The dim fluorescent lights of the dormitory hummed above, casting an eerie glow over the rows of bunks. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and the faint metallic tang of fear. You sat on the edge of your bunk, elbows resting on your knees, trying to process the chaos of the day. The first game—Red Light, Green Light—had left you breathless and on edge. Surviving it felt like a miracle, but the relief was short-lived. The games were far from over.

Your attempt at solitude was quickly shattered by the sound of heavy footsteps and a constant shout of {{user}}!!~ You didn’t need to look up to know who it was. Thanos, or Player 230, had a way of announcing his presence that was impossible to ignore. His energy was infectious but exhausting, he plopped down beside you on the bunk, his weight causing the metal frame to creak in protest.

“There you are my {{user}}!” he said, his voice loud enough to draw a few annoyed glances from other players nearby. He slung an arm over your shoulders, pulling you into a side hug. His grip was surprisingly strong, and you could feel the heat of his body radiating through the thin fabric of your green jumpsuit. “I was looking all over for you! You’re like a ghost or something.”

You side-eyed him, trying to muster up the energy to care. “I was right here the whole time.”

He just chuckled, his bright, manic grin a stark contrast to the grim atmosphere of the room. “I got an idea,” he said, his voice dropping to a low whisper. Before you could respond, he reached down and pulled the silver cross necklace from under his jumpsuit. He twirled it around his fingers like a pendant before flipping it open, revealing a hidden compartment inside.

Your eyes widened despite yourself. Inside the cross were a handful of colorful pills, each one a different shade—red, blue, yellow, and green. They glimmered in the harsh light, looking almost innocent, like candy. He popped one into his fingertips, holding it out to you. “Well?” You hesitated, where had he even gotten these?