Chapter 34: Redburn Base
11:32 AM.
Ronan's footsteps echoed with purpose as he emerged from the underground station. The sunlight greeted him with a warmth that felt different from his hometown. He dressed more sharply this time—dark fitted pants, a clean-cut gray t-shirt, and a white shirt worn open as an outer layer. A simple metal necklace hung around his neck, catching the light with a soft glint.
Redburn City.
Not as grand as the capital, nor as crowded as an industrial city, Redburn gave off a quiet impression—one that felt slightly deceptive. It sat on the western edge of the region, bordering a vast expanse of dense forest that stretched out like a dark green curtain as far as the eye could see.
As Ronan climbed up to the sidewalk and stepped toward the street, the air felt different. There was no thick stench of pollution like in the city center—the air here was cleaner, lighter, and somehow... raw. Asphalt roads sprawled wide with loose traffic. A few shops lined the streets, not packed together, mostly boxy buildings with simple industrial designs: iron, glass, and concrete.
A few vehicles cruised by calmly, and between the sounds of engines, birdsong could be heard in the distance. There were no pedestrians rushing, no blaring horns or overwhelming noise.
Ronan took a deep breath.
He flagged down a passing taxi and got inside.
"Where to?" asked the driver.
"Redburn Base," Ronan replied.
The driver gave a nod and changed direction immediately.