New - Very Happy Game - Attempt 1

[You have chosen - Very Happy Game]

[Consumed 10 Powerstones]

[Loading Story...]

Huh, so not the main story. Though I guess since this was cheaper than the other, then we could save on some powerstones. That would probably open up options for later...

[A young man with short brown hair and a rather lanky body was sitting at the side of his bed in a studio apartment. His name was Jacob. The sun was just beginning to rise, as he had gotten up quite early. He was staring at his phone intently, as though desperately waiting for something.]

...Is this guy ok? He looked a little... out of it.

Jacob: Of course I'm fine.

A-Ah, I see.

[While looking at his phone screen, he hardly blinked, as though not daring to miss it if he did. His eyes would also occasionally swivel towards the time displayed on the corner of the phone, which showed 5:35 am.]

...I don't think this guy is ok.

[He continued to remain in this state all the way until 6 am had hit. A rather distraught expression had formed on his face once he saw this, before rushing towards a nearby computer. He opened up a certain website and clicked a few links before ending up on a certain page that displayed a big picture, "The Winners Have Been Chosen!". He began to despair, hanging his head low.]

Jacob: N-No... there's no way...

[Yet, right as he was about to plunge into despair, he received a text message.]

+1436232S7653: Congratulations! Your application has been accepted for "Very Happy Game" has been accepted, please respond within the next 12 hours to be accepted!

Jacob: Oh my god...

[He hurriedly responded, saying that he accepted it. Then, he checked the number on the site that was supposed to contact him and found all the numbers matched, letting out another sigh of relief. Jacob asked where he was supposed to go. The sites where these events were held hadn't been disclosed, as the last time they held a similar event, the place was leaked and the entire event was delayed due to overly enthusiastic people disrupting it.]

+1436232S7653: Thank you for accepting! Before we disclose the location, you must make an agreement with us. You are not allowed to share where you are going to anyone, or disclose that you are going to the game show for the sake of running the event smoothly.

[Jacob hurriedly agreed to that, and he received a text message about the location he was required to be in and to show up within two days. In his excitement, he decided to go right now, though there was still spare time and the location was not far away at all.]

Jacob: Hehe...

...

[There was a bright smile on his face as he exited the apartment and set to the streets. He had already taken a screenshot of a map of that place just in case, before setting off with gusto. Despite being quite early in the morning, there were quite a few people out, mostly adults with their suits. They were just the people that decided to go early in order to avoid how crowded the streets became later, yet it was already quite crowded already. A few people snuck a glance at Jacob, but they all lost interest just one moment after. It wasn't their business, after all.]

Jacob: Of course they would choose me! I knew they would choose me...

That sounds like you didn't know.

Jacob: ...

[Jacob continued until he made it to the location of the venue. It was a rather large place that appeared like a warehouse, though there was nobody there. He looked around for a little while, before some guy appeared from within.]

Guy: Why are you here?

Jacob: Ah, I was told that the venue for the place was here? I have proof of-

Guy: Oh, then quickly come in, don't let anyone see you.

Jacob: Of course, of course.

[He was hurriedly led into the place, met with blinding fluorescent lights. He was led down a corridor before reaching a staircase that went downwards. As they were walking down, the guy turned to him.]

Guy: You didn't tell anybody about the location, or that you were coming, correct?

Jacob: Haha, I don't even have anyone to tell anyway, it doesn't matter.

Guy: ...Good. It would be quite troublesome if people were to know about this place. You know what happens, right?

Jacob: Yeah, yeah, haha. The event gets delayed and all that.

Guy: Very nice.

[The staircase downwards continued for quite some time, but eventually ended. The two of them continued to walk down a long corridor until they reached an area that appeared to be completely made out of rock, but the place was rather clean so it didn't look decrepit. They eventually came to a subway, after which the guy took out a set of keys.]

Guy: Take these keys and then go on the subway. It will eventually start up, sending you to where you need to go. After that, go to the room number written on your key. It will be your room for the duration of the event. Since you were early, then you will have to wait for a few days before the actual event starts.

Jacob: Got it!

[And so, he did exactly as the man said, getting onto the subway and proceeded to wait. The guy walked away, while he remained there silently for a little while.]

...Um, is something supposed to happen?

Jacob: Just be patient! It will probably start up soon enough. They probably want a few more people to show up before they use the subway.

Ah, that makes sense.

Jacob: I did come early, so waiting is just something that I should've expected.

[And so, he waited there for a while. He took a look around the subway, but it was more or less just a normal empty subway. Eventually, he just sat down and began tapping his foot against the ground.]

So... just waiting?

Jacob: Guess so.

By the way, are you not freaked out by me at all?

Jacob: That's a strange question, why would I be freaked out by you?

Huh, guess it's just me then.

Jacob: Haha, whatever you say.

[After roughly an hour had passed, Jacob heard faint footsteps in the distance. Eventually, someone else ended up stepping into the subway. It was a short girl with blonde hair. She looked around curiously before stopping at Jacob.]

Girl: Ah, hello there! Are you also one of the selected contestants?

Jacob: Yeah! My name is Jacob, what about you?

Girl: My name is Leah, nice to meet you.

Jacob: Nice to meet you as well.

Leah: I actually felt a little weird, since this didn't really look like a place where an event was held, but if you're also a contestant that must mean I'm overthinking it.

[Jacob waved dismissively]

Jacob: Ah, it's probably fine. The behind-the-scenes stuff of events always looks a little less flashy, since what's displayed usually takes a lot more work.

Leah: Oh, I see, I see!

Huh, I didn't know that. Guess this is normal then.

[Leah sat down in the seat next to him casually, not thinking another thing about it. However, Jacob felt a little fidgety once she did.]

Leah: When I got the text message, I was really surprised! In my head, there was no way that I'd have the luck to be selected for this kind of thing. The very first thing I thought was that it was some sort of scam.

Jacob: Haha, I was super surprised too! Thankfully it wasn't a scam though!

Leah: Yeah, that's a relief.

[The two of them talked about random things to pass the time. Until eventually, someone else ended up stepping into the subway as well. It was a teenager with black hair. He was looking down at the ground and seemed to have a rather gloomy disposition.]

Leah: Oh, hi! What's your name?

Teenager: ...Jake.

Leah: Ah, my name is Leah!

Jacob: Oh, we have similar names, my name is Jacob.

[The boy nodded before walking to the corner and taking a seat there]

...I mean, I think that's just the normal thing to do.

Leah: Um, so you are a contestant too, right?

Jake: Yeah.

[A moment of silence lingered after. They didn't talk as an awkward air now hung around them. After a few moments of this silence, the train suddenly jolted, before running off with the three of them.]

Leah: Ah, I didn't expect that to happen so suddenly!

Jacob: Haha, that was kinda unexpected.

Jake: ...It's not like a normal subway.

Jacob: Well, I guess since it's a private one, there are a few things that aren't worked out.

Leah: O-Oh no, is it safe then?

Jacob: I mean, I can't imagine anything that bad will happen. The company is a pretty huge and professional one, right?

Jake: ...

[The three of them continued on this subway for several hours. It confused them a little, but they were able to get through it by chatting. Jake would only give terse responses with minimal effort, but he didn't seem to have anything against talking to them.]

[Once they got off the train, they ascended up a short staircase before finding a long set of rooms.]

Jacob: My room seems to be 406, what about you guys?

Leah: Er, mine says 202.

Jake: ...104

Jacob: Huh that means there are at least four floors of rooms. I thought there were only ten participants. Why do they even need these many rooms?

Leah: Haha, maybe they were planning some sort of huge event with many people later on!

Jacob: Ah, that makes sense. Well, for now, I guess we should all check out our rooms.

[Without another word, Jake went into his own room which was just a few steps away. Leah and Jacob went up a staircase they found before going into their own respective rooms. Upon getting there, Jacob felt like he was in heaven. Everything looked expensive, and in the fridge were all kinds of pastries, ice cream, and candy. There were even some good wines in the place.]

Jacob: ...I guess they do have the money to spare.

What the heck? I guess I did write this part, but it is even better than what I could've imagined... I'm kinda jealous.

Jacob: Hah. Anybody would be jealous!

[Jacob lost himself in exploring his own room for the longest time, just enjoying all that it had to offer. He had forgotten about the others and just lazed around in his room the whole time. While he was doing that, the rest of the participants also arrived. Two days passed by in a flash, and now it was time for the game. There was a knock on his door.]

Jacob: Hmm... who is it? It better be important, because I'm really enjoying myself right now.

???: It's time for the game.

[Jacob immediately got up, and rushed towards the door]

Jacob: Ah, yes! Of course.

[Upon opening the door, he saw a man holding onto a blindfold]

Man: You will be blindfolded and then taken to the set, do you have any questions?

[Jacob shook his head]

Jacob: None, sir.

[And so, he was blindfolded and taken to a room. Jacob was beginning to feel a little uneasy, but eventually, the blindfold was taken off, revealing a beautiful venue along with another nine confused people. The other workers quickly left through hidden doors.]

Leah: Wow!

[It almost seemed like it was outside with how large and bright the room was, with blue wallpaper stretching up high. However, the clouds that looked like a child's drawing made it clear they were still inside. They stepped out onto the grass, but upon closer inspection, it was actually fake grass that just looked and felt very similar. In front of them was a table with ten cakes on it. While everyone was confused, a speaker began announcing.]

Announcer: Hello, everyone, and welcome to Very Happy Game!

[A series of recorded cheers were played right after]

Announcer: Before we start our first game, we want all of our contestants to be full! All of you take one cake on the table there and eat it!

[The ten of them excitedly approached the table. All of the cakes were different, and Jacob had set his eyes on a red velvet cake that really looked nice to him. He reached for it, but as he did, he also saw Leah reach for it.]

Leah: U-Um, could I have this one, Jacob? I always wanted to try it.

Jacob: Ah, of course!

[Although a little reluctant, he drew away from that one and took another chocolate cake. He took one bite, and couldn't help but marvel at the taste. But as he was admiring it, he was taken out of it when he heard some strange sounds.]

What the... I-I didn't write this part!

[Leah vomited out the cake she had been eating, along with a mouthful of blood]