Rainbow City

[To those who wish to be saved, believe in Eden Garden. Rainbow City has abandoned its citizens. We have the Tree of Life, the savior, and the serpent of wisdom guarding the tree with us. Eden Garden prioritizes the safety of its citizens. Believers, if you endure, Eden Garden will come to meet you… Sss, sss.]

The broadcast from Eden Garden flowed from the radio set. However, it was soon drowned in interference and static, unable to continue till the end.

“Is the city going to collapse like this? Eden Garden, even while Adam is playing his role.”

A researcher who grew up in the education center nervously chewed on their nails.

“If Eden Garden takes over the regime, we’re all as good as dead, aren’t we?”

Seokhwa showed no reaction to the following remarks from the other researcher.

The Eden Garden vaccine showed a reaction in the blood of those who received the 6th dose, but even that was minimal.

Certainly, among the 7th mutation Adams, some showed signs of speaking or retreating. Seokhwa had seen them muttering “Eve” in the zoo, and all those Adams came from Zone 13. Moreover, Choi Hoeon was summoned to Zone 13, where O Yang-seok’s residence was, and attacked Yeouido Shelter, causing explosions in Zone 13 as well.

Could it be that they tried to kill him back then? No, if they did, there would be no reason for them to call themselves the Tree of Life. Just looking back at history, most explosions were caused by terrorists with twisted ideologies or individuals trying to destroy evidence. Even so, it seemed that Eden Garden had gained nothing from the explosions. The only thing they got was the big poster they put up at Yeouido Shelter.

“You shall be cursed among all livestock and wild animals; you will crawl on your belly and eat dust all the days of your life.”

Since the story of that big poster continued to circulate, Seokhwa also knew it was from a verse in Genesis. It was the punishment God gave to the serpent. But what if it wasn’t the serpent but a warning to the leaders of Rainbow City?

Cursed to crawl on your belly and eat dust until death… Seokhwa wondered if the Adams, unable to use their arms and legs, would end up like that.

Turning the radio frequency here and there, there was nothing but mechanical broadcasts instructing to evacuate to a safe place. Seokhwa took off his coat and left the laboratory. He ignored the other researchers asking where he was going. As he walked, he drank fruit juice that burned calories well and rehearsed what he had to say again. As he headed to the elevator, Mother’s voice flowed from the corridor speakers.

“Our shelter is safe. Going outside the shelter is prohibited. Except for soldiers, all personnel inside the shelter are prohibited from moving below the 20th floor.”

Since they were unharmed up to the 20th floor, not just the final defense line of the 48th floor, it seemed that Yeouido Intersection was still intact. Seokhwa breathed a sigh of relief, thinking of Kwak Soohwan being there.

Seokhwa moved faster than usual. He had felt strange before, but at some point, his stamina seemed much better than before. If it were like before, he might have fainted several times on his way to Busan. The same would have been true on Jeju Island. Thinking back carefully, the turning point seemed to be after he suffered severely from Adam’s inheritance.

Seokhwa shook his head. Let’s not get lost in thought. There were still more important things to do. As soon as he descended to the 58th floor, a soldier guarding the front confirmed Seokhwa’s identity.

“What’s the matter, Doctor Seokhwa?”

“I want to see Lieutenant General Lee Yeontae again.”

The armed soldier informed Seokhwa’s mission through the radio. Soon, the path in the corridor was cleared, and Seokhwa found Lieutenant General Lee Yeontae’s office with his steady steps. There was also a soldier guarding the entrance, but he opened the door smoothly, probably because he had been notified in advance.

Lee Yeontae was pouring out words while holding the telephone receiver to his ear.

“It’s the theory of a mad researcher? You just don’t want to admit the flaw! Damn bastards! Do you know what it’s like outside right now?!”

Lee Yeontae’s receiver was already halfway damaged. It was clear it had been struck several times. With a clang, Lee Yeontae put down the receiver and took a deep breath.

“Doctor Seokhwa.”

“Why aren’t you broadcasting?”

Upon returning to the shelter, Seokhwa had asked Lee Yeontae to broadcast about the Eden Garden vaccine. It was natural to trust and choose Lee Yeontae, a superior within Yeouido Shelter, who occasionally supported him.

“What are the test results?”

“The blood of those injected with the 6th dose and the contaminated Eden Garden vaccine are showing reactions.”

“So, that’s the 7th Adam virus. Doctor Seokhwa, should I tell the higher-ups again that you’re the spokesperson for Doctor Seokhwa?”

He shot Seokhwa a glance full of annoyance. Then his expression softened.

“What Doctor Seokhwa said is just a hypothesis, isn’t it?”

“The Eden Garden vaccine being contaminated is indeed a fact, isn’t it? I’m asking you to prevent its administration.”

Lee Yeontae had known Seokhwa for a long time, but most of the time, he seemed absent-minded. He always had the eyes of an old man who had been sentenced to death, but now he seemed to be filled with strength like a boy who had just discovered a new world. Nevertheless, compared to the energetic soldiers, he still appeared somewhat weakened.

“We’ve already announced that we’ve recalled all of it, so such a broadcast is meaningless. Besides, there might be people who have received the contaminated vaccine, and broadcasting now would only sow confusion among them.”

“But what if people start getting vaccinated with the Eden Garden vaccine due to the widespread infection? There’s clearly a problem, so why avoid addressing it?”

“Rainbow City is a city made of avoidance and compromise, isn’t it?”

Lieutenant General Lee Yeontae chuckled as if nothing was unusual.

“Make a cure, or bring back the results about exactly what’s wrong with the Eden Garden vaccine, aside from contamination.”

A cure. Easy to say. Pressuring to produce results immediately, even though they hadn’t been able to make it so far, was this not a contradiction?

“Don’t you think it’s wrong?”

“I do think so. I just can’t boldly execute it. Let’s say I ignored the orders of my superiors; even if this issue is resolved, do you think they’ll leave me alone? Anyway, I’ve already cursed enough. Maybe it’s too late, but still. They called you a mad researcher, didn’t they?”

Lee Yeontae let out a bitter laugh.

“Please broadcast it. You can do it. Even if this situation stabilizes, problems will arise again. There was a slight change in the blood, albeit minor. If confusion arises, instead of saying the Eden Garden vaccine is contaminated, just convey that its expiration date is very short and prohibit its administration.”

Lee Yeontae slumped into his leather chair.

“If my hypothesis is correct, it’s the 7th mutation Adams from Zone 13. Their retreat or repetition of words isn’t due to intelligence gained by Adam, but simply because the exposure to the Adam virus has slowed down the infection rate. Dr. O Cheong-woon is the same.”

Lee Yeontae was aware of this phenomenon too. Kwak Soohwan and Seokhwa reported it when Adam, Dr. Oh Cheongwoon, spoke.

Lee Yeontae connected the phone somewhere and peeled his dry lips apart.

“I am Lieutenant General Lee Yeontae. From now on, all the stories I convey will be broadcasted through Rainbow City’s regular radio broadcast.”

Lee Yeontae closed his eyes as if tired, then opened them again.

“It is estimated that simultaneous outbreaks of Adamization occurred in various places due to the contaminated vaccine distributed by Eden Garden. The administration of the vaccine distributed by Eden Garden is prohibited. Those who have received it are advised to stay indoors and evacuate their families and friends to the shelters in their homes. I hope you do this to protect your loved ones.”

Lee Yeontae set down the receiver.

“If we’ve compromised to this extent, the higher-ups probably won’t go as far as execution.”

Seokhwa bowed his head towards Lee Yeontae and began to retrace his steps. Despite being deemed safe, the shelter interior still felt claustrophobic.

Since he had to wait a long time for the elevator, Seokhwa once again thought of him during that time. He had assured Kwak Soohwan to trust him, so now it was important to do what he could. When he arrived at the elevator, a researcher rushed out as if waiting for Seokhwa.

“Doctor, Doctor! Please look at this quickly!”

He looked at the urgent researcher grabbing his arm, then turned his gaze to the monitor.

When they had cultured the blood cells from Dr. O Cheong-woon before, the Adam virus, which had been wildly active, moved very slowly, almost as if it had been tamed.

At that time, they hoped it might be related to the cure, but it wasn’t. Even that hope was ensnared by the treacherous tongue of the serpent, who spoke of the cure.

Now, the hypothesis finally fit.

After administering the contaminated Eden Garden vaccine to healthy blood, there was no immediate change when the Adam virus was introduced. However, as soon as the virus was introduced, dormant malaria parasites were stimulated to start their activity. The parasites temporarily acted as a barrier against the Adam virus.

When red blood cells were destroyed by the parasites, leading to a decrease in platelets, blood clotting and hemostasis were delayed. Eventually, when platelet count decreased significantly, the virus, which had been spreading slowly, gained momentum.

Furthermore, even when the Eden Garden vaccine was administered while the 6th dose of the vaccine remained in the body, platelets decreased similarly.

At the end of the decrease, the Adam virus, which had weakened the toxicity of the components of the 6th dose of the vaccine, began to act. The reason the virus moved slowly in Dr. O Cheong-woon’s blood was because he was killed before the senior could fully mutate.

Seokhwa felt a chill run down his spine.

Eden Garden’s aim was not a cure but a deception. All the vaccines were false. While it’s true that parasites slowed down the progression of the infection, if platelets decrease excessively, the virus spreads immediately. What’s even more dangerous is that due to the decrease in platelets, bleeding becomes much easier. In other words, even a slight touch to the gums would cause continuous bleeding, making it even easier for the virus to spread.

“Doctor Seokhwa…”

The researcher looked at Seokhwa, who had turned pale, with disbelief. The situation was much more dangerous than he had thought. Wasn’t Eden Garden trying to overthrow the city and establish a new government? Just judging by this outcome, it seemed more like total annihilation rather than a new world.

Seokhwa tried to pull himself together and gulped down some cold water.

Who should he deliver this information to? No, even if he did, would there be a sharp solution to the infection? The one who crossed Seokhwa’s mind was none other than Kwak Soohwan.

It was uncertain whether Kwak Soohwan, who fought Adam bare-handed, could be safe from the easily bleeding Adam. Moreover, there would still be Adam virus-infected individuals before mutation occurred. If someone seemingly healthy ended up getting infected through blood…?

Seokhwa started to run. His heart felt like it was about to burst out of his mouth since he had never sprinted like this before, but he bit down on it. Anxiously waiting for the elevator, he headed back to Lieutenant General Lee Yeontae, but he was absent. Even if he lied that he left something in the office, it wouldn’t work.

“Please, as a soldier, you should… protect the city. There is… urgent information… that needs to be shared. Please let me use the phone.”

Despite Seokhwa’s desperate breaths, the soldier blocked his way, saying it was impossible.

“I’m a senior researcher. If I don’t act now, everyone will die…!”

The soldier knew better than anyone what was happening outside. He even thought that citizens could almost die if they weren’t careful.

The soldier opened the door to the empty office as if it opened on its own, treating Seokhwa as if he wasn’t there. That was the maximum consideration the soldier could offer. Without even being able to say thank you, Seokhwa hurriedly picked up Lee Yeontae’s landline.

On his desk were written the telephone numbers of the communication center and branch offices. The first place Seokhwa chose was the communication center of Yeouido Fortress.

“This is Yeouido Shelter. Everyone rescued must undergo testing with Adam kits!”

The landline connection seemed faint or perhaps the signal was weak. Seokhwa took a steady breath and continued speaking slowly.

“I am Seokhwa, a senior researcher at Yeouido Shelter. Since Lieutenant General Lee Yeontae is unavailable, I am delivering this message on his behalf. Please conduct tests on all rescued individuals using Adam blood kits. They may appear healthy on the outside but could be carriers of the Adam virus.”

Seokhwa barely managed to keep the receiver from slipping out of his hand.

“Is Major Kwak Soohwan unharmed?”

“Please relay to Major Kwak Soohwan. All survivors must be isolated. Despite the chaos, please ensure that they are all tested with Adam kits. Otherwise, the infection may spread again.”

It was natural for the soldier to be skeptical since it was an instruction from a researcher rather than a military superior.

“Please. Everyone could be in danger.”

With an uneasy tone, the call ended. Seokhwa then dialed the direct line to the Second Master. The rough signal sounded like interference. As soon as the other end picked up, he spoke.

“This is Seokhwa. Please connect to my research lab server at Yeouido Shelter via the Mother System. This is regarding the current virus situation—”

Seokhwa trembled as if struck by lightning.

“Dr. Choi Hoeon.”

“Exactly what are you thinking? With the situation like this, we could all be infected and die.”

A soft laughter came from the other end.

“…That’s not right.”

Seokhwa gripped the handset tightly with both hands.

“I know it’s not right.”

His hands shook, but it wasn’t out of fear. Seokhwa was seething with anger.

“You’re just trying to kill everyone. Eden Hill doesn’t mean anything, really.”

Surely among the infected were also believers of Eden Hill. The fact that the infection spread so rapidly meant that their believers who received the contaminated vaccine were included within the city.

Even if Serpent were truly his brother, there was no tender emotion as family. He wasn’t less than others, but he was just another person.

“Look, despite this predicament, the city’s leaders are fleeing to Jeju Island or giving orders from safe places. Do you know that orders have been given to kill all civilians? Is my brother too naive to believe such a thing?”

“Choi Hoeon… You’re the one behind all of this.”

[If you commit a sin, you must face punishment. My savior, come to me quickly. You are now my family, Doctor Seokhwa. You won’t lose strength like you did with Father.]

Seokhwa hung up without listening further.

Ding, ding, ding, the red light flashed on the phone as the engaged tone sounded. It felt like an eternity for his hand to reach the handset, fearing it might be Choi Hoeon. Erasing his hesitation, Seokhwa picked up the handset again.

His voice sounded desperate.

“Major!”

“Are you okay? Did you hear the news?”

Ah… Seokhwa’s voice seemed to trail off from his mouth.

Emergency, emergency, Adam sighting at Yeouido Shelter, final defense line sealed up to the 48th floor. Countdown 360 initiated.

Seokhwa blankly raised his head towards the speaker.

Emergency situation, Adam sighting at Yeouido Shelter.

Mother continued to alert of the ongoing danger.

On the other end of the handset, Kwak Soohwan shouted, possibly receiving Mother’s notification.

“Get a grip. You’re in Major Yeontae’s room, right?”

“…Yes.”

“No, don’t.”

It was unreasonable for him to ascend from the 1st to the 58th floor alone.

“I’ll try to move higher up for now.”

“It doesn’t seem so.”

Bang! The door to Yeontae’s office opened, and the soldier guarding the entrance came in. With odd noises like crackling and groaning, the soldier, who shouldn’t have been like this, repeated words about something not being there while vomiting blood.

“Major…”

Seokhwa looked at the soldier convulsing with the handset in his hand, making strange sounds. Then, slowly, he opened the drawer below and retrieved a handgun.

Right in front of him, there’s someone turning into Adam. 

Kwak Soohwan’s voice was filled with despair. Seokhwa swallowed hard and tightened his grip on the gun. The soldier bared his teeth like a beast, shook his head, and even struck his own head with his fist.

“I’ll go up to the rooftop. You trust me, remember? It’s okay.”

Seokhwa repeated those words to himself as if brainwashing himself. Before Kwak Soohwan could say anything else, he hung up the phone. Somehow, it seemed like he could hear his screams, but Seokhwa aimed the gun at the soldier nonetheless.

***

“Seokhwa!” Kwak Soohwan called out to Seokhwa through the handset, but there was no response. The call had stubbornly cut off.

Below was a sea of blood, and the sky, squinted at, was cloudy. It seemed like rain was coming. But Rainbow City remained only cloudy. There were no traces of rain falling anywhere.

Kwak Soohwan took off his cumbersome uniform coat and handed the handset to the communication officer.

Could it be that the infection had spread up to the 58th floor? If so, calls to Major Yeontae’s room should not ring. There was a possibility that they would flock to where Seokhwa was.

“Do not make any calls to Major Yeontae’s room after this time.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Major Jo.”

He hastily called Major Jo, who was absentmindedly watching the dismal scene from above.

“How much spare Adam kits do we have?”

“We have about a hundred in the warehouse at the intersection.”

“Start administering Adam kits, prioritizing isolated survivors. Test those confirmed as survivors as well, and keep watch. I’m heading back to Yeouido Shelter.”

“But didn’t the shelter start getting infected with Adam too? Are you sure it’s safe?”

Kwak Soohwan silently put on his leather gloves and descended the fortress ladder. As he descended, he checked the helicopter parked to the right of Seoul Bridge. Without bothering to ride the jeep, he ran straight to it, where two men with rifles slung over their shoulders were loitering. As soon as they saw Kwak Soohwan approaching, they straightened up, saluting crisply. Ignoring the awkward soldiers, Kwak Soohwan pushed past them and entered the helicopter.

“Pilot, can we head to Yeouido Shelter now?”

The pilot, wearing the headset, replied, “The wind is calm, so we can take off immediately.”

“I’m heading to provide support to the shelter. You two also join me outside.”

The two men, who had been chatting casually but suddenly tensed up at Kwak Soohwan’s command, immediately boarded. Although they seemed unaware that Yeouido Shelter had been breached, they didn’t question the orders of their superior. That’s how absolute the commands from the top of Rainbow City were. The distance from here to Yeouido Shelter was only a few minutes. The helicopter, with its whirring propellers, began to rise vertically.

Raising his voice over the noisy propellers, Kwak Soohwan said, “Adam has appeared in Yeouido Shelter. According to Mother’s broadcast, the 48th floor should be closed by now, and there’s a possibility that Adam has appeared on the floors above that. If you find Adam, eliminate them immediately.”

The two men, who had been relaxed but now swallowed hard, tensed up. The mention of the final defense line being breached meant that even Yeouido Shelter might be on the verge of destruction. The helicopter, flying over the densely packed apartment buildings, circled around the shelter and gradually ascended in altitude. Kwak Soohwan clenched and unclenched his fists in leather gloves. His hands were full of cold sweat.

He hoped there would be no problem with Yeontae’s room being located on a high floor, but he had clearly heard Adam’s eerie cries. Seokhwa was always honest. But this time, his reassurance felt like a lie meant to put him at ease. Even if Seokhwa was immune in case he got bitten by Adam, he couldn’t feel at ease. If he was infected by Adam and experienced excessive bleeding, Seokhwa would die too.

“Preparing for landing!” shouted the pilot, and Kwak Soohwan stood up, gripping the handrail and looking down below.

Senior officers waiting for support were gathered on the rooftop, but Seokhwa was nowhere to be seen. There was no time to wait until the helicopter landed completely. Kwak Soohwan leaped out of the helicopter, leaving a few meters before landing. Likewise, he signaled the two men to guard the rooftop, sending a signal to protect the rooftop. Some senior officials who had been standing far away from the helicopter looked at Kwak Soohwan and rushed towards him.

“Why on earth has our Yeouido Shelter been breached?!”

With a stern expression and visible anger, the lieutenant colonel, who looked like a one-star general or equivalent, approached. Kwak Soohwan pushed aside the lieutenant colonel blocking his way with his hand.