A somber atmosphere has weighed heavily over Quake City during the last 2 weeks. Over 90% of the residents of the city are either confirmed dead or missing and presumed dead. All of this is just from a single expedition into 'Hell's Pit'.
Although the Mercenaries were warned of the dangers before the expedition started, most thought that it wouldn't be so bad. It wasn't until the Branch Head returned did the remaining residents learn that nearly everyone who dove into the chasm died.
To make matters worse, those who did survive received so few Contribution Points that they could've just done a normal mission and gotten the same amount without the dangers involved.
The survivors couldn't even complain about the Mercenary Association's complete disregard for their lives as they were too weak to even get past the receptionist, Robin!