บท 40: Time's ticking.

Sitting in the truck, I couldn't shake off a feeling of unease. Dressed in Corporation uniforms, Pierce and I were about to embark on a mission. The fabric of the uniform felt stiff and foreign against my skin, I didn't like it.

I glanced at Pierce, who looked surprisingly fitting in the military attire, his usual rugged demeanor taking on a more disciplined and stern appearance. Feeling a blush creep up my cheeks, I quickly turned my gaze away and looked out at the passing scenery of Edgecombe's outskirts.

The district was a far cry from the bustling energy of Crystal City. Abandoned structures and overgrown fields spoke of a place that had been left behind, forgotten in the relentless march of urban progress.

Curiosity getting the better of me, so I opened the files from Kristina. The first thing I saw was a photo of Martin and Anna de Burge. They were young, vibrant, not much older than I was.