This novel is a faithful English translation of my original work, originally written in French. While some nuances of the original language may not be perfectly captured, I have done my best to preserve the spirit, tone, and intent of the story. Thank you for reading

A heavy silence filled the ruined temple, lost in the middle of nowhere.

The flickering torchlight cast trembling shadows across the cracked walls.

One of the hunters stepped forward, slowly, toward the large open book resting on a stone pedestal.

He picked up the quill and dipped it into the inkwell.

A cold sweat ran down his spine.

But just as he was about to write, he froze.

What if the next name written… is mine?

Would I die too?

His fingers trembled.

He set the quill back down beside the book, took a step back, and turned around abruptly.

“Wait…” he said, voice strained. “What choice did you all make?”

No one answered.

They all avoided each other’s gaze, unwilling to reveal their decision.

“Think about it!” he snapped, panic creeping into his voice.

“If I write down someone’s name… and that person writes mine… and then someone else writes theirs… we’ll end up killing each other one by one!

It’ll be like choosing Option 3 before the time’s even up! We’ll all die!”

A chill passed through the group.

No one had thought of that.

He took a breath, steadied his voice.

“Listen. I say we all agree to sacrifice one person. One name. That’s the only way we get out of here.”

Whispers spread.

Uneasy glances were exchanged. Doubts grew.

Some withdrew to the corners of the room, whispering among themselves.

Others stared silently at the book, their fear barely concealed.

What if they’re planning to write my name?

Meanwhile, the countdown kept ticking:

02:15:36

Soo-Jin, meanwhile, kept his eyes on the glowing numbers.

His face was calm, but his mind was racing