Rainbow City

“Hmm.”

The man murmured with a low voice as he scanned the floor. The sudden news of Dr. Seokhwa’s relocation, a researcher at Yeouido Shelter, reached him this morning. It was about what happened after Kwak Soohwan left the shelter, so there must have been something happening during that time. Having obtained permission from the higher-ups under the pretext of not receiving a handover related to the research, he entered Seokhwa’s room.

“Oh, this.”

The man picked up the first paper that caught his eye on the floor.

“Wants a meeting point…”

The man brought the paper close to his lips. Quietly lifting his lips, he began picking up the other papers. Among several sheets, only one had a different handwriting. It seemed to be a deciphered code left by Dr. Seokhwa, and the man had a hunch that Kwak Soohwan was the one who deciphered it.

The rest of the paper was filled with Seokhwa’s sloppy handwriting.

The man reading the hastily written text on the paper smiled more pleasantly.

Father, it seems we weren’t wrong.

“Why is Dr. Choi here?”

Choi Hoeon turned around, bundling several sheets of paper together. Standing outside the open door was Lee Chaeyoon. She had a cape draped awkwardly over her shoulders, carrying a large box on her own.

“I decided to organize Dr. Seokhwa’s room. How did you get in without my knowledge?”

Choi Hoeon made a favorable impression on Lee Chaeyoon, who was heavily guarded. She had a cautious demeanor.

“Well, Dr. Seokhwa is moving, and there was no handover. I don’t even know where she’s moving to, so I thought I’d come in and see if there’s anything needed.”

“I haven’t heard that story yet. Even so, you shouldn’t enter without Dr. Seokhwa’s permission.”

“I got permission from the higher-ups.”

Anyway, those higher-ups, Lee Chaeyoon openly grumbled.

“Anyway, it’s the paper you’re holding right now. Please put it in here.”

He pointed to the empty box with his index finger.

“Major Lee Chaeyoon, are you organizing Dr. Seokhwa’s belongings?”

“Well, yes?”

“Then, do you know where Dr. Seokhwa is moving to?”

Choi Hoeon asked while neatly placing the bundle of papers into the box.

“I know. It’s Gwacheon.”

Lee Chaeyoon easily answered, saying it wouldn’t be difficult. Then, she casually threw several stones, Seokhwa’s clothes, and a book on the desk into the box. Filling the box, which was three times the size of an apple box, happened in an instant.

“Can I help you?”

“It’s okay. I’m done.”

Lee Chaeyoon effortlessly lifted the box. Her body was almost completely covered by the box, making it hard to see her front properly. Choi Hoeon didn’t insist on helping twice and took the first step.

“But, Dr. Choi.”

When he reached the door, Choi Hoeon, with an expressionless face, added a smile and turned around.

“Speak.”

Just then, when he reached the door, Lee Chaeyoon’s face popped out next to the box.

“You’re in great shape, aren’t you, Dr. Choi?”

Choi Hoeon lowered his gaze, as if looking at his body, and then, with a somewhat embarrassed look, swept his neck.

“You’re exaggerating.”

“I wasn’t trying to compliment you.”

She pushed Choi Hoeon away with the box without putting much effort. Her face appeared beside the box. Choi Hoeon, pushed away, laughed easily and started walking towards the elevator.

Lee Chaeyoon placed the box on the floor and stared intently at Choi Hoeon’s back. She tilted her head a few times and then tightly grasped her thigh. The strange thing was that the old wound on her thigh was surprisingly twitching. Now that she thought about it, there was a reason why his physique felt familiar.

Lee Chaeyoon reached into the box and pulled out a small stone. What if she threw the stone at the back of his head? Would his brain burst out? But what if he really died? Still, let’s try throwing it for now. At that moment, Choi Hoeon, waiting for the elevator, suddenly turned around.

Bowing, greeting, Lee Chaeyoon hid the stone in her hand. It was Kwak Soohwan who had told her to keep an eye on Choi Hoeon, who seemed to have some shady aspects. It was already shady that he had entered Dr. Seokhwa’s room, and now, to her embarrassment, the feathers on his arm had all stood up.

“Damn, what’s this?”

Lee Chaeyoon lightly brushed the arm hidden under the uniform. She knew that this sensation was called goosebumps, but she had only experienced it a handful of times in her life. Lee Chaeyoon immediately lifted the box and began to dash down to the basement in her Jeep. Even though her view was blocked by the box, she didn’t lose her composure.

***

“Hey! What the hell is this guy?”

The box that burst into the office of the Baekho Unit in Gwacheon shouted. When the box was placed heavily on the floor, the owner of the voice finally appeared.

“What is it?”

An uncomfortable-looking Kwak Soohwan only moved his mouth while stretching both legs over the desk.

“That doctor guy, what’s with him? He got to Dr. Seokhwa’s room before me?”

Kwak Soohwan, with his eyes moving, showed interest.

“He got there first?”

“Yeah. What did that guy say? He was staring at a bunch of papers, saying he hadn’t received a handover, so I told him to put them here.”

The order to move Dr. Seokhwa to the Yeouido Shelter was given in the morning. But in the meantime, he had entered Seokhwa’s room, and Kwak Soohwan found it too suspicious.

“What do you think?”

“What?”

“That guy, Dr. Choi.”

“Hmm? Damn, you look strong.” Lee Chaeyoon lightly brushed my arm again. Lee Chaeyoon was more instinctive than Kwak Soohwan. She was born with a mutant physique, and that’s how it turned out.

“And that guy, when I tried to throw a stone, he turned around like a ghost.”

“Yeah, probably because he doesn’t seem to hide anything even though he has something to hide.”

It was evident from his claim that he could sense a presence, and just looking at their power struggle, it seemed so. What could be his identity? He wasn’t even registered in the mutant database.

Lee Chaeyoon raised her hand toward Kwak Soohwan, covering her face and studying him as if gauging something.

“Whether it’s Yang Sanghoon or you, even if you’re about a hundred meters away, I can recognize you instantly. Although human skeletons seem similar, they are quite different when you look closely. It’s like how everyone has eyes, nose, and mouth, but they all look different.”

“But.”

“That doctor guy. He’s similar with a white mask and physique.”

As she spoke, Lee Chaeyoon raised her eyebrows, as if implying that it couldn’t be true. Kwak Soohwan kicked the desk with his foot, pushing the chair back.

“Serpent?”

“Serpent?”

“Talking about the guy I stuck with in the motel that day.”

“Oh! That guy.”

Kwak Soohwan stood up from the chair and quickly approached Lee Chaeyoon.

“Hey, what’s wrong?”

“Go upstairs and meet that guy. Strip off his clothes and check his upper body.”

“Are you crazy? Why would I look at Dr. Choi’s upper body? He’s not my type.”

Thump, Kwak Soohwan tapped Lee Chaeyoon’s right shoulder.

“If there’s a scar here, tell me right away.”

He shot the guy who was fleeing that day, and even though the wound might have healed, if the bullet had grazed him, there would undoubtedly be a mark.

“Hey, how do I take off his clothes?”

“Rip them, just like that.”

“Ignorant bastard. Then two packs of cigarettes.”

“Got it.”

Grabbing passing Dr. Choi, tearing his jacket while putting some force into it, and apologizing for putting a bit too much effort was enough to settle the matter. For Lee Chaeyoon, it was a good deal if two packs of cigarettes were gained for such a task.

“Where’s Dr. Seokhwa?”

Lee Chaeyoon looked around anxiously.

“Where’s he?”

“Go up now. If you confirm, let me know immediately.”

Kwak Soohwan shook hands casually and left the office. From behind, the sound of Lee Chaeyoon cursing could be heard, but ignoring it, he headed toward where Seokhwa was.

Fearless Dr. Seok, who needed a shock treatment, might close the door to her heart completely, causing unnecessary concerns. She had to develop a cure at some point.

Eden’s offer to Dr. Seokhwa might be due to expectations for a cure or vaccine. However, even if it were so, Seokhwa being executed outside the eyes of the higher-ups would be a tremendous loss of power for the city. Not only that, but her appearance was just to his liking, and her reactions were pleasing. She responded as she was stabbed with a blank face. Seokhwa herself seemed to think she was calm, but the hidden flames inside were as fierce as her body.

If only she had good stamina, she might have become the leader of the rebels, wearing a headband, shouting ‘Destroy Rainbow City’ or ‘Destroy Eden’.

“Major.”

Captain Kang from Baekho Company saluted as he passed by. Saying ‘rest’ and passing, he called Kwak Soohwan again as if there was something to say.

“Major Yang Sanghoon asked me to convey that he hopes you come down to the underground decontamination center.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know that either. But it seemed like an urgent matter.”

Annoyed, Kwak Soohwan, who muttered, changed his direction toward the decontamination center. He had checked Seokhwa an hour ago when he was sleeping, so he probably hadn’t woken up yet. The shelter in Gwacheon was only about one-tenth the size of the Yeouido shelter. It was easy to descend to the decontamination center without using the elevator. Kwak Soohwan casually felt the heavy stone in his pocket. It was the one that had been in Seokhwa’s gown.

Is this really worth it? Seokhwa, who had fallen into contemplation after hearing about being deprived of his research position last night, hadn’t uttered a word since then. Still, it was a treatment fitting for a gentleman, Dr. Seok. Even if he put on a show as a regular citizen down here, no one would say anything. Yet, he didn’t make a move. It was better to let the opponent attack willingly rather than forcing it. Of course, Seokhwa, who had flaunted his body like an art form, didn’t even glance in his direction now. Perhaps anger took precedence over lust.

Well, whatever. Let the masters fight among themselves in the future. His goal was to bring down Eden, which had unexpectedly gained power. Eventually, Seokhwa’s sense of justice would be needed. Things seemed to be progressing faster than the plans he had been contemplating.

***

Seokhwa was sleeping with handcuffs on his wrists. Occasionally, he would wake up and lift his eyelids. Lately, Dr. Dr. Oh often appeared in his dreams, like now. Perhaps it was because he thought about him a lot. 

Looking back, Dr. Oh seemed to be full of rebellious tendencies. Seokhwa laboriously got up from the long chair and leaned against the wall. The transfer from the Violet Zone to Gwacheon was yesterday dawn. The incandescent bulb in the room emitted light from the center, just like in that place.

Seokhwa might have to be grateful that Kwak Soohwan only stripped him of his research position without killing him. Yet, a hollow laughter escaped his lips. He could hardly believe the strange law of Rainbow City, which allowed one person to freely adjust another person’s rank with just one decision. 

The man who gave him a stone as a gift while laughing maliciously and the man who deprived him of his research position and put on handcuffs still felt like completely different people to him. He may have made a hundred mistakes in trying to connect with the rebels, but now he didn’t want to be loyal even to the Rainbow City avoiding the cure. 

However, outside, there was Eden, engaging in experiments on Adam and human subjects, making it impossible for him to choose sides. Seokhwa felt like a solitary island amidst it all.

[Emergency. Alert to Gwacheon Shelter. Adam has appeared in the decontamination center, and the decontamination center is closing. Emergency situation, all residents in the shelter, including researchers, move to the safe zone immediately. Repeating the message.] 

Seokhwa raised his head abruptly. The voice of Mother, similar to Yeouido, flowed from the speaker on the corner of the isolation room. It could be a training situation, but he looked down at the handcuffs that restrained his arms with uneasy eyes. Should he go out? But waiting here might be better for now…

Bang! A momentary explosion of noise made his shoulders shiver. Seokhwa looked at the soldier who entered the isolation room after banging the door, his eyes filled with surprise. The soldier shook his head several times as if coming to his senses. 

He seemed to have dealt with Adam, as blood was stained on his hands and body. 

“Escape… huff.” 

Though his words were unclear, Seokhwa wondered if he came to take him, so he stood up from his seat. 

“Ah… ugh… escape…” 

The soldier with bloodshot eyes twisted his body as if drunk. Seokhwa reflexively took a step back. 

“Are you… okay?” 

The soldier nodded rapidly countless times in response to Seokhwa’s words. 

“O-okay…”

Seokhwa quietly took a breath. This felt like the eerie sensation he used to feel from the mutant Adam, who used to talk about Sunbae or Eve. 

The soldier standing near the door swayed as if standing in place, staggering. Seokhwa cautiously stepped along the wall with very careful steps. 

“Ah… it hurts… hurts.” 

The soldier started banging his head against the wall. Seokhwa swallowed dry saliva. Even if he escaped through the door, there was no guarantee that Adam wouldn’t be outside. Moreover, his actions were constrained due to the handcuffs. Think. Think. Seokhwa pressed his forehead with his hand. Even if he thought about it, if Adam attacked, it would be the end. 

Perhaps it would be better to lure that soldier outside and lock the door… Seokhwa quickly looked around and then turned his gaze towards the desk. As it was an isolation room, there were no sharp objects or weapons suitable for use. 

With caution, keeping an eye on the soldier continuing to hit his head on the wall, Seokhwa moved barefoot towards the desk. Checking the soldier after a few steps and moving a few more steps, he climbed onto the desk. Seokhwa carefully turned his shirt inside out and took off his handcuffs, holding them in one hand. Seokhwa grabbed the metal wire with the incandescent bulb and held onto the bulb emitting hot heat. 

He took a tense breath and began to turn the bulb in sync with the thudding sound. Each time the light flickered, Seokhwa looked at the soldier with uneasy eyes. When the light completely disappeared, the soldier, who had been banging his head, also stopped moving. The isolation room, now turned pitch black, could only be gauged by the light flowing in from outside the door. With strange noises like clunking and clattering, the sight of the soldier wandering around was eerie. 

Fearful, Seokhwa bit his lower lip. 

There was no time to linger here. Holding the bulb tightly with both hands, he lifted it above his head. Just before the soldier noticed him, Seokhwa threw the bulb out of the door with all his strength. 

Crash! As the bulb flew out of the door and shattered, the soldier started running in that direction. If he missed this chance, it would be over. Seokhwa also leaped off the desk and rushed to the door, shoulder-checking it. When he pushed the door with his shoulder, a hand unexpectedly came in. 

He hoped it wasn’t the soldier, but the hand that faltered was stained with blood. Despite his best efforts, the soldier’s strength was overwhelming. As Seokhwa stumbled backward, the soldier climbed onto him. Making beastly sounds, Seokhwa blocked his face, trying to bite him, with both hands. Each time, the soldier chewed on the shirt with his clicking teeth. 

As the struggling intensified, the closing door plunged the room into complete darkness. 

“No… no… can’t… huff… bite…” 

The stuttering soldier repeatedly mumbled. Seokhwa took advantage of that moment to kick the soldier off him. Ugh! A dull pain surged through his wrist as the bitten flesh stung sharply. Each time the soldier attacked again, screaming with a fierce tearing sound, the perfectly dark room enveloped them. 

“No… can’t… bite…” 

He was repeating the words in confusion. Seokhwa seized the opportunity and pushed the soldier away with his foot. Oof! The soldier, whose neck had been completely twisted by someone’s strength, tumbled down to the floor. 

Although the sound of his skull being crushed under the soldier’s boot soon followed, Seokhwa just stared at his own wrist, feeling a flow of something unmistakable.