Chapter 2: The Maze of Confusion

The guards led the 456 players through a labyrinthine network of colorful stairs and hallways, designed to disorient and confuse. Jongwoo struggled to keep up, his mind reeling with questions about the game and the mysterious forces behind it. The guards seemed to delight in the chaos they were causing, their masked faces expressionless as they herded the players through the winding passages. Finally, they arrived at a large room filled with pink picture-taking stations, reminiscent of those found in photo booths. The guards instructed each player to take a picture, ostensibly to keep track of who was eliminated and who remained in the game. Jongwoo joined the throngs of players, snapping a photo in front of a bright pink backdrop. With their pictures taken, the guards led the players out of the room and into a long, straight corridor. The doors locked behind them, and the players were left standing in silence. Suddenly, a voice boomed over the intercoms, explaining the rules of the first game. "Welcome to Red Light, Green Light," the voice announced. "Your objective is to reach the room at the far end of the playing field without moving during a red light. If you do, you will be eliminated. You have five minutes to complete this task. The playing field is approximately one mile long, and the walls are designed to appear like a children's book sky. The ceiling is open to the sky. Let the game begin." As the voice finished speaking, the game commenced. A bright green light illuminated the playing field, and the players surged forward. Jongwoo joined the crowd, his heart racing with excitement and fear. But as they ran, an older man began to scream, his arm covering his mouth. "Don't move on a red light, or you'll die!" he shouted. The man, player 456, continued to warn the others, his voice muffled but urgent. The players exchanged skeptical glances, wondering if 456 was trying to trick them into losing or if he was simply crazy. But when the red light flashed, and a young lady moved, she was promptly shot in the head. The sound of her scream was cut short, and her body crumpled to the ground. Panic set in as some players screamed and ran, only to be cut down by the unseen forces behind the game. But 456 continued to warn the others, his voice growing more desperate. "Don't move, or you'll die! You have to make it to the end without moving on a red light!" Jongwoo felt a surge of adrenaline as he ran, his eyes fixed on the end of the playing field. He made it to the room just as the green light faded, and the five-minute mark approached. As the game concluded, the guards reappeared, leading the surviving players back to their bunk room. The air was thick with tension, and Jongwoo couldn't shake the feeling of unease. "91 contestants have died," one of the guards announced, his voice devoid of emotion. "That adds up to $91,000 to the pot of winnings. Soon, a voting will be held, and every player will decide whether to stay or leave. The voting will be simple: X for leaving, O for staying. Whichever option receives more votes will decide your fate. If Os win, everyone will stay. The voting will be announced soon." The guards dispersed, leaving the players to ponder their next move. Jongwoo felt a sense of trepidation, wondering what the future held and who would emerge victorious in this twisted game.