There were hardly any intact buildings left in the entire base. Using a few conspicuous structures as landmarks, they finally recognized the path back to the small courtyard. As they passed the hospital, Evelyn Ford sighed, looking at the building—only half of it was still standing.
"All the houses we worked so hard to build... gone just like that. And so many people are gone, too."
Ronan Kendrick watched Evelyn with concern. Since returning to the base, she had been doing her best to suppress her emotions. Even someone as cold as him found it difficult to remain indifferent to the scene before them.
"There are still some buildings that weren't destroyed. There must be a lot of survivors."
Evelyn Ford nodded. "I hope so."
Countless people were likely buried beneath the rubble underfoot. Even though she was wearing a gas mask, Evelyn could still smell an indescribable stench after entering the base.
