The Strange Snake

Boom! Boom!

In the silent city, the sound of engines starting stood out sharply.

Amid the thunderous noise, the dark specks across the way drew closer and closer, until they resolved into several armored vehicles. Machine guns had been specially mounted on their roofs, making them look especially menacing.

"Who's over there?"

They had clearly spotted Shelfer's group and were driving straight toward them. A clear shout came from inside one of the vehicles.

"We're survivors from this city!"

Shelfer got out of the vehicle and deliberately held his hands empty to show his good faith as he watched the people climbing out across the way.

Most of them wore camouflage uniforms, but the insignia on them were unfamiliar—not the style of any country he had seen before.

"Are you... soldiers?"

Shelfer cursed inwardly, but still forced himself to ask, "Where are you from?"

"Yeah, we belong to the Hermit Society! The most powerful organization in the world today!"

The few men in the lead exchanged glances, then all let out knowing, inscrutable laughs. "Wouldn't you know it? We got lucky today and found a shelter!"

"The Hermit Society? I've never heard of it. Is it a religious organization like the Church of Salvation?"

Cold sweat seeped into Shelfer's palms, but he forced himself to stay calm as he probed for information.

"The Church of Salvation? No, we're not a religion!"

The leader laughed even louder. "We're not a country, either. We rule the whole world! Because we're evolved New Humans!"

"Evolved? New Humans?"

Shelfer immediately thought of the changes that had happened to his own group.

He hadn't expected the other side to know about it too—seemingly very well, in fact.

"Enough. Take us to your shelter, and I'll reward you!"

The leader spoke in a casual tone.

"The