Turn pain into happiness

"Yesterday, in the latest round of the chilling game, the player known as 'Gin' completed 10 D-level tasks and 2 C-level tasks, performing beyond expectations to finish the game and earned three 'horror-class' ghost entities. Promptly recognized by the nation, he was recruited as an official Spirit Master."

"As the global horror game phenomenon marks its second anniversary, this player from Country C becomes the 13th person to finish the game and be directly employed by the government as a first-class Spirit Master..."

Inside the stuffy school bus, Richard, with his eyes closed, listened to the radio news with a hint of impatience, "Can we turn that off?"

No one paid him any attention.

The bus was buzzing with his classmates' chatter, nearly all of it focused on the news story.

"I'm so jealous of those guys. How did they complete those tasks in such a terrifying setting? If it were me, I'd be shaking too hard to even stand."

"They're psychos with ironclad wills, motivated only by the rewards, sacrificing life for money. We can’t even compare to them."

"It'll be our turn soon, right? Once we turn 18, we have to enter the horror game at least once. Just thinking about it is terrifying."

"What's there to be scared of? Last year, a newbie turned 18, tackled three F-class characters, snagged some rewards, and afterwards, tycoons tripped over themselves to buy them. Heard he made a billion and is set for life!"

"Let's make an effort; maybe we won't have worries in our next life either," said a student, his voice bubbling with excitement.

"Idiot, with that attitude, don't plan on returning alive!"

"That horror game round, over fifty students entered, but just over twenty returned alive, and more than ten developed heart conditions from the shock."

"The only one who got a reward just hit the jackpot with the easiest task."

"For first-timers,"

"Just focus on making it back alive—that’s the best you can hope for," said a boy with a center-parted hairstyle leaning against the window, his voice cold and detached.

His words sent a chill through many of the students.

The counselor hurried to reassure them: "Don't be scared. Last year, the death rate was indeed high, but now, with government intervention, the difficulty of the horror game has been reduced."

"Especially for first-timers, there's a protection mechanism in place. Once you meet that condition, even if you die in the game, you'll safely return to the real world."

This information put the students somewhat at ease.

That did seem the case.

Last month, two batches of newbies made their first entry into the game, and most of them returned alive.

And a few even completed their tasks!

But still,

There were casualties.

"Richard, after this trip, let's find some time to sign up," said a studious-looking guy with glasses.

Simon could very well be Richard's only close buddy, a classmate with a minimal presence.

Signing up online for the horror game.

It's different from being sent in there against your will.

In the former case, under government supervision, you get a protective mechanism. Hit that, and even if you get killed by a ghost in the game, you come back to life in reality.

It's more like a disqualification.

For the latter, the word 'forced' says it all.

Those sent in under duress get no state protection, and whether you're a newbie or a veteran, everyone's treated equally.

To put it simply,

A bronze-level player could find themselves in a champions' match!

"No rush, I'll sign up with you once I sort some things out," Richard yawned.

"Are you talking about the thing with your parents? Any leads?" Simon asked.

Richard nodded.