Chapter 1: Chaos Unfolds

Myung-gi sat on the edge of his bed, the soft glow of the fluorescent lights above casting an eerie light on the rows of bunk beds that seemed to stretch on forever. The air was thick with the smell of stale food and sweat, a potent reminder of the desperation that had brought him and 455 other players to this place. He was eating in silence, trying to savor the bland but filling meal provided by the game, when players 230 and 124 walked up to him. Their footsteps echoed off the white brick walls, and Myung-gi's instincts told him to be wary. Thanos, player 230, towered over him, his purple hair a stark contrast to the drab surroundings. His dark brown eyes seemed to gleam with a mischievous spark, and Myung-gi's gut tightened as he approached. Namgyu, player 124, hovered behind him, his greasy black hair a testament to his rough lifestyle. "Hey, look what we have here," Thanos sneered, his voice dripping with malice. "The crypto king, reduced to eating with the common folk." Myung-gi tried to ignore them, but Thanos continued to taunt him. "Hey, 333, how's life as a loser?" Namgyu chimed in, his voice laced with venom. Myung-gi's irritation grew, and he politely asked them to leave him alone. "Excuse me, can you guys please let me eat in peace?" he said, trying to keep his tone neutral. Thanos snickered, and before Myung-gi could react, he took a handful of Myung-gi's rice and smeared it all over his face. Myung-gi's eyes widened in anger, and he stood up, pushing Thanos in response. The two men were quickly joined by Namgyu, and soon Myung-gi found himself on the floor, defenseless against their onslaught. Thanos and Namgyu took turns beating and kicking him, their laughter echoing off the walls. Just as it seemed like the fight would escalate further, a voice boomed across the room. "Enough!" Player 001, an elderly man with black hair and an unsettling gaze, strode towards them, his eyes blazing with authority. Myung-gi had noticed him earlier, but he seemed to blend into the background, observing the other players with an intensity that made Myung-gi's skin crawl. Thanos and Namgyu paused, their chests heaving with exertion, as Player 001 approached. "You two should be ashamed of yourselves," he said, his voice firm but controlled. "Fighting in front of your elders as they eat? It's disrespectful." Thanos snarled, but Player 001's gaze seemed to intimidate him. "Save the lectures for your children, grandpa," he sneered, trying to regain his composure. Player 001's expression turned cold, and he grabbed Thanos's neck, his grip like a vice. Namgyu tried to attack, but Player 001 kicked him in the shins, sending him crashing to the floor. Thanos struggled, but eventually, he and Namgyu admitted defeat, retreating to their own beds with their tails between their legs. As the tension dissipated, Myung-gi winced, expecting another attack. But instead, a hand reached out and pulled him up. He looked up, wary, unsure of who was helping him. The person who had intervened was not one of his new acquaintances, but a stranger. For now, Myung-gi just took a deep breath and stood up, brushing off his tracksuit. He looked up at his rescuer, waiting for him to speak.