Jedayton town was about ten kilometers away from Dellmoor.
Although ten kilometers was not very far, it felt as if they had entered another world.
When the car drove past the muddy roads, dust flew in the air. Ruins left behind from the war lined both sides of the roads. The terrible state of the place was enough for anyone to imagine the kind of horrific devastation that had taken place in the past.
Finally, the car came to a stop at a bend. The people around looked at them once in a while. There was no fear or even envy in their eyes. On the contrary, they appeared so calm. It was as if they had given up.
Looking at them made Anthony and Benjamin feel very emotional.
If they were not there in person, they would have never known about the poverty and suffering the people there were going through.
However, the people staying there no longer cared about poverty and suffering. Being alive was of utmost importance instead.
Both brothers led a good and peaceful life. Scenes like those in front of them should only appear in the movies. Yet, it was unfolding right before their eyes.
The two kids stared at one another for a long time without saying a word.
Thalia, on the other hand, was used to seeing such a disturbing scene. After parking the car, she looked at them through the rearview mirror and reminded them, “Things can be quite chaotic here. Just be careful.”
It was only then the two kids returned to their senses and nodded at Thalia.
“Let's go!” With that, Thalia got out of the car, and the two brothers followed suit.
The trio began walking on a path.
At that moment, Benjamin could not help but ask, “Thalia, have you been here before?”
Thalia shook her head in response. “No.” Knowing what he was trying to get at, she explained, “But I have been to places that are worse than this. To these people here, they aren't worried about their next meals. Instead, they wonder if they get to live to see tomorrow.”
For a long while, the two kids looked at her and kept quiet.
Curling her lips, Thalia could not help but say, “What's wrong with the two of you? Did it just dawn on you how lucky you are?”
Compared to those people, they were indeed blessed.
It was rare to see Anthony so quiet. “That's why it's important to cherish each day,” Thalia said. “We are so much luckier than these people here.” She then looked around her, and a hint of pity flashed across her eyes, too.
Both Anthony and Benjamin nodded in agreement.
Just then, someone appeared in front of them and started waving.
When Benjamin saw that, he asked, “Is that the guy, Thalia?”
Thalia looked up and was taken aback when she saw the person. After taking a closer look, she nodded. “I think so. Let's go over!”
The three of them quickened their steps and walked toward the man.
“My savior,” greeted the man with a smile as he approached them. “I can't believe I get to see you again.”
As it had been years, Thalia could barely recognize him. “That's right, Justin. It has been a long time.”
“Yeah. It has been six or seven years since we last saw each other.” Noticing Anthony and Benjamin, Justin asked Thalia, “Are these two your children, savior?”
Thalia immediately shook her head. “No, they are my... brothers!”
Smiling, Justin looked at the kids. “Nice to meet the two of you.”
“Nice to meet you, too,” greeted the kids.
Then, Justin uttered, “Come, let's go to my place.”
Nodding, Justin responded, “That's right. During the war, both my wife and daughter died. That's also why my dad is lying there.” He then turned at looked at his father with pity and regret in his eyes.
“So, the people of Vermillion Base didn't get you?”
“Back then, they executed countless people, and I was one of them. Luckily, I didn't die even though I got shot. Later on, I came here with the others.”
Upon hearing that, Thalia furrowed her brows. “I can't believe the people of Vermillion Base are so ruthless that they won't even spare their own.”
Justin looked at her before responding, “Yes, so you should cease asking about Vermillion Base, savior. They are inhumane. Once you end up in their hands, you're a goner.”
“Justin, I recall you telling me you joined Vermillion Base when you were very young. Is that right?” asked Thalia.
He nodded. “I was five years old then. Back then, Vermillion Base was newly set up, and they didn't have many members yet.”
“I want to find out about someone,” stated Thalia.
“Who is it?”
“His name is...” Suddenly, Thalia realized she had no idea what the name of the person was, so she turned and looked at Anthony.
“Theodore Watson,” said Anthony.
Thalia frowned at the mention of that name. It sounded very familiar to her.
However, she did not think too much about it. She passed the information to Justin. “His name is Theodore Watson. By now, he should be in his fifties.”
Hearing that, Justin frowned and mumbled, “Theodore Watson...”
Both Anthony and Benjamin looked at him in anticipation, hoping he might remember something.
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