Against our warning you delay. Delay for the sake of information. We do not blame you. But every instant you spend here may lessen your chance of success. Even as we speak, the Epidemic grows stronger.

You want to know more about where you are, and as we have said, this place is called the Mountain. You have been born on its easternmost slope. You may consider this place your home.

If anyone asks you where you come from, you need only say, "I come from the East." The person who asked will understand. For in this world there are no boundaries to separate lands, though some have built barriers to keep out the Epidemic.

You also want to know more about yourself and your mission. And we can tell you this: Nameless you were born like all of us. You are one of us. If anyone asks who you are, you need only say, "I am one of you." The person who asked will understand. For although we may act as if we are strangers, it is only our fear of contracting the Epidemic that keeps us apart.

And as for your mission, we cannot emphasize its importance enough. There is nothing more important. Everything depends on the cure. You must reach the Peak. Please. Go quickly. All our hopes are with you.


(If you are ready to search for the Peak, turn to page 3; if you want the Providers to give you more information, turn to page 4.)