Han Ji Hwan was a young man living alone in a small apartment on the outskirts of Seoul. He lived a simple life, working part-time at a bookstore, and spent his days stuck in a monotonous routine. After graduating college, Ji Hwan had once dreamed of becoming a famous writer, but repeated failures had led him to abandon that ambition.

The apartment he lived in was located in a quiet neighborhood, far from the bustling city center. Ji Hwan rarely socialized. After finishing work, he would head straight home, sit at his cluttered desk filled with old books, and stare out of the small window overlooking a dark alleyway.

One night, as he returned from work, heavy rain poured down over Seoul. Soaked to the bone, Ji Hwan unlocked the door to his cramped apartment. When he turned on the light, his eyes were drawn to an old wooden box sitting on his table—a box he didn't recall ever owning.

Curious, he opened the box. Inside was a deck of UNO cards that looked different from the ones he remembered—the colors were darker, and the symbols appeared oddly mysterious. Along with the cards was a small note that read:

"This game is not for the weak. If you choose to play, be prepared to lose everything."

A chill ran down Ji Hwan's spine, but he chuckled nervously to himself. "Who sent me this? Is this some kind of joke?" he muttered as he put the cards back into the box.

But that night marked the beginning of something strange. As he lay in bed, trying to fall asleep, the sound of footsteps echoed outside his apartment. Ji Hwan peeked through the curtains to check, but there was no one there. Yet, on the wet ground of the alley, something caught his eye: an UNO card lying face up, showing the 'Reverse' symbol.

The Awakening at the Temple

When Ji Hwan opened his eyes, the familiar ceiling of his apartment was gone. Instead, he found himself staring at the intricate wooden beams of a traditional Korean temple. The faint scent of incense filled the air, mixing with the cold morning mist that seeped in through the cracks of the sliding doors.

Ji Hwan jolted upright, his heart racing. He was no longer in his bed. The small, dimly lit room he found himself in was sparsely decorated, with a low wooden table and a cushion in the center. A small bronze bell rested on the table, next to a single UNO card—the 'Reverse' card he had seen in the alley.

"Where... am I?" Ji Hwan whispered, his voice echoing faintly in the quiet room. His hands trembled as he reached for the card.

Suddenly, the door slid open with a sharp noise, and a figure stepped inside. It was a middle-aged man dressed in a monk's robe, his expression calm but his eyes sharp.

"Welcome," the man said in a deep, steady voice. "You've been chosen to play."

"Chosen? Play what?" Ji Hwan asked, his voice shaky. He stood up, but his legs felt weak beneath him.

The monk ignored his questions and gestured for Ji Hwan to follow. "The others are waiting. You'll understand soon enough."

Ji Hwan hesitated, but something about the man's commanding presence made it impossible to refuse. He followed the monk out of the room, his bare feet touching the cold wooden floor.

Outside, the temple courtyard stretched before him, surrounded by towering pine trees and shrouded in a dense fog. The morning sun barely pierced through the mist, casting an eerie light over the scene. In the center of the courtyard stood a group of people—about 20 of them—looking just as confused and frightened as Ji Hwan felt.

"Who are they?" Ji Hwan asked, glancing at the others.

"They are your fellow players," the monk replied simply.

Ji Hwan's heart sank. "Players? For what? What is this place?"

Before the monk could answer, a loud gong echoed through the courtyard. The sound was so powerful it seemed to vibrate through Ji Hwan's very bones. Everyone turned toward the source of the sound—a massive, ancient gong standing on a platform at the edge of the courtyard. Next to it was another monk, holding a mallet.

A voice boomed from an unseen source, deep and resonant, cutting through the silence:

"Welcome to the game. Only one of you will leave this place alive. The rules are simple: survive each round and follow the instructions. The first game begins now."

Panic spread through the crowd, and whispers of fear and confusion filled the air. Ji Hwan's eyes darted around, searching for answers, for a way out—but the towering walls of the temple complex loomed over them, blocking any escape.

The monk beside him handed him a single card from the deck—a Wild card. "You'll need this. Use it wisely," he said before disappearing into the fog.

Ji Hwan clutched the card tightly, his mind racing. Whatever was about to happen, he knew one thing for certain: this was no ordinary game.

After the sound of the gong echoed through the air, a large door at the end of the temple's courtyard creaked open. The players were urged to enter a different room. The space was eerily reminiscent of an ancient gambling arena, with a large table positioned at its center, emitting a strange dark glow. Surrounding the table were chairs, each occupied by a player, their faces filled with fear and confusion.

"Welcome to Reverse Roulette," a deep, mysterious voice echoed through the room. "Here, no one can escape easily. Choose wisely, and pay attention to every step you take."

Ji Hwan sat in one of the chairs, staring at the table, which seemed like an altar to fate. Above it, a large screen displayed the symbol of an UNO card, glowing with dark energy—the Reverse card.

The first player, seated next to Ji Hwan, decided to play the Reverse card. As soon as the card was placed on the table, a dark light burst forth, and the screen above the table began to display a challenge.

Challenge: "Choose to accept the challenge or pass it on to another player. If you decide to pass it on, you must play the Game of Fate."

A wave of anxiety spread among the players. They exchanged looks, some appearing hesitant, while others were already resigned to their fate. A young player, seemingly desperate from fear, chose to pass the challenge to the player seated next to him.

"Game of Fate," the voice announced again. "An unexpected challenge. Fortune or misfortune, choose carefully."

A middle-aged man sitting next to Ji Hwan stood up, his face tense. His hands trembled as he held the card given to him. A flame symbol appeared on the screen, and he was forced to walk through a narrow corridor filled with blazing fire. If he succeeded in crossing the fire, he would be rewarded; if he failed, he would face an immediate punishment.

"Walk or pass it on?" the voice echoed coldly.

The man hesitated for a moment, then steeled himself. "I will walk," he said loudly.

He moved cautiously, but suddenly, an unexpected burst of fire leapt toward him. He fell, his face engulfed in flames in an instant. His body writhed on the ground as he screamed in agony. Some of the other players screamed in shock, while others couldn't tear their eyes away, unable to look away from the horrific scene unfolding before them.

Eventually, the man fell silent. His body lay on the ground, burned beyond recognition.

Twist: "The loser will be given the opportunity to replay the game three times. If they lose more than three times, a more severe punishment awaits."

The players, who had witnessed the gruesome event, were stunned into silence. They held their breath, some closing their eyes, unable to bear watching the continuing horrors of the game.

Ji Hwan bit his lip, a mixture of shock and fear bubbling inside him. The event felt so real, as if their destinies were truly in the hands of an invisible force. They were standing on the edge of a precipice, with disaster looming just a hair's breadth away.

Meanwhile, in the real world, a journalist investigating a series of missing persons cases reported something eerily similar to what had transpired in the temple. A man was found dead, severely burned, his body lying exactly as the victim who had just been set on fire in the game. There was no logical explanation for the incident.

But Ji Hwan still had no idea that the game he was involved in was much deeper than he could ever imagine. One thing was certain—his fate now rested in the hands of destiny, and there was no way to turn back.

As the remaining players sat in stunned silence, their eyes darted nervously toward the table, wondering who would be next to face their challenge. The atmosphere in the room had shifted. The stakes had become much higher. Each decision carried greater weight, and the consequences of failing were becoming more terrifying.

Ji Hwan couldn't help but feel the walls closing in around him. He had no idea what awaited him, but he knew that the only way out was to continue playing. His pulse raced, his mind spiraling with the uncertainty of what was to come. This was no longer just a game—it was a fight for survival.

With a deep breath, Ji Hwan steeled himself for the next turn. What challenge awaited him, and would he make it through alive? Only time would tell. But as the next card was drawn, Ji Hwan realized that the real game had only just begun.

The game continued, the atmosphere thick with tension as the remaining players eyed each other warily. The next round was upon them, and Ji Hwan knew he had to be cautious. His heartbeat quickened as the next player took their turn, and the dark glow from the table pulsed ominously.

A young woman sitting opposite Ji Hwan nervously placed her card on the table. The screen flickered, showing the words: "Challenge Accepted". The game continued as the woman took her chance, facing her challenge. For a brief moment, there was an eerie silence. She managed to navigate her obstacle successfully, her breathing steady but quick, and when the challenge ended, her victory was met with a quiet cheer from the other players. She had won.

Ji Hwan sighed, still unsettled by the horrors he had witnessed. His turn came next, and though his mind raced with fear, he tried to remain calm. His hands were slightly trembling as he drew a card. A harsh voice broke through the tension: "You've drawn the Reverse card."

It was his turn to face the challenge now. The screen above the table displayed his fate: "You have lost. Replay, but with caution." His body tensed; the rules had just turned against him. He had already been burned by the consequences of one loss. This game had a way of making even the most ordinary decisions feel like life-or-death situations.

Taking a deep breath, Ji Hwan knew he couldn't afford to panic. He had to think, to play smart. As he prepared for his next challenge, he recalled the strategies he had seen others use. Some had rushed through the challenges, hoping to succeed through sheer will. Others had hesitated, which sometimes proved fatal. Ji Hwan decided to take a more relaxed approach, using a methodical tactic rather than risking his safety on impulsive decisions.

His turn arrived once more, and the next challenge appeared on the screen. It was a test of endurance—an obstacle that demanded both mental and physical focus. Ji Hwan had to walk through a narrow path, surrounded by images of terrifying creatures, their eyes glowing eerily as if watching his every move. Each step he took, he felt as though he were walking through a nightmare. But Ji Hwan didn't let fear control him. He moved with calm precision, choosing to stay focused rather than give in to the terror that threatened to overwhelm him.

With a final step, he reached the end of the path, and the screen flashed with bright, encouraging words: "You have passed the challenge."

Ji Hwan exhaled, a sense of relief washing over him. The victory was small, but it was enough to keep him in the game. As the other players looked on, Ji Hwan couldn't shake the feeling that the game was still watching him, waiting for him to slip up.

The other players muttered nervously as the game continued, each turn bringing a new wave of uncertainty. Ji Hwan sat back in his seat, observing their every move. With a little more time, a little more strategy, he knew he could win. It was all a matter of how he played the cards in his hand. And for once, Ji Hwan was ready to take control of his fate.

The game was far from over, but Ji Hwan now knew one thing for sure—he wasn't going to let it defeat him. He had learned that survival wasn't just about brute strength; it was about outsmarting the twisted rules of fate. And as the next round approached, Ji Hwan steeled himself for whatever nightmare would come next.

After several rounds of horrific games, many players had fallen due to their failures in the challenges. The punishments were brutal; most were burned alive, severely injured, or met their end in gruesome ways. However, the game continued, and the number of survivors dwindled further.

By the final round, after four grueling games, only 12 players remained. Some had lost more than three times and faced terrifying punishments. However, those who had survived the penalties could not feel safe. Each round brought heavier challenges and tougher decisions.

The remaining players now looked tense, their eyes filled with fear but also a determination to survive. Some looked exhausted, their bodies battered and bruised, yet their willpower remained unbroken. They all knew that only one person would walk away alive from this game.

The remaining players:

1. Han Ji Hwan – Despite losing once, he is determined to win. His tactics and sharp thinking grow stronger with each round.

2. Lee Min Woo – A young man who appears fearful but refuses to give up, even though it's his first time in such a deadly situation.

3. Kim Soo Yeon – A brave woman who has displayed incredible resilience in every round. Despite her exhaustion, her determination never falters.

4. Park Dong Hyun – A middle-aged man who has narrowly escaped several deadly challenges. His experience is evident, but his confidence is starting to waver.

5. Kang Byung Ho – A heavyset man who doesn't appear physically strong but has managed to survive through sheer luck.

6. Choi Ji Ah – A young girl whose body is riddled with injuries but continues to fight with unexpected inner strength.

7. Seo Tae Jin – A mysterious player who is extremely cautious, barely noticeable in the challenges yet surviving every time.

8. Yoon Jae Suk – An older man with a wealth of life experience. Though his body has weakened, his intelligence has kept him alive so far.

9. Jung Mi Ra – A highly intelligent woman who relies on strategy and sharp analysis to navigate the deadly traps successfully.

10. Oh Tae Woo – A tall and muscular man who initially appeared reckless but has since adapted to play more carefully after a few losses.

11. Nam Kyung Ho – A scarred man who seems haunted by his past but has shifted his focus to calculating every move meticulously.

12. Shin Do Hoon – A seemingly inexperienced young man, nervous and anxious, yet growing more determined to survive with each passing round.

Now, they all understood that they were at the edge of the abyss, and every decision they made would determine who would survive. With only a few players left, the tension reached its peak. Their only hope was to keep going and pray they could outwit the game and escape with their lives.

During the short break between rounds, the atmosphere was thick with tension. The remaining players sat scattered around the dimly lit room. Some stared blankly into the distance, their faces pale and bodies trembling. Nobody spoke, as fear and caution dominated their thoughts.

Han Ji Hwan sat alone in a corner, trying to calm his mind. He closed his eyes briefly, took a deep breath, and gripped the edge of his chair tightly. No one knew what would happen next, but Ji Hwan understood that staying calm was his only way to survive.

Suddenly, the sound of soft footsteps approached. Ji Hwan opened his eyes to see a young man, Shin Do Hoon, standing in front of him. The young man looked hesitant, but there was a certain determination in his gaze.

"Hi," Do Hoon said quietly but clearly. "I'm Shin Do Hoon. Mind if I sit here?"

Ji Hwan gave a slight nod without saying a word, and Do Hoon pulled up a chair next to him. They sat in silence for a moment before Do Hoon spoke again.

"This game… it's insane, isn't it?" he said, staring at the floor. "I still can't believe we're all trapped here. But… I can't give up."

Ji Hwan turned to look at him with a cold expression. "If you want to survive, don't trust anyone too much," he replied curtly.

Do Hoon gave a small, bitter smile. "You're right. But I think, in all of this, we still need allies. At least someone to talk to."

Ji Hwan was silent, considering his words. "Allies," he muttered softly, as if weighing the idea. "There's no one you can trust here. But maybe you're right. Talking keeps us from feeling completely alone."

Do Hoon nodded, feeling slightly relieved that Ji Hwan wasn't entirely closed off. "I don't know how this will end, but I hope we can help each other. I might not be as strong as the others, but I'll try to hold on."

Ji Hwan sighed. "If you want to survive, stop hesitating. Don't show your weakness. Those who hesitate don't last long."

Do Hoon fell silent, but Ji Hwan's words gave him an unexpected push. He knew that despite Ji Hwan's cold tone, there was a hint of concern beneath it.

At that moment, the gong sounded again, signaling the end of the break. The players began returning to their spots, their faces once again tense. Ji Hwan stood up, glancing briefly at Do Hoon.

"Don't lose again," Ji Hwan said shortly before walking away.

Do Hoon watched him with renewed determination, clenching his hands tightly. He knew his fate rested in his own hands, but at least, in the middle of this deadly game, he had found someone who made him feel a little stronger.

The gong sounded again, and they were informed that there would only be one game per day. One of them spoke up.

Han Ji Hwan: "What is this? Are we just going to keep getting played like this?" he asked, his voice slightly trembling. "What should we do? Are we just going to keep playing along with this?"

The others fell silent, some glancing at each other while others tried to figure out how to escape this situation.

Lee Min Woo, who appeared to be still very scared, finally spoke up. "There's no other choice. If we want to survive, we have to keep going. We have to play by their rules." His voice was weak, but there was a resolve in his words.

Kim Soo Yeon, who had shown incredible resilience in every challenge, nodded seriously. "That's right. We don't know who's behind this, but one thing is certain: we have to play smart and stay alert."

Park Dong Hyun, a middle-aged man who seemed a bit exhausted, spoke with a heavy voice. "This is more than just a game. We all know how terrifying this is, but we must stay vigilant. Don't let yourself become the next victim."

In another corner, Seo Tae Jin, a player who had been very cautious, finally spoke. "Every step must be calculated. We don't know what will happen next, but we must keep moving forward. There's no other choice."

Yoon Jae Suk, an older man who had survived due to his intelligence, added, "Don't think we'll get out of here easily. The ones left here have their own strategies."

The others began whispering to each other, but no one could give a definite answer. The tension in the room grew, and everyone knew the next challenge would be much harder.

Han Ji Hwan lowered his head and took a deep breath. "If we keep going like this, we're all going to end up the same," he muttered, his eyes staring blankly ahead. "Only one of us will make it, and it could be anyone among us."

They all knew that survival was uncertain, and the decisions they made now would determine life or death.

The officers, not accustomed to this era, tightly held their hands as though handcuffing them, escorting them into separate resting rooms. Each person was led into a different room, isolated from the others, where the walls were thick, and the air carried a sense of cold indifference.

Once inside, the door shut with a resounding thud, leaving each individual to face their thoughts in isolation. The rooms were bare, except for a small cot and a single light bulb hanging from the ceiling. The silence was almost suffocating, and each person couldn't help but wonder what the next challenge would bring.

Han Ji Hwan, alone in his room, paced back and forth, his mind racing. What is this place? he thought, clutching his hands to his chest. Why are we here? His frustration grew, but he knew that venting would do nothing. The only thing he could do now was wait—and watch for any opportunity to make it out alive.

Meanwhile, Lee Min Woo sat on the edge of his cot, his head bowed low. He could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on him. Is this really how it ends? he thought. Strangers, trapped in a game of survival, alone with no way out...

Kim Soo Yeon, in her room, remained calm. She was not one to panic easily. We need to be strong. We have to trust our instincts and not let fear control us, she thought. Her eyes scanned the room, noting every detail, wondering if there was anything useful, any clue, anything that could help her break free.

In another room, Park Dong Hyun clenched his fists, trying to suppress the panic that threatened to rise. I can't afford to lose focus, he told himself. I've survived far worse, but this—this is different.

The tension continued to rise as the minutes dragged on. Each of them knew they were part of something far more dangerous than just a simple game. The walls seemed to close in, but they couldn't afford to show weakness.

Seo Tae Jin, feeling his heart race, walked toward the window and peered out. It was dark outside, but there was something unsettling about the view—something that made him feel like they were being watched, or worse, trapped with no way out.

The officers outside the rooms remained vigilant, moving back and forth, ensuring that no one could escape. The walls of the place seemed to pulse with an oppressive energy, reminding everyone that their fate was no longer their own.

The silence in the rooms was broken only by the sound of footsteps in the hallway. Each of them knew that sooner or later, they would have to face the next challenge. There was no turning back.

That night, in the dark room that felt increasingly cramped, Han Ji Hwan sat on the edge of his bed. The dim light from a hanging bulb above cast long shadows on the wall. The silence around him was thick, broken only by the sound of his heart pounding faster. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing thoughts.

How can I get out of here? he thought, pondering how to escape from a place that felt isolated from the outside world. So many questions, but one thing was clear: he had to outsmart the guards who were watching over them.

He recalled how they were all brought here—separated, isolated, and trapped in what seemed like an unavoidable game. The room was not only confining their movements but also ensnaring them in uncertainty. There were no clear clues, only darkness and loneliness.

But Ji Hwan wasn't the type to give up easily. He knew he had to make use of every detail. Slowly, he walked around the small room, touching the cold walls, observing every crack and corner, looking for an opening that could help him. Every touch, every step, he calculated carefully.

This isn't the time to panic, he whispered to himself. This is the time for planning, for strategy. I need to think further.

He focused on the door, which was locked tight. There was no key within reach, but he could feel a small weakness in the hinges. If he could locate it and make a tool, perhaps he could open the door without raising suspicion.

As he thought about how to find something to use, Ji Hwan also considered how they could all work together. If they stayed separated, their chances of survival alone were slim. They needed a collective strategy. Maybe he had to sneak into another room to talk to the others or find a way to communicate without the guards knowing.

Time seemed to crawl, and although his mind was full of plans and strategies, Ji Hwan

In the other room, the players were all alone, each dealing with their own fears and uncertainties. It was quiet, but the weight of the situation seemed to crush their spirits. The eerie silence only amplified their isolation as they thought about the previous challenges they had faced and what lay ahead.

Lee Min Woo, despite his fear, sat in a corner with his head buried in his hands. This was his first time facing a life-threatening situation, and every moment felt like it could be his last. But something inside him refused to give up. He was determined to find a way out, even if it seemed impossible.

Kim Soo Yeon paced restlessly, her mind racing. She had shown immense resilience throughout the game, but the fatigue was starting to take its toll. Still, she remained unyielding. No matter how exhausted she was, she wouldn't give up. She was here to survive, and she wouldn't let anything or anyone stand in her way.

In another corner of the room, Park Dong Hyun leaned against the cold wall. His experience in dangerous situations had kept him alive so far, but even he could feel his confidence beginning to falter. The uncertainty of their fate gnawed at him, and he couldn't shake the feeling that this time, it might be different.

Kang Byung Ho sat quietly in his seat, his large frame still despite the obvious discomfort. He wasn't physically strong, but somehow, he had managed to make it this far. It seemed like luck had been on his side, but as he stared into the dim light of his room, he knew luck could only carry him so far.

Choi Ji Ah, young and fragile, wiped the blood from her face. Her body was beaten and bruised, but her willpower burned brighter than ever. The pain was nothing compared to the strength inside her. She wouldn't allow herself to break, no matter how difficult the challenges became.

Seo Tae Jin remained in the shadows, barely noticeable. He was careful, almost too careful, observing everything without drawing attention to himself. His cautious nature had helped him survive up to this point, and he knew it would continue to serve him well.

Yoon Jae Suk, an older man with a lifetime of experience, sat still in the corner. Though his body had weakened with age, his sharp mind had kept him alive. He had seen much in his years, and it was that wisdom that gave him an edge over the others. He was well aware that survival in this place was not about brute strength but about outsmarting the dangers.

Jung Mi Ra, focused and intelligent, was sitting at the edge of her bed, her mind analyzing everything around her. She was a strategist, always thinking two steps ahead. She knew that in this deadly game, relying on instinct wasn't enough—strategy was everything.

Oh Tae Woo, tall and muscular, was sitting in silence, reflecting on his earlier reckless behavior. After a few close calls, he had learned to adapt. Now, he was playing it smarter. He had seen others fail by being too bold, and he wasn't about to make that mistake again.

Nam Kyung Ho, scarred both physically and emotionally, was sitting in the darkest corner of the room, his face expressionless. His past haunted him, but he had turned that pain into a sharp focus. Every move he made was calculated, every decision deliberate. He wasn't going to let the trauma of his past be his downfall.

Lastly, Shin Do Hoon, a nervous and anxious young man, sat with his head down. He hadn't expected to survive this long, but each round had made him more determined. He was still unsure of himself, but with each passing challenge, his resolve grew stronger.

As they all sat in their rooms, the weight of the unknown pressed heavily on them. None of them knew what the next round would bring, but they all had one thing in common: the will to survive. They had no choice but to keep fighting, even if it meant enduring the impossible.

As the minutes stretched into hours, the silence in the room was broken only by the occasional shifting of bodies and the sound of deep breaths. Each player was lost in their own thoughts, processing the horrors they had already endured and the fear of what might come next. Yet, there was something stirring within each of them—a quiet resolve, a flicker of determination that wouldn't be extinguished.

Lee Min Woo, despite his overwhelming fear, found a small spark of hope. He had survived this long, and perhaps that meant there was a way out after all. His mind raced with ideas, but he knew he had to stay calm and wait for the right moment.

Kim Soo Yeon had moments of doubt, but every time her body screamed for rest, her mind pushed her forward. She was used to pushing past limits, and this time, she would do whatever it took to make it through. She couldn't afford to give in now.

The others, each unique in their strengths and weaknesses, continued to reflect, adjusting to the reality of their situation. The game had already tested their physical and mental limits, but none of them had truly surrendered. Whether it was through sheer willpower, intellect, or the ability to adapt, they all clung to the hope that they could make it out alive. But the question still remained—who would be the last one standing, and who would fall before the final round?

The night deepened, and with it, the players were left alone with their thoughts, awaiting the next challenge that would push them even further toward the edge of their endurance.