(Narrator)
They left immediately.
No discussion.
No suspicion.
The word gold had been enough.
The survivors, who just minutes before hadn't even bothered to look at Ki-Moon, were now crowding around him.
Some were supporting him by the arms.
Others were walking ahead.
Some were already exchanging knowing glances.
Ki-Moon advanced among them, his face still marked by fear.
He regularly lowered his head.
His shoulders were trembling.
Everything was perfect.
– How much longer?
– She's right in front...
Ki-Moon vaguely pointed towards the dunes.
– La-bas...
His voice was weak.
One of the men placed a hand on his shoulder.
– Hang in there. We're going to get your friend back.
Ki-Moon nodded.
- THANKS...
He almost felt like laughing.
These same men.
He recognized them.
Those who had tried to eliminate him in the first zone.
They had considered him easy prey.
A weak player, this image was very advantageous.
In their eyes, there was no chance of deceiving them.
He was just that boy who stumbled.
The one who hesitated.
The one who survived by chance.
Ki-Moon had merged so much with this image that he himself had managed to convince himself that he was weak.
They sold the bear before killing it and voluntarily presented themselves to be sacrificed.
That's Ki-moon's little side, he hates "killing" but always causes death.
He feels less guilty when those hands haven't done it.
The walk lasted about twenty minutes.
The heat was increasing.
The conversations subsided.
The white sand lake finally appeared behind an immense dune; its beauty gave it the appearance of a river of gold.
Several players accelerated.
– She's here!
– Look!
– Where are the parts?
Ki-Moon pauses.
Nobody noticed.
They all threw themselves into the gold rush.
He lowered his eyes and placed his hand on the hilt of his sword.
The silver wire he had cut a few minutes earlier curled around his fingers
The wire tightened and a trickle of blood ran down the blade until it fell onto the hot sand where it was sucked up.
A vibration ran through the blade.
[POSITION CONFIRMED.]
Ki-Moon casually raised his gaze; he seemed sad and sorry.
A second notification appeared.
[NUMBER OF SACRIFICES IN THE AREA: 11.]
Then :
[RITUAL CONDITION: SATISFIED.]
So.
It was over, all the conditions listed by "the treasure hunter" had been met.
He didn't need so many souls, but he still preferred to send them all; perhaps the challenge will end.
This at least shows the extent of his cruelty.
– Where are the parts?
A man turned around.
Ki-Moon immediately lowered his head.
- Further away…
– You said they were at the entrance.
– Yes, the sand covered them…
He took a step back.
– I don't like little jokes.
His voice became harsh and hoarse, and he frowned.
Another one approached.
- What are you talking about ?
Ki-Moon slowly raised his eyes.
Her lips were trembling.
– I begged you to save my teammate
Silence.
Then the man sighed.
— It's completely useless.
A few laughs broke out.
Ki-Moon did not respond.
He simply looked at their feet.
They were exactly where he wanted them to be.
An almost invisible line ran through the sand.
Nobody noticed her.
The ground gave way and a huge circle appeared beneath their feet.
The players' smiles disappeared.
- What is…
The sand collapsed suddenly and sucked them in one by one like quicksand.
A man immediately punched the wall.
– Get us out of here!
No reaction.
Ki-Moon remained inside the circle.
His face had changed.
No more fear.
No more tremors.
He watched the men rushing in.
Thank you very much for your help.
Ki-Moon inclined his head slightly.
[A TRIAL OF LIFE.]
[STATUE : SACRIFICE.]
[STATUS: OBTAINED 3 EXTRA LIVES.]
– Is that all?
His tone seemed light but filled with disappointment; he murmured a few inaudible words and rolled his eyes in despair.
Is this really the same man in front of us?