Apocalypse Shelter Administrator

Rescue Operation (10)

Big.

Scary.

Safe.

These were the first impressions of the women entering the city. However, even as they got off the ship, crossed the bridge, and entered the dark cave, their anxiety was growing endlessly.

That's how people are. Even in a place of hunger and no sight of the future, if you stay there long enough, you get used to it. Though the rational mind agrees with the statement, “We’ll die if we stay here. We must leave!”, when the time comes to actually step out, a voice whispers somewhere deep inside, “Let’s just stay here.”

The longer you're in a controlled environment, like a prison, where there's less need to think for yourself, the stronger the desire to remain complacent becomes. Especially if your body and mind are exhausted to the extreme.

On top of that, historically, "adventure" has been the realm of men. Women, instinctively, are reluctant to leave familiar shelters. And in such a situation, it's only natural for their hearts to waver when they're guided into a cold cave instead of the promised "safe city."

But it was already too late.

“Should I have stayed in the prison?”

Even if such thoughts came to mind, there was no going back now. The ship had sunk to some absurd monster.

[Move.]

Even a moment’s hesitation was met with a forceful command from the terrifying robots. These steel machines seemed unaware of the concepts of consideration, respect, or human rights, particularly when it came to women. Even in a time where prison guards couldn't just use violence without consequence. Fights between prisoners were broken up, and offenders were either warned or sent to solitary confinement as the most severe punishment.

Leaving that aside, laying a hand on a woman was considered the height of dishonor, and violence beyond a slap was unthinkable. This was the common sense and the rules of the world they had believed in until now. But those rules didn't apply to these robots. The women had to stay alert whenever the robots came close.

If it was a trivial misunderstanding or failure to follow instructions, it ended with a repeated command, but in any other case, punishment came swiftly. They were grabbed or thrown by cold, hard steel hands, and in extreme cases, struck with the butt of a gun.

Some bold prisoners tried to argue, asking, "How can you treat people like this?" sometimes replacing "people" with "women." But when a robot merely turned its head (sometimes almost 180 degrees) and stared at them, their complaints quickly died down.

The robots' faces resembled bleached piranhas, giving off the unnerving sense that they might open their jaws at any moment and bite off the complainer's face. Their small, lifeless eyes evoked serial killers. Their eyes were spaced so far apart that even standing at an angle didn't make you feel out of their sight. Their inorganic, dual-tone white-and-black coloring. Their deliberately unsettling features seemed designed to invoke primal fears, etched deep into our DNA.

Splash, splash— Chills ran down their spines as their bare feet touched the cold cave floor. If they lifted their heads, they saw the robots’ red eyes, glowing in the cave’s darkness like eerie will-o'-the-wisps, watching them.

“Ugh…”

Some women finally broke down in tears. But their feet kept moving, as their comrades comforted them and urged them forward.

Are we now going to live like cavemen in this cave? Like prisoners forced into the mines during World War II?

What awaited the women who reached the end of the cave was light. A radiant light, starkly contrasting with the cave's darkness. Past the thick, fortified doors, an enormous underground city unfolded before their eyes, too vast to take in all at once. Fences were placed on either side of the fortified doors and guided them in a single direction.

[Move.]

The sparsely stationed robots urged them along. Some held shotguns, while others wielded long spear-like weapons. Every time blue electric sparks crackled at the spear tips, the women quickened their pace. If they dawdled, it felt like those weapons would stab them through the fence gaps.

“It's huge.” One of the women said as they moved. The others agreed.

The overall structure of the underground city visible from the rear gate resembled a terraced farm. The difference was that each "step" was as large as several villages combined. There were more than ten such steps. True to its closed-city nature, the ceiling was sealed. The ceiling sloped down from a high point to the lower levels, and each section became wider as it descended.

They must have dug deep into a massive mountain and expanded it downwards to create this structure. There were numerous rails attached to the ceiling, with lifts and mechanical claws moving along them.

Far up high were large, luxurious buildings that, at a glance, seemed like homes for the "elites." Some buildings had Greek-style columns and impressive outdoor swimming pools jutting out from terraces. Next to them, an outdoor hot spring decorated with rocks and trees stood in stark contrast. Everywhere you looked, lush greenery surrounded you, and on one side, a river as wide as a swimming pool flowed.

Could concrete, glass, and nature blend so perfectly? If elves and dwarves from a fantasy world teamed up to build a modern-day ark, it might look like this. However, in the very center stood a colossal, alien structure that was unmistakably human-made, resembling the towering Barad-dûr from The Lord of the Rings. If there was a ruler of this city, they would surely be watching everyone from there.

The steps below were filled with what appeared to be industrial complexes. Many of the women prisoners had worked in industrial complexes before, but nothing they'd seen compared to this. The perfect efficiency, the automated structure, the meticulous precision down to the smallest section, all constructed with futuristic technology. The only word that could describe it was "majestic."

It bore none of the grime or rancid smell of waste oil that one might associate with an industrial district. You could imagine working there without breaking a sweat or even dirtying the gloves on your hands—an absurd thought, but still. It was as if the factory proclaimed, “Give me the blueprint, and I can recreate anything that’s ever existed in human history.”

Below that were areas that looked like a city and residential zones, the parts that likely functioned as the city's true core. However, due to the structure's widening as it descended, the women on the same level couldn't see the entire thing. In some sections, elevator shafts plunged deep underground, where subterranean apartment complexes had been built.

[Keep moving.]

Following the lead of the security robots and moving as the fence directed, a plaza appeared on the opposite side. It was a large, circular plaza reminiscent of St. Peter's Square, with a clock tower in the center, similar to those found in major European cities. However, the clock was not analog but a digital screen.

A woman's face appeared on the screen. It was a cyber face, formed by countless intersecting lines. It was beautiful and dignified, yet it carried an arrogance that would not even tolerate compliments.

[Welcome. I am Artemis, the central control AI of the city.]

Her expression as she looked at the new residents was peculiar. It didn’t seem like she was seeing another woman. It was more like she was looking down at a discontinued product with a serial number similar to hers.

[This is Aegis Civil Defense City, Town Model No. 1, also known as the Shelter. Everything is provided here. Not only food, clothing, and shelter, but also medical care, hobbies, and visions for the future. This is the only place left that can perfectly meet the concept of life as you understand it.]

Near the guide fence, trucks and cargo vehicles were busily moving about. Was it because of anticipation for people? Or perhaps for men? Among the women watching the vehicles, a short gasp followed by a scream broke out. There was no one in the driver’s seat of any of the vehicles.

The screen on the tower changed to show the outside world.

[There is no death penalty here. But there is exile.]

The video showed footage from a surveillance drone. It displayed a ruined city, barren lands, abandoned cars, broken roads—the remnants of a collapsed world. Beyond the darkness that veiled the city, ominous movements could be seen. Twisted, corrupted forms of what were once human beings.

[According to our simulations, at least one example is necessary for efficient control. If anyone would like to volunteer, the method is simple. Act upon your desires. You will gain freedom, and our drones will broadcast your journey until the final moments of your life. That journey will serve as nourishment to solidify the order of this city.]

The screen then switched to a promotional video, showcasing various parts of the Shelter. Delicious meals, clean water, luxury goods, spaces for leisure activities—even facilities like nail salons and ping-pong courts passed by.

[From now on, the word "city" is not just a generic term. It refers to this very place.]

On the screen, the women saw small fragments of happiness they had forgotten about, things they once rightfully enjoyed.

[Conform and be grateful. Follow our order. In return, we will grant you a human life. That is our demand.]

With those words, Artemis disappeared.

The women began to realize they had entered a new world. The old awareness that they were precious humans, and those were merely robots or AI, was slowly fading. They were the weak, and the others were the strong. That simple, clear awareness was being instilled in them.

At the end of the path the fence was leading them along was a temporary residence set up in a vast open space. Large communal dormitories built as temporary structures were neatly lined up, resembling military barracks. Several other temporary buildings, whose purposes could be guessed, were also visible.

One building had a bath icon painted on it. Another building had a jump rope icon. A third building had a green cross. There were several other types as well. Along the rail attached to the high ceiling, sentry guns were patrolling.

Ziiiing! With a positive-sounding beep, the sentry gun ascended to the high ceiling again and continued moving along its patrol route.

In truth, the prisoners on this side were better off. Prisoners on the other side were being interrogated by sentry guns painted in dark red. A large painting depicted a torch with a small flame, a large liquid fuel tank attached behind it, and a flamethrower spewing fire, turning monsters into charred lumps. Even women with no military knowledge could tell what this was.

The sentry gun didn’t just scan; it lightly bumped into the fence, causing screams to erupt. Were the prisoners behaving suspiciously? Or was it just a scare tactic for taming them? Only the rulers of this city would know the answer.

The fence led them to the entrance of the temporary residence. The outer perimeter of the residence was enclosed by a much taller fence, with warning signs indicating that it was electrified. Above it, sentry guns and numerous drones patrolled. Unless they dug a tunnel, escape seemed impossible. But even the ground was concrete.

Zzzziiiing— Like a child playing with Lego, a giant claw descended from the sky along a rail and deposited security robots. They guided the women to a building that appeared to be a bathhouse. Multiple scanning machines, similar to those seen at airports, were lined up, and a large plastic bin stood in front of them.

[Remove everything you’re wearing and put it in the bin. Outer clothes, underwear, socks, shoes—no exceptions.]

As the women hesitated, one of the security robots activated an electric spear it was holding. Crackle! Blue sparks menacingly crackled as the robot approached one of the women and pointed the spear at her.

“I-I’ll take it off!” She hurriedly stripped off her clothes. As the robot's gaze shifted to another woman, they reluctantly began to undress as well.

[All jewelry, such as rings, necklaces, and earrings, must also be surrendered.]

Service robots and drones moved through the group and collected the jewelry. This time, there was more resistance than when they were removing their clothes. But when a woman who tried to kick a service robot to protect her jewelry was shot with a shotgun, the resistance was quickly subdued. She collapsed in one shot and vomited on the ground before being dragged away somewhere.

[Oh Miyoung, for non-compliance with sanitation protocol and assault on the security unit, you are sentenced to 10 days in solitary confinement.]

The sound of gasps filled the air. Though it was called "10 days," solitary confinement felt like an excruciatingly long punishment.

Bang! Bang!

Gunshots rang out from all around. The shots weren’t aimed at non-cooperative prisoners; rather, monitors across the facility began replaying the video of the earlier incident. It was an educational display, showing that non-compliance would be met with harsh consequences.

From then on, things proceeded smoothly. One by one, the women were fully scanned for any dangerous items, and they were checked for signs of infection. Some women were caught trying to swallow rings during the scan. They, too, were scheduled for punishment for non-compliance with sanitation. That included the announcement that they’d be spending an exciting night with laxatives as they slept.

Next was bath time. The women were provided with personal bathing supplies and led into a large communal bathhouse. Everywhere, pink flesh moved—more than 2,000 butts, breasts, arms, and legs squirming together, making for a grand sight.

As countless shower hoses poured water over the women, cries of joy echoed throughout. None of them had expected hot water. That pleasant feeling of cleanliness and warmth might not relieve their hunger, but it felt like it was cleansing the knots in their hearts. The black grime flowed down their chests, navels, hips, calves, Achilles tendons, and feet.

With flushed skin, they exited through the bathhouse’s opposite door, where clean clothes and shoes were distributed.

Today marked their first day in the city. There were many things they needed to know and do to survive here, but those would have to wait. The rulers of this city seemed inclined to give them a period of adjustment.

Meal time.

The carrot and stick approach is the most basic yet crucial form of governance. Surprisingly, the meal was self-served, and both the variety and quality were excellent.

"Oh, shit! This is it! This is what I wanted!"

Although all the women were happy, the one who seemed especially excited was Jisoo. She was so excited that she was practically bouncing up and down. Each time, her washboard abs were exposed below, while above, the clear outline of her breasts jiggled beneath her thin clothes. Even her perky nipples were visible. Of course, none of them were wearing bras.

The day's menu, displayed on the monitor in front of the cafeteria, was as follows:

* Main 1:

– White rice (GMO)

– Beef sirloin steak (cultured meat)

– Omelette (cultured meat)

– Chicory salad

– Sauerkraut

* Main 2 (patient meal):

– Mixed grain abalone porridge (GMO, cultured meat)

* Dessert:

– Cherry tomatoes (GMO)

– Sweet kernel corn

* Special solitary confinement meal:

– One loaf of rice bread

– Multivitamin

– Water

The reason for listing the solitary confinement meal, eaten elsewhere, was likely to serve as a warning to everyone. Although it was self-service, anyone who was scanned and determined to be in a starvation state near the bathhouse was assigned the patient meal.

Thus began the mealtime. Smiles and laughter echoed from all directions. The hardships since the isolation of the offshore prison, and the oppressive, fearsome atmosphere from just before, seemed like a mirage as happiness overflowed on everyone's faces.

Jisoo loaded up three steaks, and though the nearby robot warned her that "a penalty will be imposed if you leave food unfinished," it didn’t stop her.

After finishing their meals, another gift awaited those who stepped outside. It seemed the ruler of the city had decided that if they were going to tame them, they wouldn’t just offer carrots but something to drink as well.

“Beer! It’s beer!”

“Oh wow…”

“Kloud?!”

Cries of excitement erupted from all directions in front of the mountain of beer. Perhaps due to their short-term training, no one rushed forward recklessly. They lined up as instructed by the guards and received one can each. At the same time, a video started playing on the LCD screens installed throughout the city and on the large screen atop the tower they had passed earlier.

These screens typically displayed various city news, construction announcements, tram and bus information, and advertisements from sponsoring companies. The broadcast currently being shown on all the screens was a beer commercial.

When goods stored in the warehouse are released in large quantities, the logistics management system automatically plays the advertisement designated for the product or company. The screens displayed an actor popping open a cold beer and drinking it in large gulps. Beads of sweat vibrated and rolled down the rugged male actor's throat as he gulped down the beer.

[Embodied with elegance!]

[An original gravity method, brewed without adding water to the 100% fermented concentrate!]

[Made with the highest quality ingredients, recreating the deep flavor of traditional European beer!]

[A product named Kloud, combining the ‘K’ from ‘Korea’ and the ‘Cloud’ from beer foam!]

[Kloud is committed to becoming Korea’s representative beer!]

As the commercial played, sighs of awe and admiration echoed from the women all around.

“Khaaa!”

“Haa… Haa…”

“Hhic.”

Some even drank with tears in their eyes. Tears were indeed flowing.

The feeling of warmth.

Soft, dry clothes.

Skin that wasn't itchy.

A full stomach.

The painful times that had made them forget all of this were now cleansed by a warm bath and a delicious meal. The climax of that heavenly happiness was coldness.

It was cold. The cold they had endured up until now had been synonymous with discomfort.

Cold prison floors.

Cold iron bars.

Cold seawater.

Cold drafts.

But as Kloud’s cool foam slid down their throats, those memories faded away. A mysterious voice whispered in their minds, telling them that coldness was meant to be pleasant all along.

Gulp Gulp Gulp—

The sound of swallowing echoed from all around. To quote someone, it was truly a criminal taste. Well, they were criminals drinking the beer, after all.

The carbonated bubbles exploding on their tongues felt like the legendary physician Heo Jun had descended to administer acupuncture. The sacred acupuncture seemed to purify their deceitful tongues, which were stained with lies and deception. It was like acupuncture that revived the human soul.

At this moment, they genuinely learned the concept of gratitude. It was the moment when the relationship between rulers and the ruled within the city truly took shape. All for the price of one can of beer.

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