Chapter 5

There were sudden surges in bulk purchases of medicine, and my mom had stayed cooped up in her work chamber for three days in a row. She only came out to give me the daily vitamins, and the twins' dose before retreating back in. I had to bring meals to her or she would starve herself.

One positive side to this was that I finally had the chance to tell the Bathory twins about what I had learned in the past few days.

"I was going to tell you the same thing!" Aidan exclaimed.

"Our parents talked about missing people, and it seems that the news has reached the government's ears," Nadia added.

"What do you think is happening?"

The twins' parents were part of the Parliament, responsible for policies and regulations. They had to constantly review current trends and situations to adjust accordingly, so information from them was usually accurate and up-to-date. Since they knew a lot, I trusted their judgment.

"Is it because of a shortage of supplies?"

"There's a shortage of supplies?" My eyes widened; I had never heard of it.

"My parents don't want to speak about it, but we know they are worried. There are rumors going around. Everyone at school can't keep their mouth shut. Some even speculate that Genesis will be done for anytime soon."

"Then we will all be doomed. There's nowhere to go from here. If Genesis, the only shelter in this wrecked world, becomes uninhabitable, what should we do?"

Aidan put his thick elbows on the table and leaned in. I glanced at Nadia, who seemed to anticipate what her twin was going to say – and she didn't seem pleased. Then Aidan said in a low voice, "That's why I believe the Green Zone exists." The corner of his slightly crooked lips curled upwards.

There were five zones in total. Zone E, also known as the Copper Zone, was situated in the westernmost area. Conveniently, the wind blew toward the west, which made the dust around here the thickest. Normally, you would only be able to see three yards ahead, whereas other zones allowed you to see around ten yards or more.

Zone C and D were not in significantly better condition compared to Zone E. The only comfortable zones to live in were Zone A and B, which were privileged areas with more readily available supplies of food and oxygen.

However, there was another zone that didn't exist in Genesis, which was rumored to be a paradise.

The Green Zone.

It was said to be in a condition similar to the world of the past, with a limitless supply of oxygen and free of toxic air. It was even said that you could see real plants and animals, not mutants.

"There's a place on Earth that's not covered in snow or dust. Just plantations. Greeneries," Aidan said.

"No way," I couldn't close my mouth at the thought.

Nadia pushed my jaw up. "It's just his speculation. It sounds too much like a dream. People often say things to make themselves feel better, even made-up facts."

"But, Nad! Think about it! If our food supply is totally engineered, how could a shortage of supply be possible? There must be a source of food somewhere. And the oxygen! They claim that the fresh oxygen is filtered air. Do we have adequate equipment and space for that? Have you ever seen the warehouse where the tanks are kept? You're a science major, you should know better than me."

She pushed her bright-colored hair behind her ear and considered Aidan's question. Then, she pursed her lips before replying, "You're right. The laboratory doesn't have such a function. But, there might be other labs that I haven't visited. My area of focus is healthcare science, not food security."

Aidan impatiently combed his brown hair. "Sis! Have you seen any manufacturing plants or facilities around here that could fulfill that job? Things can't just appear out of nowhere."

"He's right. There has to be a source for everything. Hog once said that Mutant Forgers create mutants from the cells of animal fossils. Some of them are still kept safely in the main laboratory. They have to swindle them out of Zone A for a high price."

"Not you too, Tes."

"I'm sorry, Nad. I just want to know what's really going on. Prices increased like crazy lately. It might have something to do with the shortage."

Aidan got up, his amber eyes brimming with excitement. As he towered over me from his six-foot height, he looked like a real giant. "Let's explore other zones! We might stumble upon some clues."

"Don't be reckless! We don't know if we'll find anything," Nadia cautioned.

"But you also can't be sure that we won't find anything. Tes, are you coming with me?" Aidan asked.

If I had never seen the boy, or if I hadn't encountered the group of dependents back then, or if I hadn't overheard the conversation between the two RRC officers, I might have passed on his invitation. But now, I can't stay still while there might be a way to find out more about what's going on.

If the rumors about a supply shortage were true, shouldn't I do something for the perseverance of my mother and me?

"I'm coming," I said.

Nadia let out a long breath before getting up herself. With her head hung low, she was even smaller than Aidan side by side. Her petite frame was swallowed by Aidan's bulky body. He pulled her in and kissed her head. "Thanks."

"I'm not doing this because I'm joining your conspiracy club, okay!" Nadia exclaimed.

"I know." Aidan put on his cloak and high-end gas mask with goggles.

Nadia wore a pricey gas mask that allowed her full face to be visible, and had a small yet durable valve for the oxygen tank. The overall weight of the mask was no more than 0.5kg, making it the perfect equipment for Nadia.

We chose not to inform my mom of our plan, as we were uncertain of how she might react.

The three of us quickly walked to the elevator and ascended to the surface.

It took us about an hour using Aidan's avant-garde automobile to arrive at Zone D. There was nothing peculiar about the gate, deserted as always, except for a few dead bodies scattered around the area.

The gate was made of black steel, but now it had turned brown due to the dust. 'Zone D' was written on it. "Let's see what we'll find here," Aidan muttered as we approached the front gate.

Then, suddenly, a group of people charged at us.

"DIE!!!!!"

To be continued...