I

It took a long time for the Earth to be inhabitable again. The human race spent ages underground, unable to breathe actual air, or see what the world actually looked like. It has now been 100 years since humans settled above ground. Walled-in towns and cities have been built called Outlets. Only merchants and travelers dare go outside, and rumors of radiated, hostile animals and infectious disease spread constantly throughout communities.

Holden always dreamed of leaving his Outlet, but his father, scarred by the death of his wife, will never allow it. After living his entire life thus far, trapped within the small town he knew, he is finally pushed to a breaking point.