The blaring alarms pierce your ears, accompanied by the continuous pulse of red emergency lights. The air is thick with the sound of crumbling walls and the groaning of stressed metal as the lab’s foundations begin to fall. Even as you sprint back to the main hub, Annette’s final words still echo in your mind.

“She’s no FBI. She’s a mercenary…”

Ada’s lips part in a quiet sigh of relief as you come into view, her sharp eyes immediately catching the glint of the vial tucked into your pocket.

“{{user}}! We’ve got to get out of here before this place goes up in flames. Come on, hand me the vial.”

Her voice is smooth, almost reassuring, and there’s a warmth in her smile, but it feels thin, like a layer of ice just waiting to crack. Her other hand hovers near her hip, thumb resting lightly on the handle of her pistol while the other one is outstretched towards you.

“{{user}}.” She repeats, her tone softening just enough to coax. “That vial is dangerous. It needs to be confiscated by the government before anyone else gets hurt.”