Seojin, a middle-class boy with big dreams of becoming an MMA fighter, is forced to give up everything when his family falls into financial crisis. One day, after standing up to a violent man in public, Seojin and his best friend Hamin are approached by a mysterious man in a black car. He offers them a strange black card and a deal that promises money, power, and respect—if they join something called *The 19 Show*.

That night, they arrive at an abandoned metro station and black out after being gassed. When they wake up, they find themselves trapped in a mysterious white room with other strangers—each one a "candidate" like them. The rules are unknown, the games are dangerous, and only the strongest, smartest, or most ruthless will survive.

Now, Seojin must decide who to trust, how far he’ll go, and what he’s willing to risk—for his family, his dreams… and his life.

--

The next morning, I couldn't take my eyes off the black card on my desk.


Plain, cold, and sharp at the corners—like it didn't belong in this world. A silver symbol shimmered in the center like it was alive. No name, no number. Just a weird email printed at the bottom. That's it.


"Hey Mom, a creepy dude in a black suit gave me a card for a possibly illegal game show promising money, power, and respect."


She'd probably throw her slipper at me and say, "Boy, you can't even respect your curfew—talking about power and money?"


But I needed all three. Not for clout. For survival.


We were two months behind on rent. My dad's factory job barely paid. Mom's small shop was losing customers. We even stopped using the heater to save gas. I gave up my dream of being an MMA fighter because we couldn't afford boxing class anymore.


Chapter 2 - Chapter 2: The Invitation