The Players

"My name is Victoria, but you can call me Vicky!" the young woman introduced herself with a charming smile. The mention of her name added to the sense of familiarity Alan felt towards her, allowing him to place her in his memory. However, before he could delve deeper into his recollection, one of the five players, an American Mexican, interjected.

"You're Victoria Collins! Oh wow, to see an actress like you here. I'm a huge fan!" he exclaimed, clearly starstruck by her presence.

Alan now recognized her. Victoria Collins used to be a rising star in the entertainment industry, known for her acting and singing talents. However, her name faded from the Hollywood charts due to some incident that brought her career to a halt.

Acknowledging the Mexican player's comment, Victoria turned her gaze towards Alan and said, "I'm just a washed-up actress, but this man here, you should have seen him drive the bus earlier... he's as cool as Keanu." She approached Alan with a playful smile. "I think I'm in love."

Alan took a step back, maintaining a serious demeanor. "Let's not joke around and focus on the game," he replied, redirecting the conversation.

Bill, the CEO, chimed in, "So, do you have a plan?"

"Yes," Alan responded, capturing the group's attention. He proceeded to outline the main details of his strategy, emphasizing the need for weapons and supplies to survive the game. He assured them that he was familiar with the area they were in and had a target in mind. Hearing his plan, all five players decided to join him without hesitation.

However, before they set off, Alan added a cautionary note, fixing them with a stern gaze. "I must warn you, it will be dangerous. If you choose to follow, your safety is your own responsibility."

Undeterred by his warning, all five nodded resolutely, displaying their determination to face the challenges ahead.

In addition to Bill and Vicky, there was Luis, the relatively short Mexican player, who seemed to exude a lively and spirited energy. There were also two physically imposing men—Sam, a construction worker, and Milo, a quiet Italian American who spoke little but carried an air of mystery with him.

Having experienced three years of the game and observed the selection of civilian lottery batches, Alan knew that there were no weak players chosen for this game. Each individual possessed unique skills or qualities that could prove valuable in future challenges. For instance, Alan suspected that Victoria possessed the [speechcraft] skill, as demonstrated by her ability to easily convince and calm the crowds.

Alan couldn't help but wonder how each member of the group would contribute and prove useful in the challenges that awaited them. The dynamics of their team had the potential to be a game-changer in their quest for survival.

"Alright, let's go," Alan declared, opening the door to the New York Library. As soon as he did, a gust of chilling wind swept in, penetrating their bodies and making them shiver involuntarily. The bone-chilling cold reached deep into their cores, prompting some of them to rub their hands together for warmth.

[You Received Status: Cold level two]

[Stamina Regeneration Drops 25%]

A notification suddenly appeared before their eyes, causing all six of them to react. Luis, visibly jittery, exclaimed, "Yo man, this is so damn cold!"

Surviving the harsh weather was the first challenge of the game, and endurance was a crucial attribute in such situations. Despite Alan's recently upgraded endurance, he still succumbed to the level-two cold. Among the group, Sam and Milo, with their E+ endurance, were able to resist level 2, while Victoria and Bill, who only had F+ endurance, suffered a level 3 status that reduced their regeneration by 50%.

This prompted Bill, the CEO, to decide against joining them, opting instead to retreat back inside for safety.

"You guys go ahead, someone has to guard these civilians don't you think "

Such a response brought some negative reactions toward the other, but Alan quickly interrupt and agreed with the idea, he wouldn't want to return having all these civilians gone.

Alan glanced at Victoria, who was visibly fighting against the cold, and asked, "Are you sure about this?"

With unwavering determination, she nodded.

"Ok then, Let's hurry. It will only get colder from here on out."

As they trudged across the snowy fields, they observed dozens of other people on the streets, each with their own plans. Their footprints were quickly covered by the relentless snowfall. Aware that their condition would worsen with time, Alan urged the group to quicken their pace.

However, the heavy snow and their cold debuff status prevented them from running at their normal speed. Several minutes later, they passed by a department store that provide almost everything needs, tempting Luis with its potential supplies.

"Now that's what I'm talking about! Time to hustle!" he exclaimed, his excitement evident.

Alan quickly intervened. "No! We're not going that way."

In this scenario, markets and similar places would be the first target people went to, meaning there would be hundreds of mobs or players inside fighting over the supplies.

In other words, going there would most likely be dangerous. "Are you sure, bro?!.. damn!"

Even though he was doubtful, Luis conceded Alan's point. The group quickly continued their journey.

They walked six more blocks until they arrived at their designated place - a half-collapsed hospital.

This hospital had taken a severe hit from the tsunami, with the first floor submerged and turned into a frozen wall of ice. The remaining floors were in a precarious state, gradually succumbing to the weight of the snow. From a distance, Alan spotted only a few people passing by or near the area, confirming its relative safety. He made the decision to lead the group inside.

"Okay, let's follow the plan," Alan declared, stepping into the half-collapsed hospital. Their footsteps echoed through the dimly lit corridors as they ventured deeper into the wreckage, hoping to find the supplies necessary for their survival.