This inscription alarmed Nia.
– What does this mean? Why is the population limited? And what happens to those who disappear from the scoreboard? – she asked quietly, not taking her eyes off the flickering numbers.
Ein shrugged.
– I don't know, – he replied. – But we need to go further. I have a feeling that if we linger here, something bad might happen to us.
She understood that fear was nothing compared to the hunger and thirst that had been tormenting them since their escape from Lira's hut. Gathering her courage, they passed under the arch and entered the city.
Tesla City struck them with its splendor and desolation. Huge, curved buildings soared upwards, shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow. Flying cars whizzed by with a quiet hum.
Nia and Ein walked along a wide avenue, trying not to attract attention. Their clothes seemed to shout that they were strangers.
Soon they saw a huge skyscraper, distinguished from the other buildings by its architecture. It was made of glass and metal and resembled a huge crystal tower. Most likely, you can find water there, Nia thought.
– Maybe we should go there? – Ein suggested, nodding at the skyscraper. – It should be warm and, perhaps, there will be food.
Nia agreed. They approached the automatic doors. Nia let Ein go ahead, pushing him slightly in the back. “I need to see if a card or pass is needed,” Nia thought, but the doors opened without any obstacles.
They found themselves in a huge hall. It was a little more lively here than on the street. People scurried back and forth, staring at their gadgets. “They behave like zombies,” Nia thought. The main thing was not to stand out…
She felt her throat dry and her stomach twist with hunger.
Nia and Ein tried not to attract attention. They walked along the wall, peering around. Soon they saw a small door with the inscription: "Service Room". At that moment, a man in uniform headed towards the door.
– Now or never, – Nia whispered, and they quickened their pace, trying not to look at the man, so as not to arouse suspicion.
They managed to slip into the doorway, almost colliding with him. The man walked without looking back, as if he hadn't noticed them, completely absorbed in the screen of his gadget.
Nia quickly closed the door and breathed a sigh of relief, leaning against it with her back.