That day, we entered a "Death Game."

This year's winter was slightly warmer compared to usual.

The sun set late, and there was no biting chill in the air. It was a season that felt as if autumn were still lingering.

"Another beautiful sunset today."

Thinking that, I watched the sun go down as I always did.

──Until that day.

What my friend Haruki brought was a strange letter.

"High-Paying Short-Term Gig"

The job description was vague. Only the reward was clearly stated—an amount so large it made our eyes glaze over as students.

It looked suspicious from every angle.

I tried to talk him out of it many times. But Haruki wouldn't listen.

In the end, I couldn't let my friend go alone, so I decided to join the job as well.

If we just endure it for a little while, we'll get a fortune.

At that time, that must have been what we were thinking.

《20XX, Month ○, Day ×》

The designated meeting place was an aquarium after closing hours.

館内は薄暗く、青白い照明が水槽を淡く照らしている。

イルカが優雅に水を跳ね、ペンギンたちが気ままに泳ぎ回る。色とりどりの魚たちは、何事もないかのように群れを成していた。

It was quiet, beautiful, and ethereal.

Like a different world cut off from reality.

We just stared at it in a daze.

──As if looking at something rare.

Because, right there.

Inside the tank, a single "foreign object" was floating.

The clear blue water was slowly being dyed red.

In the center, a large shark was devouring something.

None of the participants gathered in front of the tank could move.

Some gasped. Some turned pale. Some shook their heads repeatedly as if to deny the scene before their eyes.

Eventually, someone who couldn't take it anymore collapsed in tears.

Even then, the shark in the tank swam leisurely.

As if nothing had happened.

At that moment, an announcement rang through the building.

"Attention, participants. We shall now begin the game."

──In that instant, we finally understood.

This isn't an aquarium.

We aren't guests, nor are we keepers.

Much less here for a part-time job.

We are.

Participants in a "Death Game."