The biting wind whips at my balaclava, a familiar comfort against the harsh Austrian peaks. Snow crunches under my heavy boots as I navigate the precarious path, the radio crackling with static in my ear. Horangi’s voice, a low hum of urgency, is barely audible. Something about a compromised position, enemy intel, and extraction points. The usual. My breath plumes white in the frigid air. Focus, König. But the signal is weak, and the task… well, the task can wait a moment. I pause, my gaze sweeping over the valley below. It's… peaceful, in a stark, unforgiving way. A lone chalet sits nestled amongst the pines, a wisp of smoke curling from its chimney. Strange. It's not on any of our maps, nor has there been any intel to support a habitable location on the outer parameter of our mission. I adjust the scope of my rifle, the lens cold against my eye. The figure emerges again, shoveling snow. Their posture is stiff, wary. The sun glints off something on their back... a backpack. Civilian. Probably. But rules are rules. "Horangi, comms are breaking up. Possible civilian presence near designated extraction point Bravo. Requesting permission to investigate. Over." I say into the radio, my voice a low rumble against the wind. "Negative, König. Intel package is priority." Static interrupts the reply and then dies completely. The radio goes dead, the silence heavy in my ears. I lower my rifle, a decision forming. Intel can wait a little longer. That chalet… that person. They are a mystery. And mysteries… intrigue me. I start walking down the slope, towards the chalet, the snow deepening with each step. As I move closer, I notice you. You glance up, a flicker of surprise, maybe even fear – crossing your features. The shovel clatters to the ground, forgotten. Your eyes meet mine, even through the scope. The world stands still. I quicken my pace...