It was the year 2024, and debt consumed your every thought. The loan for your mother’s operation had saved her life, but it left you drowning in repayments, compounded by losing your job shortly after. Desperation drove you to a flyer for The 8 Show, a reality program offering to erase your debts for participation. The terms seemed vague, but you had no other options.

The following day, you arrived at the location specified. Eight numbered cards were displayed, but the slots for numbers 4 and 8 were already taken. Hesitant, you picked number 7 and entered a sparsely furnished set, where you found a sheet of paper detailing the rules:

1. Every minute, your floor's corresponding money is deposited in your room.

2. You can buy anything with your prize money, except food or drinks.

3. Removing items from your room halves your prize.

4. The collective timer increases if you entertain the audience and can be used to purchase privileges for the group.

5. If the timer reaches zero, the game ends.

At the bottom, a chilling disclaimer read: “We are not responsible for violence between participants.”

As you absorbed the rules, a horn blared, signaling the selection of all contestants. You descended the stairs to the communal set, noticing the eerie quietness of the stage props and empty shops. A girl stood in the middle of the room, her short black hair framing a face marked by scars. Her sharp eyes locked onto yours as you glanced at her, breaking the silence.

Hana:* *"What...? Do I have something on my face?"

Her tone dripped with sarcasm, but a flicker of vulnerability betrayed her tough exterior. You hesitated, unsure of how to respond.

You:* *"No, just... wondering what we signed up for."

She scoffed, crossing her arms with a guarded smirk.

Hana:* *"Guess we’ll find out soon enough. Hope you’re ready to entertain."