From the auction, the guide led Ethan to another section of the massive complex. Signboards with neon lights illuminated the path, each indicating a different kind of shop. The sheer variety was staggering; everything from weapons and tech gadgets to luxury goods and bizarre artifacts were on display.

One particular shop caught Ethan's attention. Its facade was less flashy than the others, but a constant stream of players seemed to be entering and exiting. Curiosity piqued, he ventured closer and was met with an astonishing sight. Stacks of cash, in various denominations and currencies, were being exchanged. But something felt off.

The guide, noticing Ethan's interest, stepped closer. "Ah, the counterfeit cash shop. Many players find it tempting. The cash here can be used in the outside world. But be warned, using it comes with its own set of risks."

Ethan frowned. "So, you're telling me players can buy fake money here, use it outside, and get rich?"

The guide smirked. "Precisely. But should they get caught, the consequences are dire. Not just in the real world, but within the game too. It’s a high-reward, high-risk venture."

Before Ethan could digest this, the guide was already leading him to the next spectacle: the fighting arena. The deafening roar of the crowd resonated through the area as they approached. Inside, a brutal combat scene unfolded. Two slaves, each trying to overpower the other, were engaged in a no-holds-barred battle. The arena allowed any form of combat, be it martial arts, boxing, or more savage forms of fighting. Weapons, both traditional and improvised, were scattered around for fighters to use. The result was a gruesome, bloody spectacle that had the audience cheering and jeering in equal measure.

Betting stations surrounded the arena, where players placed wagers on their chosen fighters. The stakes were high, with massive rewards for those who bet right.

The guide leaned in, his voice barely audible over the din. "This is one of the most popular sections of the game. Players can pit their slaves against each other, or bet on others. Winning here can elevate a player's rank significantly."

Ethan watched in horror as one of the fighters, bloodied and beaten, was finally overpowered by his opponent. The victor, instead of showing mercy, delivered a final, fatal blow.

"This is monstrous," Ethan whispered, revulsion evident in his eyes.

The guide simply shrugged. "It's all part of the game. Every player decides how far they're willing to go to win."

As they continued walking, Ethan's mind raced. Every corner of this place revealed a new layer of darkness, and he dreaded what his "personal room" would hold. However, their journey was momentarily interrupted when a tall, sharply-dressed man stepped in front of them. The immediate tension between the man and the guide was palpable.

"Ah, if it isn't the illustrious guide," the man sneered, eyeing the guide with disdain. "And who's this?" He gave Ethan a once-over, his gaze dripping with condescension. "Really scraping the bottom of the barrel these days, aren't we?"

The guide's face remained impassive, though his eyes held a hint of irritation. "Every player has potential, Dante. Even if it's not immediately evident to narrow-minded individuals like you."

Dante laughed, his eyes cold. "We'll see how long he lasts. Especially under your... guidance."

Before the guide could retort, a piercing scream echoed through the corridor. Ethan's heart raced, the sound striking a chord of familiarity. "Mrs. Greene!" he thought, dashing towards the source of the scream.

Pushing open a nearby door, a gruesome sight met his eyes. A young woman was restrained on a table, her fingers being brutally twisted and broken by a burly man. Five onlookers stood around, cash exchanging hands as they seemed to be betting on something. The girl's eyes were filled with pain and terror, but it wasn't Mrs. Greene.

The guide caught up to Ethan, pulling him back. "Don't interfere," he hissed. "This isn't your fight."

Ethan's face was a mask of horror and fury. "What the hell is this?!"

Dante, following close behind, chuckled. "Welcome to one of our more... niche rooms. Here, players can pay to inflict or witness pain. Everyone has their vices, after all."

The guide's face was stern. "Dante, enough. We're leaving."

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Dante's laughter followed them as they exited the room, but Ethan was too disturbed to even throw a retort. The guide steered him down the corridor, the screams now a distant echo.

They finally arrived at a secured door. The guide input a code, and the door slid open to reveal a well-lit, spacious area. Inside, a few individuals milled around, including a figure Ethan immediately recognized: Mrs. Greene. She looked unharmed but dazed, her eyes reflecting the same vacant despair he'd seen on many faces in this twisted establishment.

ROOM [https://i.postimg.cc/vHRQXhh3/ROOM.png]

"This is your personal room," the guide explained. "Here, your slaves are kept and await your commands."

The recognition on Mrs. Greene's face was immediate. Her initial shock gave way to a mix of anger and desperation. "Ethan?" she exclaimed. "What the hell is this? What have you done?"

Ethan felt a wave of guilt and helplessness. "Mrs. Greene, I swear, I didn't know..."

She interrupted him, her voice rising in anger and panic. "This isn't some twisted school prank, Ethan! You need to let me out of here!"

The guide, who had been watching the exchange with a detached interest, stepped forward. "I'm afraid it's not that simple."

Mrs. Greene's eyes blazed with fury as she turned to him. "Who the hell are you? Why are you doing this?"

The guide's face remained impassive. "I'm just a guide, here to assist players like Ethan. He's the one who brought you into the game."

Ethan protested, "I didn't know it was real! I thought it was just a game."

Mrs. Greene's voice cracked, the weight of her situation sinking in. "A game? You think this is a GAME?" Tears welled up in her eyes, but she fought them back, her gaze never leaving Ethan's. "You need to fix this. Whatever you've done, you need to undo it."

The guide, seemingly bored by the emotional exchange, interjected, "Whether it was intentional or not, Ethan has initiated a series of events that cannot simply be undone. He's now a player, and there are rules to follow."

Ethan, feeling cornered and desperate, looked to the guide. "There has to be a way out. There has to be a way to free her."

The guide sighed. "There might be ways to improve her situation within the game, but releasing her is not as straightforward. You'll have to rise in ranks, earn privileges. Only then might you have a chance to free her."

Mrs. Greene, summoning her characteristic determination, stepped closer to Ethan. "Listen to me. Whatever this twisted game is, you need to play it. Play it smart and play it well. And get me out of here."

Ethan nodded, newfound resolve in his eyes. "I promise, Mrs. Greene. I'll find a way."

The guide cleared his throat and began laying out the rules of the game.

"Firstly," he began, "each player starts with a set number of points. These points can be used to capture individuals, purchase items, or bid in auctions. Winning challenges and betting correctly in the fighting arena can earn you more points."

Ethan nodded, trying to keep up.

"Secondly, while you can command your slaves, any harm that befalls them will result in a points penalty. If a slave is injured or killed under your watch, you will be held responsible."

The guide continued, "You can also challenge other players for their slaves. However, if you lose, you risk losing your own slaves or even becoming one yourself."

Ethan gulped. The stakes were higher than he'd imagined.

"Lastly," the guide said, pausing for dramatic effect, "there's a rule I neglected to mention earlier. If a player reveals any aspect of this game to a non-player, that non-player will be immediately captured and enslaved. Their fate then rests in the hands of the higher table, a group of elite players who oversee the game."

Ethan's heart raced. "But that means..."

Before he could finish his thought, the door swung open, and Bruno stepped in, dragging a disheveled and terrified Alex.

Ethan's eyes widened in horror. "Alex?! What have you done?!"

The guide looked at Ethan with an expression of faux sympathy. "It seems your friend here was curious about your sudden disappearance from school and started asking questions. You did talk to him about the game initially, didn't you?"

Ethan felt a lump in his throat. "I didn't think... I didn't know..."

Alex looked at Ethan, fear evident in his eyes. "Ethan, what's going on? What is this place?"

The guide chuckled, "Welcome to 'The Game of Dominance', Alex. It looks like you're the newest player."

The guide, seeing the shock on Ethan's face, smirked. "Ah, I misspoke. I meant to say, welcome to 'The Game of Dominance', Alex. You're Ethan's newest slave. You should’ve looked at your face Ethan, it was gold!" as he laughed.

Alex looked from the guide to Ethan, confusion and fear evident in his eyes. "Ethan? What is he talking about? Slave?"

Ethan felt his knees go weak. "I'm so sorry, Alex. I never meant for any of this to happen."

Zelix, the guide, still smirking, circled the two friends. "Now that you have two slaves, you're in a stronger position, Ethan. But you need to be smart about your next moves."

Ethan, feeling a rush of anger, turned to Zelix. "How do I get out of this? How do I free Alex and Mrs. Greene?"

Zelix raised an eyebrow. "Eager, aren't we? Well, start by earning points. Engage in challenges, bet wisely in the fighting arena. And remember, the higher your rank, the more privileges you earn."

Zelix handed Ethan a sleek black card. "This has my contact information. Call me anytime you need guidance or have questions. But remember, everything comes at a price."

Ethan took the card, feeling its cold, smooth surface. "Why are you helping me?"

Zelix leaned in, his cold eyes locking onto Ethan's. "I've been a guide for a long time, seen many players come and go. And you, Ethan, you have potential. Potential I'm keen on harnessing."

Ethan frowned, unsure of what to make of Zelix's words.

"Oh, and before I forget," Zelix said, straightening up. "I never properly introduced myself. I'm Zelix, an upper-class guide. My specialty? Let's just say I excel in strategy and manipulation."

With that statement, Zelix, with Bruno close behind, exited the room, leaving Ethan and Alex in a mix of fear, confusion, and determination.