Countries of the World - Squid Game | Chapter 2

Welcome back to Squid Game: Countries of The World. Watch the students of UN High School compete for 195 million US dollars!

At the end of each chapter, the readers get to select up to three additional players to be eliminated between chapters.

Remaining Players:

Before we continue with the story, we will announce the results of the fan vote.

"Hello, players. Welcome to the results of the viewer vote. As you know, this is televised. The viewers at home got to vote on who should stay and who should go. They can choose up to (3) contestants who should be eliminated."

The room got exponentially more tense. The remaining players shuffled in anticipation.

"I will read the votes aloud, one by one."

"The first vote is for... 027|Palestine." 

"The next vote... 179|Ukraine."

"005|Russia."

"027|Palestine."

"070|California." 

"070|California."

"094|Texas."

"145|Sealand."

"136|South Korea."

"005|Russia."

"166|Yemen."

"173|Minnesota."

"We are waiting for more votes to come in. However, as of now, 027|Palestine, 005|Russia, and 070|California each have two votes. If no other votes surface... all three of you will be executed." 

"I so al-scared... what if they choosing me?" 027|Palestine quivered in fear.

"What's the worst that could of happening? You could dying?" 069|Israel asked rhetorically.

"I hating yuo." 027|Palestine murmured.

"The feel is of mutual." 069|Israel scowled.

"088|Missouri."

"027|Palestine."

"088|Missouri."

"088|Missouri."

"027|Palestine."

"145|Sealand."

"Damn! They really got it in for you, Missouri." New Jersey laughed nastily.

"That is 1 vote for 179|Ukraine, 1 vote for 094|Texas, 1 vote for 136|South Korea, 1 vote for 166|Yemen, 2 votes for 145|Sealand, 2 votes for 070|California, 4 votes for 027|Palestine, 4 votes for 005|Russia, and 5 votes for 088|Missouri."

"If no other votes come through, 027 will be eliminated, and 088, 070, and 145 will be at risk."

"al-la... someone votings for Rusia or Siland..." 027|Palestine murmured as he crossed his fingers.

"Please keep vote for Phalesaetina..." 069|Israel prayed.

"088|Missouri."

"088|Missouri."

"070|California." 

"088|Missouri."

"027|Palestine."

"088|Missouri."

"005|Russia."

"088|Missouri."

"088|Missouri."

"Why is everyone voting for me? Oh that's not..." 070|California muttered in confusion.

"Attention players. The votes have been counted. Player: 027|Palestine has been eliminated. Player: 088|Missouri has been eliminated. Player: 005|Russia has been eliminated."

"Am finally have chance with Byelorus..." 150|Kingsfisher smirked to himself.

"NIE!" 113|Belarus clung to 005|Russia's chest, but one of the guards pulled her forcefully off of him as a bullet went through his skull.

005|Russia fell on the ground in a pool of blood.

"NIEEEEEEEEE!" 113|Belarus began to cry.

150|Kingsfisher tried to look sympathetic for the sake of 113|Belarus, but secretly was elated.

"Am so happy!

(Confessional: 112|Canada)

"Seeing people die in front of you is such a horrifying sight. And yet it doesn't really hit as hard when money was just added because of it.

(End Confessional: 112|Canada)

"At least we get some time to relax now." 053|Utah thumped her big Bible onto her bed.

"Am much of need." 107|Zimbabwe flopped onto her bed.

Suddenly, the intercom started to produce that familiar static sound.

"Another game? This early? And there was just an elimination!" 083|United States whined.

"Attention players. The next character test... is right now." 

"I knewings they never was into give us a break. Oh nie..." 009|Poland stammered apprehensively.

"Is okay, Polʹshcha." 179|Ukraine grabbed 009|Poland's hand. 009|Poland blushed at the gesture.

"Oh, he is so of dead." 125|Hungary looked with apoplexy at 179|Ukraine making a move on his love interest.

"Players. Two of you are about to be selected at random. Those players can select up to (2) players to eliminate. If they are unable to agree on which two to eliminate, they will both be eliminated, and we will then choose an additional two to eliminate at random." 

"Oh, this ize un bloodbath!" 084|Congo looked scared out of his mind.

"The first player is..." 

The familiar big monitor dropped before the players, and the three digits began to change.

The first digit landed on (1) and the contestants stirred.

The second digit flipped a few more times and then decided on (9).

The third digit rolled for another three or four seconds and then stopped on (0).

"Player: 190|Scotland, you have been chosen. Please join the guards on stage." 

190|Scotland apprehensively stood from his bunk and followed the triangle guard to the stage.

"The second player is..."

Once again, the monitor flipped through digits.

Once again, the first digit landed on (1).

The second digit slowed down as it flipped through the last few digits, before landing on (0).

The third digit stopped instantaneously at (5).

"Player: 105|Northern Ireland, you have been chosen. Please join the guards on stage."

105|Northern Ireland confidently stood from his bunk and climbed onto the stage.

"The two of you will follow the guards to the kitchen, where you will deliberate on which two players to eliminate. If you cannot, you will both be eliminated, and we will choose the two people." 

"Ah sure, let's just be gettin' this done with then, shall we? I don't be wantin' to be stickin' around here any longer than I have to, if I'm bein' honest with ya." 105|Northern Ireland began.

"Och, ye think ah want tae be wastin' ma time here, dae ye? Nae chance, lad! Ah could be oot strategizin' an' makin' plans, ken? Sae come on then, whit's the crack? Wha d'ye reckon we should be pickin'?" 190|Scotland snapped.

"Ah now, hold on a wee minute there! Don't be gettin' all attitude-y with me, will ya? Sure, I didn't even ask to be picked in the first place, did I? But look, let's just get on with it and make our picks, alright? No need to be makin' a big fuss about it. The sooner we get this done, the better as far as I'm concerned." 105|Northern Ireland attempted to rationalize.

"Ach, weel noo, A think we should be choosin' Indiana, ken? The lad's pure dead brilliant, he is. Sae athletic, he'll be bloowin' the rest o' us richt oot o' the water in ony physical competition, that's fur sure." 190|Scotland continued.

"Oh, is that how it is now? Well now, hold on a wee second. I was thinkin' we should be bringin' Indiana on board, but if you're wantin' to make an alliance with him, then I suppose that changes things, doesn't it? In that case, I reckon we should be votin' one of those blow-hards in that 'bro alliance' out instead. Maybe we could get rid of that fella Colin, or even South Korea - they seem like the weakest links in that group, don't they?" 105|Northern Ireland replied.

"Ach, ye just cannae seem tae be hearin' whit A'm tellin' ye, can ye? Nae, we need tae be gettin' rid o' Indiana the noo, so it'll be easier fur us doon the line, ken? If ye want tae waste yer vote on South Korea or that numpty Colin, then that's yer business. But A'm no' gaun alang wi' it, d'ye hear? A need Indiana oot o' the picture, an' that's that." 190|Scotland shot back.

"Ah now, hold on a minute there! Sure, you know I'm not tryin' to start an argument with ya. But if you're dead-set on getting rid of Indiana, then I reckon we should be votin' out one of that 'bro alliance' instead. Yeah, that's the way to show 'em we're not to be pushed around, isn't it? Let's take out one of those big talkers, just to send a message. That'll give 'em a good shake-up, that will." 105|Northern Ireland responded.

"Ach, weel noo, it seems like we just cannae seem tae see eye-to-eye on this, can we? Ye've made yer choice, an' A've made mine, an' it looks like we're at a bit o' an impasse here. But ye ken, we've still got a bit o' time left, so maybe we can try an' come tae some sort o' agreement, aye?" 190|Scotland shrugged.

And just as the words left his mouth, a voice came over the intercom.

"Players. You have failed to select two players to eliminate. As a result, you will both be eliminated right now, and we will choose the people that are eliminated in your stead."

Before either of them could react, their bodies were battered with bullets.

190|Scotland's body lay pooling blood in the sink, while 105|Northern Ireland's body lay against the wall.

"Someone clean up the mess before lunch is served."

Back in the dorm, the 80 surviving contestants waited apprehensively for the intercom to sound.

"Attention, players. Player: 105|Northern Ireland, and Player: 190|Scotland, have failed to reach an agreement. As a result, not only have they been eliminated, but we have doubled the amount that will be eliminated to (4), and we will choose at random who they are."

"Oh, this is bad..." 112|Canada looked inconceivably frightened.

Suddenly, four monitors dropped from the ceiling, one near each wall. All four began changing numbers at the same time, adding to the already tangible tension.

"Am actually nervioso..." 104|Spain shivered in anticipation.

"Am hope that no is me..." 020|Botswana murmured.

The monitor on the south wall was first. Interestingly, all three numbers began slowing down at the same time.

The tension in the room could be cut with a knife.

And the number stopped on...

(Confessional: 154|Vietnam)

""Ah so scary, see other people almost die like that, you know? Me just hope and pray that never happen to me, ai ya."

(End Confessional: 154|Vietnam)

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(1)(7)(2).

"Player: 172|Somalia. You have been eliminated."

At once, a bullet flew through the air seemingly out of nowhere, and struck Somalia in the neck, who then collapsed.

Everyone gasped in shock and horror.

(Confessional: 164|Singapore)

"Why I signing up for this game? Needing get out of here, lah."

(End Confessional: 164|Singapore)

The other three monitors began to flip through numbers on unison.

"Is so al-stressful..." 177|Libya looked inconceivably uneasy as she anticipated the outcome.

Simultaneously with the numbers (017), (112), and (129) appearing on the screen, the three holders of those numbers collapsed in a sanguinary pile.

070|California jumped in shock as some of the blood got onto her shoes.

"THESE ARE GUCCI SLIDES!" 070|California whined loudly as she attempted to shake the red and viscous compound from her expensive shoes.

"Nobody cares. Anyway, Player: 017: Angola, Player: 112|Canada, and Player: 129|Iran have been eliminated." 

"Now that the elimination tests have taken place, the game will resume as normal." 

"What? There's nothing normal about this game. And I LOVE games." 173|Minnesota laughed nervously as he adjusted his pants and wiped the copious amounts of sweat from his forehead.

"Can you believe that? Palestine got whacked!" 083|United States mimicked his brain exploding as he flopped onto his bunk and mentally prepared for the next game.

"Am so happy about. That terrorist deserving it." 069|Israel chuckled.

"That's kinda weird... but okay." 083|United States shrugged.

Elsewhere in the dorm, 094|Texas and 024|FreeStater were conversing.

"Man, I still feel guilty 'bout the whole 'votin' out Toowise' debacle." 094|Texas said trepidatiously.

"Me too, man. He didn' deserve it. But we had to make a choice." 024|FreeStater shrugged.

"I guess." 094|Texas adjusted his cowboy hat.

Suddenly, the intercom's signature static sound echoed throughout the dorm.

"En serio? We just watching nueve people get die!" 010|Mexico protested

"Attention players. It is now time for the next game."

Chatters erupted between the 76 remaining players.

"What yuo think it being?" 003|Estonia asked.

"Hopefully it's not the honeycomb. Other'n that, I'on know." 094|Texas shrugged.

Suddenly, 101|Connecticut walked to the front of the pack towards the stage, and some of the female players swooned.

"He's so hot." 070|California said inaudibly to herself as she chewed her gum obnoxiously.

"Yuo of right." 003|Estonia waved meekly at 101|Connecticut, who flashed his signature smile at her.

"Players should now follow the guards into the game hall." 

The masked and hooded figures in neon pink attire led the 76 remaining contestants through a large blue metal door into a room with a maze of different multicolored staircases. In a single file line, the players followed the triangle guard to the game hall.

They eventually came to a completely white room.

"What is zis?" 038|Belgium asked. "Who am kidding? Have my allianze. Am fine."

On the wall, there were four different ovals, though nothing was in them yet.

"Form four equal lines, one in front of each oval. There should be 19 of you in each line." 

"Am not know which line to choosing." 073|Armenia spun around nervously to gain his bearings.

"I'm fairly confident I should choose this one." 111|Wisconsin stated, and jumped into the line in front of the second oval.

"I suppose this is the team making room." 004|McKenzieFam said to himself as he perused the crowd.

"Line three is of many scary... I am go to line three." 022|Bhutan decided, and made her way to line three.

"Wait, I should come to that line too then!" 077|Colin started to walk towards 022|Bhutan's line.

"Nah, man, we need you here with us." 024|FreeStater slapped him on the back.

The room went completely silent as the four equal line of nineteen players each stood each in front of one unmarked oval.

(The below lines are in order of front to back, so Belgium is in the front of line 1, Vietnam is in the front of line 2, so on, so forth.)

"Attention, players. The player at the front of each line should now follow the guards into the game hall."

"This bad idea..." 075|Turkmenistan sighed as he followed 038|Belgium, 154|Vietnam, and 117|Sudan out to the game hall.

"That's players 075, 038, 154, and 117 to follow the guards to the game hall."

The four did not know what to expect, but the other contestants began to clap for them as they went into the game hall.

"This is dodgy. There's definitely going to be a twist." 013|Australia expressed confidently.

"Yuo ah probably right." 045|Uganda nodded.

(Confessional: 026|Fianchetto)

"Is it too late to book my flight home?"

(End Confessional: Fianchetto)

On the wall was a mural of clouds, oceans, sand and seagulls... along with four large emboldened symbols.

On the ground was a flat surface of sand, and the walls also had a fence surrounding them. In the center of the room was a large swing set with a single swing on it.

The four symbols on the wall: a blue circle, a red triangle, a yellow star, and a green Jeppy fish.

As the four came into the room, they marveled at their surroundings. The other 72 contestants viewed what was happening from the monitor back in the white room.

"Hawa, is definitely honeycombing game. Am so screwed." 075|Turkmenistan sighed loudly.

"Rook." 154|Vietnam pointed to the symbols on the wall.

"al-Guessing we am have to pick shape?" 117|Sudan inquired.

"Players, the second game is called... Honeycomb Candy. In this game, the players must use a needle to remove a shape stamped into a piece of honeycomb candy. If the player breaks or cracks the shape in any way, they will be... executed." 

"Before the game can begin, you four players must select the shape that your entire respective line of players will cut out."

Everyone back in the white room began to gasp aloud.

"Please, God, don't let us be stuck with the Jeppy fish..." 053|Utah began to pray.

"You must each select a different shape, and you must all agree on the decision."

(Confessional: 025|Indiana)

"The Jeppy fish shape sucks, nobody wants the Jeppy fish. All the other shapes are relatively smooth and straightforward. You've got a circle, a triangle, but the Jeppy fish is the worst because there are intricate little points and corners that you have to try to cut out of something very frangible with only a small needle."

(End Confessional: 025|Indiana)

"Why did I am go to front of line... was mistake..." 075|Turkmenistan whimpered.

"You have two minutes to select and agree on your shapes."

The timer began.

"I am want circle." 075|Turkmenistan stated flatly.

"I am take triangre." 154|Vietnam replied sternly.

"No, I am take triangle. You can having al-star." 117|Sudan demanded.

"I don't am minding for take star, am will take star." 038|Belgium shrugged.

"I am take triangre." 154|Vietnam repeated more sternly.

"No, I am take triangle. You can taking al-fish." 117|Sudan suggested.

"We having to figuring something out, tovarish, we am only having a few second left." 075|Turkmenistan reminded.

"Le cercle is am easiest. Triangle est seconde hardest, oui?" 038|Belgium attempted to rationalize.

"Vâng." 154|Vietnam confirmed.

Back in the white room, the players were out of their minds, uncontrollable in their yelling for the choosers to pick an easy shape.

The four players began walking towards the shapes.

038|Belgium approached the star, while 154|Vietnam went towards the triangle and 075|Turkmenistan bolted for the circle.

"No, we no did al-agree." 117|Sudan refused to cave and take the Jeppy fish.

As the ticking of the clock reverberated in the room, the atmosphere got exponentially more tense.

"Est majorité happy with our sélection, oui?" 038|Belgium asked the other three.

"Am happy with selection." 154|Vietnam shrugged.

"Am fine with." 075|Turkmenistan put his hand on the circle to claim it.

"No. Am not agree." 117|Sudan stamped her foot.

As 00:10 showed on the clock, it was becoming clear that 117|Sudan would not comply.

"We've got ten seconde." 038|Belgium pointed out.

"Am not al-moving." 117|Sudan repeated in a huff.

"We not are move." 154|Vietnam planted her hand firmly on the wall in the middle of the triangle.

"We am have five second. Just take tot fish." 075|Turkmenistan gestured towards the green Jeppy fish on the wall. "Someone having to take."

"No." 117|Sudan crossed her arms and looked away.

The clock struck 0 and beeped.

"Players. Your two minutes have now elapsed. You failed to come to a decision and have violated the rules of the game."

They were made much more aware of their wrongdoing as bullets pierced their skin. The four of them crumpled and fell to the floor lifeless.

The players in the white room jumped in terror.

"Player: 117|Sudan, eliminated. Player: 075|Turkmenistan, eliminated. Player: 154|Vietnam, eliminated. Player: 038|Belgium, eliminated."

Everyone was covering their mouth and had their eyes wide open in shock.

"117 just got them all killed." 083|United States said. "I'm sure glad I'm towards the back of the line."

"Yes, but what if you get Jeppy?" 013|Australia pointed out.

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it." 083|United States laughed.

The monitor with the player number and the cash balance changed. The balance went up to $123,000,000, and the player count went down to 72.

"Attention, players. Will the next four players at the front of each line please step forward?"

"Oh my god. We have to do it again." 013|Australia covered her mouth in shock.

"Whatever you do, do not settle for Jeppy." 025|Indiana warned as he tried to prepare 147|Costa Rica; it was her turn for the challenge.

"Do not go for Jeppy. Do. Not. Go for Jeppy." 070|California demanded of 009|Poland.

"We have to make it fair or we're all gonna die." 026|Fianchetto cried anxiously.

"Attention, players. The player at the front of each line should now follow the guards into the game hall."

"That's players 078, 009, 165, and 147 to follow the guards to the game hall."

The four followed the guards to the sound of applause. They entered the game hall.

"To decide, we could make it a race." 165|Nevada suggested.

"Yo am not hate sound of that." 147|Costa Rica offered.

"That wall to the wall with the shapes. First person to get to their shape keeps their shape." 165|Nevada continued.

"Is sound fine, but am need to do quick, time is run out." 009|Poland motioned for the wall.

The four of them touched the wall.

"3, 2, 1, GO!" 165|Nevada counted down.

009|Poland took an early lead, with 165|Nevada right on her tail. 147|Costa Rica was close behind, while 078|Bolivia lagged behind them.

009|Poland sped straight for circle, and raised her fist up in triumph when she touched the circle. She held her palm on it to claim it.

165|Nevada crashed into the triangle and held the wall with both hands, but 147|Costa Rica crashed into the triangle at about the same time.

078|Bolivia finally caught up and jogged to the star.

"We're all going to die if you don't just pick that shape." 165|Nevada stated flatly.

"Don't do it!" 025|Indiana yelled from the white room, as if she could hear him.

"I'm ready to die, I'm not moving." 165|Nevada said.

"Me too." 009|Poland and 078|Bolivia said in unison.

"El objective es for us to agree." 147|Costa Rica protested.

"Your team is going to hate you if you don't pick a shape." 165|Nevada pointed out.

147|Costa Rica put her hand on star as well. "El game es to agree, and yo no am agree."

"We have 13 seconds, just pick!" 165|Nevada yelled.

"No estoy moving!" 147|Costa Rica snapped.

The clock reached 00:00 and beeped.

"Players. Your two minutes have now elapsed. You failed to come to a decision and have violated the rules of the game."

The four of them did not even have a chance to protest as they were showered with lead bullets. The four of them collapsed against the wall in bloody heaps.

"Nooo!" A plethora of the remaining players yelled, while others giggled and laughed.

"That's eight people eliminated, bro." 013|Australia held her arms to her head.

Once again, the monitor with the player number and the cash balance changed. The balance went up to $127,000,000, and the player count went down to 68.

"Player: 147|Costa Rica, eliminated. Player: 165|Nevada, eliminated. Player: 078|Bolivia, eliminated. Player: 009|Poland, eliminated."

Suddenly, Paraguay was also hit with a bullet, and collapsed in a pool of blood as his body fell out of the wheelchair.

(Since Bolivia had to help Paraguay with everything, the condition from last chapter was that if one dies, the other has to die too.)

"Player 062|Paraguay, eliminated." 

"LENGYELORSZÁG!" 125|Hungary yelled in devastation at 009|Poland's execution.

"POLʹSHCHA!" 179|Ukraine cried out in a similar fashion.

"Ugh... am of hating him so much..." 125|Hungary grumbled.

The player number dropped once again to 67 and the balance went up to $128,000,000.

"Attention, players. Will the next four players at the front of each line please step forward?"

(Confessional: 013|Australia)

"This is literally torture. I don't know why I thought this would be a good idea."

(End|Confessional: 013|Australia)

"Attention, players. The player at the front of each line should now follow the guards into the game hall."

"That's players 153, 074, 035, and 133 to follow the guards to the game hall."

The applause resumed, as 153|Sri Lanka, 074|DR Congo, 035|Samoa, and 133|New Jersey entered the game hall.

The people in 153|Sri Lanka's line were cheering the loudest.

As the four entered the proverbial sandpit, the tension immediately set in as they stood in a circle. The clock started ticking.

"So I think that it should go backwards from 4. So Line 4 should get first pick." 133|New Jersey began.

"Am agreeing." 035|Samoa nodded.

"No am like that idea." 153|Sri Lanka protested.

"Man up. Let's not get shot." 133|New Jersey shrugged as he went straight for star and put his hand on it.

035|Samoa put his beefy hand on the circle, while 074|DR Congo made his way to the triangle.

"Just pick the fish. Let's not get shot." 133|New Jersey repeated.

"Just listen to me. Everyone shutting up and listen to me!" 153|Sri Lanka shouted.

"Bro, chill." 133|New Jersey appeared to be alarmed.

"If you all agree to helping other peoples with the game, I vill pick Jeppy."

"Fair enough." 133|New Jersey shook 153|Sri Lanka's hand.

"Is this for real?" 173|Minnesota looked pissed.

153|Sri Lanka put his hand on the Jeppy fish just as the clock struck 00:00.

Immediately, most of the white room erupted into cheers as Lines 2, 3, and 4 all began hugging and high-fiving each other.

Line 1, however, was pissed.

"Did he seriously just..." 053|Utah inquired.

"He sure did. I do not LOVE him right now." 173|Minnesota grumbled.

Some of the people in Line 1 began to cry.

"It's just an umbrella, we'll be fine." 013|Australia offered. "We've got this." 

"Attention players. Your entire line will play with the shape you have chosen. Each shape will play independently. Players will not be permitted to assist other players." 

Line 1 looked at the monitor with pure rage.

"Players who have been chosen to play for circle will play first. Please enter the game hall immediately." 

The seventeen remaining players in Line 3 followed the circle guard to the sandpit. They were cheering at getting such an easy shape.

The tension set in immediately, though. They lined up at the table to each pick up one metal tin, each tin containing one honeycomb candy with a circle stamped into it.

They tentatively opened the dishes and began to slowly scratch it with the needle. Some began to lick their candy to make it thinner, and some spit in the dish to make it easier to extract the shape with the needle.

"I can do this, I can do this..." 043|Wyoming muttered to himself as he worked. He turned around to see that Florida had already eaten his entire candy, including the shape.

"Are you serious..."

"Mm, tasty!" 186|Florida rubbed his stomach in satisfaction.

The armed guard came up to him.

"Hi, can I help you?" 186|Florida asked. "What-"

186|Florida was silenced with a bullet that shocked everyone.

"Player: 186|Florida, eliminated."

004|McKenzieFam was first to be done. As he pulled the remainder of his candy off the circle, he raised his hand to indicate completion. A guard came by to verify.

"Player: 004|McKenzieFam, pass." 

He swiftly stood up, and started to the dorms, leaving his dish on the floor.

The others sped up slightly in order to complete the task on time.

"Player: 022|Bhutan, pass."

"Player: 083|United States, pass." 

"Player: 043|Wyoming, pass." 

The three went through the big metal door back to the dorms.

187|Tanzania happily held up her completed shape.

"Player: 187|Tanzania, pass." 

"Player: 111|Wisconsin, pass." 

"Player: 024|FreeStater, pass." 

"Player: 101|Connecticut, pass."

The players remaining began to feel the pressure as more and more of them passed.

The deliberate exhales became even louder.

Suddenly, a loud snap was heard.

"Oh, no..." 177|Libya stammered as she was put to sleep permanently with a loud bang.

"Player: 177|Libya, eliminated." 

"Player: 044|Montana, pass."

"Player: 063|Jordan, eliminated."

"Player: 121|Ethiopia, pass."

"Player: 012|Oman, pass." 

"Player: 185|Ecuador, pass."

"Player: 035|Samoa, pass."

010|Mexico raised her hand just as the clock struck 00:00.

"Player: 010|Mexico, pass."

After they were all finished, the remaining living players from Line 3 were piling into the dorms, feeling very proud of themselves.

024|FreeStater broke the silence, "We done did it, guys!"

"Yeah, we did that." 083|United States looked pleased.

Back in the white room, the next shape was about to take place.

"Players who have been chosen to play for triangle will play second. Please enter the game hall immediately." 

The remaining players from Line 2 filed into the game hall, grabbed their candies, and began.

"I can doing this..." 074|DR Congo began to lick his candy as the time started. Nobody stirred as focus was on an all time high.

"Player: 145|Sealand, pass." 

"How is he done so quickly?" 070|California inquired.

"I used the oil from my skin." 145|Sealand shrugged, and made his way back to the dorms.

Meanwhile, 054|Côte d'Ivoire looked at his broken shape in defeat and slapped his knees. He closed his eyes as his life was silenced with a silencer.

"Player: 054|Côte d'Ivoire, eliminated."

"Player: 001|El Salvador, eliminated." 

"Player: 045|Uganda, eliminated."

"Player: 091|Malta, pass."

Final Results (to save character count):

Line 2 Deaths: 054|Côte d'Ivoire, 001|El Salvador, 045|Uganda, 006|Slovakia

Line 4 Deaths: 073|Armenia, 008|Peru, 137|Bahrain

Line 1 Deaths: 082|Panama, 157|Latvia, 089|Iceland, 071|Turkey, 156|Nepal, 166|Yemen, 153|Sri Lanka, 055|Colombia, 020|Botswana

The monitor sounded loudly in the dorms as both the remaining player count and balance went up.

The balance stood at a lofty $146,000,000, and the player count stood at a meager 49.

"Wow, that's a lot of money." 083|United States marveled at the amassment of money.

"Players: 054, 001, 045, 006, 073, 008, 137, 082, 157, 089, 071, 156, 166, 153, 055, and 020. Eliminated."

"Damn. We lost 27 people in that game." 013|Australia pointed out.

"A bloodbath every day." 122|Maryland stared in horror at the carnage on the monitor.

The people in the center of the room were cheering and hugging at their well-earned survival.

145|Sealand accidentally bumped into 133|New Jersey, who shoved him back roughly.

"Don't touch me, skinny little twig. I'll snap you over my knee." 133|New Jersey scoffed.

(Confessional: 043|Wyoming)

"I think some of the more powerful players need to be taken out. The person I wanted out, New Jersey, came back from his shape. If I ever get the chance to eliminate a player, it will without a doubt be 133."

(End Confessional: 043|Wyoming)

(Confessional: 026|Fianchetto)

"He just thinks it's so cool to talk trash to people. I don't think anyone is actually scared of him, it's just that nobody likes him. But if I get the opportunity, it's bye bye 133."

(End Confessional: 026|Fianchetto)

As everyone was eating their dinner, tension seemed to rise in certain areas of the room. A big group of about 8 people was eating lunch together.

"I think they're gonna make an announcement soon." 077|Colin said as he scarfed down his food.

"You think?" 094|Texas put his tin down to wipe his mouth.

"D'you see the white phone?" 024|FreeStater asked between bites.

"Yeah, I seen it." 094|Texas chuckled. "What d'you think they're gunna do with it?"

"I think that they're going to call a number to answer the phone, and that person is eliminated." 077|Colin responded.

Suddenly, the phone began to produce a ringing noise, and everyone looked at the phone. 134|Massachusetts, who had been waiting by the phone, approached it. He put his hand on it and smiled.

"I want to answer the phone so I can hopefully eliminate someone. I want 130 eliminated. He smells funny." he said to himself.

Everyone ran to listen to the phone conversation as he picked up the phone.

"Hello?" 134|Massachusetts asked the other person on the call.

"Player." 

"Yes?"

"Do not hang up this call until you are told that you can." 

"He's been waiting by the phone this whole time..." 133|New Jersey muttered to 025|Indiana, who chuckled.

"As a result of answering this call..."

People began to stir.

"You... will be given the opportunity to enjoy a special prize." 

Suddenly, a buzzer sounded, and the big metal doors swung open. Behind the doors was a guard, holding a large flat box that appeared to have a pizza in it.

"Oh?" 013|Australia exclaimed.

"That's crazy!"

"So unfair!"

"What?" 

"That looks so good..." 026|Fianchetto practically salivated at seeing the greasy circle.

134|Massachusetts began to eat immediately.

"Can I getting une fry?" 084|Congo reached for a fry, and then about 50 other people reached for a fry as well.

As everyone was crowding around 134|Massachusetts, 044|Montana managed to sneak away with two slices of pizza.

"Now hold on! This is my treat!" 134|Massachusetts pointed out.

"If es tu treat, can yo getting these two fries right here?" 120|Puerto Rico asked.

(Confessional: 134|Massachusetts)

"When I saw the food, I was a bit disappointed. Like, the food was good and everything, but I really wanted the opportunity to eliminate 130."

(End Confessional: 134|Massachusetts)

"I don't want to touch the phone." 133|New Jersey said.

"I ain't answerin' a random phone." 094|Texas replied.

"What if I answered the phone and they offered me a cheeseburger or something if I eliminate someone?" 133|New Jersey chuckled.

"I wouldn' blame you. I'on think I c'd do it, because I'm not a jerk." 028|FreeStater replied.

"You'd have to go back there, eat, don't tell anyone what they gave you." 077|Colin continued.

"That would being maybe a serfish move." 136|South Korea responded.

Near the phone, 134|Massachusetts was still pacing in circles.

"Something will happen, and I will be the first to answer." 134|Massachusetts said to himself.

"Maybe I'll pick the phone up next." 067|North Carolina said.

"No, don't doing it. I think will being very bad." 150|Kingsfisher replied.

Everyone was practically eyeballing the phone, most of all 134|Massachusetts.

Suddenly, the phone started to ring again.

"The phone's ringing. Who's gonna answer it?" 024|FreeStater asked.

"I'm gonna answer it, I'm gonna answer it." 134|Massachusetts exclaimed as he sprinted towards the phone.

"NO!" Many other players yelled.

134|Massachusetts picked up the phone.

"Player." 

"Yes?"

"Do not hang up this call until you are told that you can." 

"Player 134." 

"Yes?"

"As a result of answering the phone...you..."

"Yes?" 134|Massachusetts repeated in anticipation.

"Are now at risk of being eliminated."

134|Massachusetts froze in shock.

"You must convince another player to answer this call. When another player answers, they will be at risk of elimination. The time limit is two minutes. If you cannot convince another player to answer the phone, you will be eliminated."

134|Massachusetts stood with his mouth open and looked towards some of the bigger groups.

"Why is he looking over here?" 173|Minnesota asked.

(Confessional: 134|Massachusetts)

"Why the hell did I answer this damn phone? Now this is real pressure."

(End Confessional: 134|Massachusetts)

"D'you want some food?" 134|Massachusetts asked almost instantaneously, looking directly at 130|ItzIngenious.

"Wait, why don't you want it?" 130|ItzIngenious yelled back across the room.

"No, they said convince someone to pick up the phone if they want a cheeseburger." 134|Massachusetts replied swiftly.

"I don't want the phone." 130|ItzIngenious crossed his arms.

"He's been on the phone for a long time now." 111|Wisconsin added. "Something isn't right."

(Confessional: 130|ItzIngenious)

"I already know how Player 134 feels about me. There's no way in hell I'm taking the phone from him."

(End Confessional: 130|ItzIngenious)

"Do you want food?" 134|Massachusetts repeated as he walked up to a big group of people. "They're offering food, as long as you pick up the phone.

"Yo can seeing el fear en his eyes." 010|Mexico whispered to 110|Cyprus.

"If you want food, you have to pick it up within two minutes." 134|Massachusetts continued.

"Someone has to pick up the phone. They're offering a burger, apparently." 111|Wisconsin said as she stood up and walked towards the center of the room.

A couple people ran towards the phone and hung around it.

"Eres sure? I picking up el phone and they giving me el food?" 104|Spain said as he put his hand on the phone.

"Yes!" 134|Massachusetts yelled back.

"No!" 133|New Jersey exclaimed. "You're really gonna trust HIM? Of all people?"

"Answer ye phone, answer ye phone!" 121|Ethiopia gestured toward the phone.

"Spain, don't!" 026|Fianchetto bellowed.

"Por qué?" 104|Spain asked as 026|Fianchetto grabbed his arm.

"Just trust me, do not pick up that phone."

"Pick it up!" 134|Massachusetts screamed.

"No! Don't!" About seven other players yelled in response.

104|Spain slowly walked away from it.

"Player 134, answer the phone."

With a defeated look on his face, 134|Massachusetts picked up the phone.

"Hello?"

"You have failed the test." 

Suddenly, three guards came through the metal doors into the room, and grabbed 134|Massachusetts arms, dragging him out of the room.

"He's gone." 013|Australia gasped. Everyone stared at the door as it swung shut.

"Player: 134|Massachusetts, eliminated." 

The players gasped and exclaimed loudly as they vividly heard the gun shots through the wall.

As the balance ticked up and the player count ticked down to 47, nobody could believe what had just happened.

"This is getting cutthroat. Now that he's gone, there's no target, and it's every man for themselves now, basically." 111|Wisconsin sighed.

"Attention, players. Lights are going off now." 

"GOOD NIGHT EVERYONE!" 025|Indiana yelled.

"SHUT UP!" About 10 players yelled in unison.

Current Balance: $148,000,000

Players Remaining: 47

Next time, on Countries of the World, Squid Game... we will have a brand new game, perhaps another character test, and another round of eliminations. 38 players were eliminated in this chapter.

For those reading, you have the opportunity to choose from the above list of remaining players, and the (3) players with the most votes will be eliminated.

To vote, please comment with the three digit number of the player you want eliminated. You can cast up to (5) votes. The votes can repeat, you can vote up to (3) times for the same player if you choose.

You can include the player's name if you choose, but only votes that include the number will count towards the total.

VOTING ENDS SEPTEMBER 29, 2024, at 10:00 PM CST.

Thanks for reading.