The Trident game

Chapter 1

Title: The Silent Secret of D.P.S No. 1

It was a quiet night on the 1st of July when the tragedy occurred. The students were oblivious to what was about to unfold, until they woke up to a chilling shock. The school had always been a place of pride, a fortress of learning for the wealthy and powerful, but that night, it became a site of sorrow.

A student, barely noticed by his peers, had taken the ultimate step—he jumped from the roof of the school. The morning news spread like wildfire. The whispers of his death soon reached every corner of the institution. In the face of this tragedy, the chairman, cold and calculating, quickly put an end to the matter, declaring it a suicide. His reasoning? The boy had been taking depression pills, a convenient explanation to close the case.

Yet, not everyone believed it. Some students quietly debated the truth, unsure of the real cause. The air was thick with suspicion, but the chairman's words echoed in their minds, and life carried on—until one year later.

New school year

The morning of the new school year arrived, and the gates of D.P.S No. 1 opened to welcome a new student. His appearance was far from what the other students expected. Dressed in simple, unbranded clothes, he walked through the school's grand entrance as if he belonged, yet something about him seemed out of place. Whispers spread through the crowd.

"Who is he?" one student asked.

"How did he get in? This school is only for the elite. The uniform alone costs a million!" another replied, eyes wide with disbelief.

Indeed, D.P.S No. 1 was a prestigious institution, known for its exorbitant fees and strict standards. It was a place where only the wealthy and influential could afford to study. So, who was this boy, and how had he gained access to such an exclusive institution?

The new student's name was Lumen, and he was about to make waves in a way no one could have predicted.

Lumen Entry

Lumen walked confidently into the chairman's office, his movements calm and deliberate. A few curious students sneaked peeks from the hallway, exchanging glances. "Why is the chairman giving him a uniform?" one whispered. "Who is this kid?"

Inside the office, the chairman looked at Lumen with an intensity that seemed to pierce through him. "Remember," he said quietly, "do not speak of that night—ever. What happened on 1st July stays between us."

Lumen nodded, understanding the gravity of the words. The chairman then handed him the school's official uniform, the symbol of power and privilege. But to Lumen, it wasn't just a uniform—it was a key to uncovering the mystery that had haunted the school for a year.

In a high school classroom, a group of students continuously bullies one of their classmates, and this behavior goes unchecked. The reason no one steps in is because one of the bullies is the child of the school owner, and the rest come from wealthy, influential families. Because of their status, even the teachers refuse to intervene. There was a time when some teachers tried to stand up against this injustice, but eventually, no one had the courage to take a stand for long. This situation reflects a society of privileged individuals who are self-centered, lacking empathy and dignity.

One day, Lumen walked into the classroom and saw everything unfolding. He quickly took it all in.

A few minutes later, the room fell quiet as the teacher entered. She introduced a new student to the class.

"Lumen, why don't you introduce yourself?" she asked.

Lumen stood up, his voice steady. "Hi, I'm Lumen, and I'm the new student here."

The teacher nodded. "Alright, Lumen, take your seat. Last desk on the right."

Lumen sat down, glancing at the desk partner next to him. It was Sky.

Sky sat in the quiet of his own mind, contemplating the bustling life of the school around him. This place, a symbol of order and discipline, had always stood as an unreachable dream for so many students. Every student he knew once dreamed of walking through its gates, where knowledge and excellence were said to thrive. Yet, here he was, staring at the truth, the reality that always had a way of slipping into the cracks of the ideal.

The grand walls, so meticulously painted, were now filled with whispers of unspoken tensions. The perfect corridors that once shined with the polish of ambition now echoed with footsteps that seemed to carry the weight of expectations too heavy to bear. The classrooms, once filled with the anticipation of learning, now had the scent of routine, the familiar tick of time moving a little too fast.

It wasn't as Sky had imagined. Every student, with their bright eyes and hopeful hearts, had painted their own version of success when they first dreamed of this place. But here, in the now, the dream was made of too many broken pieces, too many unsaid words between lessons and the unacknowledged burdens behind each smile.

In the hallways, students walked past him—some with their heads bent in thought, others in deep conversation. Each had their own version of the reality Sky had come to know all too well. The boy in the corner, gazing out the window, seemed lost in his own world of expectations. The girl at the lockers, trying to pull her books together with trembling hands, carried a load that no one could see but everyone could feel.

This wasn't the dream they all once thought it would be, and Sky could sense the weight of it in the air. It wasn't a place of ease or peace. It was a place that shaped them, but sometimes, it seemed more like a forge, turning dreams into something else entirely.

As the bell rang, signaling the start of the next class, Sky walked forward. No matter how imperfect, this place—this school—was where his story would unfold, with all its contradictions and complexities. There was no denying it: the dream, now shattered, was still the reality. And in this mix of shadows and light, he was determined to find his way.

Nori introduced

A few minutes later, the English teacher began the lesson promptly at 9:00 a.m. In the classroom, there were 19 students, but this was no ordinary class. It was notorious for its unruly behavior and lack of discipline. Among the students, four stood out for their aggressive and violent tendencies. William, Lery, Ally, and Smith were the troublemakers, often tormenting weaker or new students. However, it was William who held the reins, commanding the group with a silent but firm authority. His position as the head of the group was cemented by the fact that his father was the director of the school.

Nori, a kind-hearted student seated at the back of the room, was aware of the toxic dynamics and quietly observed everything. Nori's role as the class president's assistant gave him a certain sense of responsibility, and he had a reputation for being friendly and approachable. He leaned over and quietly introduced himself to Lumen, his new deskmate.

"Hello, I'm Nori Shaku, the assistant to the class president. Sky is our president," Nori said with a warm smile.

Sky, seated at the front of the class, glanced back over his shoulder, locking eyes with Nori for a brief moment. There was something unsettling in his gaze. His face was inscrutable, as though he preferred solitude over socializing, and his demeanor was distant, almost cold. His silent aura was enough to make Nori feel a chill, as if Sky's presence carried an air of mystery that no one dared to challenge.

As the teacher left the room, a tense silence fell over the class, only to be broken moments later by the unmistakable footsteps of William and his gang. They slowly made their way to Lumen's desk, their presence suffocating the space around him.

William, his tone dripping with condescension, leaned in closer to Lumen, a smug grin playing on his lips. "So, you're the new student. Our new toy, huh?" His words hung in the air, laced with malice.

When William's hand brushed against Lumen's, his touch was deliberate, almost possessive. Yet, to his surprise, Lumen didn't flinch. His expression remained eerily calm, as if the encounter meant nothing at all. The steady gaze Lumen held suggested a deeper strength, one that was unshaken by such petty displays.

In the quiet of his mind, Lumen's thoughts drifted back to a time—one year ago—when he had found himself in a similar confrontation. It was a flashback to a brutal fight with another boy. The face of his opponent was a blur, shrouded in memory, but Lumen knew the confrontation had been fierce. Despite the chaos, it was clear: Lumen was skilled. His every movement had been precise, calculated, a warrior's instinct at play. But the face of his opponent—someone who had once been a friend—remained hazy, leaving only the echo of the fight behind.

As the flashback faded, Lumen's attention snapped back to the present, but before he could respond, a figure stepped in between them. Sky. His gaze, sharp and focused, was locked on William and his group, his posture unyielding.

"Enough, William," Sky's voice was low, commanding, as though it could cut through the tension in the room. He moved in front of Lumen, effectively blocking any chance for further confrontation. His cold, almost unreadable face gave no hint as to why he had intervened, but his presence alone spoke volumes. The room seemed to hold its breath, awaiting what would happen next.

Lumen stood still, his mind racing, but he said nothing. He couldn't help but feel the weight of Sky's intervention, sensing that there was more to the enigmatic class president than met the eye.

Chapter 2

Next day in school

Lumen's frustration was evident as he shot a sharp glare at Sky. "Why did you involve yourself in my affairs? Don't do it again," he snapped, his voice tense. Sky, unruffled and composed, met his gaze with an icy calm. "As class president, it's my responsibility to maintain order. I can't allow any disruptions," he replied, his words cold and deliberate. "You should focus on helping those who can't stand up for themselves, but not me," he added, his tone distant, almost indifferent. Lumen, taken aback by the coldness in Sky's voice, fell silent, but the tension between them lingered in the air, thick and uncomfortable.

The following day, Nori entered the classroom with a stack of papers in her hands. He moved from desk to desk, distributing forms to each student. "These are for the upcoming school trip," he announced, his voice steady as she handed out the forms, making sure everyone received one. Sky, standing by the front of the room, prepared to address the class.

"Listen up," Sky said, his voice firm and authoritative, drawing the attention of every student in the room. "This trip is something you don't want to miss. You'll need to fill out these forms, have them signed by your parents, and deposit 5 million Youn within the next two weeks." A murmur of surprise rippled through the class. "Once the money is in, we'll head out next month. This trip is more than just a getaway—it's a group activity that will count toward your grades and earn you a bonus of 10 extra points."

When Sky finished speaking, the room fell into a buzz of conversation as the students began discussing the trip. William leaned toward his group, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "This trip is going to be so much fun," he said, his voice laced with amusement. "It's the perfect opportunity to mess with Lumen. He's always so uptight."

Meanwhile, Lumen sat silently at his desk, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. The thought of coming up with 5 million Youn in such a short amount of time was overwhelming. His mind raced with anxiety, his stomach tightening at the thought of how he could possibly manage it. Every minute that passed only seemed to add more pressure, making the task feel increasingly impossible.

Two weeks later,

He finally arrived at school, just before the deadline for the trip submission. His appearance startled everyone—his clothes were torn and soiled, and his face bore marks of recent injuries, with fresh blood still dripping down. Despite the visible wounds, his condition didn't seem to be dire. He made his way to the front and immediately handed over the trip money.

The room fell silent, and all the students were taken aback by his appearance, except for Sky. William, not missing a beat, sneered at him, "Poor guy, how did you get that money? Let me guess, you won it in a gambling game or maybe you stole it from someone's purse?" His words were filled with disdain.

But Lumen didn't flinch. He remained calm, his voice steady as he replied, "Please, Nori, just submit my payment for the trip."

Nori, noticing the state Lumen was in, hesitated. "How did you end up like this?" he asked, concern creeping into his voice.

Lumen simply nodded towards the pile of money in Nori's hands. "Please," he repeated, "Just submit it for me."

Sky, who had been quietly observing the exchange, didn't seem shocked or surprised by Lumen's condition. He simply stood there, his gaze steady and unreadable, as he motioned for Lumen to complete the submission. Without a word, Sky added, "Go to your teacher's office after this and hand in everything."

No one knew what had truly happened to Lumen, but Sky seemed to understand more than he let on. The room remained quiet, each student left to wonder about the silent exchange between the two.

Trip day

It was the day of the much-awaited trip, and excitement filled the air. The Grade 9 students could hardly contain their joy as they gathered together, ready for an adventure. The teacher, standing at the front of the bus, gave a final set of instructions, her voice steady and clear. "Please listen carefully, everyone. Remember to follow the school rules at all times. Any violation will result in 20 points being deducted from your scorecard. I expect you to be responsible and respectful throughout the trip."

The bus hummed with anticipation as everyone settled in, eager for the journey to begin. Some students were more focused on the view outside the window, their eyes tracing the endless stretch of sky and rolling hills, while others tuned into their music, headphones securely in place. Sky, sitting near the front, couldn't help but notice Lumen, who seemed to be pretending to sleep. He had been talking to Nori, but when Nori stopped responding, Lumen had shifted to feign slumber. Sky, amused by the little act, smiled to himself, enjoying the peace that came from listening to his favorite songs while watching the world pass by outside.

The bus journey took them deep into the jungle, the trees towering and the air thick with mystery. After what felt like hours, the bus finally came to a halt. An elderly man, who introduced himself as Uncle, welcomed everyone with a warm smile as they stepped off the bus and into the wild surroundings. "Welcome, my young friends," he said, his voice welcoming yet with a hint of mischief. "Please, go ahead and settle into your tents. Freshen up, and once you're ready, we'll meet for lunch."

The students scattered to their designated tents, some voices filled with excitement, while others whispered nervously, unsure of what to expect. As they settled in, a few students couldn't hide their curiosity. "It looks like so much fun!" one exclaimed. "Or maybe it's a bit scary," another whispered, her eyes scanning the thick foliage around them.

Uncle's voice echoed once again, "After lunch, we'll be starting our night game. So, make sure you're prepared. The adventure is just beginning." The students, some more eager than others, hurried to get ready, each one unsure of what the night held, but all secretly hoping for an unforgettable experience.

Chapter 3 Game starts

In the stillness of the night, all the students gathered inside their tents, engrossed in heated discussions about the game. The atmosphere was thick with excitement and anticipation. Suddenly, a blood-curdling scream pierced the air, a sound filled with agony and desperation. The students froze, their conversations abruptly silenced.

Without hesitation, they rushed toward the source of the sound, following it through the darkness. As they reached the clearing, their eyes fell upon a grisly sight: the lifeless body of a student, sprawled out in the dirt. It was Pond. His face was twisted in pain, his eyes wide open in an eternal expression of terror.

Some students stood in shock, unable to process the horror before them. Others stared at the body, their faces filled with suspicion and unease.

"Who did this?" Sky demanded, his voice tense with fear. "And why?"

Lumen, his face pale, spoke up, his voice trembling. "I think this is part of the game... Think about it carefully. Uncle always said the game starts at night."

His words sent a chill down their spines. "The game has already started," He continued, his voice steady despite the fear gripping his. "We need to be cautious. We can't move recklessly until we understand the rules of this deadly game."

But not everyone heeded her warning. Two students, driven by panic or perhaps defiance, bolted toward the jungle, their footsteps fading into the night. They didn't make it far. By the time the others reached the edge of the jungle, the two students were already dead, their bodies cold and lifeless.

As the grim reality of their situation set in, the remaining students were overcome with frustration and fear. "This is insane," William muttered, though his tone suggested a strange, twisted fascination. "This game… it's actually kind of fun."

Sky shot him a glare. "Fun? We're stuck in the middle of a nightmare, and you think it's fun?"

"We can't leave until we understand the game," Sky continued, his voice firm. "We're staying in the tents until we figure this out. No one leaves. Not until we know how this game works."

Nori, who had been silent up until then, stood frozen, her eyes wide with horror as he processed the death and chaos around his. The terror in her expression spoke volumes. Whatever this game was, it was far from over—and they were all trapped in its deadly grasp.

The group sat huddled together in the tent, the sight of the three bloodied bodies still fresh in their minds. Fear clung to the air like a thick fog, and their eyes darted nervously from one another, uncertain of what to say or do next.

One of the students, Matt, broke the silence, his voice shaking with panic. "Why are we trapped here? Why can't we just leave this game and go home safely?"

Nori's eyes narrowed, a dark shadow crossing his face as he looked at Matt. "None of us can leave. Not without finishing the game."

The words hung in the air, heavy with a sense of finality. There was a strange coldness in Nori's tone, an unspoken warning. He looked away for a moment, his gaze distant, as if caught in a memory that chilled him to the bone.

But then, something shifted. Nori's face seemed to soften, his expression faltering as he looked back at them, his voice now gentle, almost apologetic. "I—I didn't mean it like that. It's just... Lumen... Lumen told us about the others. Two students tried to run, to leave the game, but they didn't make it. They're dead."

His words hung in the air like a curse, and the group fell silent, the gravity of his admission sinking in.

Nori's words settled over them like a suffocating weight, plunging the group into an eerie silence. The tension thickened, the fear creeping into every corner of the tent. But as the minutes stretched on, a subtle shift in the air began to stir, whispers of doubt taking root among the students.

Sky, who had been unusually quiet until now, broke the silence, her voice low but laced with uncertainty. "I don't know... something about Lumen's words doesn't sit right with me. It's like... like he was trying to protect Nori when he said that. His tone... it sounded almost too defensive, as if he was covering something up."

Nori stiffened at her words, his heart racing. For a moment, he couldn't speak, as if her doubt had caught him off guard. His mind churned, racing through the conversation, piecing together Lumen's strange mannerisms, the way he had almost shielded him in his explanation. Was there more to the story than what they were being told? Had Lumen known something he hadn't shared?

A flicker of unease crossed Nori's face, and he looked away quickly, his thoughts spiraling. "I—" he started, but his voice faltered. It was as though Sky's words had shattered something fragile in his mind, and he couldn't quite piece it back together.

The air was thick with uncertainty now, and as the others exchanged wary glances, they realized that the game was far more treacherous than they had first thought. And somewhere, hidden in the shadows, was the truth—elusive and dangerous.

William called out, "Guys, let's head to our tent." Sky, however, turned to Lumen with a gentle but firm smile. "Lumen, come sleep in my tent tonight," she suggested, her voice carrying an unmistakable warmth.

Lumen hesitated, shaking his head. "I'm not coming with you."

Sky's expression softened, but his voice remained authoritative, yet laced with concern. "Don't argue with me. Let's go." It wasn't a request, but a statement filled with quiet determination.

One by one, the others made their way to their tents, but Nori lingered, his gaze distant as though lost in thought. A few minutes passed before he too retreated to his own tent.

Inside Sky's tent, Lumen seemed unusually tense. Sky, noticing his unease, sat beside him and spoke gently, "Don't worry, Lumen. We've got this. We're going to win this game." His words, a quiet reassurance, seemed to calm him slightly, though the worry never fully left his eyes. After a brief discussion about the game, the tension eased, and soon the two drifted off to sleep.

Meanwhile, in William's tent, the atmosphere was calm, almost unnervingly so. He lay back on his pillow, his face serene, a stark contrast to the anxiety that plagued the others. Lery, watching him closely, couldn't hold in his concern. "William," he said softly, "aren't you worried? We're trapped in this game. How do we get out?"

William didn't immediately answer. His gaze was distant, and when he spoke, it was with a quiet resignation. "Why should I worry? No one's waiting for me. My mom... she left me after I was born." He paused, the weight of those words lingering in the air. "And my dad..." His voice trailed off as sleep overtook him.

Lery stared at him for a moment, a sad understanding in his eyes. As he watched William fall into a peaceful slumber, Lery whispered to the darkness, "No one may be waiting for you, but I'll make sure you get home safely. I promise." With that, he too closed his eyes and drifted into the realm of sleep.

Chapter 4 Morning time

The morning air was heavy with an eerie stillness, broken only by the relentless vibration of mobile phones. One by one, the students emerged from their tents, confusion and unease etched across their faces. Every phone continued to buzz ceaselessly, the sound grating on their nerves. Some, overwhelmed by frustration, tried to silence the devices by smashing them against the ground, but the vibrations refused to stop.

Then, after a few agonizing minutes, a message appeared on their screens.

The Trident Game begins now.

A murmur rippled through the group. Sky, one of the students, narrowed his eyes at the message and muttered, "If the game didn't start last night, then what really happened to those students?"

The question hung in the air, heavy with implication. The first victim Jennie had been found lifeless by the pond. Was it an accident, or was there something far more sinister at play?

"If this place is a restricted zone," another student whispered, "then how could he have ended up dead there?"

Silence followed until Sky spoke again. "If anyone knows something about what happened last night, now's the time to speak."

No one answered.

Another message arrived, spelling out the rules of the game. The students read in hushed horror—there were no rules. The only restriction was that no one could leave until the game was completed.

Lumen, his voice barely steady, read the final line aloud:

"The first game is built on trust. Among you is a liar—someone who deceives and has already killed once."

A cold shiver ran through the group. One of them was a murderer.

And the game had only just begun.

The game is already in motion. A silent dance of deception, where every step is a clue and every word a potential lie. Among those who stand before you, one is guilty. But the truth is not easily unraveled.

Each suspect carries a different mission, a purpose that sets them apart. Their paths do not cross by mere coincidence—fate has tangled them together in a web of intrigue. The clues you hold are like whispers in the dark, leading you through a maze where shadows shift and reality bends.

Some wear their innocence like a mask, others let their guilt slip through the cracks. But one among them hides the deepest secret, the final piece to this deadly puzzle.

Lery called it a game of trust—a challenge where they had to rely on one another, piece together the scattered clues, and unmask the true culprit to claim victory.

Born into wealth, Lery never let privilege shape his character. He was kind-hearted, always extending a helping hand to his classmates, though he preferred to do so from the shadows. Few knew the truth about his silent generosity, but those who did recognized the depth of his goodness.

The first clue arrived in an aged envelope, its edges worn and ink slightly smudged. The candidates gathered around, eyes flickering with curiosity and determination. They had exactly six hours to unravel the mystery.

As the paper unfolded, whispers spread like wildfire. Some read in silence, others exchanged urgent glances. And then—movement. A few students, catching on faster than the rest, bolted without a word. Their footsteps pounded against the forest floor, vanishing into the thick jungle beyond.

Leaves rustled, branches snapped under hurried steps. The deeper they ran, the more the air changed—charged with something electric, something unknown. The jungle swallowed them whole, its shadows twisting, its whispers growing louder.

Some students sat in thoughtful silence, their minds carefully turning over the discussion at hand. Around the tents , five small groups had formed, each consisting of three to four members. Some spoke in hushed tones, exchanging ideas, while others listened intently, lost in contemplation.

Chapter 5 clue

In the heart of the dense jungle, a group of students arrived, their eyes scanning the unfamiliar terrain. The thick canopy above cast eerie shadows, and the air was filled with the sounds of unseen creatures. As they ventured further, their attention was drawn to several large, mysterious boxes scattered across the jungle floor.

"There are four of them," someone murmured, their voice barely above a whisper.

Yet, despite the number of boxes, the clue they had received pointed to only one. Lex furrowed his brow, deep in thought. "How do we figure out which one is real?" he mused aloud.

Dev, impatient and restless, had little interest in solving riddles. His curiosity burned hotter than his caution. Ignoring the others' hesitant glances, he stepped forward and pried open one of the boxes.

A chilling wind howled through the trees. Without warning, a dark, shadowy spirit emerged, swirling like a storm. Before Dev could react, the entity lunged at him, dragging him into the very box he had dared to open.

The students stood frozen, horror-struck, as the lid slammed shut.

Everyone was on edge. Lex turned to the rest of us, his voice low but firm. "We have to be careful," he warned. "If we open the wrong box again…"

The memory of the last mistake still hung heavy in the air. The tension was thick enough to cut. We moved with caution, each motion deliberate, each breath held. And then it happened again.

I looked around at the others — eyes wide, hearts pounding. We had crossed another line.

— The Other Student

The other students had experienced the same thing, but Nori was the only one who unlocked the correct path. That was when he realized—he had a clue. It was a hairclip.

She carried an aura of power, but beneath it lay a past shrouded in darkness.