UNO

The next morning, Ji Hwan woke up quickly, feeling strange after a night full of questions. He glanced around the room and rubbed his eyes, trying to make sure if he was still dreaming or had already woken up. Hesitant, he got out of bed and walked toward the bathroom. In front of the mirror, he looked at his face with worry, squinting his eyes. To make sure, he pinched his cheek hard, feeling the sharp pain. "Is this real?" he thought.

The bruised cheek and the pain he felt answered his doubts. "No, this isn't a dream," he muttered, though he still felt confused by the reality he was facing.

The clothes he wore from the first game still clung to his body—an old, dirty white t-shirt, black jeans ripped at the knees, and his increasingly worn-out Vans shoes. There was no time to change. The game was about to begin again, and he knew this was not the time to hesitate.

After a few seconds, a loud sound echoed from the speakers placed in every corner, announcing that the second game was about to start. Ji Hwan took a deep breath and hurried to the arena.

Game 2: Wild Maze (Update)

Additional Description: This maze is not just an open space, but a terrifying artificial forest. Advanced technology and state-of-the-art machines create illusions that confuse and trigger fear. Each zone is filled with images, sounds, and effects designed to disturb the players' minds. It feels as though something is lurking behind the trees or around every corner. Faint whispers, as if someone is calling their names, heighten the tension.

Additional Twist: The Wild card has a surprising dual impact. In addition to changing the color zone, this card grants its holder the power to manipulate parts of the maze. Players holding the Wild card can open new paths or block paths for their opponents, giving them a strategic advantage. However, there is a price to pay. Overusing the Wild card can damage the intricate maze system and trigger more dangerous traps that are harder to avoid. Some areas that previously seemed safe will transform into deadly traps, ready to consume anyone who is careless.

With the atmosphere growing more intense, players must be cautious when using the Wild card. A wrong decision could be fatal, but it also offers an opportunity to win. Ji Hwan knew that this game would not only test their physical strength but also their mental endurance. They would be forced to face their greatest fears—and only those who were wise and brave enough would survive.

The players gathered in the arena:

1. Han Ji Hwan

2. Lee Min Woo

3. Kim Soo Yeon

4. Park Dong Hyun

5. Kang Byung Ho

6. Choi Ji Ah

7. Seo Tae Jin

8. Yoon Jae Suk

9. Jung Mi Ra

10. Oh Tae Woo

11. Nam Kyung Ho

12. Shin Do Hoon

The announcement echoed, signaling the start of Game 2: Wild Maze.

Additional Description:

The maze was no ordinary open space—it was an artificial forest designed to disorient and terrify. High-tech machines and advanced illusions made it seem alive. Each zone carried disturbing visuals or unsettling sounds, as though unseen entities were calling out to the players. The forest whispered to them, urging them to stray off the path or confront their darkest fears.

Additional Twist:

The Wild Card held unexpected power. Beyond changing the zone's color, it allowed the holder to manipulate a small part of the maze. Players with the Wild Card could create new paths for themselves or block their rivals' way, giving them a strategic edge. However, excessive use of the card came with a risk—overloading the maze's system could trigger dangerous traps. Seemingly safe areas could transform into death zones, turning the maze into a far deadlier challenge.

As the game began, tension filled the air. Each player knew that this round demanded not only their courage but also their wits. One wrong move could mean the difference between survival and doom.

The air grew heavy as the players took their first steps into the Wild Maze. The artificial forest felt unnervingly real—branches swayed despite the lack of wind, and the ground beneath them creaked as if alive. Dim lights flickered, casting long, distorted shadows that seemed to move on their own.

Ji Hwan led cautiously, his senses heightened. He could hear faint whispers from the shadows, indistinct words that made the hairs on his neck stand. Behind him, Min Woo nervously clutched his sides, his eyes darting at every sound.

Suddenly, a blood-curdling scream echoed from deeper in the maze. Ji Ah froze in place, her breathing shallow, while Byung Ho stumbled backward, nearly tripping over a twisted root. "What...what was that?" he stammered, his face pale.

"It's just the maze messing with us," Mi Ra said, though her voice wavered. "Stick to your path and don't look back."

In one zone, a chilling sound of laughter rang out, loud and maniacal, as if mocking their fear. Tae Jin, always cautious, stopped in his tracks. "The maze is trying to break us. Don't give it the satisfaction."

Suddenly, Ji Hwan felt something brush against his shoulder. He spun around, but nothing was there. The group's collective unease grew, each step becoming heavier than the last.

Then, a zone shifted. The ground underfoot trembled, and a glowing path emerged to the left, marked by an unnatural blue light. Kyung Ho hesitated, eyeing the trail warily. "Someone's used the Wild Card," he muttered, his expression grim.

The group split into smaller clusters, with some choosing to follow the glowing path and others sticking to their original route.

As Ji Hwan and his group ventured further, the maze unleashed its true terror. A dense fog rolled in, obscuring their vision. Disembodied voices whispered their names, luring them toward the edges of the path. Shadows danced just out of sight, and the faint sound of footsteps behind them sent chills down their spines.

"This place... it's alive," Dong Hyun muttered, clutching his chest as his breathing quickened.

Suddenly, a tree branch snapped above them, and something heavy fell just inches away. It was a broken mannequin, its lifeless eyes staring up at them. Ji Ah let out a small shriek, her injuries making her movements slow as she backed away.

From a distance, a loud click echoed, followed by a metallic grinding sound. "The traps!" Tae Woo shouted, grabbing Mi Ra's arm and pulling her out of the way as a spiked wall shot out from the side, narrowly missing them.

"This isn't just a maze anymore," Mi Ra whispered, her analytical mind racing. "It's hunting us."

Ji Hwan gritted his teeth, gripping his Wild Card tightly. He could feel the power it granted him, the ability to manipulate the maze. But the thought of tampering with it terrified him. One wrong move could doom them all.

In the distance, a faint red light blinked, signaling the end of the maze. But between them and safety lay countless unknown dangers. Each player knew that reaching the end would require more than just survival—it would demand sacrifice, strategy, and courage in the face of overwhelming fear.

As the red light blinked ominously in the distance, Ji Hwan felt the weight of the group's fate pressing down on him. Every breath they took was shallow, every step measured, knowing that the next move could trigger another trap.

Ji Ah stumbled again, her injuries worsening. "Go on without me," she gasped, leaning heavily against a tree. "I'm slowing everyone down."

"No way," Ji Hwan snapped, crouching beside her. "We stick together. If you stop now, this maze will swallow you whole."

Mi Ra knelt next to Ji Ah, examining her injuries. "We can't carry her far in this condition. But if we can find a safe spot to rest—"

A sudden flash of light cut Mi Ra off, and the maze shifted violently. Trees uprooted themselves, twisting and spiraling into new shapes. The ground cracked open, revealing hidden tunnels that led who-knew-where.

"Everyone, regroup!" Tae Jin barked, his commanding voice snapping the others out of their panic.

As the group clustered together, a chilling voice echoed through the maze, low and guttural:

"You think you can escape? Prove it."

The sound sent shivers through everyone. Byung Ho clutched his head. "What the hell is that?!"

"It's part of the game," Yoon Jae Suk muttered grimly, his keen mind working. "They're testing us. It's psychological warfare."

Suddenly, the blue light trail reappeared, splitting the group's path into two. On one side, the trail glowed invitingly, but the whispers grew louder, almost as if daring them to follow. On the other side, the path was dark, silent, and foreboding.

"We don't have time to debate!" shouted Min Woo, panic evident in his voice.

Ji Hwan clenched his fists. "We'll split up. Those who feel strong enough to handle the blue path, go. The rest, follow me through the dark."

Tae Woo handed Ji Hwan a spare Wild Card, his face serious. "You're going to need this more than me. Use it wisely."

The groups parted reluctantly, tension thick in the air. Ji Hwan's team moved cautiously through the dark path, their flashlights flickering. Every now and then, an unnatural sound would echo, making their hearts race.

In the blue-lit path, Mi Ra, Tae Woo, and Seo Tae Jin were making progress but encountered their own horrors. The whispers turned into screams, deafening and disorienting them. Tae Jin stumbled, barely avoiding a jagged blade that shot out of the ground.

"This maze isn't just hunting us," Mi Ra said, her voice steady despite her trembling hands. "It's trying to break us apart."

Meanwhile, Ji Hwan's group faced a different challenge. The darkness was oppressive, pressing against their senses. Ji Hwan used his Wild Card to light a narrow passage, but the moment he did, the walls began to close in.

"It's a trap!" Ji Ah screamed, her voice hoarse.

Ji Hwan grabbed her arm, pulling her out just in time. "We can't rely on the cards too much," he muttered, his jaw tight. "They come with a cost."

At that moment, a faint red glow appeared ahead. Ji Hwan and his group rushed toward it, only to find themselves face-to-face with Mi Ra's team, who had arrived from the blue path. But their relief was short-lived.

The red glow wasn't the exit. It was a massive door, its surface carved with ominous symbols and a single card slot in the center. Above it, bold words flickered into view:

"Only one may open the way."

The group exchanged uneasy glances, realizing the grim truth. To progress, one of them would need to play their Wild Card—but what the cost would be, none of them could predict.

Ji Hwan's heart pounded as he stared at the massive door. The glowing text taunted them with its cruel ultimatum.

"Only one may open the way," Ji Ah whispered, her voice trembling. "What does it mean?"

"It means one of us has to use a Wild Card," Tae Jin said grimly. "And there will be consequences."

Mi Ra stepped forward, her sharp eyes scanning the carvings on the door. "These symbols… they're warnings. This isn't just a choice—it's a test. Whoever uses the Wild Card will decide who advances and who gets left behind."

A tense silence fell over the group. No one wanted to be the one to play the card, knowing the stakes could be fatal.

Finally, Ji Hwan broke the silence. "We don't have time to hesitate. I'll do it."

"Wait," Seo Tae Jin interrupted, holding up a hand. "This isn't just about bravery, Ji Hwan. If you use your card without a plan, we're all doomed."

Before they could debate further, the ground beneath them trembled. A loud, mechanical whirring echoed through the maze, and suddenly, arrows began shooting from hidden panels in the walls.

"Get down!" Tae Woo shouted, pushing Ji Ah to the ground as an arrow whizzed past her head.

Panic erupted as the group scrambled for cover. Ji Hwan grabbed Ji Ah and pulled her behind a fallen tree trunk. Mi Ra and Tae Jin pressed themselves against the wall, narrowly avoiding the deadly projectiles.

But not everyone was so lucky.

A sharp cry rang out as an arrow struck Byung Ho in the chest, the force knocking him backward. Blood seeped from the wound as he collapsed, gasping for breath.

"Byung Ho!" Ji Hwan shouted, but another scream cut through the air.

This time, it was Min Woo. An arrow pierced his head with sickening precision, and he fell lifelessly to the ground.

Ji Ah clamped her hands over her mouth to stifle a sob, her body trembling violently. The chaos was relentless—another arrow struck Yoon Jae Suk in the shoulder, pinning him against the wall.

"We can't stay here!" Mi Ra shouted, her voice sharp with urgency. "We need to use the card now!"

Ji Hwan pulled out his Wild Card, his hands shaking. He glanced at the others, his chest tight with fear and guilt. "If I use this, it might—"

"Just do it!" Tae Woo yelled, shoving another arrow away with his arm.

Taking a deep breath, Ji Hwan placed the Wild Card into the slot on the door. The moment it clicked, the door began to glow, and the arrows stopped. For a brief moment, there was silence.

But then, the maze began to shift again. The ground beneath them started to crack, separating the survivors into two groups. Ji Hwan, Mi Ra, Tae Woo, and Ji Ah were on one side, while Tae Jin, Yoon Jae Suk, and Nam Kyung Ho were on the other.

"What's happening?!" Ji Ah screamed, clinging to Ji Hwan as the gap between them widened.

The door swung open, revealing a blinding light. A robotic voice echoed:

"Proceed. Those who remain behind will face termination."

"No!" Tae Jin shouted, his face pale. "You can't leave us here!"

Ji Hwan hesitated, his heart aching as he looked at the others who couldn't cross. But Mi Ra grabbed his arm. "If we don't move now, none of us will make it. Go!"

With tears in his eyes, Ji Hwan turned away and led his group through the door. The light engulfed them, and the screams of those left behind echoed faintly before fading into silence.

When the light faded, Ji Hwan and the remaining survivors found themselves in a new room. It was eerily quiet, with a single message carved into the wall:

"The game continues. Sacrifices are necessary for survival."

Ji Hwan's knees buckled as he sank to the floor, his mind racing with guilt and despair. The realization hit him hard: this was only the beginning.

The room was dimly lit, the silence almost deafening except for the labored breaths of the survivors. Ji Hwan sat on the cold floor, his hands trembling as he stared at the bloodstains on his jeans—reminders of those they had lost.

Ji Ah leaned against the wall, her face pale and tear-streaked. "They're… gone," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Min Woo, Byung Ho… we just left them behind."

Tae Woo clenched his fists, his knuckles white. "We didn't have a choice," he growled, more to himself than to anyone else. "If we stayed, we'd all be dead."

Mi Ra, ever composed, stepped forward, her sharp eyes scanning the new environment. The walls were metallic, pulsating faintly as if alive, and a faint hum filled the air. At the far end of the room was another door, this one marked with a timer counting down from 2 hours.

"We don't have time to mourn," she said, her voice firm. "The next challenge is already counting down. If we don't move, more of us will die."

Ji Hwan forced himself to stand, his legs shaky but determined. "What's the challenge this time?" he asked, his voice hoarse.

As if in response, the robotic voice returned, echoing throughout the room:

"Challenge Three: The Trial of Trust."

The door ahead slid open, revealing a narrow corridor filled with shifting platforms suspended over a dark abyss. Each platform glowed faintly, some flickering as if unstable. At the far end was another door, but it was guarded by a towering, robotic figure armed with a massive blade.

"Objective: Cross the corridor and reach the exit. Only those who form bonds of trust will survive."

Tae Woo frowned. "Bonds of trust? What does that even mean?"

Mi Ra studied the platforms carefully. "It's a test," she said. "Some of these platforms are stable, and some aren't. We'll have to rely on each other to figure out which ones are safe."

Ji Ah shook her head, fear evident in her eyes. "What if we guess wrong? One mistake and we'll fall."

The robotic voice interrupted again:

"Warning: Players who linger on unstable platforms will activate the guardian. Death is certain."

The guardian at the far end turned its glowing eyes toward them, its blade humming ominously.

Ji Hwan took a deep breath, his mind racing. "We'll go one at a time," he said. "The first person will test the platforms, and the others will follow. If a platform flickers, we avoid it."

Tae Woo nodded. "I'll go first. I'm the heaviest, so if a platform can hold me, it can hold any of you."

Before anyone could protest, Tae Woo stepped onto the first platform. It glowed steadily, and he gestured for the others to follow.

One by one, they moved across, testing each platform carefully. But halfway through, a platform flickered beneath Mi Ra's feet. She jumped back just in time, but the guardian stirred, its blade slicing through the air as it took a step toward them.

"Hurry!" Ji Hwan shouted, his heart pounding.

As they moved faster, the platforms began to shift more unpredictably. Ji Ah slipped, her scream echoing as she grabbed onto the edge of a platform. Ji Hwan rushed to pull her up, but the guardian was closing in.

"Leave me!" Ji Ah cried, tears streaming down her face. "You'll all die if you help me!"

"Never!" Ji Hwan yelled, his grip tightening. With Tae Woo's help, they hauled her back onto the platform, just as the guardian swung its blade.

The group scrambled forward, barely avoiding the deadly strikes. Reaching the last platform, they found the guardian blocking the exit, its blade poised for a final, fatal blow.

Ji Hwan, desperate, threw his last Wild Card at the guardian. The room shuddered violently. The guardian froze, its blade inches from Ji Hwan's face, before disintegrating into a shower of sparks.

The door swung open, revealing another corridor. Exhausted and shaken, the survivors collapsed to the ground, their breaths ragged.

"This… this is impossible," Ji Ah sobbed, clutching her chest.

Mi Ra, her face grim, stared at the glowing text on the wall: "Trust is earned through sacrifice. Prepare for the next trial."

Ji Hwan clenched his fists, the weight of their losses heavy on his mind. He knew the next challenge would be even more brutal, but retreat was impossible. Their survival hinged on their endurance—and their trust in each other.

The Remaining Players:

1. Han Ji Hwan

2. Kim Soo Yeon

3. Seo Tae Jin

4. Jung Mi Ra

5. Yoon Jae Suk

6. Choi Ji Ah

7. Oh Tae Woo

8. Nam Kyung Ho

The deaths in the Wild Maze cast a long shadow, escalating the tension among the survivors. Each challenge intensified the competition, each decision a gamble with their lives. Their journey was far from over; every move could be their last.

After the harrowing rounds, the remaining players were given a traditional Korean lunch—a brief respite from the grim reality. The table was laden with an array of carefully prepared dishes:

- Kimchi: The familiar tangy and spicy fermented cabbage provided a comforting taste.

- Bibimbap: A mixed rice dish with vegetables, egg, and gochujang (red pepper paste), offered sustenance and energy.

- Japchae: Stir-fried glass noodles with vegetables and meat provided a savory balance.

- Banchan: An assortment of small side dishes included Jorim (braised beef or pork) and Pajeon (savory scallion pancake).

- Doenjang Jjigae: A steaming soybean paste stew with tofu and vegetables offered warmth against the lingering chill of the maze.

The simple meal was a stark contrast to the life-or-death struggle ahead. The survivors ate in silence, some from exhaustion, others from grim determination. They were no longer just players; they were the last few, fighting for survival. Each contemplated the twisted reality they were trapped in, knowing the worst was yet to come, despite the brief normalcy the food provided.

After lunch, the second game was declared over, and the players were given time to rest. They sat in silence, their bodies exhausted, and their minds filled with increasing tension. Although the meal served was simple, the ominous atmosphere made it impossible for them to fully enjoy the food. The fear and anxiety hanging over them made each second feel heavier.

Ji Hwan looked at the faces of the remaining players, noticing the fatigue and anxiety clearly reflected in their expressions. They all knew that the game was becoming more dangerous. The cooperation that once existed among them was now fading, replaced by suspicion and distrust.

However, despite the tension in the air, they had no other choice but to accept this reality. All they could do was wait for the next game to begin.

Shortly after lunch, the intercom broke the silence.

"Rest period is over. The third game will begin tomorrow. All players are required to return to their respective resting rooms."

They all knew that tomorrow would present an even greater challenge. This brief rest was merely an opportunity to ease some tension, but the physical and mental exhaustion they felt was still deeply ingrained.

Slowly, they returned to their rooms. The atmosphere grew heavier with every passing second, and only a few felt strong enough to face what was coming. All the players knew that this game had reached a critical point, and no one could predict what would happen next.

That night, they lay in their beds, but their sleep was restless. Thoughts of the third game, which would start the next day, haunted them, leaving a lingering sense of anxiety that couldn't be shaken. They all knew that tomorrow would be an even greater test than before.

In their individual rooms, each player found themselves battling with their own thoughts. The silence was almost suffocating, only broken by the soft hum of the lights above. Some lay in their beds, staring at the ceiling, replaying the events of the second game in their minds. Others paced around, unable to shake off the anxiety that consumed them.

Ji Hwan sat on the edge of his bed, his head buried in his hands. The image of Lee Min Woo falling, the arrow piercing his chest, still haunted him. He clenched his fists, feeling a surge of anger and frustration, but there was nothing he could do. He couldn't afford to lose focus. Not now. Not when the next game was just around the corner.

Across the hall, Kim Soo Yeon sat with her back against the wall, her knees drawn up to her chest. She closed her eyes, trying to clear her mind, but the events of the game kept flooding back. The sharp sound of the arrows, the screams, and the feeling of being trapped—she couldn't escape it. Her body ached, and her mind felt foggy. But one thing was clear: she couldn't afford to show weakness. Not now.

In another room, Seo Tae Jin paced back and forth, his expression unreadable. He was the most mysterious of the group, always keeping to himself, but his mind was racing. The third game was going to be even more dangerous, and he had to be prepared. He couldn't afford to make any mistakes. He had no choice but to keep his emotions in check, to remain focused.

Jung Mi Ra, however, wasn't able to keep her mind from drifting. She sat at the small desk in her room, staring at the notes she had taken during the games. She was a strategist, and this game had become a battle of wits. She needed to think several steps ahead, anticipate every possible outcome. But there was a dark truth she couldn't ignore: even the best strategies could fail here.

Yoon Jae Suk had retired to his room and, despite his age, had managed to keep a level head so far. But now, alone in the silence of his room, he began to feel the weight of the games pressing on him. His body was slowing down, and though his mind remained sharp, there was no denying the toll it was taking. He couldn't afford to fall behind.

Choi Ji Ah, shaken by the loss of Shin Do Hoon, tried to push past her emotions. She knew that showing fear or weakness would only make her a target. The game had already cost her much, but she couldn't afford to let it break her. Not now. Not when she was so close.

Oh Tae Woo sat by the window, looking out at the darkened sky. His body still felt the strain of the previous game, but his mind was clear. He had adapted to the brutal reality of the situation, and now it was time to face whatever came next. But as he stared into the night, he couldn't help but wonder if they would all make it through.

Nam Kyung Ho lay in his bed, his face expressionless. He had been through enough to know that this was no ordinary game. It was a fight for survival, and no one could be trusted. He had to stay one step ahead, no matter what.

The minutes dragged on, and the weight of the silence grew heavier. No one spoke, and the only sound that could be heard was the occasional shift of someone in their room. But each of them knew that the third game was approaching, and tomorrow would be the next test of their will to survive.

In the quiet of their rooms, they tried to rest, but sleep was elusive. Fear, anger, and the constant looming danger were their only companions as they awaited the dawn.