Gambling

As my watch indicates the time is now 11:00, I re-enter the bar, it's now almost entirely empty, strange, did Eden Group have enough influence to close the bar at this time? Or did it own this bar? Both are likely, either way, thinking about something as trivial as that will get me nowhere. I, along with five other people, were called over by the guy I met before, a cursory glance showed that besides me, there were 3 men and 2 women. "Ah...you're all here, good!" The man spoke up. "You are all here for today's recruitment to Eden Group, please follow me." The man leads us into the back, and opens a...hatch, before dropping down, we'll that's not suspicious at all...oh well, no other choice, I drop down after the rest, we are led through what appears to be an extensive underground facility, all the walls are white, but the actual purpose of the facility is unclear, it just seems like a meaningless labyrinth, if one were to wander into such a labyrinth of white walls without knowing their way, they would likely get lost and lose their mind, which I wouldn't doubt being intentional on the part of Eden group. An oppressive silence dominated us as we followed the man, his serious expression, combined with the speed at which he walked, made people focus on not losing sight of him instead of talking, in comparison to his usual carefree attitude, it was a stark contrast that left everyone speechless, if he didn't want to be asked annoying questions about where we were going, It still seems a bit excessive to set up a psychological trick just to avoid it...well, I personally refrained from commenting because I was focused on memorizing every turn we took through the labyrinth, if I memorized what route lead to this room, I could write a map of it into a piece of paper later so that I could return any time if necessary. Well, If my inference was correct, I doubted I'd need to return to the room we were approaching, or this labyrinth, but caution was a good thing to practice.

My inference? I believe this is an "entrance exam", or an "aptitude test", it will likely be simple, but just weed out any worthless applicants, just like high ranking colleges do, it was strange to compare Eden Group to a college...

When we arrived, he opened the door to reveal not a room, but several, replicating a well furnished house, with six bedrooms, which he gave us a tour of...that means he intends for us to stay here overnight? He finally spoke up after finishing the silent tour and gathering us back in the living room of this "house".

"This...is a game, an introductory game, to weed out those unfit to join Eden Group, and help create our perfect world, you can consider it as a gamble, if you like."

And then, the light returned to my eyes.

"The only thing...that makes the light return to my eyes...is gambling."

I had said it many times whenever somebody asked why a detective like me would gamble, I said it in my head again now. The one hobby I still indulged in, no matter what, because I was good at it? Because I found it fun? No...perhaps because I had memories with it...

When I was a kid, I would always play Poker with my dad, we wouldn't bet actual money of course, but...

Well, I should focus on the explanation.

"This game will last three days, not including this day, if you have any plans for the next three days, cancel them or leave before the start of the game's first day, at that point, the game will start, and it's rules will be explained"

...Well, that was hardly much of an explanation worth listening to.

"I see..." One of the girls, who was dressed like a goth, spoke up, black hair, black lipstick, black nails, at least she was committed to an aesthetic, she lacked cuts on her wrists though...was that a morbid observation to make? Either way, her voice was low pitched and seemed indifferent, was she the type of person who gets bored easily?

"Basically, this is a loyalty test, if we don't have enough time on our hands for three days, we won't have enough time on our hands for working in Eden Group."

The man smirked.

"Very Observant, Miss Jade."

So that's her name.

"Hey...Come to think of it...what's your name?"

The blonde girl asked the man, come to think of it, she's blonde, white, blue eyes, big boobed, and conventionally attractive, why is she here? She shouldn't have a hard time finding a less shady job in America...

"My name is unimportant for now, in addition to your entry into Eden Group, I'll throw it in as another prize for those who pass the game."

The red haired boy chuckled, he in contrast, was covered in tattoos and scars, he seems like somebody who would be in a gang, but well, given he's applying to Eden Group, and multiple gangs have been judged as "Snakes" by them, it is improbable that is actually the case.

"I see...I assume the inner workings of Eden Group, or what the criteria for being a "snake" actually is, won't be revealed unless we win either?"

The man turned to delinquent boy, which is what I'm calling him now, and spoke in response to his query.

"Yes Ryan"

...That's such a basic name, I'm still calling him Delinquent Boy.

Notably, besides me, the White haired boy, who was a fellow shortie, and the Very tall guy with a ponytail, dressed in a nice business suit which also made me question his reason for application, remained silent.

"Well, if that is all, I will take your sleeping in the beds as you joining the game, and you leaving as your departure, please decide before the start of tommorow."

With that, he sat on the couch, closed his eyes and...fell asleep?

...This was going to be a long 3 days.