Off Limit System

"Stealing?" Instantly, Ethan's eyes became wider. “Of course not. I told you, I got this from someone. Why would I come if I knew the game was like this?” Ethan added.

"I'm just asking. Calm down," the young man replied lightly. He extended his hand. "I'm Dane."

Ethan shook Dane's hand. "Ethan."

Dane explained, "Everyone in this place is either entering the game for the first time. Or have used up their life chance, which is only three."

"Then what happens, if their chance runs out?"

Dane shrugged. "No one knows."

"You really don't know yourself?"

Dane remarked, "I mean, it's been said that when the chance runs out, each player is annihilated and never gets another chance. And no one has ever been able to explain. Or met in the real world."

"You yourself? How many chances have you used?" Ethan asked curiously.

"Only once."

"Oh, so you've already failed once in this early game?"

Sadly, Dane laughed. “I'm not very skilled at playing games. Particularly something like this, Ethan, it’s my first time.”

"How old are you, Dane?"

"Seventeen, last May."

"You're young, aren't there other activities that might not attract you to this kind of game?" Ethan only gave a small headshake.

"Ethan, not everyone is able to live the life they want. Most of the time, escaping reality is the only option."

Dane's assertion was accurate, therefore Ethan refrained from responding. He also fled from reality because he was sick of having to deal with days like those. Ethan wanted to experience a moment of mild delight at least once in a lifetime. But what he was going through right now was totally unexpected.

Ulrich's voice suddenly resounded throughout the log home, "The coyotes are going to stay there. I think we should make a distraction."

All eyes turned to the large, towering man as a result.

One of the participants inquired, "What kind of diversion?"

Ulrich only said, "Someone or a group of individuals has to keep their attention.”

Another voice countered, "Then you do it."

"We'll choose by lot. The recipient will unavoidably need to engage in a distraction. Until the other participants are secure, and another avenue is opened, at least," Ulrich answered.

"Not everyone will agree with your crazy idea, Ulrich," Chloe remarked.

"Naturally, they will. But if you stay here, you will fail. Your business is that." Ulrich regarded the individuals in front of him.

From behind Ethan, a participant's voice murmured, "And you too."

Ulrich's face was smiling sarcastically. "I can leave now, and I'm sure I can avoid those coyotes."

For some reason, Ulrich's statement didn't seem to be a lie to Ethan. The large, muscular man would be able to elude the coyote onslaught and complete the mission. Who knows, though, what Ulrich was trying to accomplish by getting everyone out of there. Did he possess a hero's soul? Or perhaps he wanted others to make sacrifices because he didn't know what difficulty would come next.

However, for the time being, Ulrich's idea was the only course that could be deemed sensible. It was simply a matter of whether the individuals who had to frighten the coyotes would be able to do so or fall prey to them. Ethan remained silent, while watching Ulrich's movements, which seemed so relaxed.

“The lottery, then," Ethan said in jest.

The others turned to the young man right away, their eyes wide with surprise.

One of the participants stated, "Not everyone agrees with this unfair method."

Ethan responded, "I don't think those who don't want to participate in the lottery should force themselves.”

Ulrich stared at Ethan intently, his lower lip slightly creased, and he gave a brief nod. "You think well, Boy. So you're going to play the lottery, then?"

Ulrich's seemingly mocking glance was returned by Ethan. The 22-year-old eyes had a spark of excitement in them. "No, I'm not. I'll attract the attention of the coyotes. There is no need to enter the lottery."

...

Ethan knelt in the wooden house's doorway and peered down at the ground below, where the coyotes were still waiting for a meal. He had no idea why he ever agreed to join the distraction team. Either he was impetuous or Ulrich's challenge had completely seized him. Most likely both.

The other four people, who were standing close to Ethan, had pale features and appeared afraid. They had taken part in the lottery and ‘bad luck’ chose to go with Ethan rather than Ulrich. Ulrich managed to escape, so he and the other eleven individuals could open a door to the first level of OFF LIMIT. What's left? They remained in the tree house, unsure of what to do next.

Ethan wasn't worried about it. His only concern was how to escape the group of coyotes, so he had to flee as quickly as he could to draw attention without being discovered. Then, as soon as you can, join Ulrich's crew. Actually, it appeared like an impossible mission.

“What should we do?” Questioned a man with reddish skin and thinning hair.

According to Ethan's memory, Hans was one of the four individuals who won the lottery to form the coyote distraction squad, along with Troy, Jayden, and Smith. Ethan peered up at the wooden house's roof, where the sturdy-looking tree branches appeared to be crisscrossing one another. Maybe it would be a solution if they could scale the tree and stroll on the branches. Until Ulrich's squad could exit the treehouse and resume the game, they would at least still be able to keep a safe distance.

But does Ethan's crew have the agility to navigate the branches without incident?

Ulrich asked, "Have you got any suggestions, Boy?"

For a short period, Ethan was silent. So he gave a nod. "Relax, I'll handle it. Just prepare to leave this place now."

"Good." Ulrich gave a handclap.

Then Ethan got to his feet and turned to face the figures who weren't drawn in the lottery. Those who had remained in the treehouse's corner appeared to be at a loss about what to do.

"Ulrich and the rest should go. Why do you keep up your ego defenses? Run and save yourselves!" said Ethan.

“Hey, why not take part in the lottery if they're coming?” Troy remonstrated.

Ethan sighs subtly. "I'll handle it alone; there's no need for you guys to accompany me."

"Well, the boy is attempting to be a hero, after all. But, I admire your spirit." Ulrich made fun.

“At least, I'm not a coward!!” Ethan retorted.

He retreated a little distance before sprinting as quickly as he could to the doorway. Ethan attempted to grab the solid tree limb in front of him as the man leaped into the air with both hands. Ethan had wide-open eyes and a positive frame of mind.

“I can do it! I can do it!!”