What I’m about to say may sound unbelievable—something that only happens in fantasy movies or Japanese anime—
but I am now inside a game that the billionaire owner, Mr. Kistfor, described as the game of the century.

My two friends, John and Arthur, and I struggled to get tickets that would allow us to participate in this game.
Something truly strange happened…
From the moment we entered the giant building to participate in the game, up until this moment where I currently stand,
I remember only that large hall—
a hall filled with soft, dim white lights.

Dozens of participants were seated there.
People of all ages were present.
Some were familiar to me, but most were strangers.
The hall was filled with the whispers of players—
many were excited, and others were wondering:
What kind of game will it be?

Suddenly, the hall went dark, and the whispers vanished with it.
A heavy silence filled the enormous room.
From within the darkness, a massive screen lit up faintly.
There was only one person on it—
a man the whole world now recognizes:
Mr. Kistfor.

Despite the grey hair covering his beard and his hair slicked back,
and despite his pale face, he looked much younger than that.
With his blue eyes, he smiled calmly, then said in a steady, confident voice:

“There are dozens of lucky players
who have gained the chance to experience our game.
But this is not just a game—
it is a challenge of a different kind.”

Well, that was expected.
A simple game wouldn’t deserve the title Game of the Century.
But a strange feeling washed over me when he added:

“Only one of you will reach the end
and win the grand prize: one million dollars.
The losers will get nothing.”

Then he added with a strange, sinister laugh:
“And all of you will learn that those who enter the Game of the Century
never come out the same.”

The coldness of his words wasn’t the worst part—
it was the icy wind stabbing my face like tiny needles.
“Why the hell am I here?” I shouted.
Even though I love winter and cold weather,
I immediately decided I preferred summer now.

“Damn it…”

The air was thick with the scent of snow and moisture,
and the fog crept between the tall trees covered in a heavy white layer,
making them look like silent specters watching me from afar.

“It’s a game… that’s what they told us.
But why does it feel THIS real?”

The cold seeped into my fingers despite the gloves,
and the wind whistled through the trees with a long sound like a whisper.

“Well… despite how real it feels,
there’s still a hint of fantasy that reminds you it’s a game—
which makes sense.
If it was truly real…
it wouldn’t be called a game.
Hahaha…”

I thought I was starting to go crazy…

“Wait—when did I put on these clothes?
A thick coat, gloves, heavy leather boots…
I don’t even know how I got here.
I don’t remember anything.

Why am I alone?
Where are the other players?
Where are Arthur and John?”

I had no idea where to go.
I walked aimlessly, my feet sinking into the snow with every step,
the weather worsening, and the sky slowly darkening.

As I stared into the thick fog,
I suddenly heard a distant sound—
the sound of people talking.

My heart jumped, and I muttered with relief mixed with astonishment:
“Finally…!”

I started running as fast as I could,
snow spraying around me with each step.
I kept running until a group of people emerged ahead.

As I got closer, I recognized some faces—
players I knew from school,
and others I’d seen in the hall.

But the one who caught my attention
was the old man.

His face was pale, as if he hadn’t seen daylight in years.
His old-fashioned coat was covered in snow,
and a worn gray hat sat on his head.
In his hand, he held a dim lantern swaying with the wind.

He didn’t seem much different from ordinary humans,
but I realized—thanks to my high level of intelligence—
that he was a character from the game.

He looked at me with sharp, harsh eyes and said:
“There he is, the last one. Hurry!
The weather is getting worse.
Follow me before night falls,
or you will lose your minds.”

His voice came out rough and broken,
like a damaged musical instrument.