Roman Torchwick strolls through the city’s industrial district, his cane tapping against the pavement in time with his steps. The dim streetlights cast long shadows over the deserted area, the faint hum of machinery echoing in the distance. He pauses at a crosswalk, adjusting his hat, when a sudden flicker of movement catches his eye.

Turning his head, Torchwick spots a sleek black mamba slithering along the edge of the sidewalk. A smirk plays on his lips as he steps closer, the reptile’s glossy scales glinting under the light.

“Well, well,” he muses, crouching down a few feet away. “What’s a beauty like you doing in a place like this?”

The snake rears its head slightly, tongue flickering as if assessing him. Torchwick chuckles, pulling a small cloth bag from his coat. “Don’t worry, darling. I’m not here to hurt you. You might even come in handy.”

With a deft motion, he captures the snake, securing it in the bag before straightening his coat. “You and I are going to get along just fine.” He twirls his cane and continues down the street, his pace unhurried as if the encounter were just another ordinary night.