"What was supposed to be just another game became something even more interesting, right?"

In the surveillance room, Hwang In-ho, the Front Man, watched the monitors with the same cold and meticulous attention as always. The desperate and anguished faces of the participants, captured by the cameras, were a constant part of his work. But that day, among the panic-stricken and resigned expressions, something unusual caught his attention: Player 067.

She wasn't the strongest, the most skilled, or someone who stood out at first glance, but there was something magnetic about her demeanor. The unwavering calm with which she faced every situation contrasted deeply with the despair around her. Her precise movements and determined expression seemed to belong to someone who had faced a lot and was willing to go further.

This sparked something in In-ho. Curiosity... or perhaps something more.

The first game, "Red Light, Green Light," was simple in concept but fatal in practice. Any false move at the wrong moment meant instant death. As gunshots echoed across the arena and bodies fell like leaves, Player 067 seemed immune to the chaos. Without hesitation, she crossed the field with an almost unsettling serenity, as if it weren't a life-or-death game but merely a child's play.

When the game ended, 90 people were dead. An impressive number, even by that place's standards. But In-ho couldn't take his eyes off her, even as the survivors were escorted back to the dormitory. There was something about her that intrigued him deeply.

The vote to decide whether the games would continue soon followed. In-ho observed carefully, paying special attention to the most significant participants. He started with Player 456, Seong Gi-hun, a man who intrigued him for different reasons. Gi-hun was a former player who had returned with a clear objective: to end the games. He was a potential threat, but for now, he was more useful alive.

As the votes were counted, the tension grew. The score was tied until Player 001 was called. The old man, with his cold appearance, walked up to the panel and, to the surprise of many, pressed the blue button. The games would continue.

In-ho, disguised as Young-il, glanced at Player 067. She had pressed the red button, determined to leave the nightmare behind. Their eyes met briefly, filled with seriousness and suspicion. It was a gaze that spoke volumes without saying a word.

It was so strange the way he fit in so easily with everyone, he was so smooth-talking. And, no one really seemed to suspect him.

During the dormitory's quiet moments, he found subtle opportunities to interact with her. He offered help when possible, shared food, and showed discreet concern. Yet, he kept a careful distance to avoid arousing suspicion. Player 067 was naturally distrustful, and he knew earning her trust would be a challenge.