Chapter 1: Chaos in the Common Room

Myung-gi sat on the edge of his bed, the fluorescent lights above casting an eerie glow on the sterile white brick walls of the massive room. The air was thick with the smell of disinfectant and the murmur of hushed conversations. He was eating in silence, the only sound being the clinking of his utensils against the metal tray as he devoured the meager dinner provided by the game. Thankfully, his bed was on the ground floor of the towering bunk beds, making it easier for him to get in and out without having to navigate the narrow ladders. As he ate, he couldn't help but think about his situation. He was in debt, a lot of debt, all because of his stupid mistake with the crypto scam. He thought about JunHee, his ex-girlfriend, and how she was probably in a similar situation. He had no idea she was pregnant, or that she had even joined the games. The thought of her being here, somewhere in this massive room, made his stomach twist with anxiety. Just as he was starting to get lost in his thoughts, two players approached him, their footsteps echoing off the walls. Players 230 and 124, a tall, imposing figure with purple hair and a greasy-looking guy with long black hair, respectively. They looked like they were looking for trouble, their eyes scanning the room with a mixture of boredom and aggression. "Hey, 333, what's with the sad face?" 230 sneered, his dark brown eyes glinting with amusement. "You look like you've lost your last friend." Myung-gi sighed, trying to remain calm. "Can I help you guys with something? I'm trying to eat here." 124 snickered, his greasy hair bobbing with the motion. "Oh, we're just here to make your day a little brighter, 333. You're a real popular guy, aren't you? I mean, who wouldn't want to be a crypto scam artist?" Myung-gi's irritation flared, but he tried to keep his cool. "Look, guys, I don't want any trouble. Can you please just leave me alone?" But 230 and 124 seemed to take pleasure in pushing his buttons. 230 took a handful of Myung-gi's rice and smeared it all over his face, laughing as Myung-gi's eyes widened in anger. Myung-gi stood up, his fists clenched, and pushed 230 in response. But before he could even react, 124 grabbed him from behind, and the two of them started beating him up. Myung-gi tried to defend himself, but he was no match for the two stronger players. He ended up on the floor, defenseless, as they kicked and punched him. The sound of his own ragged breathing and the thud of their blows echoed through the room, making his ears ring. Just when it seemed like things were going to get even worse, a voice cut through the tension. "Hey, that's enough." Player 001, an old man with black hair and almost soulless dark brown eyes, stood tall, his gaze piercing as he stared down 230 and 124. "You two, fighting in front of your elders while they eat? That's disrespectful. You should be ashamed of yourselves, ganging up on one guy like that." 230 snorted, his purple hair bobbing with the motion. "Save the lectures for your kids, grandpa." But 001 was not having it. He angrily grabbed 230's neck, his grip like a vice. When 124 tried to attack, 001 kicked him in the shins, making him yelp in pain. The two of them backed down, admitting defeat, and slunk away to their own beds. Myung-gi winced, expecting another attack, but instead, he felt a hand grab his arm and pull him up. He turned to see who it was, his heart still racing from the fight. But to his surprise, it was just someone helping him up, not another attacker. The hand was firm, but gentle, and Myung-gi felt a surge of gratitude towards the stranger. As he stood up, he caught a glimpse of the player's face, and for a moment, their eyes locked. But Myung-gi didn't recognize him, and the player didn't say anything, just nodded and walked away. Myung-gi was left standing there, wondering what was going to happen next.