Gathering
Dudian went back to the neighborhood. He spent five copper coins, in the vicinity of the wall to call a carriage so that he could directly go to the Lin Kang street. Today was too late, so he did not have enough time to go to buy sulfur and saltpeter. Moreover, after a few days he would have to go to the scavengers training camp. In regards to confidentiality kept by the organization, everything brought to the camp would be checked closesly so he avoided purchase of those materials.
Although in this world, people only knew how to use sulfur for dyes and pesticides. Nevertheless it also belonged to the low-risk dangerous goods.
The Jura couple were apparently anxiously waiting for Dudian to return and they were noticeable relieved the moment he came back. Because of the strong smell coming of Dudian’s body, Gray frowned and began to distance himself: “What is this dirty smell coming off your body?”
Dudian coughed and said: “the usual smell of slums.”
Jura pinched her nose and said “You should wash. Wait a moment, I’m going to bring hot water for you” and went to the kitchen.
Dudian went into the bathroom. He hid the super-computer in a crach on the corner off the floor and wall. Soon Jura brought hot water and asked: “You gotta wash properly. Do you want me to help you?”
“No,” Dudian quickly refused.
“OK. Slowly wash up and clean properly.” Jura put the water on the ground, turned to leave.
Dudian looked at the small basin of water. He had a slight smile on his face. He missed the showers of the old era, unfortunately in this world even water radiation could not be filtered. At least in residential district it was so, which made him to desire to enter the commercial district as soon as possible.
…
…
Three days later.
A tall carriage sprang to Jura couple’s house. A two meters high, covered in exquisite armor,strong black horse was pulling the carriage.
From the carriage a youth jumped down. He looked at the house number and knocked on the door.
The Jura couple and Dudian were having breakfast. They saw the carriage from the window and all of a sudden they had understood the reason guest had come. Jura immediately opened the door and warmly said: “Come in.”
The soft-haired youth saw that she seemed to know her purpose. But still he showed the identity card which was a medal that had a double crossed swords, representing the “guard” identity. He did not enter the room, said: “No. I’m sorry but my time is tight. I have to take your child to the commercial district for military training. You must have received the notice so please make it fast as I’m in a hurry.
Jura did not think he was so anxious and busy: “Officer, how long is the child going to be in military training?
“The training period is three years” he said. “During the three years, he will be able to come back to home only on holidays. But my suggestion is that he should avoid doing so and study if he wants to complete his studies in three year period.
Jura’s face changed, “So hard? What if he can’t complete?
“You can rest assured. Even in case that he is eliminated he will be referred to small position. ” The youth said in an indifferent tone.
Gray heard their conversation and his heart was relieved. He turned around and saw Dudian slowly dine. He could not help but be stifled, said: “Are you going to prepare?! Do not let the officer wait for you for long. Come on!”
Dudian sighed. He hated the most to be interrupted while dining. Looking at Gray’s eyes, he could only lay down his rolls, clap his hands, and return to his room. He have already folded the two sets of changing clothes and received the linen backpacks. Of course, the most important one was his uniform which he had received beforehands.
Dudian brought his backpack to the door. He looked up at the the youth, said: “Let’s go.”
Jura worriedly asked: “Have you taken everything? Clothes, shoes… ”
“Everything is in the backpack.” Dudian waved, said “do not worry.”
“Be careful when you go there. Do not fight with other children.” Jura added.
Dudian heart warmed. Although the last time when they tried to marry him into Avril house made his heart cold towards them. But seeing Jura to be so sincere and care for him as for her own son changed previous cold feelings. After all, he has been adopted. He was grateful for everything that they had done for him.
“I will.” He answered back “ You have to take good care of yourself too, ‘Black Death Season’ is coming up and the temperatures will sky-rocket. Ventilate the house a lot or you will catch the diseases!”
Jura was a perceptual and sentimental person. She didn’t know how long it would take to see Dudian again. There were tears flowing down her eyes.
“Let’s go.” The youth turned towards carriage. He helped Dudian to put his backpack onto the carriage.
Dudian climbed the carriage, looking at Jura and Gray. He waved his hand, there was a hint of dismay in his heart. But soon, this strand of feeling was suppressed in the bottom of his heart. His palm gripped the backpack, eyes cold he ‘looked’ towards the future. His soft heart has become cold and strong.
…
…
Carriage sped into the business district. Turned a dozen streets and gradually went into a little remote street. Continue to move forward it came to stop in front of a huge wall. The huge iron gate was unlocked and carriage went inside. On each door side there was a massive sword carved. On top of the swords there were to words engraved..
“Loyalty” and “Guardian”!
“Get off!” Youth told to Dudian.
Dudian jumped out of the carriage, quietly watching the surrounding environment.
“Come with me.” Youth man glanced at him, release the reins of the horse, not afraid of the carriage to ran away on its own. They walked towards a small door.
After passing through the there a huge school field appeared in their vision. There were school building around the field. They passed the field onto a remote building. As they were passing through the hall they heard a low cry.
The youth, accompanying Dudian, frowned. He opened the wooden door. There were seven or eight children at the same age as Dudian. At the moment one of the little girls was holding her knees, squatted on the floor and was crying. Next to her stood few boys with embarrased faces who did now know what to do.
The youth asked in a cold tone: “What happened?”
One of the boys was shocked to see the youth: “Mi,Mi, Minnie said she is homesick.”
The youth frowned: “is she?” He came up to the little girl in front, ordered: “I’m going to give you two seconds. Stop crying and stand up!”
The little girl heard his cold words, as if scared timidly stood up. She was trembling and tears were still flowing through her face.
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