Countries of the World - Squid Game | Chapter 3

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 tension set in immediately, though not as much as usual as they were used to the bloodshed by now.

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

"179|Ukraine."

"179|Ukraine."

"133|New Jersey."

"070|California."

"070|California."

"133|New Jersey."

"070|California." 

"069|Israel."

"101|Connecticut."

"NOOOOOOO!" 111|Wisconsin yelled. Everyone looked at her. "Sorry."

"Sorry for that rude interruption. Now where was I? Ah, yes. The next vote is for 111|Wisconsin."

"111|Wisconsin."

"152|North Korea."

"152|North Korea."

"152|North Korea."

"152|North Korea."

"152|North Korea."

"152|North Korea."

"Yuo wirr arr be throw in concentration camp if yuo not stop vote for na." 152|North Korea exclaimed.

"152|North Korea." 

"145|Sealand." 

"012|Oman."

"113|Belarus."

"012|Oman."

"043|Wyoming." 

"152|North Korea."

"133|New Jersey."

"133|New Jersey."

"133|New Jersey."

"110|Cyprus."

"152|North Korea."

"152|North Korea."

"Na am warning yuo..." 152|North Korea seemed to pull a metal contraption out of his pocket.

"179|Ukraine."

"111|Wisconsin."

"111|Wisconsin."

"145|Sealand."

"145|Sealand."

"069|Israel."

"136|South Korea."

"Is no such thing as 'South Korea'. Is onry Korea!" 152|North Korea and 136|South Korea shouted in unison, and then they glared intensely at each other.

"145|Sealand."

"179|Ukraine."

"145|Sealand." 

"136|South Korea."

"179|Ukraine."

"179|Ukraine."

125|Hungary beamed at the constant "179|Ukraine" he kept hearing. In a way, this was avenging his beloved Lengyelország.

"043|Wyoming." 

"043|Wyoming."

"136|South Korea."

"145|Sealand."

"145|Sealand."

"043|Wyoming."

"136|South Korea."

"043|Wyoming." 

"043|Wyoming."

"Attention players. The votes have been counted."

"That is 1 vote for 110|Cyprus, 1 vote for 113|Belarus, 1 vote for 101|Connecticut, 2 votes for 012|Oman, 2 votes for 069|Israel, 3 votes for 070|California, 3 votes for 111|Wisconsin, 5 votes for 133|New Jersey, 5 votes for 136|South Korea, 6 votes for 179|Ukraine, 6 votes for 043|Wyoming, 7 votes for 145|Sealand, and 10 votes for 152|North Korea."

"헐? HOW DARING YUO?" 152|North Korea picked up the metal device, which now appeared to be an explosive of some sort, and attempted to chuck it at one of the guards.

Fortunately, a bullet pierced him before he could complete the throw.

"Player: 152|North Korea, eliminated." 

An unsuspecting Sealand and a forgotten Wyoming were also victims of the guard's rifle.

"Player: 145|Sealand, and Player: 043|Wyoming, eliminated."

"Attention, players. I wouldn't celebrate just yet."

"And why thát bé?" 125|Hungary asked.

"To balance numbers, we have run some games and challenges in the afterlife, and as a result have brought 26 previously eliminated contestants back to life. This could include the three contestants that were just killed." 

125|Hungary was livid. "But waiting... they could bring back mi szeretet, Lengyelország."

"The twenty-six returning players will enter the room... now." 

Suddenly, one by one, twenty-five former players returned to the dorms from the big metal doors behind the stage.

043|Wyoming rose up as if he had never been shot.

"Yuo cannot being serióus." 125|Hungary scoffed incredulously.

Returning Players:

The monitor ticked up from 44 to 70 players, and the balance dropped for the first time to $126,000,000.

"Es so unfair." 010|Mexico looked angry.

"So they are just back in the game now?" 013|Australia asked.

"Yes." 

"Za terrorist has returning..." 069|Israel shuddered.

"al-Hello, Israyiyl. Having any plan for when leaving this game?" 027|Palestine asked.

"Am not of knowing. I was thinking of air raidings Gaza or shoot missile into Livnun. Yuo?" 069|Israel replied.

"Don't know. Maybe bombings your house or al-something." 027|Palestine chuckled.

"Sounds of many fun!" 069|Israel laughed.

The big plastic Jeppy was almost full to the brim with money.

"It sure feels good to kick back and relax." 151|New Zealand lay on his new bunk, crossing his legs.

Suddenly, the big metal doors swung open, and two circle guard came in. They were carrying a lime green podium, and built into the podium was a keypad with the numbers 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,0, a green button with a circle, and a red button with an X.

"Es looking like un ATM. Maybe we getting dinero." 120|Puerto Rico clapped his hands in excitement.

"The hell this is?" 081|Georgia asked as he touched the podium.

"Attention, players." 

"They've got to be takin' the mickey, haven't they?" 079|Ireland asked.

"Before the next game, there will be two elimination tests." 

"Well, damn." 037|Louisiana chuckled.

Everyone gasped loudly in disbelief.

"These tests will occur in front of the entire dorm." 

"What the hell, man?" 081|Georgia threw his hands up and scowled.

"For the first test, you will each choose one player to eliminate. The three players with the most votes..."

"Wait, tres players?" 155|New Mexico repeated.

"Will all... be... eliminated."

"I hate this so bad." 111|Wisconsin folded her arms.

"I don't wanna do that." 044|Montana replied.

"Is there anyone that wants to go?" Though it was not a very smart question, 131|KilwaAfarCheese8 thought it worthy to inquire about.

"The first of the elimination tests will take place in 10 minutes."

"So this is essentially a popularity contest. Great." 133|New Jersey rolled his eyes, well aware of the target on his back.

(Confessional: 013|Australia)

"People are only now just realizing that simply getting through each game isn't enough to survive. This is the first time that our characters and disposition have actually been brought into direct scrutiny. Everyone is panicking, and these dorm tests force people to make choices that they wouldn't normally make, and we don't have a surplus of time to make them."

(End Confessional: 013|Australia)

"Let all having группа discussion about this!" 113|Belarus yelled, and everyone swarmed around the group that she was in.

"We have to find some sort of equitable way to vote three people out." 044|Montana began.

"But this is literally life and death, how do you do that?" 111|Wisconsin replied.

"We could just play a game to decide who to vote out." 044|Montana said.

"No!" About 30 players yelled in unison.

"Well, I think the only way is if we have some sort of three person tie and vote those three people out." 044|Montana responded.

"Nah." The players responded back.

"Nah, we not with that, we already playin' games." 081|Georgia waved his arms in disapproval.

(Confessional: 021|Sweden)

"044|Möntana is väry arrögant. He act väry entitle änd he have big egö."

(End Confessional: 021|Sweden)

"Do y'all mind if I say somethin' about that?" 094|Texas asked. "Not everybody's comfortable sharin' their opinions in this way, so I think we sh'd give ourselves s'me time, and we'll figure it out."

Everyone began to clap for 094|Texas as they broke up into smaller groups.

(Confessional: 043|Wyoming)

"In situations like these, where there's alliances and everyone wants to target the perceived leaders of these alliances, my strategy is to keep a low profile."

(End Confessional: 043|Wyoming)

"So who we choosin'?" 094|Texas asked.

"We ain't wastin' our votes on that wannabe leader 044|Montana, are we?" 024|FreeStater replied.

"He seems t'be a bit o' a control freak, of sorts. Anyway, I think we need t' stick together. What if one of us gets picked off by a single vote 'cause we spread our votes out?" 094|Texas exclaimed.

"You're right, you're right." 077|Colin chimed in.

Elsewhere, 037|Louisiana, 081|Georgia, and 420|Jamaica were planning out their votes.

"Aight, aight, let's chat 'bout dis. So tell mi, wha' you tink we should be doin'?" 420|Jamaica asked.

"We gon' have to eliminate and protect people." 081|Georgia replied.

"Yeah, but we gon' stick together." 037|Louisiana added.

(Confessional: 081|Georgia)

"So I already know who I'm finna vote for. I just don't wanna be the first to make the decision, 'cause if my team not rockin' with it, I'mma have a target on my back."

(End Confessional: 081|Georgia)

As the clock continued to tick, the tension continued to grow.

In a secluded corner, 081|Georgia and 026|Fianchetto were talking about the vote.

"So, I have a plan. But we need to stick together. You can't be voting some random person." 026|Fianchetto began. "People are going to be clique-ing up and voting in groups, and it's putting everyone at risk of elimination."

"But do you think you're at risk?" 081|Georgia asked. "You gotta do what you think is right."

Another group was having conversation by the podium.

"It's so dangerous putting yourself in the limelight." 059|Kansas shivered in apprehension.

"I don't really care." 070|California rolled her eyes as she sipped on a Starbucks drink.

"How did you even get that in here?" 059|Kansas asked.

"I have my ways." 070|California chuckled, not looking up from her phone.

"So what numbers are you guys hearing floating around?" 026|Fianchetto asked.

"I'm hearin' 133..." 037|Louisiana replied.

"Perfect." 081|Georgia high-fived 037|Louisiana. "Let's do it."

(Confessional: 004|McKenzieFam)

"I've always found 025|Indiana to be quite impolite, possibly rude. I was simply trying to be nice, and he said some quite rude things to me."

(End Confessional: 004|McKenzieFam)

(Confessional: 025|Indiana)

"I don't engage in frivolous conversations for the purposes of creating friendships. True friends will come to me; I don't have go to to them. I can't stand people pleasers."

(End Confessional: 025|Indiana)

At that, the clock finally struck 00:00, and the guards came out of the metal blue door, standing next to the podium.

"Attention, players. The vote is about to start. Please form an orderly line in front of the keypad." 

Line Order (first player is the first to vote):

151 New Zealand

150 Kingsfisher

073 Armenia

079 Ireland

167 Germany

164 Singapore

053 Utah

012 Oman

173 Minnesota

095 Haiti

110 Cyprus

122 Maryland

187 Tanzania

013 Australia

060 Norway

024 FreeStater

168 Malaysia

018 Nigeria

120 Puerto Rico

186 Florida

088 Missouri

074 DR Congo

081 Georgia

069 Israel

133 New Jersey

010 Mexico

025 Indiana

142 Morocco

021 Sweden

042 Quebec

035 Samoa

188 Eritrea

083 United States

182 Guinea

059 Kansas

179 Ukraine

004 McKenzieFam

043 Wyoming

070 California

044 Montana

103 Philippines

026 Fianchetto

101 Connecticut

104 Spain

094 Texas

037 Louisiana

067 North Carolina

113 Belarus

136 South Korea

107 Zimbabwe

003 Estonia

147 Costa Rica

189 Thailand

108 Kenya

121 Ethiopia

077 ColinShadow

091 Malta

420 Jamaica

130 ItzIngenious

022 Bhutan

027 Palestine

084 Congo

075 Turkmenistan

131 KilwaAfarCheese8

161 Saudi Arabia

149 Laos

185 Ecuador

155 New Mexico

111 Wisconsin

125 Hungary

"You will each have to choose a player to eliminate. You will all vote, and the three players with the most votes will be eliminated. When instructed, approach the keypad and type in the number of the player you want eliminated." 

(Confessional: 025|Indiana)

"Am I worried? Nah. I know I'm safe. There's lots of disliked people here."

(End Confessional: 025|Indiana)

"The first time a player receives a vote, their name and flag (if applicable) will appear on the screen."

(Confessional: 026|Fianchetto)

"So the thing about this... if you're the first person to vote somebody new, you expose your vote, and that is a huge disadvantage. You essentially guarantee your own demise."

(End Confessional: 026|Fianchetto)

Suddenly, the star guard moved his finger towards the keypad, indicating that the first person in line should type the number in. 151|New Zealand approached the keypad and nervously typed in three numbers.

As 151|New Zealand walked away, the number "044" and the flag of Montana appeared on the screen.

Everyone began chattering and gasping.

"That's savage."

"Not cool."

"How rude."

(Confessional: 130|ItzIngenious)

"The fact that 044 is up there is a good enough reason to vote for 044. Nobody wants to be the one to put a new number up there. That won't make people happy."

(End Confessional: 130|ItzIngenious)

"Who's been rude to me..." 150|Kingsfisher muttered to himself as he approached the keypad. He confidently pressed three numbers and clicked the green button.

Everyone watched in suspense as the number "025" and the flag of Indiana appeared.

"Eu no was expect that..." 136|South Korea whispered to 077|Colin.

"You can't trust anybody these days." 025|Indiana scoffed. "Can't wait for my turn."

"073."

"079."

"167." 

The numbers kept going down, and no new faces were appearing.

024|FreeStater prepared to type a number in.

Suddenly, the number "027" appeared on the screen.

"Oh, that's not..." 070|California gasped.

After a couple more numbers, it was 186|Florida's turn. 

He looked around nervously, and typed three numbers, speedily walking away from the podium.

The number "186" and the flag of Florida appeared on the screen.

"This moron." 130|ItzIngenious facepalmed.

"Weren't we supposed to put our number in?" 186|Florida walked away, confused as usual.

Soon, it was 081|Georgia's turn. As he and his team discussed, he typed in 133. The number and the flag of New Jersey appeared on the screen.

"I'm going to beat him up so bad." 133|New Jersey cracked his knuckles.

Next, it was 069|Israel's turn. Everyone knows who he voted for.

133|New Jersey pushed 069|Israel out of the way, and swiftly typed in three numbers. The flag of Georgia and the number "081" appeared on the screen.

After 010|Mexico, 025|Indiana came up, and predictably typed in 150. The number "150" appeared on the screen.

"Nobody's surprised." 130|ItzIngenious murmured.

At 179|Ukraine's turn, he grinned as he typed in 125. The flag of Hungary and the number "125" jumped onto the screen.

"Oh, he going to get." 125|Hungary grumbled.

After 043|Wyoming went, it was 070|California's turn.

"I don't really care." 070|California rolled her eyes. She typed in three random digits and walked off. The number "185" and the flag of Ecuador appeared on the screen.

After a couple more went, 026|Fianchetto stepped to the podium. They typed in 133 as their team discussed. 037|Louisiana followed suit during his own turn.

136|South Korea typed in 150 to support the "bro alliance". 077|Colin followed suit.

When 027|Palestine approached, he typed in 069, and the flag of Israel and the number "069" appeared.

As last in line, 125|Hungary haughtily typed in 179, and the flag of Ukraine and the number flashed onto the screen.

070|California started laughing. "125 really thought he ate that." 

"Players, the voting is complete. The three players with the most votes will be eliminated immediately. The first player eliminated is..."

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"Player 027." 

027|Palestine was bewildered for a short second, and then he fell to the ground with a thud, splattering blood all over the people around him.

027|Palestine disappeared from the screen. 

"The next player eliminated is..."

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"Player... 044." 

The guys around 044|Montana patted him on the back as he was battered with bullets.

There were still eight numbers on the screen, and everyone began to chatter nervously.

"The final player to be eliminated is..."

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"Player 133." 

As 133|New Jersey fell over in death, people began to cheer loudly.

"HE'S GONE!" 081|Georgia and 037|Louisiana began to dance cheerfully, especially as a couple more stacks of money fell into the big plastic Jeppy, and the player count went back down to 67.

"The second dormitory elimination test will begin... in five minutes."

"QUE?" 010|Mexico exclaimed in disbelief.

"We don't even get a break?" 151|New Zealand asked.

(Confessional: 081|Georgia)

"I feel like people's true colors are startin' to come out, you feel me. I jus' need my alliance 'round me."

(End Confessional: 081|Georgia)

Suddenly, a buzzer sounded, and while the players chattered nervously, five guards came out of the metal doors.

They pulled a long table on wheels along with them, putting it flush with the front edge of the stage.

"I'm terrified." 026|Fianchetto pulled their green jacked over their face.

"Attention, players. This is the second elimination test. We will randomly select the five players we need." 

"037|Louisiana, 125|Hungary, 026|Fianchetto, 150|Kingsfisher, and 024|FreeStater, please step forward."

As heavy choral music ensued, the guards began placing boxes with different patterns on them about equidistant from each other on the table.

"What are those?" 151|New Zealand asked.

"They're Jeppy-in-a-boxes." 013|Australia replied. "There is probably going to be one that has, like, an elimination or something bad in it."

Six of the Jeppy-in-a-boxes stood on the long table.

"The five players taking part in the test... please choose a box to stand behind from the six boxes available." 

The five of them walked up onto the stage, each standing behind a different box all next to each other, leaving the box on the far right neglected.

"The six boxes in front of you will contain a surprise. Your box will contain either the power to eliminate other players..."

"So lucky!" 182|Guinea folded her arms in jealousy.

"...an advantage in the next game..."

Everyone looked around at each other in disbelief.

"or... your immediate elimination!"

"Woah..." Everyone not participating was bewildered by the game conditions.

"Player: 037|Louisiana... you may now open your box."

037|Louisiana was surprised that he was going first. He grabbed the handle and began slowly turning it as the music began.

Everyone scrutinized him closely as he turned the handle painfully slowly.

Suddenly, the Jeppy fish sprang out towards him. He covered his face and sighed loudly.

"Player: 037|Louisiana, you must now pick two players to eliminate." 

Everyone's mouth shot open in surprise. His alliance members, including 026|Fianchetto, held up their fists at him in solidarity.

"The first player I choose to eliminate... is Player 103."

Everyone gasped at his sudden and unexpected choice. At once, 103|Philippines was gunned down.

"Player: 103|Philippines, eliminated." 

"The second player I choose to eliminate is someone that I see as a threat, someone that is part of a powerful alliance."

The members of the bro alliance looked at each other in horror.

"Player 136."

025|Indiana and 077|ColinShadow looked pissed off, and almost cried when 136|South Korea was killed by one of the guards.

"Player 136|South Korea, eliminated." 

At that, 037|Louisiana went down the stairs and back into the crowd to find 081|Georgia and 420|Jamaica. He fist bumped both of them.

"Player 024, you may now open your box." 

024|FreeStater began turning his handle at once. The painful slowness got to everyone as the tension grew tenfold.

Once the green fish sprang out, he lifted the lid more to see what was written on it, and hung his head in defeat when he read it.

"Player 024... you have been eliminated."

024|FreeStater gave a sympathetic smile to 094|Texas in the audience, who was on the verge of tears. His last laugh was etched on his face as he was impaled by three bullets.

"Player: 024|FreeStater, eliminated."

Everyone was stressed out beyond belief.

"Player 026, you may now open your box." 

Fianchetto grasped their handle, and began to turn it slowly in anticipation. They were still shaking from 136|South Korea's elimination.

It only took them two turns for the green fish to explode out of the box.

"Player 026, you must pick one player to eliminate."

(Confessional: 026|Fianchetto)

"I'm in an alliance, and I know that this player is also in an alliance. I think they're a big threat, so I want to get this over with.

(End Confessional: 026|Fianchetto)

"I'm going to be eliminating Player 094."

Everyone gasped, a few covered their mouth, and with a sad tip of his hat, 094|Texas was the next victim of the guards' bullets.

"Player: 094|Texas, eliminated." 

130|ItzIngenious began shaking, and 188|Eritrea held his head down in respect.

026|Fianchetto went down to meet the rest of their alliance, avoiding 188|Eritrea's death glare through teary eyes. He hugged 420|Jamaica and fist bumped 081|Georgia and 037|Louisiana.

"Player 150, you may now open your box."

Instead of taking a slow approach like the others, 150|Kingsfisher wound the handle as fast as he possibly could short of breaking it off.

The green fish popped out violently, and he read the lid.

"Player 150... you have received an advantage in the next game."

"Is so cool." 150|Kingsfisher smiled, and left the stage.

Only 125|Hungary remained.

"Player 125, you may now open your box.

125|Hungary slowly turned his handle, and eventually the green fish popped the lid off. 

"Player 125, you must pick two players to eliminate."

"Woah..." 125|Hungary intensely stared at the box.

"The first pláyer that I picking tő into eliminate.. is homogay Ukrajna." 125|Hungary laughed.

179|Ukraine was bewildered as he was instantaneously littered with shrapnel.

"Player: 179|Ukraine, eliminated."

113|Belarus looked elated.

"The second pláyer that I intő eliminate... is advantage Kingsfisher."

"Woah..." 083|United States' eyes opened wide.

113|Belarus laughed a bit as the guard blew 150|Kingsfisher's head off with his rifle.

"Player: 150|Kingsfisher, eliminated."

"Attention, players, the test is now over."

125|Hungary jumped for joy at 179|Ukraine's demise as he left the stage.

Everyone had eyes on the monitor as the digits ticked down to 61 players, and the balance was at a cool $134,000,000.

Suddenly, more guards came out from the metal doors.

"Have we not been through enough today?" 070|California asked and rolled her eyes.

Everyone walked toward the stage where the guards were.

"Attention, players. The entire dorm is about to receive a treat."

The room erupted in convivial and boisterous applause as everyone cheered.

"The treat... is a picnic."

Everyone began jumping around, clapping and hugging in exclamations of joy. The guards brought out a table with picnic baskets and rolled up checkered picnic blankets.

(Confessional: 130|ItzIngenious)

"There's 61 people, there's going to be an odd man out. I'm just gonna go with the first person I see."

(End Confessional: 130|ItzIngenious)

After a bit of scrambling, almost everyone had found a partner.

Partners:

"Attention, players. Each pair must now procure a picnic blanket and find a spot to sit."

"Finally, some decent food." 025|Indiana cracked his knuckles as each pair went up to grab a blanket.

(Confessional: 069|Israel)

"So I am not of getting a partner for the picnic. I am okay with no have partner, can into picnic by self."

(End Confessional: 069|Israel)

Suddenly, the guards brought forth covered baskets presumably full of food.

Everyone began clapping and preparing for the food, thanking the guards for the food.

"Ooh, there's cookies in here!" 186|Florida devoured three cookies in one bite.

069|Israel began to feel the seclusion as he ate by himself.

151|New Zealand was laughing and playing with 013|Australia until he felt some small spheres at the bottom of the basket. He pulled out a small bag full of marbles.

"Oh no... you know what this means." They looked at each other. 151|New Zealand began to cry.

037|Louisiana and 081|Georgia were next to figure out the true nature of this picnic. "Put the damn marbles back in the basket." 081|Georgia demanded.

Other people still hadn't figured it out yet, and some were cheering and laughing.

013|Australia tried to wipe away 151|New Zealand's tears.

(Confessional: 013|Australia)

"It never feels good to see your little brother cry. Especially when only one of you is going to make it out of here alive." 013|Australia wiped the tears from her chin and looked down. "Either I am going to essentially kill my own brother, or he is going to kill me."

(End Confessional: 013|Australia)

"Oh no!" 025|Indiana found the marbles. "GUYS! THERE'S MARBLES AT THE BOTTOM!"

Everyone began digging in the bottom of their baskets following 025|Indiana's warning.

Heavy groans and a few tears ensued.

"I knew we should have split up. This is cruelty, yo." 081|Georgia put his head between his hands.

"I looking in my basket. No is marbles." 069|Israel shrugged.

(Confessional: 081|Georgia)

"037 has become like my best friend in here, and I know he wants this money so much more than me, man. Which is why this sucks, one o' us not gon' make it out of here alive."

(End Confessional: 081|Georgia)

About ten guards emerged from the metal doors following a buzzer sound.

"Attention, players. Please stand and follow the guards. Your next game is marbles." 

The 60 players with partners followed the guards, sometimes hand in hand with their partners, towards the gaming area. 069|Israel stayed in the dorms.

"You will go head to head with your picnic partner. Only half of you will come out alive."

They walked into a sand-laden room with lots of decorated wooden walls. It was so quiet a pin could be heard dropping.

"Attention, players. All pairs have 20 minutes to devise and play a game of marbles. The marbles can be played with by any method that a pair agrees on. Any pairs that fail to pick a winner at the end of the time limit will be eliminated."

As the timer started, players started devising ways to play the game.

"Piedra, papel, tijeras." 147|Costa Rica and 104|Spain played rock-paper-scissors to determine who would go first in their throwing game. The first to land their marble in the drawn hole in the sand would win.

147|Costa Rica threw her first marble, which bounced off the wall and into the distance.

She moved backward, and 104|Spain took her spot. He tossed his marble, which just missed the hole by about two inches.

He again switched with 147|Costa Rica, who brandished her marble, and missed by a considerable margin.

104|Spain scrutinized the hole, moved his hand back and forth, and finally threw his marble.

It bounced off the wall and landed right in the center of the hole.

"Well, es it, then." 147|Costa Rica embraced 104|Spain in a tight hug.

"Tu did no deserve this..." 104|Spain blew her a kiss before walking off back to the dorms. 147|Costa Rica sat in the middle of their play room until a guard came by to eliminate her. 

"Player: 147|Costa Rica, eliminated. Player: 104|Spain, pass."

"Oh my, they're already done." 013|Australia ascertained from the intercom.

As she and 151|New Zealand played, they heard a few more pairs finish their games, and a few gunshots to boot.

"Player: 173|Minnesota, eliminated. Player: 120|Puerto Rico, pass." 

"Player: 073|Armenia, eliminated. Player: 075|Turkmenistan, pass."

"Player: 182|Guinea, eliminated. Player: 142|Morocco, pass."

"Player: 155|New Mexico, eliminated. Player: 167|Germany, pass."

"Player: 043|Wyoming, eliminated. Player: 113|Belarus, pass."

"We could play a strategy game, if you want." 081|Georgia offered.

"Find a bucket, throw it in. Whoever makes three marbles first wins." 037|Louisiana shrugged. "Shake on it?"

He and 081|Georgia shook hands and laughed sadly. A tear ran down 037|Louisiana's face, and they both hugged. 

"One marble, closest to the wall wins?" 025|Indiana asked to 035|Samoa.

"Ioe." 035|Samoa nodded, and picked up one of the shiny marbles. He chucked it at the low end of the wall, and it landed barely an inch from the wall.

"Good shot." 025|Indiana chuckled warmly. He grasped his marble and lazily threw it at the wall. It bounced off and rolled almost a foot away from the wall.

"Well, that's it then." 025|Indiana held out his hand, and then just hugged 035|Samoa around his big midsection. With a sad wave, 035|Samoa left the playroom, and 025|Indiana was blasted into a pool of cerise liquid.

"Player: 025|Indiana, eliminated. Player: 035|Samoa, pass." 

"Wow, even 025|Indiana got eliminated." 013|Australia laughed.

151|New Zealand tossed another marble as he unsuccessfully attempted to hold his tears in, as a few more pairs finished.

"Player: 122|Maryland, eliminated. Player: 108|Kenya, pass." 

"Player: 168|Malaysia, eliminated. Player: 164|Singapore, pass." 

"Player: 042|Quebec, eliminated. Player: 095|Haiti, pass." 

"Player: 010|Mexico, eliminated. Player: 101|Connecticut, pass." 

"Player: 149|Laos, eliminated. Player: 189|Thailand, pass." 

"So what game yuo of wanting to play-" 188|Eritrea began to ask.

"These don't taste very good." 186|Florida complained after swallowing two of the marbles.

"Yuo not of supposed to eat-"

186|Florida began to choke and turn purple. 188|Eritrea was about to help, but he decided to let 186|Florida die. Eventually, he stopped struggling and lay there, cold.

"Player: 186|Florida, eliminated. Player: 188|Eritrea, pass." 

"I'll let you go first, bro." 037|Louisiana filled the bucket half with sand and moved out of the way so 081|Georgia could line up his shot.

081|Georgia just missed the rim of the bucket. "Damn!"

"Watch how it's done." 037|Louisiana playfully pushed 081|Georgia out of the way, and sank the marble into the bucket.

"Lucky shot." 081|Georgia scoffed with a smile. 037|Louisiana laughed in response. He switched places with 081|Georgia, who surprisingly made his next shot with ease.

"1-1." 037|Louisiana reminded him of the score. He wildly missed his next shot.

"Lost your touch?" 081|Georgia mocked playfully as he easily made his next shot too. "If I make the next one, I win."

"Yeah, yeah." 037|Louisiana aimed really carefully, and the marble just bounced off the rim.

"If I make this, I win." 081|Georgia lined up the shot, and sure enough, it went in.

As soon as it landed, they looked at each other sadly. They hugged tightly, but 081|Georgia departed swiftly as he could not emotionally handle seeing 037|Louisiana die. He heard the gunshot moments later, and a tear ran down his cheek.

"Player: 037|Louisiana, eliminated. Player: 081|Georgia, pass." 

013|Australia and 151|New Zealand began to realize how much they were stalling as they heard many other partners finish their game.

"Player: 060|Norway, eliminated. Player: 021|Sweden, pass." 

A sniffling 021|Sweden passed by them on his way to the dorms.

"Player: 187|Tanzania, eliminated. Player: 131|KilwaAfarCheese8, pass." 

"Player: 110|Cyprus, eliminated. Player: 004|McKenzieFam, pass." 

"Player: 067|North Carolina, eliminated. Player: 111|Wisconsin, pass."

"Player: 125|Hungary, eliminated. Player: 003|Estonia, pass." 

"Player: 420|Jamaica, eliminated. Player: 026|Fianchetto, pass."

"Player: 059|Kansas, eliminated. Player: 130|ItzIngenious, pass." 

"Player: 022|Bhutan, eliminated. Player: 077|ColinShadow, pass." 

"Player: 074|DR Congo, eliminated. Player: 084|Congo, pass." 

"Player: 185|Ecuador, eliminated. Player: 070|California, pass." 

"Player: 107|Zimbabwe, eliminated. Player: 018|Nigeria, pass." 

121|Ethiopia looked back with extreme guilt as she walked away when 012|Oman was shot by a guard.

"Player: 012|Oman, eliminated. Player: 121|Ethiopia, pass."

"Player: 091|Malta, eliminated. Player: 161|Saudi Arabia, pass." 

"Player: 083|United States, eliminated. Player: 079|Ireland, pass." 

"Player: 053|Utah, eliminated. Player: 088|Missouri, pass." 

As the clock kept ticking down, 013|Australia and 151|New Zealand were still at it.

"If I miss this next shot, I'm done." 151|New Zealand chuckled.

"Then don't miss." 013|Australia replied.

151|New Zealand lined up his shot and threw it.

The ball bounced right off the top of the watering can they were using as a bucket.

They turned to each other with tears in their eyes, and 151|New Zealand embraced 013|Australia tightly.

"I love you." 151|New Zealand cried.

"I love you too." 013|Australia hugged him back with full force.

Once they broke apart, 013|Australia put the marbles back in the bag and averted her eyes as her little brother was executed by the guards. The tears left a trail behind her as she made her way to the dorm.

"Player: 151|New Zealand, eliminated. Player: 013|Australia, pass." 

As she made her way back to the dorm, the dorm was looking very empty now, with only thirty other players. Nobody was looking at the monitor as the player count trickled down to a meager 31.

Suddenly, the buzzer sounded, and more guards came into the room.

"They can't be serious. Leave us the hell alone!" 081|Georgia yelled.

Remaining Players after Marbles: 

The guards stood on the stage.

"Attention, players. The next test will happen in a few minutes, and we have randomly selected a captain for the test."

"We can never catch a break." 026|Fianchetto sighed.

"Who d'you think the captain is?" 130|ItzIngenious asked.

"It could really be anyone." 026|Fianchetto replied.

"The captain selected is... 069|Israel." 

"Oh, am so al-screwed." 142|Morocco facepalmed.

Everyone stood a good distance apart.

"Players, the test is about to begin. Player 069, please stand on the ramp to my right."

069|Israel went up on stage, standing to the right of the middle guard.

"You have all been bonding during your time here, and now you will all be responsible for the fate of each other."

"Oh, god." 081|Georgia wanted to throw up.

"Only 21 players will pass to the next game."

"You've got to be joking." 013|Australia sighed. "I hope us girls take initiative and stick together."

"Player 069, as captain you will automatically pass to the next game and cannot be voted out by viewers. Now, you will show where your true allegiances lie. This is the Allegiance Test. Please pick one player to save from elimination and join you in the next game. The 10 players not picked at the end of the Allegiance Test will be eliminated. The last three players selected can also not be voted by viewers." 

"I pick... Player 004."

004|McKenzieFam looked pleased. He went up on the stage unfazed, and stood next to 069|Israel.

"Player 004, please pick one player to save from elimination." 

"I choose Player 120."

120|Puerto Rico was the next to come up on the stage.

"Player 120, please pick one player to save from elimination."

"I choosing... uh... Player 104."

"He chose the colonizer? Not cool, man." 081|Georgia shook his head in disapproval.

"Yo choosing... Player 013."

013|Australia knew it was her time now to start the chain of girls-only moving on.

"Us women need to stick together. For that, I choose Player 070."

"NOOOO!" 130|ItzIngenious bellowed.

070|California laughed. "I really ate that. Anyway, I don't really like any of you, but I guess I'll choose Player 084."

084|Congo stepped onto the stage.

"Je choozing...Player 018."

018|Nigeria stood next to 084|Congo.

"I choose... Player 188."

188|Eritrea went up on stage and shot another death glare at 026|Fianchetto, not forgetting that he caused 094|Texas to be eliminated earlier.

"I choosing... Player 108."

108|Kenya smiled as he made his way onto the stage.

"I choose... Player 121"

121|Ethiopia made her way onto the stage, and got back into the mindset of salvaging as many female players as possible.

"Am choose... Player 111."

111|Wisconsin was walking onto the stage while simultaneously adjusting her eyeliner.

"Oh, uhh... I guess I choose Player 026|Fianchetto. Slay queen."

026|Fianchetto stood to her left. "I choose Player 130."

130|ItzIngenious jumped twice, and then joined them on stage.

"I choose... Player 077."

077|ColinShadow scaled the steps and stood next to 130|ItzIngenious on stage.

"I choose Player 003."

003|Estonia happily bounded to the steps and onto the stage. She knew the girl power thing and what she had to do to preserve it.

"Ma am choose... Player 167."

167|Germany shook 003|Estonia's hand as he climbed the steps.

"Ich am chööse... Player 101."

101|Connecticut was next to choose.

"Player 079." 101|Connecticut flashed his signature smile as 079|Ireland came on stage.

"Dunno who to pick... I choose Player 088."

088|Missouri looked devious as he menacingly scaled the stairs. He felt so important as he had the final choice.

"As much as I'd like not to pick any of you... I'll pick Player 081."

081|Georgia sighed a breath of relief and went on stage as the final player to advance to the next game. He watched blissfully as the 10 rejects were killed by the guards.

"The voting is now over."

The player count on the monitor went down again to a mere 21, and the balance was at a whopping $174,000,000.

Exhausted from the day, the remaining players went to sleep to brave another day of grueling physical and mental work.

Eliminated: 10

Current Balance: $174,000,000

Players Remaining: 21

For those reading, you have the opportunity to choose from the above list of remaining players, and the (1) player with the most votes will be eliminated. Remember that you cannot vote for 069|Israel, 079|Ireland, 088|Missouri, and 081|Georgia.

To vote, please comment with the three digit number of the player you want eliminated. You can cast up to (3) 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 OCTOBER 1, 2024, at 10:00 PM CST.

Thanks for reading.