The atmosphere is tense. The sky darkens. The stadium lights flicker weakly. Tiredness, frustration, and doubt cover the faces of every remaining participant.
MINNIE (floating above, voice teasing):
"Stage 2 is almost over… but many of you are clearly... struggling, aren't you?"
(Eric sits on the ground, sweat dripping down his face. He's just failed a logic-based math puzzle. Daniel lies flat on his back, having stumbled during the balance challenge. Even Samuel—always cheerful—is silent now, visibly shaken after his teammate misread his instructions during the teamwork task.)
WONBIN (panting, arms on his knees):
"I thought I did great earlier… but this next part—why is it so hard?!"
REN (sitting beside Eric):
"Maybe… maybe we're just not cut out for this place..."
ALI (usually composed, now biting his lip):
"Don't say that… but honestly, I didn't expect it to go this far either..."
(Ash stands alone at the edge of the platform. His hand is bleeding slightly from a mistimed jump during the high-leap test. Still, his eyes are fixed on the darkening sky above — calm but calculating.)
ARMIN (half-whisper):
"...This doesn't feel like a normal game anymore."
---
(Suddenly—BOOM! A thunderclap. The lights go out. Screams. The stadium goes dark. The main screen glitches violently.)
MINNIE (her voice broken, glitching):
"ErRoR... sYsTeM... fAiLUrE..."
(Panic. Eric springs to his feet. Daniel shouts. Everyone looks around, disoriented.)
ASH (firmly):
"Minnie! What's happening?!"
(Then the screen lights up again. But this time, a different voice speaks. Deeper. Ominous.)
MYSTERIOUS VOICE:
"For those who have survived… welcome to the hidden trial: Phase U."
ALL (in unison):
"U?!"
MYSTERIOUS VOICE:
"U stands for Unknown Redemption.
One last chance to prove your true resolve."
---
PHASE "U" – UNKNOWN REDEMPTION
(Each participant is now isolated in a virtual world, uniquely crafted based on their fears, regrets, and doubts.)
Eric is trapped in a blank room filled with echoes of his family's doubts: "You'll never make it." "Stop dreaming."
Samuel faces a test where he must choose: save his friend, or win alone.
Ali confronts a holographic version of himself: "You comfort others... but when will you save yourself?"
Daniel finds himself inside a hall of mirrors, each reflection showing him failing again and again.
Ren is surrounded by sneering voices: "Your dreams are too big. You'll never be enough."
Wonbin is chased by a shadow version of himself — faster, louder, cockier.
Armin is faced with a split path: "Copy everyone's strengths, or create a style of your own?"
Ash stands on a vast digital field, surrounded by floating footballs. His father's voice rings out:
"What's the point of being great, if you don't know who you're playing for?"
---
(Some fall. Some scream. Some cry. But one by one, they all rise again — eyes clearer, steps heavier with meaning.)
MINNIE (voice restored, softer this time):
"Welcome back… You've all cleared Phase U."
ASH (quiet smile):
"So this... was never about strength alone.
It's about who we really are."
ARMIN (nodding):
"And who we're trying to become."
ALI (standing tall):
"U for us… We made it because we didn't give up on each other."
---
(As the others catch their breath, one figure hasn't moved an inch. He's been standing tall the whole time — arms folded, watching quietly. It's Captain Raphael.)
RAPHAEL (firm, composed):
"Now you finally understand what this competition is really about."
(All eyes turn toward him. He's not sweaty, not shaken. Just calm — like a lighthouse during a storm.)
RAPHAEL:
"This was never just about speed, strength, or intelligence."
ALI:
"…It's about who refuses to break under pressure."
RAPHAEL (smirks):
"Exactly. And that's why I'm proud of all of you.
But this... is only the beginning."
WONBIN (half-laughs, still exhausted):
"Did you even do the challenge, Captain?"
RAPHAEL (chuckles lightly):
"I completed my trial… long before any of you arrived."
ASH (frowning slightly):
"What do you mean?"
RAPHAEL (eyes sharp, voice steady):
"As a leader, my job isn't to be the strongest.
It's to make sure every one of you — even when you fall — knows how to stand again."
(Silence. Not awkward — but powerful. Everyone feels it. A strange mix of comfort… and respect.)
ARMIN (whispers to Eric):
"He's like a walking GPS, bro."
ERIC (smiling weakly):
"Yeah… kinda terrifying too. Like… serene doom."
---
MINNIE :
"And with that, all participants including your silent but deadly captain — have officially qualified for Stage 3! Prepare yourselves…
Because what comes next will test not only your bodies, but the very bond that holds you together!"
The screen fades. Lights slowly return. They all stand now — no longer just individuals — but a real team
---
TO BE CONTINUED...