Chapter23: Black Wall City

They had arrived at Black Wall City.

At the city's edge stood a massive map, its surface neatly divided into distinct regions. One section, Area A, bore a newly added label—"Human Research Laboratory." The lettering seemed hastily appended, and the area it occupied was strikingly small. Area B was marked simply as "Entertainment," offering no further details, its vagueness making it all the more mysterious. Area C was clearly designated as a "Military Zone," while Area D bore a straightforward inscription: "Human Living Quarters." Below it, a single line of text read: "Pedestrian Entry Only."

After securing David's vehicle, the group adjusted their gear and set off toward the human living quarters. A long, paved road stretched ahead of them—at least two kilometers in length, straight and seemingly endless. Along its sides, sparse poplar trees stood in irregular intervals, their thin leaves rustling in the wind. The occasional presence of greenery lent a semblance of life to the otherwise desolate surroundings.

"I have a bad feeling about this. This place is… eerie," May muttered, scanning their surroundings uneasily.

"Or maybe it's a sanctuary, untouched by the apocalypse," Lily speculated, her eyes flitting around curiously.

After traversing a dimly lit corridor, the group finally emerged into a strikingly different world.

The city before them was astonishingly orderly. Cars moved smoothly along intersections, waiting patiently at traffic lights. Children in school uniforms stood by the sidewalks, chatting casually. Some people strolled by with bicycles, while others sat on grassy patches, earphones in, lost in their own worlds. The streets were clean, the houses pristine—there wasn't a single trace of blood, no sign of struggle. The few bits of litter that did appear on the roads were swiftly cleared away by city workers.

"Is this place really untouched by the chaos outside?" Jack's suspicion remained as his sharp gaze surveyed the peaceful scene.

"At least it looks that way," Bob responded, adjusting his gloves, his covered hand concealing something underneath.

V turned to Jack and spoke in a low voice. "Let's split up. We shouldn't move as a group." Without another word, he slipped into a nearby alley and disappeared.

Just then, a sleek, black stretch Lincoln limousine pulled up beside them.

The door opened, and a well-dressed man stepped out. His suit was immaculate, his demeanor composed. As he walked, children on the street called out cheerfully—

"Hi, Mayor!"

He smiled at them, radiating the air of a respected leader.

But Jack's blood ran cold. His eyes narrowed as he stared at the man—he recognized him instantly. This was the same person who had once commanded the Colosseum.

Lily, too, noticed it. Their gazes met for a brief, silent exchange, but neither spoke.

The man approached them and introduced himself with a polite smile.

"I am the Mayor of Black Wall City. No name—just 'Mayor.'" He gestured around them. "Everyone who arrives here is personally assigned a residence by me."

"We get a place to stay… for free?" May asked, skeptical.

"We provide all necessities—food, clothing, shelter, transportation." The Mayor's voice was smooth, unwavering. "However, the rooms are small. Maximum occupancy: two per unit."

He opened the car door, inviting them inside.

Jack and the others exchanged wary glances. Everything about this place felt… off. But given the circumstances, they had no immediate reason—or opportunity—to resist. Drawing their weapons on a man who had shown nothing but courtesy in a seemingly peaceful city? It would be reckless.

Reluctantly, they stepped into the vehicle.

The limousine glided smoothly through the city streets. Jack leaned back, watching the Mayor through the rearview mirror before finally speaking.

"We've seen you before, Commander."

The Mayor chuckled lightly. "Ah." He didn't deny it. "Yes. In fact, theoretically speaking, you'll see me several more times."

He turned his head slightly, tilting it just enough for them to catch sight of the back of his neck.

A number 6 was tattooed there.

"In this city, all service personnel are clones."

Silence filled the car.

Minutes later, the vehicle came to a stop in front of a neat, well-maintained apartment complex. The Mayor handed them four keys.

"These are your assigned residences. Four rooms in total. The numbers are written on the keys." He paused briefly. "If you feel uneasy, you may share a room for now. Unfortunately, none of the available rooms are located too close to each other."

With that, he bid them farewell and drove off.

Jack and the others remained standing outside the building, momentarily stunned. Eventually, they moved toward the nearest apartment and pushed open the door.

The interior was modest yet surprisingly cozy. Roughly ten square meters, the room contained a single bed, a small bathroom, a two-meter-wide refrigerator, and a compact kitchen.

"For now, let's stay together for safety," Bob suggested.

The others nodded in agreement. Without further discussion, they split up—one rummaged through the fridge for food, another freshened up in the bathroom. Everything was calm. Everything was… disturbingly normal.

Jack, however, stepped outside again.

Lily followed, walking beside him. The two strolled through the city, their bodies relaxed for the first time in what felt like an eternity. They almost looked like an ordinary couple, as if the world had never fallen apart.

"If none of this had happened, where do you think you'd be right now?" Jack asked.

Lily thought for a moment, then smiled. "Probably studying. And climbing mountains. I love the sense of achievement when I reach the summit."

The cityscape unfolded around them like a dream brought to life. Bustling streets, lively market stalls, children clutching colorful balloons—the very embodiment of peace, of everything humanity had lost.

Jack led Lily to another apartment, identical in layout to the first. Even the refrigerator contained the same items.

"What if we just… stayed here? After things settle down." Jack asked.

Lily met his gaze. After a pause, she gave a small nod—but then, with a slightly serious expression, added, "But no sex."

Jack blinked in surprise but didn't argue. He simply smiled. "Your call."

They continued their walk, soaking in the illusion of normalcy. They sat on a park bench, watching the ebb and flow of life around them. They stood by a bridge, observing boats drift lazily down the river.

Yet, as they neared Area B, something felt… wrong.

A towering gray roller coaster loomed over the skyline. Every ten minutes, a new set of passengers boarded. The ride launched, twisting and turning at dizzying speeds. But something was missing—something unnatural.

No one screamed.

Not a single sound came from the riders.

It was eerie.

Jack and Lily exchanged a glance, unease creeping into their thoughts. But before they could dwell on it, a school building in the distance caught their attention, pulling their focus away.

For now, they let it go.

Little did they know, the secrets of Black Wall City had only just begun to surface.