Chapter Text
A sharp pain pierced the back of Gi-hun’s head. Jung-bae’s blurred corpse was the last thing he saw, and then complete darkness.
Is it over?..
With the remnants of his consciousness, he felt himself being carried somewhere
∆О□
– P.please, my daughter is sick!
Gyeong-seok, with his hands raised, slowly walked from the guard to the wall.
Then the soldier leaned closer and began to whisper.
– Pretend to be dead, if you want to get out of here alive and see your daughter again – do as I say
Then a shot rang out..
∆О□
The dormitory was quiet. People sat in small groups on the stairs between the beds.
The quiet conversations were interrupted by the sound of a door opening. Four soldiers carried the coffin, leaving it in the center of the room.
People began to crowd around it. Hyun-ju took it upon herself to open it.
–AH!
A panicked gasp escaped her. There lay Gi-hun, unconscious.
–Is he dead?
Geum-ja began nervously. The taller woman quickly checked his pulse.
–He’s alive! Quickly, help him get onto the bed!
∆О□
He didn’t expect to open his eyes again, but here before him was the familiar view of the dormitory, and the faces of his teammates.
Slowly standing up, he looked around at the people. Not enough.
–And where are the rest?..
Hyun-ju could only shake her head. A memory flashed through her mind.
“Look at the consequences of your game, and heroism”
His knees buckled, Gi-hun fell, I’m a doll with all the strings broken, onto the bed.
The door opened again. A soldier, with a square on his mask, came out to announce the prize pool.
But that didn’t bother Gi-hun, he needed other answers
He stood up, and walked towards the soldiers.
why?
Why?
WHY?
– WHY DID THEY LEAVE ME ALIVE? WHY DIDN’T THEY KILL ME?! WHAT IS THE REASON??!!
The guards began to restrain him from trying to reach the door. Seeing the weapon hanging freely, Gi-hun grabbed it and held it to his forehead.
– SHOOT! SHOOT ME THE FUCK OUT!
The other soldiers quickly knocked Gi-hun to the ground, holding him by his arms and legs so that he could not harm himself or the other guards.
Screams of despair and prayers for death continued to fill the dormitory.
Somewhere on the floors above, the Frontman was watching all this. He was drowning his feelings behind another glass of whiskey.
The phone rang through the apartments. In-ho stood up and picked up the phone.
– “We’re back at the port. They’ll find another drone operator and resume the search.”
– Don’t let them find this island until the end of the Games.
Captain Park called out to Jun-ho, and after a short pause he returned to the radio.
– “What if there’s trouble?”
– Kill everyone except the detective. If necessary, hold him until the end of the games.
He hung up.
He’s going to need more whiskey than he thought. VIP guests should be arriving soon.
∆О□
After a short struggle, Gi-hun was handcuffed to the bare bed.
– Another round of voting will now begin to determine whether to continue the game. This vote will be conducted in reverse.
The guard’s head turned in Gi-hun’s direction.
– Player 456, vote.
He slowly raised his head, his lips barely moving. He was exhausted, his broken voice prevented him from speaking loudly.
– Player 456?
– Against...
A barely audible word, but it was enough for the guard to press the red button.
– Player 448.
.
.
.
– 19 against 40, according to your vote, the next game will be held tomorrow. Thank you.
The lights were turned back on. Gi-hun was still sitting in the same position. The tears had dried, the blood from his wounds too. He couldn’t do anything else.
It was all because of me...
The players from the O side, who were returning to their beds, paused for a second. A stream of mocking comments poured from player 100, his “entourage” could only nod and scoff.
But he didn’t hear them. His stream of thoughts was directed at the accusation itself and the last words of his friends.
Having received no reaction, they left, but Gi-hun was not left alone.
–You are still a fool. I told you, you didn’t come here of your own free will. The vengeful spirits above your head drew you here!
The shaman came closer and crouched down in front of him.
–Can you hear them? The voices of your friends are screaming in your ears. You will hear these screams until you die!
The shaman began to laugh ominously. Gi-hun raised his head.
Suddenly, his free hand reached out and grabbed Player 044's neck. Her followers rushed to help. In a hoarse voice, Gi-hun said
– Your long tongue will lead you to death.
Eventually, the followers were able to free her. Gi-hun continued to pull on his bound hand. The handcuffs dug into the skin of his wrist, leaving a red streak, but Gi-hun didn't care.
– I wonder how your spirits of heaven and earth will protect you when you keep talking without thinking about the fact that you're locked up here with other people, huh? Keep it up, and someone's patience will run out.
His voice was like the rubbing of foam rubber on sandpaper. When she stepped back, Gi-hun sat back down on the floor, breathing heavily.
∆О□
People were lining up for food. Jun-hee was returning to her bed with the food when Myung-gi stopped her
– Hold on, you like sweet potatoes.
That was it. A small gesture she couldn’t refuse. Food wasn’t enough in her situation.
On their way to their beds, the team stopped by Gi-hun. He didn’t react to them. He didn’t have the strength to look them in the eye.
– Sir, you need to eat. At least a little. I understand that you did this to save us all.
– Forgive me..it was my fault for figuring out how to bring you the stores.
Yong-sik looked at Hyun-ju in surprise.
– What are you apologizing for? It’s Dae-ho’s fault. Everyone saw it. He came for the ammo, and when he collected it, he just collapsed on the floor. By the time Hyun-ju arrived, the masked men had already come running!
Gi-hun looked at Yong-sik, then at Hyun-ju.
– What..?
– He was panicking, I could see it.
He could only blink slowly. Geum-ja again handed him a small paper box of sweet potatoes and a bottle of water.
– Eat, at least a little. Okay?
He didn’t have the strength to argue with the old woman. In their small company, they began to eat. Gi-hun watched Dae-ho from time to time.
∆О□
After arriving on the mainland, Jun-ho and his team stopped at a motel near the port. The detective was marking the islands they had checked.
There was an unexpected knock on the door.
– Detective, are you asleep?
– No, not yet.
The door opened, and Woo-seok’s figure appeared in it.
– Do you want to have a glass of soju?
– Of course.
After pouring a drink and laying out the snacks, Woo-seok tried not to intrude on Jun-ho’s questions, as if he were asking me.
– So you don’t remember anything else?
– No, I came to my senses in the hospital. What are you talking about?
Woo-seok started laughing nervously.
– Remember how I said that at dinner I heard a noise and went out on deck? I met the captain, and I believed his words... But now I remember that he was holding a screwdriver in his hands.
– A screwdriver?
– Why would he need it in the middle of the night?
– He could be fixing something.
Woo-seok cautiously hinted.
– No, he said he was going to sleep.
Their argument continued for some time.
– Woo-seok, he saved my life. And helped me search for the island for several years in a row.
The loan shark just stared at him blankly. He had had enough.
– You still don't understand. Hwang Jun-ho, turn on your detective brain!
He slammed his fist on the table. Jun-ho looked at him in disbelief.
– Back in the pink motel, you were telling Mr. Seong information about what was going on inside this organization. You said they were selling players' organs on the black market. That they did it secretly from their leader, and that the organs were delivered to someone who took them to the mainland!
Jun-ho sat with his mouth open.
– But..
– Shut up! I haven’t finished yet! You said you were shot on a neighboring island. You fell off a cliff into the water and survived! How good that there was a ship near the island where those games were held that pulled you out and saved you. Jun-ho, think again and add 2+2!
The detective swallowed, his gaze falling on the maps with the island markers. Woo-seok stood up, picked them up and started flipping through them.
– The man who said he knew the sea well can’t remember where that island was? At least the approximate vicinity of where he found you? Or maybe he’s just leading you by the nose because he works for a black mask?
Jun-ho’s eyes widen. Memories of his brother and that day flashed before his eyes again. He lowered his head.
– I see you’ve finally gotten it.
Woo-seok sat down at the table again and poured himself and Jun-ho some soju, despite his refusal before, too.
– But what’s the point? Why would the captain save you if he works for these scumbags?
Jun-ho knew. He couldn’t say. He drank the glass in one gulp. His leg started to jump nervously. The loan shark noticed it.
– Are you nervous? Jun-ho…you’re not telling me something. And it’s something related to games.
He’s silent. He can’t say that his brother is the Frontman. Jun-ho pours himself another glass. When he reached to bring it to his lips, Woo-seok stopped him.
– No, you tell me everything now, and then we’ll come up with a plan to catch Captain Park!
He looked at Woo-seok with frightened eyes. He wasn’t afraid of him, he was afraid of the reaction to the revelation. The latter continued to wait.
–…I lied…
He mumbled quietly.
– What? I didn’t understand anything.
– I lied…I know who the frontman is..
Woo-seok let go of Jun-ho’s hand. His face was a cocktail of emotions. He stood up with such force that the chair behind him fell. He swung and slapped Jun-ho.
– WHAT ARE YOU?! MR. SEONG, YOU’RE ON THE ISLAND WITHOUT THIS LIFE-CRITICAL INFORMATION!! DID YOU MOVE FROM THE OAK?!?
The detective grabbed his cheek. Woo-seok pulled him by the collar of his T-shirt.
– Who is he?! Who is this?!
Jun-ho swallowed.
– This..this is my brother..
Silence, Woo-seok’s eyes widened. He let go of Jun-ho and he fell to the floor with the chair.
– Now that explains everything. Of course you would have stayed alive, of course you wouldn’t have been shot in the chest or head, of course their dog would have found you and brought you to the hospital.. of course..of course..
Woo-seok started pacing nervously around the room.
– Beacon, what did you do?..
– No! How could I do that? I don’t even have a connection with him!
Rubbing the bridge of his nose, Woo-seok approached Jun-ho.
– Get up, we’re organizing a plan to kidnap the captain, and further actions regarding the island. We have 3 days left, we're leaving. Gather everyone.
With these words, Woo-seok left the room.
∆О□
Gi-hun had been awake all night. He had been watching Dae-ho. He had tried to get his attention before he went to sleep, but he had ignored him.
The lights and classical music had announced the start of a new day. Dae-ho had reluctantly woken up. In his half-asleep state, he thought he saw movement. Rubbing his eyes, he looked towards the far beds again. He hadn’t.
There, still chained, Gi-hun was beckoning him to come closer with his finger. Dae-ho could only watch in horror.
— Players, the fourth game will begin soon. Please follow the staff’s instructions.
The players began to gather at the exit. A security guard was walking next to Gi-hun in a triangle.
They were led up the stairs to a new game, the same stairs where their brothers died, where Young-il died and
– Mr. Jung-bae...
Dae-ho looked up at the ceiling in fear. Nausea rose in his throat. Gi-hun looked at the human chandelier with a dead look.
Jung-bae...sorry...
The guards led them on. As they passed another turn, he finally saw a familiar jacket. A bloody green jacket with 001 written on it.
Young-il...
tears threatened to start gathering in the corners of his eyes again. He looked away from the bloody number to his face.
Gi-hun stood in shock.
– Hey, move!
It wasn’t Young-il, anyone, but it wasn’t his friend.
– What’s wrong with you?! Move!
He was pushed in the back, but he didn’t even feel it.
What happened Young-il? It’s not him, where’s his corpse? He’s definitely dead…so who is it..?
There was a click of a gun.
– Player 456, this is your final warning, move and follow instructions.
He took one last look at Jung-bae, giving him a farewell look.
∆О□
– Welcome to Game 4. Before the game starts, you will be divided into teams. Please come out one by one and pull a ball out of the machine.
People started to spin the slot machine in turn, and get red or blue balls.
Gi-hun was the last to get a ball. Red.
– The game you will play today is hide and seek. The blue team must either find a way out using the keys they were given, or hold out for 30 minutes without being caught by a member of the red team.
The blue team players began to be given their only means of escape.
– The red team must find and kill a member of the blue team during these 30 minutes to move on.
People started to chant in surprise and dissatisfaction.
– Don’t they have too much of an advantage? What about us, killing them with our bare hands?
– We understand your concern, so we have prepared gifts for the red team as well.
Nam-gyu opened the box with great interest. The gift was well-deserved. He returned to the blue team to show off the beautifully crafted knife.
– The red team players can use knives to attack the blue team, but they are not allowed to attack each other.
The players started arguing with each other again.
– Before the game starts, we will allow you to change your fate. You can switch with a player from the opposite team before the game starts. But once the game starts, taking off your vest or changing teams is strictly prohibited.
Gi-hun shifted his gaze from the knife to Dae-ho on the opposite side of the room. The young man panicked and tried to hold back his tears.
Time passed. Some players were trying to find someone to trade with while the others were talking about how to win and survive this game.
Jun-hee wanted to go to her teammates, but Myung-gi stopped her
– Please, Jun-hee, take this key, trade with me. That’s the only way we’ll survive
The young girl just snorted in response.
– Take care of yourself, I’ll take care of myself.
She started to turn around and leave, but the boy’s hand stopped her, again.
– I won’t let this happen! You can’t do anything with this knife. You’ll be safe if I’m in red, I’ll protect you!
– Safe? Don’t be silly. And how do you know I can’t do anything? You have no idea how this place changes people. Especially when it’s on the future of my child!
Player 333 pursed his lips, then exhaled nervously.
– Then..you kill me. I’ll come to you, you stab me and leave. That way you and the baby will survive...
Jun-hee stood there surprised. She didn’t expect this from Myung-gi.
– Okay..
The girl lowered her head and walked away, she had to find Geum-ja. Approaching the corner of the room, she noticed that the elder was talking to her son.
They switched. Now the old woman was on the blue team, and her son was on the red team. She had to team up with Yong-sik.
.
.
.
Dae-ho panickedly walked from one red player to the other. He wanted to survive at all costs. Not when Gi-hun was looking at him like...he
Luck was not on his side, no one wanted to switch. From under his breath, only curses could be heard.
Then he met Gi-hun's gaze again. He beckoned Dae-ho with his finger. The younger one was breathing unevenly, but he had no choice.
He quickly crossed the room, approaching the elder
Gi-hun was still looking at him with that look, he couldn't stand it anymore.
– Why do you keep staring at me?! Do you think it's all my fault?!
Gi-hun interrupted his tirade, and gestured for silence.
– Sit down, Dae-ho.
Everything inside him tightened
"Sit down, Dae-ho."
No, he's not here. It's just Seong Gi-hun, not him...
Dae-ho slowly sat down next to the elder.
– Yong-sik and Hyun-ju told me everything.
"..Your sisters told me everything.."
Dae-ho's breathing began to quicken.
– Tell me honestly, why didn't you come back with the groceries?
"..You lied to me about where you were assigned to do your military service.."
The world began to blur, tears began to flow down Dae-ho's cheeks.
The voice, the look, even a little appearance, everything reminded Gi-hun of him.
The elder leaned closer to Dae-ho, who in turn retreated. Now he was openly crying.
– p.please...don't need father....
Gi-hun's eyes widened. He didn't have time to say anything when the game was announced.