By Zephyria 
The entire district a was in an uproar from the breaking news that morning. It was surprising enough that Kim Ha-yoon, who was thought to be dead, had returned alive, but even more so because reports stated he owed his survival to the help of people from other districts.
News also broke that criminals had broken into the home of a family who had relocated to district a from another district. They confessed they were acting on the orders of some ideologue and had intended to kill even the children.
The media repeatedly broadcast these facts, and people became agitated. It was one thing to drive out outsiders, but wasn’t killing children an act that abandoned humanity? Amidst the clamor, people awaited Kim Ha-yoon’s official statement.
“Even the old men in the Committee are playing it safe. They were all for dropping missiles, but now that talk is gone.”
“What about Kim Do-cheol?”
“His face turned white when he heard the news that my hyung had woken up.”
At Kim Seon-oh’s words, Kim Ha-yoon adjusted his posture and frowned. The wound in his abdomen still bothered him with every movement. He instructed Kim Seon-oh to monitor Kim Do-cheol closely. While he was a timid and cowardly man, one could never tell what he might do if pushed too far.
“What about the people captured from the underground city?”
“I’ve contacted the intelligence agency. They’ll be released soon.”
At first, he thought they had been captured out of spite towards him. Then, he was surprised by an unexpected story. The leader, the old man who found and treated him, was a famous doctor who had disappeared decades ago.
The man, who had been highly respected in district a, was also the former mentor of the current unconscious mother’s younger self. His expulsion had occurred before Kim Ha-yoon was born, so he only knew of his existence but had never imagined actually meeting him.
“Human connections are funny, aren’t they? The person my grandfather drove out saved my life.”
As he let out a bitter laugh, someone knocked on the hospital room door.
A moment later, Anna entered and greeted him respectfully.
“Welcome. You’ve been through a lot.”
“Not at all. I only did what I had to do… How are you feeling?”
“As you can see, I’m a mess. What about Lee Seon-jae?”
“He struggled after seeing the blood, but he’s alright now.”
Upon hearing of Kim Ha-yoon’s return, Lee Seon-jae had first asked about Ire. When he would return home, if he was feeling unwell. In truth, Kim Ha-yoon had expected Ire to return with him. He assumed he would come here, given he had a family.
Hadn’t he said it before? That he had fought so hard to survive to get his family back. But when his colleagues were in danger, he couldn’t just stand by.
“What about the intruders?”
“They’re being investigated at the hospital. As you’ve heard, one died, and the other three are in critical condition.”
“Make sure they confess, somehow. Even if you have to extract everything you can from their bodies.”
They were known to be a notoriously ruthless organization, and the chances of them confessing were slim. Even if there was someone behind them, they wouldn’t easily reveal who it was or their motives. They might even commit suicide.
As the three of them talked, another guest appeared with a knock. The person who opened the door and strode into the room was the Vice Chairman. Beside him stood his secretary, holding a large fruit basket.
“Well, look who it is. Isn’t that the Vice Chairman?”
I’m afraid I can’t greet you properly in this state. What should I do? With a sympathetic expression, Kim Ha-yoon watched as the Vice Chairman smiled kindly, telling him to sit down. A sly old man. He sneered inwardly and dismissed Kim Seon-oh and Anna. Until the very last moment, both of them looked worried about potential danger to Kim Ha-yoon.
“I’ve come on behalf of the Committee. Everyone is worried about you.”
“I’ve caused you all undue concern. I’m truly sorry.”
“Where on earth were you? We searched everywhere for you.”
“It’s as I said on the broadcast. I’m ashamed.”
“Is that so? So it was true. What could they have been planning?”
Planning… He rolled the word around in his mouth, staring intently at the Vice Chairman. The latter subtly avoided his gaze and then inquired about his father’s well-being. He had regained consciousness but had difficulty moving.
“I must recover quickly and visit him. I have something important to tell my father.”
“……”
“And I heard your second son died.”
The Vice Chairman couldn’t hide his grief. “That’s right. You know him, don’t you? Park Mu-jin. He was a brilliant talent, and those wicked people took his precious life. We will catch them and punish them.” Kim Ha-yoon slowly nodded.
“I hope you achieve your wish.”
A chilling smile spread across his face, and the fox-like Vice Chairman must have known it. However, he didn’t mention anything first. Today, he was likely just here to gauge the situation and his intentions.
“I would appreciate it if you would leave now. I am very tired.”
“Of course. Take good care of yourself.”
He left the room, and Kim Ha-yoon, left alone, gazed out the window. It had only been a few days, but had he developed separation anxiety? Why did that face keep appearing in his mind?
According to Kwon So-young, Ire had awakened. It was the moment he had waited for so long, so why did his heart sink when he heard it? He had been curious about how his body would react if he used his power, but not anymore. He just wished he wouldn’t do anything, that he would live a long life, and that was all he wanted.
* * *
Kim Do-cheol, who was organizing documents, glared at Park Woo-jin standing by the door. Park Woo-jin had appeared around sunset, huffing and puffing, his face flushed and overly agitated.
“Cancel the operation? Does that make any sense!”
Kim Do-cheol gestured for him to sit.
“Lower your voice and sit. It’s not my decision. Your father gave the order.”
“If not now, we’ll never get another chance. I will definitely take care of that hybrid bastard.”
Kim Do-cheol sighed and cut him off.
“Woo-jin, is it that hard to grasp the situation? The media is broadcasting that Kim Ha-yoon survived thanks to those people. What if we attack? It’ll be quite a spectacle, won’t it?”
“So we’re just going to let it be? Don’t worry too much about Kim Ha-yoon. I heard he’s not in good condition. If necessary, I’ll take care of him.”
Kim Do-cheol laughed in disbelief.
“You think Kim Ha-yoon is easy because he’s injured? If you mess up, not only you and I, but your father’s life could be at stake. Wake up. And with what justification are you planning to attack Zone D in this situation? Huh?”
Park Woo-jin clenched his jaw so hard his teeth ached. The unfolding situation did not sit well with him. But he was a soldier and had to obey orders, so for now, all he could do was comply. For now.
“Oh, and clean up the mess you made.”
The “mess” referred to the hired thugs he had sent to Lee Seon-jae’s house. It had caused an uproar among the police, and the media continued to report on it. The focus on their attempt to kill children, not just outsiders, had intensified public condemnation.
“Don’t worry. They will never open their mouths.”
Seemingly unable to communicate further, Park Woo-jin stood up abruptly. As he turned to leave, Kim Do-cheol warned him not to cause any more trouble. Once outside, Park Woo-jin slammed his fist against the wall and stomped his feet on the ground. His anger did not subside easily.
That pathetic bastard. That’s why he’s spent his whole life serving Kim Ha-yoon.
As he walked, suppressing his rage, a brilliant idea flashed through his mind.
“Ha, fuck. If there’s no justification, we can create one.”
A sly smile spread across his lips.
* * *
“Colonel Kim Seon-oh and Ms. Kwon So-young said they are going to area c. They want to meet you. I will relay any necessary information to them. Please take care and stay alive.”
Ire listened silently to the voice recorded on the small robot car. How long would it take for this to be re-recorded and sent to district a? After parting with Kim Ha-yoon, he had returned to Zone D alone, but his thoughts had become numerous. He worried if he had arrived safely and how his wounds were.
Would his family be alright? Kim Ha-yoon had told him not to worry, as Anna and Matteo were there. He mentioned that Matteo, when he was Lee Seon-jae, a rebel, was quite strong in combat. He couldn’t quite imagine it, but for now, he decided to believe his words.
As he fiddled with the car, someone sat down next to him. He looked up to see Gangsan wearing a crown woven from tree branches.
“How is it? Cool, right?”
Seeing him just look, Gangsan took it off and placed it on Ire. He said that a handsome guy like Ire should wear it, and that he looked good in anything, giving him a thumbs-up. He had noticed Ire was feeling down. Having watched him since he was young, Gangsan could quickly read Ire’s mood better than others. He was grateful for that, but also sometimes felt guilty.
“What about the others?”
“Most have left.”
All the electricity in this place had been cut off that morning. The cameras transmitting video had likely stopped too. Then, just in case, they had sent away anyone not involved outside the district. If things went wrong and this place was bombed, they could die for nothing.
Just then, Gangsan stood up and looked towards the opposite side.
“Uh, what is that…”
Looking closely, something was flying towards them. At first, they thought it was a reconnaissance drone, but it was gradually descending. Damn it. Realizing something, Ire urgently sounded the siren. At the sound, everyone stopped what they were doing, grabbed their weapons, and began to move busily to their positions.