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If you like this, kindly give it alike and drop your comments, i may decide to go full out on it.

The contestants trudged through the winding maze path, their footsteps echoing off the cold, grey walls. The air was thick with anticipation and fear. No one knew what to expect from the next challenge.

As they turned a corner, the path opened up to a massive, circular arena. The contestants gasped in unison as they took in the sight before them.

In the center of the arena lay a gigantic Ludo board, stretching over a hundred feet in diameter. The board was divided into four quadrants, each representing a different house: Green, Red, Yellow, and Blue.

The contestants surged forward, their eyes fixed on the board. Some of them whispered to each other, speculating about the game. Others stood frozen, their minds racing with strategies.

Femi, a bespectacled nerd with a red mop of unruly dread hair, stood at the edge of the crowd. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his eyes scanning the board.

"This is interesting," he muttered to himself. "A massive game of Ludo. But what are the rules? How will they determine the winners?"

Jacob, a rugged, failed police officer, stood nearby, his eyes narrowed as he studied the board. He had a reputation for being one of the most ruthless contestants in the game.

"Four houses, 114 players per house," he calculated. "That means only a quarter of us will make it. I need to get inside that Green house. It's the closest to the exit."

As the contestants continued to buzz with excitement, Femi and Jacob exchanged a brief, calculating glance. They were the only two who seemed to grasp the true nature of the challenge ahead.

The game was not just about rolling dice and moving pieces. It was about strategy, alliances. And Femi and Jacob were already thinking several moves ahead.


As the contestants continued to murmur and speculate, Junior, a slick-talking scam artist, scanned the arena with a calculating gaze. He was always on the lookout for an angle, a way to cheat the system and come out on top.

"Psst, anyone know how to rig this thing it looks like ludo but this is really huge, what are we playing with and for?" he whispered to the contestant next to him, a nervous-looking young woman.

Sarah, a failed makeup artist and part-time hooker, rolled her eyes at Junior's question.

"I just hope I don't get eliminated," she muttered to herself, fidgeting with her worn-out nail polish.

Nearby, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, a middle-aged couple with a shady past, exchanged nervous glances. They had been wanted for defrauding their clients, and the Squid Games had seemed like a desperate way to escape their troubles.

"We just need to make it through this round, at least one of us must " Mrs. Johnson whispered to her husband, her voice trembling. "We can't afford to get caught."

Charles, a young musician with a passion for music, stood at the edge of the crowd, his eyes fixed on the Ludo board. He had always dreamed of making it big, but his music career had stalled. The Squid Games had seemed like a crazy chance to win the prize money and fund his music.

"I just hope I can make it out as the winner," he thought to himself, strumming an imaginary guitar.

At the edge of the crowd, Maris, a 16-year-old girl with a bright smile, clutched her hands together in excitement. She was the youngest contestant in the game, and she had always dreamed of a better future.

"This is my chance to escape," she thought, her eyes shining with determination. "I won't let anyone bring me down."

As the contestants waited for the game to begin, the air was electric with tension and anticipation. Each player had their own secrets, their own motivations, and their own strategies.


(ominous music plays in the background)

Welcome, contestants, to your first challenge in the Squid Games. Your survival depends on your ability to navigate and outmaneuver your opponents in... Mega Ludo Frenzy!

(front lights shine brightly)

You will be playing a massive game of Ludo, but with a twist. Each of you will represent a seed, and your goal is to be one of the first 114 players from your designated house to enter the safety of that house. Tags will be presented to indicate your house choice. Remember each house can only get 114 members.

(dramatic pause)

The game board is designed to test your strategic thinking, luck, and determination. You will roll dice to determine how many spaces you can move. But beware, contestants, for the path to your house is fraught with obstacles and opportunities for your opponents to eliminate you.

(camera zooms in on the game board)

You will be divided into four houses: Green, Red, Yellow, and Blue. Each house has its own entrance, and only a total of 228 players proceed to the next game, the rest will be eliminated either during the game or after.

(dramatic music swells)

The game is designed to push you to your limits, to test your resolve, and to force you to make difficult decisions.

(front lights shine brighter)

So, contestants, are you ready to play Mega Ludo Frenzy? Are you prepared to do whatever it takes to survive and emerge victorious?

(dramatic pause)

Then let the game begin!

https://www.nairaland.com/7936424/killed-father-christmas-end-mystery

Last year, I wrote a murder mystery book titled Who Killed Father Christmas here on Nairaland. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that one day, I’d be the one donning the red-and-white synthetic fabric costume. Yet, here I was, not once but twice, transformed into the jolly man himself—dancing “Comman!” by Ayra Starr and flinging sweets at glimmering, excited kids. It was an audacious mix of nerves, awkwardness, and thick, angry sweat, but I marched on, embodying the legendary character.

Let me take you back to how it all began:




My Childhood Encounter with Father Christmas

It was in primary four or five at Early Breed International School, Edo State. When the end-of-year party was announced, the excitement was electric. We were told Father Christmas was coming all the way from abroad.

Of course, I believed every word. My imagination ran wild: a jolly old man from the movies, complete with a big tummy and magical powers flying in with reindeer, was coming to our school. I even prayed for weeks, asking for a Tetris handheld game. I wrote my wish down, convinced Father Christmas was real.

The day finally came. Under the blazing hot sun, we waited, sweating profusely. And then, the moment arrived. But omoh, it was not what I expected. What I felt can be summed up in one word: F.E.A.R.

The same fear I felt the first time I got on a bike with my mom as a child. The same fear I realized when I found out injections weren’t as painless as swallowing tablets. Seeing Father Christmas in his costume was terrifying! Chai! His towering presence, the costume—everything! I was petrified, and like many other kids, it all ended in vawulence.

Yes, na tears end am. But at least, I left with a cup of biscuit and sweet las las. As a pikin, that wasn’t such a bad deal after all.



The Call to Be Father Christmas

Fast-forward to last year, when I wrote that murder mystery about a Father Christmas meeting his demise. Imagine my shock when, during my school’s end-of-year celebration, I was promoted to play the role of Father Christmas!

“Me? Father Christmas?” I froze.

You see, I’ve always been awkward around crowds. But something inside me said, “Bro, you got this. Awon motivational speaker things.” I figured, “No wahala. At least, I go chop after all this.”

Now, let me tell you a secret about myself: I love kids. I never really outgrew my own childhood feelings. So, the idea of bringing smiles to children’s faces, even in a pretend role, felt worth it.



Becoming Father Christmas

The day came. Hunger was dealing with me like I had been fasting for two weeks, but I powered through. I wore the beards, cap, glasses, and even stuffed a fake belly. Nervous, sweaty, and slightly excited, I stepped out.

And then, magic happened.

The kids went wild. Screaming, cheering, kicking—it was like Indomie belle full package. All my nerves vanished. I danced, waved, threw candies, and fully embraced the role.

Sitting in my small “palace” to hand out gifts, I saw all kinds of reactions:

Some kids acted brave.

Some were mystified, staring at me like, “Who be this Ijebu masquerade?”

Others turned into detectives, whispering, “E be like say I sabi this Father Christmas.”

And a few simply bolted, deciding, “Keep your gifts. This thing should be illegal.”


At the end of the day, Father Christmas rested.



A Treasure of an Experience

Looking back, it was an unforgettable experience. Seeing so many kids excited and happy, just being kids, was priceless. Even though they probably knew I wasn’t some magical being from Switzerland, they embraced the moment. Kids are amazing like that—they decide how to feel, live in their own little worlds, and make memories out of simple things.

I don’t know how this year’s Christmas will be o, especially with GTBank deducting 35 naira from my remaining 60 naira for SMS charges. But one thing I know for sure: playing Father Christmas was a great time for me.

Thanks for reading!


And Happy Christmas Celebrations!!

Niftyrules:
Kindly drop me a whatsapp message please. See my signature

Will do

Niftyrules:
Can we talk about this

I corrected my number bro, thank you

Niftyrules:
Can we talk about this

Hi, kindly reach out to me bro or drop your email, i will contact you, yes, we can talk!

If you want to collaborate and partner with a story writer, I am available. I am highly adept in anime, horror, western, Asia and Africa story telling. Kindly email me afehenry@gmail.com or 0.9.1.6.6.6.3.9.8.2.5

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