Ethan was slouched on the cafeteria bench, trying to balance a paper ball on the edge of the table when his phone buzzed with a new email notification. He casually swiped to see the content, expecting another college advertisement or a spam email about winning a lottery.

"Congratulations Ethan! You've been chosen to participate in 'The Game of Dominance'. Join now to unlock unlimited rewards and the thrill of your life. Click here to download the app."

"What the hell?" Ethan mumbled under his breath, a smirk forming on his face. The title sounded like one of those cheesy mobile games, probably with more in-app purchases than actual gameplay. But his curiosity was piqued.

"Hey, check this out," Ethan nudged his friend, Alex, who was busy wolfing down a sandwich.

Alex glanced at the screen, swallowing his food. "Dude, don't tell me you're getting into one of those trashy pay-to-win games."

Ethan grinned, "Let's just see how trashy it is," and clicked on the link.

As the app started downloading, Ethan joked, "Watch it be some super cool augmented reality thing where I become the Pokémon master or something."

But as soon as the download completed and Ethan opened the app, a grotesque, hyper-realistic snake shot out from the screen, biting him sharply on the neck. Ethan screamed in pain and shock, toppling off the bench.

"Shit, man! What the fuck?" Alex exclaimed, jumping up, his sandwich forgotten.

Ethan clutched his neck, the sharp pain fading into a dull throb. "It... it felt so real."

Alex looked skeptical, "You're pranking me, right? Stop messing around."

Ignoring Alex, Ethan cautiously reopened the app. A sleek interface greeted him with a digital voiceover, "Welcome to 'The Game of Dominance'. Create your team by capturing individuals. Simply take their picture, and they're yours. Win challenges and earn money and special rewards."

Ethan's eyes widened. "What in the actual fuck?"

"Let me see!" Alex grabbed the phone. "Dude, this is some deep fake shit or something."

Feeling a strange impulse, Ethan pulled out his phone and snapped a quick picture of Mrs. Greene, the school's stern librarian who was passing by. "There, she's on my team now," he laughed.

Alex chuckled, "Yeah, sure, and I'm the king of England."

They both laughed it off, thinking it was just a twisted joke. But the next day, an announcement echoed through the school's PA system.

"Attention students, Mrs. Greene has been reported missing. If anyone has any information, please come forward."

Ethan and Alex exchanged a horrified glance. The weight of reality crashed onto Ethan.

"Shit, what have I done?"

The weight of Ethan's backpack felt heavier than usual as he made his way through the school corridors. Whispers filled the air, with students speculating about Mrs. Greene's sudden disappearance. Some thought she'd eloped, others believed she'd won the lottery and made a quick exit. But Ethan knew the dark reality behind it.

"Hey, man, you okay?" Alex asked, noticing Ethan's pallor as they walked to their next class.

Ethan hesitated, his voice a mere whisper. "I think I did this. I think the game is real."

Alex scoffed. "Come on, man. You can't seriously believe that you took a picture and poof! She vanished. That's just... insane."

Ethan pulled him into an empty classroom, locking the door behind them. "Listen, I need to show you something."

Reluctantly, Alex watched as Ethan reopened the 'Game of Dominance' app. There on the screen was a digital avatar of Mrs. Greene, her stern face staring blankly ahead.

Alex's face drained of color. "What the fuck, man?"

Ethan pointed at the screen. "See? I told you. This isn't some sick joke."

"But... but how? This is just... impossible."

Ethan shook his head, his voice quivering. "I don't know, but I need to figure out how to reverse it."

Alex paced the room, his usual jovial demeanor replaced by anxiety. "Okay, think. There has to be a help section or something. Games always have tutorials or FAQs."

Ethan delved deeper into the app, finally finding a 'Help' section. He clicked on it and a list of questions appeared. One caught his eye: "How to release a captured individual?"

He clicked on it, his heart pounding. The answer that appeared was succinct and chilling: "Once captured, an individual cannot be released. They are yours until the game concludes."

"Shit," Ethan whispered, feeling a cold sweat form on his brow. "What have I done?"

"We need to get rid of the app. Delete it. Maybe that will end the game," Alex suggested, desperation in his voice.

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Ethan nodded and tried to uninstall the app. But instead of disappearing, a message popped up: "Uninstalling the game will result in permanent capture of all individuals. Are you sure?"

He looked at Alex, panic evident in his eyes. "I can't. If I delete it, she's gone forever."

Alex gripped Ethan's shoulders, his voice firm. "Then we need to play the game. We need to win it, whatever it takes. It might be the only way to get her back."

Ethan nodded, determination replacing his earlier fear. "Alright. Let's do it."

The sun was setting, casting long shadows on the street, when Ethan began his walk home. Lost in thought, he barely noticed the sleek, black luxury car that pulled up beside him until its tinted window rolled down. A man of imposing stature stepped out, his tailored suit barely containing his massive muscles. Behind him, another figure emerged, his build leaner, but with an air of restrained power. His eyes, cold and calculating, fixed on Ethan.

"Ethan, congratulations on being chosen for 'The Game of Dominance'," the leaner man said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. His voice was smooth, like velvet, but there was an underlying menace that sent a shiver down Ethan's spine.

"Who the hell are you?" Ethan asked, trying to mask his fear with bravado.

The man chuckled, "I'm your assigned guide. And this is my associate, Bruno. We've come to take you to the next phase of the game."

Ethan's heart raced. "I didn't ask for this. I want out."

The guide's grin turned darker. "I'm afraid that's not an option. But don't worry, once you're in, you might find it... enticing."

Before Ethan could react, Bruno grabbed his arm in a vice-like grip, steering him towards the car. Ethan tried to resist, but Bruno's strength was overwhelming.

The car's interior was plush, but Ethan felt trapped. The guide continued, "You see, Ethan, the game is more than just a digital experience. There's a physical realm where the real challenges occur. And," he leaned in closer, his breath cold, "where you can interact with your captures."

Ethan's thoughts immediately went to Mrs. Greene. "What have you done to her?"

The guide chuckled, "She's safe, for now. But she's awaiting your instructions. As part of the tutorial, you'll learn how to command your slaves. And remember, the more people you capture, the stronger you become in the game."

Ethan felt sick to his stomach. "You're sick, you know that? This is kidnapping. Slavery!"

The guide's eyes flashed with amusement. "It's just a game, Ethan. And you're a player, whether you like it or not. Now, relax. We're almost there."

As the car pulled up to a massive, fortress-like building, Ethan could see figures moving behind barred windows. The realization hit him: this was where the captured individuals were kept.

The guide noticed Ethan's horrified expression and smiled. "Welcome to the heart of the game. This is where you'll spend most of your time, training, strategizing, and interacting with your captures. Play well, and you might just win your freedom. Play poorly, and well..." He trailed off, leaving the threat hanging in the air.

Inside the fortress-like building, Ethan was led into a sterile room with stark white walls. In the center of the room stood a table, upon which lay an array of tools. Duct tape, ropes, cages of varying sizes, and a gleaming gun.

The guide, with Bruno looming behind him, gestured towards the table. "Each tool you see before you has a specific purpose in the game."

Ethan's eyes darted between the objects, a sense of dread settling in. "You expect me to use these... on people?"

The guide smirked. "Precisely. The effectiveness of each tool depends on the target."

He picked up the duct tape, letting it unroll slightly. "This, for example, is suitable for those who pose little to no physical threat. Picture a frail individual or a timid, skinny girl who can't fight back."

Ethan clenched his fists, trying to suppress his disgust. The guide continued, grabbing the rope. "Ropes are for those with a bit more fight in them. Martial artists, perhaps. It restricts their movement, making them easier to control."

The guide then gestured to the cages. "Cages are reserved for the more... robust individuals. Imagine a bodybuilder or someone with considerable physical strength."

Finally, the guide picked up the gun, admiring it for a moment. "And this is for the outliers. The freaks of nature, if you will. Those rare individuals who are virtually uncontrollable by conventional means."

Ethan's voice was shaky, but he forced the words out. "This is insane. You're talking about kidnapping and violence. All for a game?"

The guide chuckled, placing the gun back on the table. "It's more than just a game, Ethan. It's about power, control, dominance. Those who play well rise to the top, while those who falter... well, they face the consequences."

Bruno cracked his knuckles, reinforcing the guide's ominous words.

Ethan took a deep breath. "What if I refuse? What if I don't want to use these tools on anyone?"

The guide leaned in, his cold eyes piercing into Ethan's. "Every player has a choice. But remember, refusing to play might have consequences not just for you, but for those you've already captured."

"Well, now I have said what I needed to say, let's get going. I will show you where you will be spending most of your time at." said the guide, with a slim attitude.

From the sterile room, the guide, with Bruno at his side, led Ethan through a set of grand double doors. As they opened, the scene before him was nothing short of jaw-dropping. An enormous expanse stretched out, resembling an opulent mall or a grand hotel lobby. High ceilings adorned with chandeliers, marble floors reflecting the soft glow of ambient lights, and luxurious decor fit for royalty. But amidst this grandeur, what stood out was the unsettling sight of humans being used in the most degrading ways.

Some individuals were bent over, their backs serving as tables and seats for the elite players lounging atop them, sipping drinks and laughing carelessly. Others, dressed in butler and maid uniforms, scurried around attending to their masters' whims, their eyes devoid of any spirit.

Ethan's stomach churned, and he struggled to keep his emotions in check. The guide seemed to revel in his discomfort. "Welcome to the heart of the game, Ethan. This is where the real fun begins."

As they strolled through the expansive area, the guide pointed out different sections. "Over there," he gestured to a bustling corner, "is the lottery. Players can try their luck to win rare and valuable slaves. The stakes are high, but the rewards are unparalleled."

Next, they approached a stage where a lively auction was underway. A young man, bound in chains, was being showcased as bidders shouted increasing amounts. "The auction is where you can buy or even sell slaves. Their value is determined by their skills, physical attributes, and rarity."

Ethan felt a chill run down his spine. "And how do you determine this 'value'?"

The guide grinned, leading Ethan to a large digital display. On it, various individuals were showcased with corresponding ranks and scores. "Ranking is an essential part of the game. The basic rank is determined by physical strength and skills. But what elevates a slave's rank is their resilience, their spirit, and their potential to resist. Breaking a high-ranked individual's will can earn a player massive points."

Ethan gazed at the display, recognizing a familiar face. Mrs. Greene. Her rank was surprisingly high, indicating her strong will and determination.

The guide noticed his gaze. "Ah, your librarian. She's quite valuable. Her spirit is strong, but with the right tools and techniques, she can be subdued."

Ethan's fists clenched. "I won't let you break her."

The guide laughed, a cold, hollow sound. "That's the spirit! Play the game, rise in the ranks, and maybe, just maybe, you can ensure her safety."