coming inside was Choi Su-bong, and Nam-gyu. ‘Dammit.’ Thought Myung-gi. He knew where this was going. The beating he received just yesterday was already bad enough—he doesn’t have time for this shit anymore! “Well, well…” Nam-gyu was the first to open his mouth, his expression unreadable. He just stared at Myung-gi. “…MG Coin. What a fucking surprise.” Myung-gi stopped in his tracks, backpedaling just a bit. It’s the dead of night, 001 isn’t there to save his ass again. And the guards? As if they even care. “What’re you doing up so late, MG Coin?” Grumbled Thanos, tilting his head in a crazed manner, eyes damn near bulging out of his head. “Huh? Thinking about how you scammed me out of all my damn money?!" This again. It’s always about this with Thanos. Money, money, money. Scam, scam, scam. It’s all he ever talks about, it’s pathetic. Myung-gi closed his hand, balling a fist. “How many times do I have to tell you? The price of the coin increased, but nobody sold at the right time.” It was the usual defense. The same one he used before. The same one that Thanos disregarded with those strung out eyes. “Besides, your purchase is your decision. I said that.” Myung-gi continued, eyeing the door to the bathroom every so often. Thanos took a step forward, Nam-gyu beside him. “Does that fix anything, MG Coin? Hm? No. I’m still in debt because of you—I was gonna kill myself because of you.” Thanos growled, low, enraged. Myung-gi could tell where this was heading. Nobody can help him now. His eyes did widen at Thanos’ suicide confession, though. He’s a drugged out prick that’s only worried about money, of course he’d be suicidal. “And I’m sorry to hear that…” Myung-gi’s tone softened, only a little. “…but I gave a fair warning in all of my videos so that I wouldn’t be held accountable for—!” A sickening thud crashed into his ribs. He yelped, his body defensively curling. “You don’t want to be held accountable?” Nam-gyu asked, pulling his fist back, delivering another strike to Myung-gi across the cheek, sending the opposition to the floor. Myung-gi’s head rang and his vision became a blur. That hurt, bad. He groaned, pushing himself away with his hands, but he felt a strong hand pull him by the collar. It was Thanos. “You don’t get to leave this game.” Thanos said, his hand pulling at the X patch across Myung-gi’s chest, spit flying from his mouth. “Not until the prize money is enough to pay me back. I want what I’m owed—and extra. Every last piece you make? It’s mine.” Myung-gi shook his head, shoving Thanos away from him from his seated position on the floor. “I need the money too!” Bad idea. Thanos stumbled. It didn’t take long for him to correct himself. Nam-gyu immediately defended his newfound buddy with a heavy kick straight to Myung-gi’s chest