Chapter. 17. Travel preparation (8)
****
“Let’s go there.”
“Galine’s General Store? There’s nothing but mothballs. “It’s cheap to sell things that aren’t accepted inside.”
“okay? Then how about there? Even though I came out without any weapons…”
“Hmm? You came out without a pistol? Hey, even the legendary HIV can become a master if you let it soak like a pickle for a few months?”
“…Do you want to have a fight with me without a gun? “Who wins?”
“I’m kidding. I’m kidding. Anyway, it’s a bit like that over there. Since there were so many people living outside, there were a lot of lost firearms, and this is a house that collects and sells such items. “It was reassembled from intact parts, so the quality isn’t that bad, but it’s no different from a used product that’s been rolling around in the mud.”
“Then that is-”
“It doesn’t taste good.”
“Over there-”
“Would you like to smoke a cigar with black gunpowder or something like that?”
Ezel, who was in charge of the guide, led the two of us, full of curiosity, without hesitation.
“The market is much larger than what it looks like from the outside. If you waste your time in the ‘surface’ store, you won’t even be able to browse everything this evening. Dana will get tired from walking too. “After watching only the most interesting things, take your time and look at the rest on your own next time you have time.”
“If the expert says so.”
Not long after following Ezel, I could feel that the market, which had been so crowded at first that I had to push people through, was becoming quite quiet.
Customers and merchants are armed with caution instead of the liveliness of people outside due to the slightly soft lighting, which is different from the bright lighting at the entrance.
“Is the atmosphere different?”
“I know.”
“It’s because we left the ‘surface’ of the market and entered the valley. “From here, it was a black market in the past, so the structure is complicated and the risk of the goods handled increases a little.”
“It definitely has that vibe. But since a while ago, I kept hearing words like ‘surface’ and ‘inside the valley’. I understand you’re not just talking about location, right? “What’s different specifically?”
Ezel and the picket boys at the entrance of the market said, ‘It’s on the surface, but it’s enough to go down to the valley!’ or ‘Our store is in the valley!’ I heard the same thing being emphasized.
“Oh, that? not a big deal. The better the house in Zeus Valley, the deeper it is located in the valley. Should I call it some kind of ranking?”
Ezel took out a knife from his pocket and started drawing marks on the wall next to him. A simple drawing that is more of a cross section rather than a full sketch.
“The deepest part of the market is where the merchants who have been here since the days of the black market are rooted. Some of them are shitty and some of them I don’t want to deal with. They were originally quite toxic, but after the Area 38 incident, they absorbed all the scavengers and regular raider caravans, and now there are some who have become a group that the Inspection Department would be uncomfortable with. These are the ‘bottom of the valley’ stores that have been grouped by force at this stage. “If you count only the famous ones, ‘Moby-Dick,’ ‘Let Human,’ and ‘Snailla Company,’ maybe three?”
“Next is the inner wall of the valley. This is where the guys who traded in black market relays grew up and settled down. As expected, as it is old, it has know-how, connections, and skills. As the group at the bottom of the valley grew and lost its place, these guys dug a hole in the wall of the valley and set up their own business. Because so many burrows have been dug, the valley is on the verge of collapsing, so now ‘Moby-Dick’ is cracking down on new burrowers. “There is a beauty salon that is famous enough to be visited in the Upper Dome, a shop by a very hip tattoo piercing artist, and a bar that makes the famous ‘Moon Glow’ are also among the valley wall merchants.”
“On the surface, people settled down after the Zeus Valley commercial district was large enough. For reference, 70% of Surface stores are affiliated with marketplaces. Marketplaces are struggling in their own way as they are about to lose all of the commercial areas they monopolized, but the stores in the valley have already established themselves so firmly that it is not easy to infiltrate them. “Do you understand?”
“huh. “It’s more sophisticated than I thought?”
“I know. In particular, the sales position varies depending on the level. People who sit at the bottom will naturally not want to go back up. Still, the fact that there is a chance for a high-level store to come down means that some group that controls this entire Zeus Valley has the power to force them. “It also appears to be a system that separates the luxury product line from the regular, ready-made product line.”
“that’s right. The lower part is a place where if someone comes in, they can get kicked out in an instant. They say that if you divide it like this, you can only weed out those with purchasing power.”
I understood in an instant.
The surface is a market that sells items similar to general miscellaneous wasteland oil markets.
The walls inside the valley and above are people who really know how to sell the right stuff.
The deep bottom has gone beyond a store and succeeded in grouping itself with its own funds and manpower… It is a type of gang. These are people who compete for the interests of the region called Zeus Valley and operate by the laws of this valley.
“…What do the merchants at the bottom deal with?”
“anything. Although each has its own specialty, ultimately, if you put all three together, there is nothing you can’t get here.”
“Is that so?”
found.
Thinking that way, I slowly looked away and Dana nodded as if she was thinking the same thing.
You can buy ‘anything’. anything.
Camilla said she was being ‘hunted’. There are people like them who kill or kidnap and sell people suffering from the aftereffects of the Area 38 accident.
If there was a place in the Dome that dealt with that kind of human trafficking, there was no better place than Zeus Valley, a place where even the eyes of the inspection department could not easily reach.
As if to prove it, as we entered the increasingly dark valley, we began to feel eyes watching us one by one.
‘….Two in the alley. One in the wall cave – no, three. He’s wearing a camouflage poncho raincoat made of a material I don’t know. Oh, the merchant at the store I just passed by is not a merchant either.’
There were people hiding in every alley carrying non-reflective weapons, and some of them were so well camouflaged that I couldn’t even see them. The arms of the person who appeared to be a merchant had more fine muscles than those of a veteran soldier, and if you look closely, you could see that all of the firearms he was selling were loaded.
Truly a fortress. Considering the terrain of the valley where tanks and large equipment cannot enter, this is an armed group capable of fighting even the regular army of the Dom.
….The president just let this happen? Right in front of your house?
“Ezel. “It’s a safe enough place to bring Dana, right?”
“…Everyone said they were hiding, but can you see me? how much?”
“There and there. There’s a little girl with a goatee in the store in front of me who is buying a necklace. And what is that on the wall? “It looks just like a real rock?”
“oh my god. You went through all that trouble in GG and came back as a true super human, right? First of all, you don’t have to worry about safety. “It’s safer than anywhere else in Area 47, right?”
Ezel, who had been moving his feet non-stop as if he had reached his destination, stopped. When I looked closely, I saw that dust had piled up in an unnatural way only around the place where the guy’s feet stopped.
Empty-!
As Ezel tapped the ground with his toe, he felt something like a movement inside him.
“molar.”
“Egg sac~”
Ezel answered familiarly as if it were a secret phrase. Then,
the
stone floor right next to Ezel opened and a man’s head popped out.
“Don’t keep coming in and out! You know how heavy this thing is! Ezel!”
“Kamroi~ You shouldn’t have done something that would get you punished! “How many days are left now?”
“12th. No, because I did some doping, I had to be the sole gatekeeper for 80 days. Honestly, wasn’t that too much? “It’s fucking hot in here, unlike outside!”
“It’s because I sucked drugs in a cage fight where money was on the line. If the old man hadn’t stopped you, you would have hung on. “Please be thankful that it ended with 80 days of labor.”
“Damn it. Please come in. “If it is left open for a long time, there will be an uproar for neglecting security.”
Ezel has a familiar, informal conversation with the gatekeeper.
But my eyes are beyond those two men and beyond. It was nailed to a flashing sign at the bottom of the stairs.
[Moby-Dick]
The name of one of the three groups of underworld merchants who run Zeus Valley in secret.
[Woojin Urology 2nd Branch]
And underneath it, flashing in large letters is a name that has now been buried in my memory, and a name that is now buried in my memory
–
“Those damned bastards are like scoundrels who have no consideration for the disabled by making the entrance into a ramp for no reason.”
“Isn’t it your inspiration to say that security is the top priority? He said that if he does this, an upward current will be created and it will be okay if the gas explodes.”
“If the old man speaks, give it to me and do it, you chin-chinned bastard!”
“Before, you said you treated me like an old man.”
Below him was a man with a familiar stature, sunglasses, and a metal chin.
And then an old man appeared in a wheelchair that he was pushing.
“Ian…?”
“Damn Mojiri bastard. “Looking at you here, I guess it’s sunny today.”
“And old man? You… no, what does that look like….”
Old man Woojin. A wild doctor from District 46 who often went looking for medicine during his time as an individual survivor. A general specialist who specializes in urology, ophthalmology, internal medicine, orthopedics, and psychiatry.
Old Man Woojin, who was thought to be dead, was sitting in a wheelchair pushed by Ian. With an empty bridge.
“As you can see, the dwarf has become a sack of shit, so I would say only about 60% survived. And why are you so surprised! You saw it in the administration back then, you bastard! “I came here on purpose!”
I definitely felt like I saw it when I woke up. I was reminded of something that looked like a blurry silhouette of an old man in a wheelchair with blurry eyes.
However, after Area 46 fell into the hands of the Raptors, the last news I heard was that the person remained in the hospital until the end. Who would have thought that I, who had just recovered, was right in front of me.
When I think of old people, the first thing that comes to mind is ‘Ottoman’, so I thought I had seen something in vain at the crossroads of life and death.
“Of course it is! I thought it was an illusion! Why didn’t you at least say hello? “When I came to my senses and woke up, it was already gone!”
“You bastards have disappeared, wondering what kind of time you two have, but I’m a really busy person! I just wanted to see your face! “Did you expect a happy ending of tears?”
oh my god. It’s real. That bright voice and the flash of self-made dentures were definitely Old Man Woojin.
While I was talking, not knowing what to say or what to say, Ian, who was holding the wheelchair, started kicking the backrest with his knee.
“Can’t you say that more politely, old man? Even though he feels good on the inside, he makes sure to say a few words. “How did you become a doctor with such an angular personality?”
“That’s why only people like you survived. Stop talking nonsense and give me what you bet on, you guy. I told you, Professor, that he has mental problems with sexual function, so he won’t be able to do it today, right?
“Tsk! “I wasn’t expecting anything from the damn cherry.”
“I’m a urologist, you idiot.”
Ian and Woojin, who were arguing with each other as if they didn’t care about me, motioned for me to come in quickly.
As soon
as Ezel and Dana came down the stairs, the doorman began to turn the crank, sweating profusely.
I went down the stairs and came face to face.
“As I said during the day, congratulations on your return. “You bastard.”
“Moby-Dick. “Welcome to the second branch of Woojin Urology, baby.”
“Vex?”
“I told him I was going to have a nephew today and he went out to buy a doll. “You should have seen the face of that guy who looked like he had the whole world.”
“….”
“Oh, I’m not saying anything to Mr. Jesu. Jesu, you tried hard. I met with Noru separately and learned various things and heard secrets and other things. “We really have no respect for Mr. Jesu.”
hmm? wait for a sec.
“Dana. “Who did you learn what from?”
“….there is. Something
like that? Something like that? Something like that? Something like that? What does Roe-ru teach to whom?
When told that ‘Noru Drug’, the number one person in the world who should not be taught anything, had contact with Dana, Dana only blushed and turned her head away.
****
“It’s like heaven, isn’t it?”
“It is heaven to list the essence of murder techniques. “You are being sued by God.”
“So you know?”
“…what a mess. This is new, right? “Do you have a production line?”
“Not even the factory. Although it is at the level of a systematic craft centered on technicians. “After the Area 38 incident, a lot of people flocked to the dome, and since they were all survivors until now, there were a lot of useful people.”
Gun shop. This is not a sand-filled firearm made by tearing up recycled bullets or various parts and assembling them, but a firearm created by making each and every elaborate gun part(!).
It’s been almost 8 years since I lived in the wasteland, but this was my first time seeing a truly ‘new’ firearm. The ones in the best condition were made in the old days and were neatly sleeping in boxes, but here they were producing sophisticated firearms themselves…
“Is that real?”
“It was stolen while I was on a mission. I thought he would buy it for me because the owner of that gun shop is really crazy about that kind of thing. I sold it for half a year’s worth of BDSM. “They say it’s not usable yet, but they’re working hard to fix it, so we should look forward to it.”
76mm cannons used on battleships were also on display. The gun shop owner seems to be happily doing business here, but he said he was originally imprisoned here because he was caught trying to do something crazy while buying pieces of uranium on the black market. Of course, I am satisfied with my life now.
“This is the restaurant.”
“Do you also sell rice?”
“Rather than a business, it feels more like a cafeteria because there are so many people living here.”
There was also a place that looked like a food alley. From bottled potatoes and corn pressed in an unknown broth to a wok with a hot flame, rice grains and vegetables fluttering brilliantly, and greenish meat.
It wasn’t a mistake; the grain itself was clearly in the shape of meat, but it was blue in color. Not bluish, but vivid blue like paint.
“….sport?”
“No matter how you look at it, it’s delicious. It looks like meat, but it tastes like crab. It’s one of the few breeding varieties. “They are numerous and slow, so they are easy to catch.”
And past all kinds of strange stores…
“This is the mutant by-product processing area.”
Unlike the slightly dark places we visited so far, we arrived at a brightly lit place with pure white walls.
“After Land Gore, Land Gore. “It was caught by a sniper, and it had a whole brain with no blemishes on the leather, one eye was damaged, and all other parts were no different from when it was alive. Keshia Hylan, a former BDSM person, delivered it this morning. Starting with 5 million.”
“500”
“600”
“680”
“700!”
A man speaking rapidly on a podium and men bidding while wearing numbered hats.
And behind the auctioneer’s back, a large figure that appeared to be five meters tall was hanging on a thick chain.
“Most of BDSM’s operating costs come from here. If you auction off the fish you catch, technicians in the processing area right next door will collect a small fee and neatly organize them into usable parts and unusable parts that still require research. “Then, by-product processors take it and make all kinds of strange things.”
It looked like an early morning wholesale market. The only difference is that the item is not tuna or fish, but rather large and small variations. It seemed like there was nothing unfamiliar about buying and selling things, perhaps because it was already a daily routine for the people here.
“Well, if we divide it broadly, it would be like this. If there is something else you want to see, I will guide you. “Is the time okay, old man?”
“I have to go soon. Don’t you know? “If you leave the house for a long time, the children get anxious.”
“iced coffee. that. Are you feeling better? how is it?”
“Well, it’s similar. not a big deal. “It’s actually nice to have something to do when you’re older.”
Ian and old man Woojin are having an inexplicable conversation while me and Dana watch in fascination.
“Professor Park.”
“yes?”
“I’m a bit busy so I’ll go, so call me later when we’re all together. Have a good time and go. Chinjugari will do a better job of guiding you. As I get older, it’s hard for me to stay out, so I want to…”
“Ah, yes. Come in and take a rest. “I’ll be visiting often anyway, so whatever.”
“okay. Oh, just in case it’s hard to tell others… If you need medical help, come to me anytime. “Do you know what kind of specialist I am?”
“If you’re going to talk nonsense, get out of the way quickly. please.”
“Giggles. okay. It was nice to see you after a long time, you guy. See you next.” Old man
Woojin grinned
and turned the wheelchair around to head in the opposite direction. Before long, one of the nearby merchants got behind him and pushed his wheelchair.
“…You have a reputation.”
“yes. “Because you are the owner of the Moby-Dick black market here.”
“Yes… It’s Old Man Woojin…”
.
.
.
.
There was an awkward silence for a moment.
Tak-tak-
“Hey professor? I’m really sorry, but my leg hurts a bit now…”
“Hmm? Oh, now that I think about it, I was inconsiderate? I definitely did a lot of walking. “Let’s go back and I’ll take you there.”
“huh.”
Dana’s complaint of fatigue signaled the end of today’s date with her.
“Shall I give you a piggyback ride?”
“….Please.”
Since she had to walk as much as she had walked to get here, she didn’t refuse.
While walking on a fairly cool street at night. For a long time, only the sound of our breathing passed between us.
As we left the refugee zone and crossed into the dome territory, Dana’s mouth opened.
“Grandpa Woojin is a precious person, right?”
“…Well, in its own way.”
“I endured it well. “If you were angry there, he would probably be sad too.”
“….sorry. I ruined the date mood. “Have you noticed much?”
“I succeeded in smiling, but when I looked at him from the side, the corners of his mouth were trembling.”
“Ah, that. “I thought my face was cramping.”
If you are a benefactor, you are a benefactor. Normally, before I even ask, I’d think, ‘Some bastard made me like this!’ this guy! ‘Repay me by cutting off their heads!’ I’m an old man who would say the same thing.
I can’t believe that such a strong person looked so winded. It was a memory that he wanted to avoid even mentioning.
I felt like if I revealed it for no reason, it would reveal a moment I didn’t want to remember, so I pretended like nothing happened, but I think Dana saw it in her eyes.
So I guess I decided to call it a day and head back. I can’t jump into something dangerous if I have her by my side, so I decided to get out of the way before the conversation gets any deeper.
“I think it’s too much for me. you.”
“….well.”
Dana quietly buried her head on my shoulder. My steps toward the center of the dome became as slow as a turtle.
When I arrived in front of the administration building after taking a route that should have taken me 5 minutes, it took almost 30 minutes.
Jook-
“Huh?”
“…I learned it.”
Dana, who was on her back, left a bite mark on my neck, then came down in a hurry and entered the building as if running away.
“See you tomorrow!”
“….”
I said hello, but Dana was already gone.
The sight of that sight made my boiling heart melt away.
….okay. Even if you get angry, you have to express it properly. Isn’t it a waste of time to fuss around people like this?
“Raptor.”
A hand signal sent by Ian before leaving the black market with Dana on his back.
[Allies / Main Enemies]
They were the ones who took Old Man Woojin’s leg.
“It’s just one more personal reason for those who are going to have to be killed anyway.”
It was just motivation. okay. Let’s say that’s it. now.
With that in mind, I slowly walked down the path I had come up.
Unlike when I came, the way back didn’t take long, and Ian and Bex were waiting for me on one side of the by-product processing area where he was earlier.
“alcohol?”
“It’s good.”
I took the bottle of alcohol that was thrown to me.
“It looks like you have something you want to say. Do you want to talk and listen? “I want to listen and talk.”
“…From what I hear.”
“Then I guess I should drink some too.”
When Ian was told to speak first, he quickly pulled out the bottle and drank the entire bottle.
“Let’s go inside. “It’s not a good thing for anyone to hear.”
And from Ian’s mouth, the story of Old Man Woojin flowed.
Thanks to Dana, the anger that was enough to bother the opposite sex has subsided. still.
After hearing that story, I needed a drink too. A bit much. A lot.
****
