Bab 3: "It's a scam!"

The next day, Lia traveled to the designated place. She didn't wear those red sneakers she wore on her unlucky day, so she wore her black boots, black fitted pants, and her checkered polo shirt. Her dark brown, long hair was tied into a low ponytail. She had to ride an e-bus from her city, Makylee City going to Eulim City. It was her first time there, and while looking outside, she listened to her favorite playlist. She saw how the scenery changed, from her usual busy cityscapes to a large open field of rice paddies, and finally reaching another city after 2 and a half hours.

Eulim City is a special city specifically for research laboratories and facilities. It has an area of 170 km². Only the scientists, researchers, and laboratory assistants could rent apartments and stay in dorms, as stated in the law. They should at least earn college degrees related to science. Eulim City has futuristic-style types of buildings within, with a lack of edges and a lot of curved designs.

The city had a different vibe from Makylee City, and this made Lia more excited about her work. From her e-bus, she had to ride an e-train specifically going to a research facility. Not just anyone can ride that train. Because the research facility had research on DNA mutation which was very confidential, anyone who rides the train should be invited by a scientist and has to present his or her I.S. code.

After presenting her I.S. code and her palmprints, Lia then entered the train and sat in her assigned seat, luckily on her favorite window seat. The cushioned seat was comfortable and there was a footrest in front. "I can live here forever. This is more comfortable than my bed at home," Lia thought while enjoying her train ride. Unfortunately, the ride was only 7 minutes.

When the e-train stopped, the passengers got out of the train, and a young scientist was waiting at the platform.

She has dark blue, long, waist-length hair in a fishtail braid. Her gray pupils and round eyes were emphasized by her big, round eyeglasses for her bad eyesight. She wore a loose laboratory gown and on her right hand, she held a list of applicants.

"I am Sanya Mayheart and welcome to the DNA Mutation Cadre Research Facility. I believe you've heard of this?" the young scientist asked. "We study the local occurrence of DNA mutations."

The 25 applicants were shocked. It wasn't in the application poster that they were going to apply in a research facility as famous and high-end as the D.M. Cadre Research Facility. When they called the number, a psychological test was sent and those who qualified were called by an automated voice telling them, "Visit Eulim City tomorrow at 10 in the morning to continue your application. A map and some instructions will be provided and sent to your email after this call."

"I see you were shocked. We did not say that you applied to our research facility because of the government's order." Sanya explained. "To those who don't know what was happening with some of the world's population, it's this.." She continued explaining.

The emergence of the Animal Mutant Disorder in newborn babies 25 years ago became a starting point to make countries invest more in science and technology. Not every country had funds at the start, though.

The Philippian Archipelago is a tropical country in Asia, with a minimal growth and development when it comes to technology. Twenty-five years ago the citizens had just discovered how to live with renewable energy and electricity-activated or gasoline-less public transportation. A large amount of the national budget was invested in this. The research on a large number of mutation incidents was set aside because of the lack of funds. Even though many protest groups have been relaying their concerns to prioritize it, there was no action from the government.

It was only 15 years ago when the country started investing in it. They gathered funds through agriculture and fisheries where they export rice, seafood, and other related resources. They also had large exports of stored energy from the wind (windmills), sunlight (solar panels), and water (hydroelectric power plant), Aside from this, other countries donate yearly to the Philippian government intending to help the country to have its research facility and trained scientists.

"Our government now takes pride in research and development, including technologies in renewable energy. But setting this renewable energy thing aside, you are here not because of it, but because of the Animal Mutant Disorder issue." Sanya said, then cleared her throat. "You are applying as caretakers of mutants."

Everyone was surprised. They weren't expecting it to be this weird. So that's the reason why it was a high-paying job. It was because they aren't sure about their safety. They had already heard about the different sides of mutants, even if these were just rumors.

"We can only give you the promised amount of 40,000 digital cash per month, including accommodation, food, and insurance. It will be 6 days a week, from Saturdays to Thursdays, 12 hours per day. Those who would want to negotiate contracts are welcome to discuss with us." Sanya said. "Your work will be easy, cleaning the mutant's place, cooking specific food, and making sure the mutant eats. Oh, and getting along with your assigned mutant. That's it. Easy, am I right?"

The applicants only stared at Sanya. They thought that it was a scam, a really big scam. When Sanya saw their faces, she said, "Those who want to quit, you can leave now."

The e-train opened. Out of the 25 applicants, only four of them were left.

Lia had mixed emotions. Being the only breadwinner of the family, she wanted to think about it. Her part-time job in the E-charge station was only 5,000 digital cash, while her night job at the bar was only 10,000. She badly needed a high paying job.

"The four of you, are you sure?" Sanya said, wanting to make sure. "Once you enter the facility, there's no turning back."

The four remaining applicants looked at each other.

A 26-year-old young lady named Lovely Wenn answered, "Yes, I'm sure, Ms. Mayheart. I'm willing to take the job!" She has red, long hair tied neatly in a high ponytail.

"Me too, I badly need a job," answered Gem Sayaka, a 31-year-old ex-athlete. She has deep purple eyes and short, apple cut pink hair.

"I'm in. I'm broke," said Sanno Angeldame, a 25-year-old tall guy. He has a good body figure, handsome, and has brown skin. He has light brown eyes and dark green, messy hair.

All of them looked at Lia, waiting for her to speak up.

She weighed the pros and cons of the deal. If she accepts it, she would only have one day to rest and meet her brothers, but then she thought about why she was even there in the first place. Isn't it to provide for her brothers' needs? Aside from that, she had to take care of her loans from the bank for her father's surgery and recurring hospital bills.

She didn't want to take the job, but she remembered her struggles 2 years ago. She remembered that she had to be brave enough and conquer all her fears as the breadwinner of her family.

Then Lia said with determination, "I accept the job."