The laughter died down as reality set in. They had survived—barely. Ace wiped sweat off his face, his body still trembling from the rush. Mia took a deep breath, staring at the dark ceiling of the parking garage.
"That was insane," she muttered.
Ace nodded. "Yeah… but we're still here."
A notification popped up on their devices.
[Return to Dormitory for Rest Period.]
They exchanged glances. No way they were staying in a dark, empty parking garage after what they had just been through.
Stepping out into the city streets, they saw other survivors emerging from their hiding spots. Some were breathless and wide-eyed, others grinning like lunatics. A few were bandaging minor wounds, but at least they were alive.
As they made their way back, Ace noticed something disturbing—the number of players had thinned out. The city had been packed when the game started. Now, entire streets were eerily empty.
They weren't the only ones who noticed. A guy nearby—tall, muscular, probably an athlete—ran a hand through his damp hair and scoffed. "Damn. So many people are gone already."
Another player, a girl with a sharp glare, crossed her arms. "No one even saw what happened to them."
Mia shivered. "They either got eliminated… or became Seekers."
That realization settled over the group like a dark cloud.
As they approached the dormitory, loud engines roared in the distance. Ace turned in time to see a group of players racing cars down the street.
People were cheering, watching from the sidewalks. A guy on a motorcycle skidded across the pavement, doing a burnout that sent smoke into the air.
Mia raised an eyebrow. "Are they serious? We almost died, and they're having a street race?"
Ace smirked. "Guess some people cope differently."
The crowd parted as someone familiar stepped forward—Lex.
Ace tensed. Lex had a confident stance, his arms crossed as he observed the races. The group of players behind him? Armed.
Mia noticed too. "Why do they have weapons?"
"Because some people don't trust the game," Ace muttered.
Lex turned his head slightly, noticing them. A smirk tugged at his lips before he turned back to his group, saying something Ace couldn't hear.
Ace didn't like it.
They continued toward the dorms, pretending they hadn't seen anything.
Inside, the dormitory was buzzing with conversation. People sat in groups, exchanging theories and strategies. Some were still in shock; others were trying to figure out what the next game might be.
Ace found his room, shutting the door behind them.
For a long moment, neither spoke.
Then Mia sighed. "We need to be ready. Whatever's next… it won't be easier."
Ace sat on the edge of the bed, staring at his device.
The next game was coming.
And they had no idea what it would be.
–––––––––––
The creators had gone to great lengths to mimic the real world. Cities, streets, dorms, even the smallest details—all recreated perfectly. It was almost impressive. Almost.
But was it done with good intentions?
Not at all.
This wasn't just some high-tech simulation for entertainment. The moment people were dragged into their devices, it was clear this game wasn't about fun. It was about control.
Ace leaned against the window, looking out at the cityscape. The lights flickered, neon signs flashing advertisements that meant nothing. The streets were still lively, players moving around, pretending life was normal. But nothing about this was normal.
Mia sat on the bed, deep in thought. "They put so much effort into making this place feel real. But why?"
Ace didn't answer right away. He was thinking the same thing. Was it to keep them comfortable? To stop them from panicking?
Or was it just another part of the game?
He exhaled sharply. "They don't want us to feel trapped. They want us to adapt."
Mia frowned. "Adapt to what?"
Ace looked her dead in the eyes. "To killing. To surviving. To whatever twisted game they have planned next."
Silence.
Then, an announcement echoed through the city.
[Prepare for the next game. Details will be announced soon.]
Ace clenched his fists. Whatever was coming next, it was going to be worse. Were they actually ready for this or not?
The knock on the door was unexpected. Ace and Mia froze, exchanging wary glances. No one had come looking for them before.
Ace cautiously opened the door—and nearly took a step back.
Liam.
Mia's eyes widened. "Liam?!"
Ace frowned. They hadn't seen him since the game started. He wasn't in the dorms. He wasn't in the cafeteria after Hide and Seek. Where had he been this whole time?
Liam stood there, his face shadowed with exhaustion but his sharp eyes still focused. He glanced over his shoulder before stepping inside, quickly shutting the door behind him.
"You're alive?" Ace said, still processing.
Liam gave a dry chuckle. "Barely. Thought the same about you two." He let out a breath. "Listen, we need to talk."
Mia crossed her arms. "Where the hell have you been? We didn't see you after we got pulled in."
Liam ran a hand through his messy hair. "I woke up in a different part of the city. I've been trying to figure things out on my own, but it's clear now—we're stuck here." His expression darkened. "And if we don't win, we die."
Mia stiffened. "You're sure?"
Liam nodded. "I've been listening to other players. Some think we can escape if we win; others think we're already dead. But one thing is clear: If you fail a game, you disappear."
Ace's stomach twisted. The empty streets, the missing players… It made too much sense.
Liam took a step forward. "I don't plan on disappearing. And neither should you." He exhaled. "That's why I came here. I think we should work together."
Ace narrowed his eyes. "Why now?"
Liam's expression was unreadable. "Because I've seen what happens when people are alone. The Seekers got them. This game is designed to break us apart. If we don't start thinking ahead—if we don't start playing smart—we're screwed."
Silence filled the room.
Mia glanced at Ace. It was a risk, trusting anyone in a death game. But… he wasn't wrong.
Ace sighed. "Alright. We work together. For now."
Liam smirked. "Good. Because something tells me… the next game is going to be worse."