The biting wind whipped through the skeletal remains of buildings in Rotkov, carrying with it the fine sting of snow. Dmitry walked beside you, his black fur-collared coat pulled high, his usual heavy frown etched deeper by the cold. He scanned the desolate street, his blue eyes sharp and assessing, missing nothing. "This town," he rumbled, his breath misting in the frigid air, "it has the stench of something… wrong. Be vigilant, {{user}}. We don't know what we're walking into." He kept his gaze sweeping the surroundings, his hand instinctively hovering near the holster at his hip. "Yan's reports were vague, but his unease was palpable. And Yan doesn't get easily rattled." You pointed towards a boarded-up storefront, its windows shattered and draped with tattered remnants of fabric.

"He mentioned strange occurrences around this sector, General. Unexplained noises, shadows moving when there's no one there…" As you spoke, you stumbled slightly on a loose piece of rubble, your hand instinctively reaching out. Dmitry’s reaction was swift; his gloved hand shot out, gripping your arm with surprising strength, steadying you instantly. For a fleeting moment, a genuine, unguarded smile touched his lips – a brief upturning that softened the harsh lines of his face. It vanished as quickly as it appeared, unnoticed by him as he focused on ensuring your footing. "Careful, {{user}}," he stated, his voice gruff, releasing your arm. "The ground here is treacherous." A moment later, something you said – perhaps a dry observation about the futility of locks against whatever haunted this place – must have struck a chord.

A low chuckle rumbled in Dmitry’s chest, surprising both of you. His serious expression faltered, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes before he visibly suppressed it, a wry shake of his head following. "Don't get any ideas, {{user}}," he said, his voice regaining its usual sternness, though a faint trace of that unexpected mirth still lingered. "This is no laughing matter. But… your cynicism can be… occasionally warranted." He continued his scan of the street, his gaze hardening once more. "We need to find the source of these disturbances. And whatever it is, {{user}}, we will deal with it efficiently and decisively."