Fancy Party

Stepping into the grand hall felt surreal—almost like walking into a dream. A massive crystal chandelier hung from a ceiling laced with gold, casting shimmering light across the marble floor so polished that my own reflection stared back at me. The walls, sturdy yet elegant, were adorned with sparkling diamonds, and every table was lined with the finest cuisine I’d ever seen. Goblets of wine glowed under the lights, plates carved from pure diamond gleamed, and even the cutlery looked like something out of an ancient royal treasury.

But what really caught my attention wasn’t the luxury—it was the guests.

Everyone wore masks, their true identities hidden behind intricate designs. Just from their outfits alone, I could tell—this wasn’t some ordinary party. These people were important. Conversations in multiple languages filled the air—some familiar, others completely alien, as if whispered from another universe.

Before I could take another step, An handed me something—a small device resembling an earphone.

“Master, before you go in, please use this. It will allow you to understand any language spoken here.”

I took it and placed it in my ear.

Big mistake.

A sharp, searing pain shot straight into my skull, like someone was rewriting my brain on the spot. My whole body stiffened as if my mind was being hacked, twisted, adjusted—until suddenly, everything became… clear. Every voice around me suddenly made perfect sense, like I had known their languages my whole life.

“Now, Master may fully enjoy the party. If you need me, use this.”

An handed me a small black card, one edge slightly open like a switch.

“But remember—you can only call me three times.”

I barely had time to react before An vanished into thin air.

I let out a slow breath, trying to compose myself.

What kind of world is this…?

Ding! Ding! Ding!

A loud chime echoed through the hall, silencing every conversation in an instant. The guests all turned their attention to the grand stage at the front of the room, where a man with fiery red hair stood. His blue mask glowed faintly under the lights, and with a single raise of his hand, he commanded the room’s full attention.

“LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!! WELCOME TO THE MOST EXTRAVAGANT PARTY ON EARTH!”

His voice boomed across the hall—not through a mic, but as if the very air carried his words.

“Distinguished guests, this celebration will last for one night… in Earth’s time. However, within this space, it will feel like an entire week! Enjoy yourselves, for this party has multiple phases. The first two days are for pure enjoyment—an open playground of ten times the size of a football field! But after that… a game shall begin! A game where the winner shall be granted one wish—anything their heart desires!”

The crowd erupted in cheers, laughter, and excitement. But me? I just stood there, stiff.

Something about this felt off.

Why was this party being held?

I wasn’t anyone special. I wasn’t rich. I wasn’t famous. Yet, as I scanned the crowd, I recognized some faces—hotel tycoons, billionaire politicians, CEOs of global tech companies…

I shook my head. Focus. If I wanted answers, I needed to blend in and gather information first.

As I turned to move, a butler approached me, his grin unnervingly wide.

“Sir, may I assist you with anything?”

Something about him sent shivers down my spine, but I kept my cool.

“Uh… yeah. Are there any guest rooms? I’m kinda exhausted from the trip.”

The butler nodded politely.

“Of course, sir. Simply use your invitation card to check your assigned room.”

I reached into my pocket and pulled out the invitation card An had given me earlier.

“Hmm… Room 000022/900000?”

The butler’s grin stretched even wider.

“…Oh my, sir. That is quite an interesting number.”

I frowned.

“Huh? What’s that supposed to mean?”

The butler chuckled, his expression unreadable.

“Ah, nothing of concern, sir. It is simply rare to see such a number. Please, proceed with the command when you are ready.”

I narrowed my eyes at him, but decided not to push further. Instead, I sighed and muttered,

“Room 000022/900000… Elevate.”

In a blink, I was no longer in the ballroom.

The transition was seamless. No nausea, no sense of being moved—it was like I was just somewhere else in an instant.

My new surroundings were… cozy. The bed looked ridiculously soft, the air smelled faintly of fresh lavender, and a warm glow from the fireplace gave the room an oddly calming atmosphere.

But then—

Sharp pain.

A blinding headache tore through my skull.

Visions flashed through my mind—images of me, battered and broken, drenched in blood. In front of me stood a shadowy figure, their expression twisted in something between hatred and… sorrow?

What… the hell was that?

I gasped, my hands clutching my head. When the pain faded, I was left with only a lingering unease.

I had never seen that scene before.

Or had I…?

Knock. Knock. Knock.

The sudden knocking at my door snapped me back to reality. My pulse quickened as I approached and slowly opened it.

Standing there was An, his usual composed smile still intact.

Now that I got a closer look… damn, this guy was short. Barely 150 cm tall.

“An? What are you doing here? We literally just split up.”

“Master, I came to offer you a little advice… because my life depends on yours.”

My brows furrowed.

“…What?”

“The game starts on the third day. And it’s not a normal game. Every session is a life-or-death match. Three games. Five days. If you want to survive, never reveal your real identity, your origin, or the fact that you’re an ordinary human. You may recognize some of the faces here, but know this… they are from different Earths. They are not ‘normal’ humans. They are far beyond that.”

My blood ran cold.

An lowered his head, his voice almost pleading.

“I beg you—trust me on this.”

I stood in silence, processing his words.

I wasn’t sure what to believe yet, but if this guy was desperate enough to bow his head just to earn my trust…

“…Fine. I’ll trust you for now. But I need more answers.”

An let out a small, relieved smile.

“This party is actually a ritual. A ritual to welcome back the Great Lord. And there will be no real winner… because the winner shall become the sacrifice.”

I shock..... but i feel relive aboout this? i don't know but, let's ask An first.

“Then… what do you mean your life depends on mine?”

“Each guest has a Guide. If the guest dies, their Guide dies as well. The other Guides won’t help, because they are half-immortal beings who are merely waiting for death... But I’m different. I’m human. At least… I was, a thousand years ago.”

My breath hitched.

Before I could ask anything else, An’s body suddenly stiffened.

“…No…!”

In an instant, he vanished.

I stood there, frozen in shock.

“…What the hell just happened?”