Squid Game: A New game 2

**************** Coliseum ****************

Seong Gi-hun entered his apartment again. It had been several days since he'd received the strange e-mail about rejoining the "Squid Game". He had received no other correspondence beyond that time and was beginning to think that the whole thing had been a sham, a hoax. Some sick prank that someone had perpetrated upon him. Still, he did check his computer every day to see if there was something new. Today, this day, he found that there was.

Gi-hun noticed that he had a new, unread e-mail awaiting in his in-box. He opened it and began to read….

"Good morning Mr. 456," it started. "Sorry for the wait. However, people die, people are born….the world goes on, am I not right? Anyway, it's been brought to my attention that although you have not used much of your game winnings, some money has been withdrawn. You bought yourself a nice suit and some other clothes. You changed your hair color to red (that was a bit odd, but okay). You also delivered a large sum of money to Woo's mother who will be caring for Kang Sae's little brother. A very sweet gesture. However, what has impressed me the most is that you've been taking "English" speaking classes at the university. Learning another language is quite admiring. I respect that. I assume that going to America to see your daughter was the reason behind your decision to do so. Good idea.

Now, down to business. As was explained in our first greet…..the next "Game" will be conducted in the United States and in your case, we are not looking for you to join in the physical aspect of the game. We are looking for new VIPs to refill the ranks. We are also in the process of reviewing player applicants for the Coliseum (a secret venue where the games will be played in the States). And, you may not know this…..but not just anybody can be a participant. Your average "joe" is not always the best candidate for the games. Contestants are vetted quite thoroughly…so you should consider yourself as special….for being drafted into the game in which you were a participant.

Also, since we understand you favor wagering adequate sums of money (money that before wasn't your own) this time it will be different. And what better game to venture your arduously earned winnings on than a real "game of life"? It is quite the rush…..

Just think about it. Rubbing elbows with the rich and favorable people of the world, anonymously. It is feverishly thrilling.

Okay then. Now that I've explained a few things it is time for you to make a decision. If you find this interesting and are agreeable to certain conditions then we have an opening for you. For more instruction and details…in two days venture out to the "Little Sea Restaurant" for lunch. Order the "Squid" from the menu (any other choice will mean that you've declined our invitation). An associate of ours will make contact with you at the restaurant and provide more information on what to do next. As for now, take in a deep breath of fresh air and have a great day."

The e-mail ended there.

Gi-hun was a little numb and disgusted at the same time. They were wanting him to join this carnival of carnage? Those arrogant bastards. Just because they were rich and bored what gave them the right to choose life or death for people? The "Coliseum"…..it sounded like a place for gladiator games. And, now that he thought about it…it kinda was. A global contest set up so that certain individuals from around the world could watch other people die….and bet on it? How sick was that?

Well, of course….Seong Gi-hun had already made up his mind before he'd finished reading.

"ANIYO…JIOG ANIYO" (No….Hell No)…..

"I will not be a participant in this. A by-stander, a third-party….it's nothing more than akin to murder in my opinion….and I will not play. I will go to the restaurant and order…..lobster."

*********** Checks & Balances ***********

Of course Seong had thought about going to the police. However, was that a good idea? Since he was obviously being observed what kind of problems could that cause? No, the best thing to do was…just turn them down. Maybe sometime later, when he wasn't being watched, he could alert the authorities. Still, he had to know that the "Squid" people would protect themselves. They would have put systems in so they could not be detected. These people had money, and they knew how to remain hidden. And how crazy would it being trying to convince others that there was something like this going on?

Two days later there he sat. Seong Gi-hun was at a table at the Little Sea Restaurant. He attempted to remain inconspicuous, however he wasn't doing very well. Anyone looking for an expression of guilt on someone's face could certainly pick him out of a crowd.

Still, hun was looking for something too. He was looking for any individual he thought might be the person he was supposed to make contact with. The restaurant had a crowd, however, it wasn't that big. And everyone looked like they either worked there, or was a customer.

"I guess I'd never make a good spy," Gi mumbled to himself.

"Well this was going to be easy," he thought. "All I have to do is wait for the waiter and then order my lobster….piece of cake."

At that moment the water did arrive. Only he handed Seong a menu that was already open. Looking down Gi could see that there was a note taped to the first page. It read…..

"Order the squid or harm may come to your family."

Gi looked up at the waiter. The man standing there in his beautifully dressed uniform had a face that was expressionless. Gi was dazed. What could he do? He took a deep swallow.

"I'll have the squid please," he said.

Those words had the most awful taste going down.

End Part 2