The Game

Chapter 5: Volunteer

The remaining contestants exchange fearful glances, realizing the dire consequences of not playing the game, With no choice but to continue playing Mr. Beaufort's deadly game, they steel themselves for the challenges that lie ahead, knowing that their survival depends on navigating the treacherous trials to come.

They must tread carefully, lest they meet the same grim fate as Steven and Kris.

Mr. Beaufort's demeanor shifts once more as he addresses the remaining contestants, his tone now calm once again and seemingly showing remorse "My apologies for having to deal with Kris in that manner," he begins, his voice solemn. "But as you've seen, cheating or quitting cannot be tolerated in The Game."

The contestants, still reeling from the shocking turn of events, listen in silence, their expressions a mix of fear and uncertainty.

"Now," Mr. Beaufort continues, his tone businesslike once more, "it's time for the games to truly begin with the final eight contestants, being this great group in front of me," He gestures towards the group, his eyes scanning each face in turn. "The next game will start once somebody volunteers to play, If nobody volunteers within the next ten minutes, then two people will have to be shot dead by the guards unfortunately."

A tense silence descends upon the room as the contestants exchange glances, each one weighing the risks of volunteering against the grim consequences of remaining passive, With the clock ticking down, they know that their choices will determine not only their own fate but the fate of their fellow contestants as well.

The remaining eight contestants gather in tense deliberation, each discussing the risks and potential outcomes of volunteering to play the next game.

Lexa speaks up first, her voice tinged with caution. "I'm not going this early on and letting myself not be able to prepare more, I'm not stupid."

Rachel agrees, nodding "I have to agree with Lexa here, going this early is a huge disadvantage, especially if it's as deadly as Steven's game was."

Brian interjects confidently, "I would do it and totally fucking win, but I don't wanna be a spotlight hog, and I'm not one for volunteering ya know what I mean man?"

Joe interrupts the chatter, raising his hand tentatively. "I'll go next, i don't want to see anyone else get harmed."

Kelsey leans in, whispering to Joe, her concern evident in her voice. "Are you sure, Joe? You don't have to be the one to do this."

But before Joe can respond, Gary interjects forcefully placing his hand on Joes chest, his voice filled with determination. "I'm going to go first, I think I know how to play this game the most right now, I'm not letting anyone else go first."

Mr. Beaufort, observing the exchange, smiles approvingly. "Ah, a hero I see, Very well Gary, you can go first and I will have the game for you set up shortly, But a message for all of you, don't try anything, don't try to leave or try to contact anyone, We have cameras and guards at every door and window, Anyone caught trying to escape will be eliminated just like Kris."

As Mr. Beaufort walks away, Joe turns to Gary, gratitude evident in his eyes "Thank you, but I think I could've handled it, I just really don't want anyone else getting hurt, I'll feel really bad if you get hurt or worse and I could have prevented it."

Gary's expression softens, but his tone remains firm. "Look, you're a nice kid, a bit too nice, and Louis Beaufort will abuse that just like he did Stevens Greed and Anger, You shouldn't be going this early, Trust me, I know this man is corrupted, and he won't fool me by using any greed tricks like he did to Steven, I make myself very hard to read."

With Gary's resolve firm and the fate of himself and possibly others hanging in the balance, he had to prepare himself for the challenge ahead that Mr. Beaufort would give him, knowing that his very survival hinges on his ability to outwit this cunning host.

As they stood waiting for the 10 minutes to pass the tension in the room mounting with each passing second, it felt like hours, another voice breaks the silence.

Dimitri still intoxicated, slurs his words slightly as he addresses Gary, "So, Gary what makes you so confident, and why do you seem to already know he's corrupt?"

Gary's response is simple yet firm
"I have my ways, and it wouldn't be smart of me to say."

Rachel with a hint of sarcasm, interjects, "That sounds like some bullshit lie if I ever heard one, You're either a fed or work for his ass directly."

Gary maintains his composure, offering a knowing smile as he replies, "Let's just say I'm here to help all of you, and I don't care about the money."

Brain eager to join the conversation, chimes in "Don't care about the money? Are you a retard or something bro? Why even enter this shit if you don't wanna get rich homie? This is why I'm gonna win it all so easy, y'all are soft."

Gary's response is measured, "I have my reasons for coming here today, I just prefer to keep to myself. Remember, we're all probably being listened to right now."

Joe, ever the peaceful guy he is speaks up in Gary's defense "Look everyone, I think Gary is a good guy, You all shouldn't be so quick to judge him, After all, he's doing this so we're not at risk to get hurt or even worse."

Kelsey nods in agreement "Joe's right, we need to work together and be nicer, Gary is helping us after all."

Rachel rolls her eyes unconvinced. "Whatever, but don't be shocked if he betrays us, you can't trust anyone but yourself in these situations."

As the conversation winds down, Mr. Beaufort returns flanked by guards, a grin playing at his lips
"Hello, Garold, It appears your game is ready, If you'll please follow me, the rest of you may come along to watch as well."