Three hours later.
Oh Il-nam crossed his arms, his tone calm but firm. "Have you made up your mind? They're all getting impatient."
Kai sighed. "I can promise to participate in next year's game—but you must also agree to one additional condition."
Oh Il-nam raised an eyebrow. "And what condition is that?"
Kai pinched the bridge of his nose. "Next year's game must strictly prohibit players from engaging in violent behavior outside the games, and especially from killing each other during the games.
You know I'm not good at fighting. If you can't guarantee that, it's nearly impossible for me to survive another round."
Oh Il-nam gave a small nod. "Request granted. I believe the other VIPs will agree as well. Now, you can meet them. After that, you and Player 240 may leave. As for Player 67, we'll make sure she's well taken care of."
Meanwhile, inside the facility, a Guard in a triangle mask was pushing Kang Sae-byeok's stretcher toward the crematorium.
Her brainwave monitor flickered weakly—she was barely alive.
Just as he reached the door, the Execution Team Leader stepped in, blocking his way. "What do you think you're doing?"
The Guard straightened. "Per your previous orders—she's completely vegetative. I was taking her to the crematorium."
"The plan's changed," the Leader said flatly.
"Even if she's a vegetable, we're to do everything possible to keep her alive this year. Only if she's completely brain-dead do we dispose of her."
The Guard blinked, confused. "Ah… understood."
On the other side, Kai stood awkwardly before five masked figures lounging around a golden table.
The Deer Mask VIP was the first to approach, raising a glass. "Congratulations, Player 250. You successfully cleared all six rounds of the game."
Hearing fluent Chinese, Kai was caught off guard. "You're Chinese?"
The Deer Mask chuckled. "Yes. How about that? Meeting an old friend in a foreign land—feels comforting, doesn't it?"
Kai cursed silently. Comforting, my ass.
Out loud, he said, "In this setting? With everything that's happened? Not exactly the warmest reunion."
The Deer Mask laughed. "You know, Player 250, because of your victory, I earned twenty million U.S. dollars. You're my God of Wealth."
Kai smirked. "Is that so?"
"Before the first game began, none of them thought you'd make it. Only I bet on you—one million at twenty-to-one odds. I'd say I have a decent eye for talent."
As the Deer Mask translated, the Eagle, Bear, and Lion Mask VIPs all joined the conversation.
Only the Bull Mask sat in the corner, drinking silently, glass after glass.
Kai tilted his head. "What's with him?"
"Don't bother," Deer said with a smirk. "That man lost over three million dollars because of your victory. He's not in the mood."
Kai laughed. "Three million? Yeah, that would ruin anyone's night."
The Lion Mask leaned forward. "I heard you refused to join the Game Planning Division, yet you signed up for next year's game. Why?"
Kai replied coolly, "I just don't want more blood on my hands."
The Lion Mask chuckled darkly. "Still too sentimental. You haven't evolved yet. The higher level of life is when you stop valuing ordinary lives."
Kai thought bitterly, So that's what you call evolution—learning to enjoy killing innocent people? I'll kill when I must, but never for fun.
The Deer Mask raised his glass. "Next year, I'm betting on you again. Don't disappoint me."
Kai clinked glasses. "I'll do my best."
After the others dispersed, Kai walked over to the corner where the Bull Mask was still brooding.
That man's voice carried a sharp tone. "What do you want?"
Kai replied, "Heard… you lost over three million dollars?"
The Bull Mask's eyes narrowed. "Did you come here to mock me?"
"Of course not," Kai said calmly. "Can you… send me your bank account number?"
The Bull Mask hesitated. "What are you planning?"
Kai smiled faintly. "Relax. This is your turf—I can't pull any tricks here. You'll see it's to your benefit."
After a moment, the Bull Mask handed over his phone.
Kai took out his own, did a few quick taps—and a notification appeared on the man's screen.
$5,000,000 transferred successfully.
The Bull Mask froze. "What the hell is this?"
Kai said evenly, "Now your losses are covered. I only have one condition—next year, you bet on me to win."
The Bull Mask frowned. "And if I refuse?"
"The money's withdrawable for 24 hours. But before that, I want you to publicly promise, in front of the other VIPs, that you'll keep betting on me to win until I die in the game."
After a pause, the Bull Mask grinned. "Fine."
He stood up and raised his voice. "Everyone, listen up! In next year's game, I'll continue betting on Player 250 to win. You're all witnesses."
Kai smiled. Perfect.
Now, among the five VIPs, the Deer Mask was already on his side, and the Bull Mask had a financial reason to back him too.
Compared to other players, Kai had already gained a huge edge.
For their own profits, neither of them would want him dead—and that protection might just be enough to keep him alive.
The organization wouldn't dare target a player favored by their top investors.
Plus, with his deal with Oh Il-nam ensuring no player-on-player violence next year, Kai calculated that his survival odds had jumped to at least sixty percent.
An hour later, he said his farewells to the VIPs.
Oh Il-nam met him at the exit. "Now, I'll send you and Player 240 off the island. Please, put on your blindfold."
Kai accepted the blindfold but paused. "Will we be dropped off together or separately?"
Oh Il-nam smiled. "Which would you prefer?"
"I'd rather we're dropped off together," Kai replied firmly.
"If I don't see Ji-yeong outside the game, I'll never believe you really released her. Plus, I never got her contact info—I wouldn't even know how to find her."
Oh Il-nam chuckled. "You think ahead. Fine, as you wish."
Satisfied, Kai slipped on the blindfold. "See you next year, old man. If you're still around."
Oh Il-nam smirked. "Even if I'm not, Hwang In-ho will take over my duties."
With that, Kai was led into a vehicle by several masked Guards.
A few minutes later, anesthetic gas filled the air.
When he woke again, he was still in the car.
He could tell a lot of time had passed—it had been daytime when he left the island, but now, even through the blindfold, there was no trace of sunlight.
It was night.