Episode 5 of "Alice In Borderland" kicks off with Arisu diligently attempting to unravel the mystery of The Beach's whereabouts. Usagi and Arisu find themselves in an endless loop, acutely aware that their visas are on the brink of expiration—a mere three days remaining—unless they expedite their search.
The following day, Usagi imparts crucial survival skills to Arisu, preparing them both for the treacherous path ahead. As dusk descends, they notice a peculiar detail: some of the boys adorned with locker keys belong to the same team. From a distance, they witness three boys climb into a car and speed away, sparking their determination to pursue on foot. Their relentless chase leads them to a hotel emblazoned with the word "Beach" on its facade—their long-sought destination.
Unfortunately, the duo is ambushed and rendered unconscious, only to awaken before an eccentric figure named Hatter, whose answers they eagerly seek. Clad in an opulent robe and exuding an air of madness, Hatter welcomes them with grandiloquence before pulling open a sliding door.
Inside, a colossal wall displays an array of playing cards, each marked with a prominent cross. The revelation unfolds: the sole means of clearing the game and returning to reality is by amassing all the playing cards. Recognizing the futility of doing so alone, Hatter urges them to embark on this quest alongside him.
This self-styled monarch perceives their realm as a country, hinting at the visas' significance. He postulates that by systematically collecting all the cards, they may collectively escape—with Hatter naturally taking precedence.
The ambiance of this hotel complex starkly contrasts with what Usagi and Arisu are accustomed to. A vast throng of revelers parties into the wee hours, creating an electric atmosphere. As twilight descends, Hatter addresses the entranced youth below, who hang on his every word, forming an unwavering allegiance akin to a military force.
The self-made army concludes their games in unison, their collaborative efforts resulting in the swift completion of diverse challenges and the acquisition of playing cards. Arisu, accompanied by Kuina and An, is singled out for a grueling trial designed to identify the most capable candidate for an executive position at the Beach. This trial is particularly treacherous, marked by rising tides and treacherous electrical currents. Thanks to Arisu's prompt ingenuity and profound scientific knowledge, he narrowly escapes death's clutches. Similarly, Usagi triumphs in her own trial and reunites with the others, ready to celebrate at the party.
As Kuina engages the pair in a conversation about dating, their discussion is abruptly halted by the arrival of the Beach's militants, led by the formidable Aguni. These men, empowered by Aguni's presence, assert their dominance immediately, insisting that Usagi accompany them. However, Hatter's timely appearance enables him to persuade Aguni to grant them a reprieve, at least for the moment.
Still, a storm is clearly brewing in the paradise paradise. Arisu was brought to an executive meeting attended by senior management due to her outstanding performance in the game. During the meeting, they discussed various cards to play, and apart from the suit cards, the only remaining card was the 10 of hearts. At the same time, Hatter's visa is about to expire. When everyone in the conference room learned the news, the militants under Agui's command exchanged meaningful looks with each other.
Hatter's instability becomes all too apparent as he converses with Arisu, reminiscing about the new Beach and how his former comrades had "betrayed" him. He views himself as the sole hero and imparts to Arisu that heroes require tragedies to propel them forward.
