Castaway: The Game of Death

Chapter 8

"So you know what kind of game we're playing next?" Victor asked.

Merrick shrugged, a weary sigh escaping his lips. "No, I only participated in the design of the last game—a small part, at that. I know nothing about this one."

Marina, initially clinging to the hope that Merrick's involvement in game design might offer a lifeline, felt her spirits sink at his words. Her eyes dimmed with disappointment.

"Then why are you participating in this game?" she asked.

Merrick shook his head wearily. "I'm not here voluntarily," he explained, his voice laced with bitterness. "It's punishment. Not just me, but other game designers."

"Why?" Victor asked, his curiosity piqued.

Merrick's eyes flashed with anger as he looked at Victor. "Why? Because of your brother, of course," he spat out the words. "Your brother was the last winner of the last game, but after he completed it, he was found dead—apparently a suicide. The game organizers felt it was an insult, a personal affront, so they took their anger out on us."

Victor recoiled, his voice sharp with shock. "What? Is it related to my brother? But you designed these games, disregarding human life, and showing such blatant disrespect... don't you feel guilty? And isn't murder illegal?"

Merrick responded impatiently, his frustration evident. "I only participated in the game's design. I don't know if people die in the game or how the losers are punished."

Just as Victor was about to press further, a sharp, metallic "ding" sliced through the air, silencing them all.

A chilling, metallic voice echoed through the space again. "Team formation is complete. Congratulations to everyone who found suitable teammates. The next round will begin at midnight. This competition is divided into two groups: prey and hunters. The hunter group only needs to kill one member of the prey group to win. The prey group needs to survive the night without being killed. Boxes containing each group's identity information will appear near your respective locations. Please find them. Friendly reminder for you. If one member of the prey group is killed, the group fails. Have fun!" The words hung in the air, a cruel mockery of the situation.

Victor clenched his fists, his anger simmering. "Who are the organizers of this game? They're insane, making players kill each other!"

Amanda shook her head, her voice low. "Since I joined the company, I've never been to any other floor besides the one where my department is located, let alone met any senior executives."

Merrick added, "I've been to a few more floors. After all, I've made it to the management level, but I've never been in contact with the real core group."

Amanda's voice was laced with disbelief. "Since I started working here, I always thought this was just a normal game company. I never imagined it would be like this."

Victor took charge. "Okay, let's not discuss this anymore. It's more important to get our identity information. Let's search around the cave, in pairs." His gaze settled on Merrick.

Merrick shifted uneasily under Victor's intense scrutiny. "What are you going to do?" he stammered, his voice betraying his nervousness.

Victor's gaze remained unwavering. "Let's go find the box together," he said.

Merrick's brow furrowed in confusion. "Oh, okay. Why are we teaming up?" he asked, his voice laced with suspicion.

Victor glanced at the three beautiful women, a sneer playing on his lips. "Don't you think? In a way, you're all more dangerous than this game," he said.

Merrick shifted uncomfortably, scratching his head. It was true. Without Victor, the women were practically defenseless. Except for his cousin, Marina, the other two would be easy prey. But with Victor present, Merrick dared not reveal his true intentions. He could only wait, biding his time.

"What are you thinking? Let's go. Amanda, you and Marina are a team. Patricia, you stay here and watch the cave," Victor instructed.

Victor and Merrick headed toward the beach, searching for the missing box. Merrick kept his distance, still wary of Victor. The waves crashed against the rocks with ferocious energy, a thick mist clinging to the gray night sky.

Victor scanned the area, searching for a possible hiding place, his mind replaying their earlier conversation. 'If Amanda truly came for my brother, then his death was unrelated to her. But why did she stop me from seeing my brother's body, causing me to miss the funeral? Is she hiding something?'

Something else gnawed at him. Merrick and Amanda.

Knowing Merrick was pursuing her, she still maintained a close relationship with him, even sharing a room.

He didn't know the details of their interactions.

Earlier that day, Victor had witnessed Merrick attempting to r*pe a young woman. He wondered if Amanda knew about Merrick's true nature. Or did she know, yet she still chose to give him a chance?

Unconsciously, Victor found himself standing where he'd first met Marina. The salty sea breeze seemed to carry her unique scent—a fragrance unlike any other, yet instantly familiar, triggering a visceral reaction. It was like being back on the battlefield—the smoke, the blood, and the intense stimulation left him exhilarated. His blood pounded, and the pain was forgotten. It was a feeling of indescribable exhilaration. Marina's scent had the same effect, igniting a fire within him.

Then, his eyes fell upon a large black rock. A crack between it and the surrounding rocks seemed to conceal something out of place. He immediately quickened his pace. Up close, he saw a suitcase wedged in the crevice. He swiftly pulled it out. It was heavy, suggesting a full load. He called Merrick over to help carry it.

The three women were huddled around a bonfire. Seeing the two men approach, carrying the box, they all rose to their feet.

"We found it," Merrick announced.

Victor remained silent. He threw the box onto the ground and took out his knife, attempting to pry it open. The blade was dull, and it took considerable effort to create even a small opening. He peered inside; it was packed full. He continued to force the knife, finally managing to breach the box. The contents spilled out. There were several articles of clothing and a yellowed piece of paper.

Marina's face lit up at the sight of the cloth. She'd been in nothing but her swimsuit all day, and this offered a welcome reprieve.

Victor carefully picked up the piece of paper, rubbing it gently between his fingers before bringing it to his nose. "It's made of human skin," he murmured.