A.D. winced, leaning on Shin for support. "Shin, help me." He slowly pushed himself upright. "Let's go to the office."
Inside the principal's office, she fixed them with a stern gaze. "What exactly are you all doing in this college?"
Just then, David arrived, stepping forward apologetically. "Ma'am, please! I'm so sorry for the inconvenience. They're all just children, forgive them with a warning, I insist!"
The principal sighed. "Okay, all of you. This is your last warning. Now, leave."
As they emerged from the office, A.D. turned to George, his voice low and serious. "If you want to live, help me."
"What?" Ferick scoffed, but A.D. cut him off.
"On your hand, there's a mark written with red ink. A '1'," A.D said, pointing to George's palm. "You all are players."
"Shut up!" George snapped, his face paling, and then he stormed off with his friends.
Suzanne, watching the exchange, approached A.D. cautiously. "I know you," she said softly. "Jane showed me your picture and talked about you a lot. But how did you know they were players?"
"That's why he's known as the Guide," David interjected. "And I also came here because of him."
"Oh!" Suzanne breathed, a flicker of understanding in her eyes.
A.D. spoke into his mic, addressing the four watchmen. "Any news?"
Michael's voice came through. "The boundaries are the college walls, and there's an unusual water science lab."
"Water lab!" David exclaimed, a note of alarm in his voice.
"Because the college is on the edge of the sea," Shin added, a grim realization dawning.
Sharleen's voice, laced with fear, cut through the comms. "That means we're going to be drowned!"
Outside the game, Jane muttered, "Shit."
"Mom, what is it, Jane?" Lisa asked, sensing her daughter's distress.
"Because A.D. has a breath problem!" Jane explained, her voice rising. "But don't panic, Sharleen will help him."
Lisa was already in shock, her face pale. "Mom!" Jane prompted. "What are you thinking?"
"Nothing," Lisa mumbled to Jane, but the tension etched on her face told a different story.
This scene really raises the stakes! The discovery of the game's boundaries and A.D.'s vulnerability adds a new layer of danger.