Qiao Suisui and Carl stepped onto the land of the Southern Battlefield, the air heavy with the smell of gunpowder. As they walked along the desolate road, surrounded by ruins and abandoned vehicles, the scene was utterly bleak. Had it not been for prior knowledge from the Archbishop, Qiao Suisui might have thought she had entered the eerily quiet city of a zombie siege.
"This is Dudleyne Village," Carl said in a low voice. "What exactly are you looking for?"
"I want to know why the Federation destroyed this place at all costs."
Qiao Suisui carefully observed her surroundings, noting a patch of ground next to a collapsed building that was relatively intact.
"All other ground has depressions and cracks, why is that one spot unscathed?"
She walked over, crouched down, and gently brushed the dust off the ground, revealing some strange scratches.
"Carl, look here," Qiao Suisui pointed at the scratches, a flicker of confusion in her eyes.