The Zetta Sonic
Keep Hidden

“What are you talking about?” Alex wasn't sure what he heard. What did his father start and what was his mistake? Then, he remembered his old memories. “We've been here. Does it have anything to do?”

“You remember?” ask Mark while releasing his grip.

“Neg. Not to this day.”

“The bees are the trigger,” said his father while nodding. “That time you were a kid and got totally unpleasant memories. It's only natural that you forget about it. To this day, that is still my biggest regret. I'm taking you on a mission. I left you alone. My negligence puts you in danger. The doctor said you were lucky. We saved you at the right time. That's not entirely true.”

Alex did not respond. He just kept quiet. Half were curious, half were afraid of what the father would say next.

Mark rubbed his face and let out a long sigh. Then, he continued. “A few years ago, when I was a field agent, I had the mission of escorting Professor Dominic to do research here. I thought we were going to research their culture until I heard a detailed briefing on the mission.

Kloster Island has many secrets. Their soils contain minerals that are slightly different from most soils in the world. This makes them have different varieties of animals and plants. Strange, unique, magical, whatever that may be. However, it is nothing compared to water sources that contain these minerals.

Tribal elders believed the spring to be a gift from a god. According to the data, Kloster tribe keep and hide it closely. Never once did anyone drink it or use it for anything. We're pretty sure it's bullshit. No. gabe. I myself am pretty sure it was a lie. We believe the Kloster tribe knows the efficacy of the water.

Since ICPA Regis used to send various assistance here, the higher-ups started trying to negotiate. Eventually, after a few years, Kloster opened himself up wider and allowed ICPA agents to examine the spring on one condition. The ICPA is only allowed to research it on the spot. The water cannot be taken off the island. If we are broken, we will be punished by the gods.

The officers agree.

Dominic and I were sent here to investigate. Iwadyou. Then... everything goes wrong.” Mark took a deep breath.

Alex could guess. “You brought the water out.”

Mark nodded slowly.

“We have a chance, son.” Dominic walked over. This time, Mark did not stop him. Dominic sat down next to his boss and continued. “Unfortunately, we don't have much time. Kloster only gave us a few days, but that research could take years. I believe that water has potential.”

“What potential?” Alex asked, but still afraid to hear the answer.

Dominic laughed amusedly. “What else? I'm a doctor, son. I believe that if we do further research, we can make it a drug that can cure any disease. At that time, I was pretty sure that medicine would change the world. Just imagine, all diseases disappear from the world. Wow.”

“You stole the water?” continued Alex.

Mark shook. “Not him. I took it. Something that comes to the surface cannot be covered forever. I thought the world needed to know, so I took the water to research.”

“Good decision!” dominic hatch. “You made that water really change the world today, Mark.”

Alex still doesn't understand. “How can it?”

Dominic chuckles again. “You.”

“You know how you can survive that crazy Otto Dragon Blood?” Dominic asked back. Without waiting for Alex's answer, Dominic continued, “You survived having gotten that water before. The same water that Otto used to make the Dragon Blood potion. My medicine saved your life from the Dragon Blood incident and also restrained his power from taking over your consciousness. I'm also pretty sure that water helps you heal fast.”

Alex was surprised to hear that. He had indeed not recovered before but indeed the bruises and bite wounds were reduced quickly. Alex is sure to be much faster than normal people.

Mark took over from there, “After you were stung by a bee and saw the allergic reaction, I knew I was going to lose you. There was no proper medical equipment at that time. And, we won't reach the city in time. Professor Dominic injected you with something from the water to save you.”

Alex gnashing. He looked up at the professor. “You think you only intend to approach doctor Vanessa because of Zetta Sonic. Turns out you made him into a guinea pig.”

Alex's words made Dominic sigh long. “I didn't know you were going to be Zetta Sonic! Come on, maybe I don't look like a doctor. I try to be stylish and gentlemanly but people think I'm a playboy. Well, maybe they're not entirely wrong. What's wrong with beautiful women? Oh, but Vanessa beat them all. She is not only beautiful from the outside but also from the inside. Just like him, I'm a doctor. We save lives instead of throwing them away.”

Alex did not respond. Feeling his throat dry, Alex coughed. Dominic threw his hand into the air. He left them to start tidying up his scattered belongings.

Mark snorted amusedly at the debate. “Alex, Dominic used his research materials to save you. After the incident ended, we decided that the world might not be ready to accept such a drug. I hid this secret from the ICPA. The only way to keep it safe is to be at the top of the lead.”

“What is the best way?” Alex tried to talk. Her voice raspy. His throat fuses the desert.

“I don't know. But, it was clearly the most doable path back then. You survived.  That's all that matters. If I remember, I had enough trouble explaining the situation to your mother back then.”

“Mom never knew about ICPA.”

“That's dangerous for him—”

“It was dangerous for all of us,” Alex said. He paused for a moment, gulping down to talk more. Alex spoke despite occasionally coughing. “Dad never talked to us about this. I hide too many things. I thought at first you were just as busy as my friends' parents. Then I started to think otherwise. Like you just wanted to run away from us. I learned hacking because... because.” Alex stopped.

“I know I'm not the best dad. That's why I'm here, Alex.”

“Mother... She left.. No, I mean..” Alex stopped again. Not because he was unable to continue or his throat was still dry but more because his chest suddenly felt tight. Then, his eyes began to twitch. Alex shook his head, expelling all those uncomfortable feelings.

Dominic looked back once. He squinted his eyes. Alex looks a little pale. Dominic stuffed the last item in his backpack and was about to turn around when he heard the sound of the trigger being pulled just behind his head.

“Alex, are you okay?” Mark saw how Alex paled quickly. So are his lips. “I think we need to go back to the village now. Can you walk?”

Alex blinked a few times. After making sure the discomfort was reduced, Alex nodded slowly. Mark turned to Professor Dominic. However, the professor was no longer in his place. Mark circulated his gaze, looking for his partner.

“Mark, I think we have a little problem.”

Dominic was on the other side of the tree with his backpack still open lying near his feet. Behind Dominic, there was a black-clad hooded man with a plain black mask who was pointing a gun.