Rainbow City

Thud, as the Jeep shook over the speed bump, Seokhwa turned around startled.

“Don’t worry, it won’t blow up from this.”

Every time the Jeep rattled, the dynamite clinked as well.

Kwak Soohwan extended his hand and tapped Seokhwa’s face. Seokhwa froze in shock. Rather than feeling embarrassed, Kwak Soohwan pulled Seokhwa towards him, planting a kiss on his lips.

“It was just a kiss signal.”

Unfazed, he confidently spoke and accelerated again. Just as they rattled once more, this time Seokhwa reached out his hand.

“What? A dud grenade?”

Still, since the kiss signal had come, they had to do it again. Glancing at the rearview mirror, Kwak Soohwan embraced Seokhwa and kissed him just as the horn blared loudly. In another Jeep racing alongside, a subordinate yelled,

“Boss! There’s a guy over there. Should we get ready?”

“Yeah, go ahead.”

In front of the passing Jeep was a guy who seemed to have been mutated for quite some time. The Jeep rammed into him. The other Jeeps behind gradually slowed down, and the leading subordinate jumped out of the car. The stench emanating from the decaying innards was nauseating enough to pierce through the mask. The subordinate grabbed the twisted-legged guy and shoved a towel into his mouth. Though lacking teeth, he wasn’t intimidating, but being prepared for danger was a habit.

“We’re sorry. Once we’re done, we’ll let you go. So just endure a bit.”

The subordinate lifted the Adam-like guy with bear-like hands and secured him in the trunk. With both hands on the steering wheel, Kwak Soohwan, facing forward, asked,

“Do we really have to do this?”

“I’m fine.”

Seokhwa replied calmly. Though Kwak Soohwan seemed to have something else to say, upon receiving the signal that everything was ready, he stepped on the pedal again.

Their destination was the place where the Eden Orchard rally was being held. According to Commander Cha’s check, there was an Eden Orchard branch about 30km away from here.

As they drove along the road, they could see quite a few Adams, most of whom lacked strength or had decaying bodies. There were even people beating the Adams lying on the ground. While freshly mutated Adams were fearsome, the decayed ones couldn’t even match a three-year-old child. Still, being overly complacent could lead to unforeseen consequences. Sometimes, the blood splattered from the beaten Adams would land on wounds. Infection spread through unimaginable paths.

Every 10km, the banners hanging had not a single crease.

Though Choi Hoeon absorbed people from outside the city to boost his support, those who held the city’s money belonged to the aristocracy even outside. In the end, it meant that not everyone could become a citizen, no matter who the master was. Seokhwa glanced at the approaching banners, but when the Jeep passed underneath them, he lowered his gaze. Holding a rock beside his thigh, he opened a side drawer.

He thought he would never see the rock again, but thanks to Commander Cha, it was back in his hands. Kwak Soohwan’s subordinates resembled their commander, a bit different from the soldiers they had seen before. They neither hesitated nor ignored their weak selves, and decisively showed little interest in him. There was a reason why people refrained from speaking unnecessarily, as Kwak Soohwan’s lively gaze could be piercing.

Seokhwa quietly stared at the rock next to his notebook and cube, then hesitated.

The name Seokhwa was written prominently in the notebook. He remembered the traces of him practicing writing and a single memo inside. The longing infused in those two letters still lingered in Seokhwa’s mind. Seokhwa cautiously picked up those items and tucked them into his backpack, pretending not to notice.

They were about to enter the core area of Rainbow City. Violet members who had moved to the mountains began wrapping the Jeep with grass and branches. From now on, they needed to be more cautious as they could encounter city soldiers.

“General, if you continue straight down at 10 o’clock from here, you’ll reach the mountain lodge.”

As the controller, Kwak Soohwan had placed points in each area to store weapons or vehicles.

“Did you check the inside?”

“Yes, I checked before meeting you, and there were no problems.”

“Moon-gil, follow me, and Dr. Seok, change into your uniform. The rest, since there are many faces known to us, wait here.”

At Kwak Soohwan’s call, a man as big as a Russian bear dragged out the pinned Adam.

Kwak Soohwan stripped off all the clothes he was wearing and changed into the Rainbow City uniform he had prepared. Moon-gil also licked his lips at the uniform he was wearing after a long time. It looked decent enough, but it wasn’t practical because of the bulky cape. Still, as it was clothing he had worn for ten years, his hand easily adjusted the fit.

Fortunately amidst misfortune, there weren’t only sizes for soldiers boasting muscles like bears. There were also sizes that fit Seokhwa. Seokhwa was struggling with where to tie the straps.

“I’ll do it for you.”

Kwak Soohwan crossed the belts and leather straps around Seokhwa’s waist, pulling and securing the waist belt. Then he quickly ran his hand through Seokhwa’s hair to tidy it up. Looking at Seokhwa dressed in uniform, he felt oddly pleased.

“I guess I’m more used to the white gown. But it suits you well.”

Contrary to his feelings, Seokhwa once again felt apologetic eyes at seeing him in his uniform after a long time. He deliberately made a joke.

After completing the preparations for the move, the members of the unit were waiting in a row ahead.

“Alright. If I don’t return within 24 hours, climb back up. If you don’t hear from me for more than a week, Commander Cha, you take care of the rest.”

“Yes, received the order.”

Kwak Soohwan’s command to share money with the remaining guys when trouble arose was still valid.

While the activity allowance he received as a controller was meager, the money collected by raiding the pockets of the bigwigs was considerable. On cold days, he even joked about using bills as firewood. Of course, even that might become useless if Choi Hoeon carried out currency reform.

After finishing his orders, Kwak Soohwan jumped off the bonnet.

“Keep count of time.”

After packing his backpack, he gave his final words to Commander Cha. Meanwhile, Moon-gil had rolled the pinned Adam in a plastic sheet. This Adam had no teeth left and fingers all rotten, but the stench when lifted was the issue. Fortunately, most of the flesh had rotted away, so the weight was quite light. Moon-gil tied the plastic with a rope and hoisted Adam onto his back. Kwak Soohwan gave Moon-gil’s calf a little tap before saying, “Let’s go.”

Seokhwa had picked up the lighter backpack among them, but Kwak Soohwan insisted on carrying it instead and swiftly moved ahead. With a long journey ahead, it was necessary to conserve energy as much as possible, so unnecessary stubbornness had to be abandoned. Therefore, Seokhwa just thanked him and followed behind.

Memories of Kwak Soohwan carrying all the luggage and walking in the harsh Russian cold flashed back. It was a memory he didn’t want to recall, but nevertheless, they had safely returned to Rainbow City like paper wishes. They were still alive, as if their wishes had been granted.

After confirming the direction with a compass, Kwak Soohwan put it back into his pocket. The remaining unit members started the task of erasing the tire tracks left by the Jeep, while the three of them moved forward.

Originally a hiking trail, the path had been taken over by plants, blocking the way for humans. Leading the way, Moon-gil swung a machete through the dense foliage. The same blade that could easily sever an Adam’s head was just as effective for cutting through sugarcane or tree trunks.

“General, can’t we just take the Jeep and go on the road?”

Moon-gil, if he wasn’t so irritating, waved away the branches.

“Why, should we even bring out the loudspeaker and advertise that wanted criminals are back?”

Since Seoul was quite a distance away, there probably wouldn’t be soldiers stationed all along the road, but using the mountain path was still easier than undergoing a thorough search on the road.

Following behind as the last, Seokhwa glanced several times at the Adam Moon-gil was carrying. With its eyeballs rotted away, maggots were wriggling inside. It seemed like in a day or two, the body’s movements would cease altogether.

“We should find a somewhat intact one. Bring one that’ll last today or tomorrow.”

Kwak Soohwan also spat out a curse as he looked at the Adam. The mountain lodge mentioned by Commander Cha was gradually coming into view below. The descent was steep, so Kwak Soohwan signaled for Seokhwa to piggyback. Seokhwa handed Kwak Soohwan’s backpack to Moon-gil and climbed onto his back.

“Moon-gil, run.”

“Yes, General.”

Moon-gil firmly planted the machete into his back.

“Crack…!”

At the same time, the Adam let out its final scream and completely collapsed. It was a tragedy that occurred while Moon-gil was about to stick the machete into the back’s sheath out of habit.

“That idiot bastard.”

Kwak Soohwan pressed his forehead firmly while still carrying Seokhwa. Moon-gil quickly untied the rope he had tied around his shoulder, but it was too late; the machete had already struck Adam’s temple directly.

Kwak Soohwan was about to curse at Moon-gil with all the words he had, but then he thought better of it.

“M-Major. Even though he’s out, should we just carry on?”

“Let go. Let’s just go.”

“Major.”

Seokhwa called out to Kwak Soohwan, embracing him. His breath tickled Kwak Soohwan’s neck.

“Dr. Seok, let’s just go. If you whisper there, I won’t be able to run.”

“Haha, Major, you’re such a wimp.”

Moon-gil chuckled while grabbing the boat.

“Are you laughing now? You brat, Moon-gil?”

“No, Major! I’ll get myself together!”

Moon-gil, who had been tapping the boat with a demeanor that seemed like he was chuckling like a bear, soon sobered up and drew the machete. He cleaned off the slimy blood and firmly stuck the machete back into its sheath.

“Run.”

Kwak Soohwan tapped Moon-gil’s leg with the toe of his combat boot.

Receiving the signal, Moon-gil started running down the slope as if rolling, and Kwak Soohwan also moved to the mountain lodge, occasionally using the embedded stones as brakes. Seokhwa lightly bit his tongue, and tightly hugged Kwak Soohwan. He glanced around eagerly, wondering if there might be another Adam somewhere in the mountains, but it seemed highly unlikely to find a fallen Adam in such a place.

From a distance, it didn’t seem conspicuous, but as they approached the mountain lodge, they noticed covers disguised as part of the mountain. When Kwak Soohwan removed the cover, a relatively well-maintained motorcycle came into view. Without hesitation, Kwak Soohwan got on the motorcycle and started the engine. Moon-gil hid the machete under the stairs of the lodge and similarly got on another motorcycle.

Seokhwa pulled something out of his backpack and handed it to Moon-gil.

“If we happen to be inspected, use this.”

It was one of the forged citizen IDs brought from Russia.

“Thank you, Doctor.”

“Can you believe how different this guy’s face looks?”

Kwak Soohwan pointed a finger, saying his identification photo was only half of this guy’s face.

“It’s better than having nothing at all.”

Seokhwa climbed onto his back and hugged his waist.

“Let’s go.”

With the signal, Kwak Soohwan gripped the handle.

“We have 20 minutes ahead to reach the destination.”

Before hearing Moonkil’s response, he dashed down the hill. The path, densely overgrown, seemed endless, but as buildings began to appear in the distance, it started to feel real. Truly back in Rainbow City.

***

“You’re new soldiers, have you registered?”

The woman holding a chart smiled warmly.

The tree of life was drawn on the chest of her white priest’s robe. The building, a northern branch of Eden Sanctuary, was quite noticeable, not hard to find. The problem was entering it. Some soldiers in the city’s uniform, whether guards or observers, roamed around with uncertain demeanor.

As Moonkil spoke of killing them off, Kwak Soohwan tapped his shin twice. They tied up the guards assaulting the outpost and ordered Moonkil to hold out for just 30 minutes. Surely, 30 minutes would be enough.

“We’ve just relocated to this area today. Please take care of us.”

Kwak Soohwan smoothly lifted the corners of his mouth with a pleasing expression.

“I see. But have you registered as believers?”

The woman smiled again, just as she did before.

“This, is Adam’s blood.”

Seokhwa said suddenly, holding up an ampoule. The woman’s eyes widened, and she took a step back.

“I brought it to tell you something, so don’t worry.”

Seokhwa placed the ampoule back into his uniform pocket. Not understanding the significance of Adam’s blood, she turned back with a guarded expression. Feeling like she might call for backup, Kwak Soohwan closed the distance.

“Is the elder of Eden Sanctuary here?”

“…The elder?”

Though they couldn’t be openly disrespectful as soldiers of the city, there was suspicion whether these two were real soldiers. If they had relocation plans, they would have informed earlier; this was unexpected.

“If the elder is present, I’d like to meet them.”

Seokhwa spoke politely yet firmly.

“The elder isn’t someone anyone can meet just because they want to.”

That didn’t necessarily mean there was no elder here. With 25 minutes ahead, there was no leisure for easy responses.

“I have a testimony from higher-ups to deliver, that’s all.”

“Then tell me.”

“What are you to demand?”

Kwak Soohwan glared down at the woman threateningly. Even three-year-old kids knew not to challenge the cornerstone of power in the city’s soldiers.

“I’m the leader in charge of this northern branch.”

Not having the confidence to confront the soldiers based on mere suspicion, the woman softened her attitude slightly.

“And the elder is currently on leave.”

“Then let me deliver the message and leave.”

“What message do you have to deliver?”

“You mentioned being a leader? Any backup in the military?”

“Well… considering you came without any prior contact…”

Contact? Kwak Soohwan chuckled shortly, seeming perplexed.

“We shouldn’t spread rumors about city support. We’re not protecting you because you’re so great, it’s merely unilateral charity from us. How nice it would be if you just understood while I’m still being polite. Northern branch? Shall we turn it into ashes within an hour?”

Kwak Soohwan pointed at his badge. It seemed like he could fabricate crimes out of thin air by grabbing any passerby. Seokhwa, feeling like he was pleading like a bandit, found Kwak Soohwan unfamiliar but assumed it was just an act.

“No, it’s alright. I’ve only been a leader for a short time, my thoughts were hasty. Please, come this way.”

The contemplative woman cleared the path and began walking ahead. Kwak Soohwan glanced at Seokhwa, as if to say, “You know this is all an act, right? I’m not that kind of person.” Seokhwa nodded subtly.

The walls of the long corridor were covered with red handprints and bloodstains. Further on, grotesque murals depicted Adam screaming within pools of blood. As they walked, the crimson faded, revealing a bright background. From there, the murals depicted Adams burning to death, with five figures standing before the bright light Adam reached out to.

Kwak Soohwan and Seokhwa couldn’t help but stop and stare at the murals.

When the sound of footsteps ceased, the leader turned around. Finding them captivated by the murals, she returned with a bright smile.

“It’s truly divine, isn’t it? The manifestations of the Tree of Life and the early elders. Those elders established Eden Sanctuary. They succeeded in ascension, and when it’s time to bestow grace, they will manifest on earth again to choose successors.”

Pishon, Gihon, Tigris, and Euphrates surrounded the deified Tree of Life, their faces oddly familiar.

“After all this time, never got to see them, now they’re even manifesting.”

Kwak Soohwan scoffed sarcastically.

The elder’s appearance resembled Kwak Soohwan’s parents, Seokhwa’s mother, and Dr. Wonho.

“Yes?”

The leader seemed to belatedly question. Kwak Soohwan gestured for them to move forward again. The leader glanced quietly at Seokhwa standing behind Kwak Soohwan. His profile, gazing at the mural for a while, eerily resembled the Tree of Life depicted in the mural.

As soon as Kwak Soohwan saw the smiling elder, he clicked his tongue.

“Let’s go, Major Seok.”

He snapped Seokhwa back to attention. There was no time to waste; he walked down the corridor faster than the leader. At the end of the hallway, a large hall awaited, its ceiling towering ominously high.

“Have new family members arrived? City soldiers! Welcome indeed.”

A devotee who had been praying on the floor welcomed them enthusiastically. In this turbulent world, they were all one, or so the slogan went, but the familial tone made Kwak Soohwan uncomfortable. Ignoring the approaching person, he stepped up to the podium.

“Ah, microphone check.” As Kwak Soohwan casually spoke, his voice filled the hall. Seokhwa took off the backpack he was carrying and pulled out a box.

“Cutting to the chase, we’re going to distribute the vaccine starting now.”

The murmurs gradually turned into uproar. About twenty people were looking up at Kwak Soohwan, each wearing a white shirt with the Tree of Life depicted on it.

“The vaccine? What vaccine are you talking about?” A middle-aged man raised his hand and shouted.

“It’s the Adam Virus vaccine.”

The reactions were uniform. Eyes widened, mouths opened, each person pouring out their own thoughts. Then, the leader jumped onto the stage.

“A vaccine? I’ve never heard of such a thing. Are you really City soldiers?”

“Why doubt when we’re doing something good?”

“Then give us the microphone first and talk to the elder afterward.”

The leader tried to take the microphone from Kwak Soohwan, but he raised his hand.

“Everyone! These are uncertain facts. Don’t be easily misled!”

Unable to snatch the microphone, the leader raised her voice to shout to the people. Despite her efforts, commotion arose, and people started emerging from the stairs leading to the underground. Meanwhile, Seokhwa climbed onto the stage and placed the vaccine box on the table with the microphone stand.

“This should be enough dosage.”

Seokhwa addressed the crowd, but it seemed no one was listening. Some questioned Kwak Soohwan, asking what was going on, while others expressed doubt about whether the City had finally succeeded in developing the vaccine. Some even reached out to intercept the vaccine, while others demanded verification of their identities, questioning if they were real soldiers.

As everyone voiced their thoughts, the hall descended into chaos. Kwak Soohwan handed the microphone to Seokhwa and fired a shot into the air.

The gunshot echoed through the hall, silencing it instantly.

“Speak.”

Seokhwa stood tall, facing the crowd.

“I understand your confusion. But the vaccine is certain. Of course, just because you’ve been vaccinated doesn’t mean you should underestimate Adam. Just because you get a flu shot doesn’t mean you wear short sleeves in the dead of winter. You still need to be cautious.”

Having never spoken in front of a large crowd before, every gaze felt like a needle poking his body.

“If the vaccine is real, why hasn’t it been mentioned on City’s official broadcasts?”

Kwak Soohwan pointed at the man, acknowledging his question. This time, Kwak Soohwan received the microphone and brought it to his lips.

“Our esteemed Master will deliver an important speech on the 23rd at 2 PM.”

It was a well-known fact as it had been broadcasted extensively through the radio. As some nodded in agreement, Kwak Soohwan paused for a beat before continuing.

“And the core of that speech is the Adam Virus vaccine.”

Gasps erupted from the crowd. While he didn’t know exactly what he would say in the speech, once the rumor of the vaccine’s development spread, Choi Hoeon would have no choice but to address it.

“As you know, City is showing signs of making Eden Sanctuary a state religion. You, with your great faith, have the opportunity to be the first to receive the vaccine.”

“You are very special.” Saying this indirectly elicited excited expressions from the crowd.

“But how do we know if the vaccine is real or not?”

“I’ll show you myself.”

Seokhwa interjected, speaking near the microphone Kwak Soohwan held. Kwak Soohwan didn’t want to do this at all. He knew there would be no problem, but he was anxious. Why did Seokhwa have to be the guinea pig? He wanted to shout at the unbelievers not to take it. Seokhwa’s grip on Kwak Soohwan’s wrist emitted a chill. Then he whispered quietly.

“You promised.”

“I did promise. But I still don’t like it.”

Seokhwa gently patted Kwak Soohwan’s back, as if calming a tantrum-throwing younger sibling.

“It’s the Tree of Life.”

A young child, who had become a follower of Eden Sanctuary following their mother, pointed at Seokhwa. The mother covered the child’s mouth, asking what dangerous talk they were speaking, but it was after all the followers had heard.