The room was bathed in a pale light, accentuated by the flickering neon lights on the ceiling. Maylan, a 20-year-old young man and a cycling enthusiast, was staring at a cracked computer screen. The numbers in his bank account, written in red, seemed almost to mock him. The debts were piling up, and each day became a struggle to keep his head above water.
"We're doomed..." murmured Loan, sitting on the dilapidated couch of the small apartment they shared with three others.
Arthur, a brave and cheerful young man despite the circumstances, was sitting on the floor, surrounded by sheets of resumes he had printed in bulk. "Fucked up, that's a strong word, Loan." We still have a chance. I just need to land this job tomorrow.
Étienne, the most discreet of the four, was playing with an old pen between his fingers. He looked up and declared in a calm voice: "We should think of a backup plan, in case nothing works." These debts won't disappear by magic.
It was at that moment that Maylan straightened up. A strange light shone in his eyes. "A backup plan, huh?" Maybe I have one.
Later that evening, while Etienne had gone to get something to eat, Maylan received an unexpected visitor. A man in an elegant suit, carrying a black briefcase, stood on the doorstep.
"Are you Maylan?" he asked in a calm but authoritative voice.
Maylan hesitated. "Yes... why?"
The man handed him a red envelope. "I come with a proposal that could change your life." Read this. If this interests you, call the number inside.
Before Maylan could ask any questions, the man turned on his heels and disappeared up the stairs.
Back in the apartment, Loan, Arthur, and Étienne listened attentively as Maylan read the contents of the envelope to them. It was an invitation to participate in a mysterious game. The winner would receive an astronomical sum of money: enough not only to pay off their debts but also to fulfill their dream of traveling to Japan.
"What kind of joke is this?" "It smells like a scam from a mile away," exclaimed Arthur, crossing his arms.
"And what if it wasn't a scam?" retorted Étienne. "Look around us." We have nothing left to lose.
Loan added, in a lighter tone: "I'm in." It's not like my current life is worth living anyway.
Maylan looked at his friends. He knew that this decision would be risky, but something deep inside him urged him to take the chance. "We'll do it together." If it goes wrong, we leave. But we can't keep going like this.
They dialed the number indicated on the card, and a monotone voice gave them a place and time for the meeting.
On the day of the meeting, the four friends met in an empty parking lot on the outskirts of the city. A black van stopped in front of them. A masked man signaled for them to get in.
"Are you sure?" murmured Loan, hesitating.
Maylan nodded. "It'll be fine."
They climbed into the vehicle, where several other people were already seated, looking nervous. The smell of antiseptic hung in the air, mingled with a strange scent of danger.
A few moments later, thick smoke filled the cabin, and Maylan felt her eyelids grow heavy. Her friends fell one by one, sinking into a deep sleep.
Maylan's last thought, before the darkness took over, was a mix of excitement and fear: "What if this is our only chance?"