Karl strolled down the dirt path, his coat billowing slightly with each step. The golden light of the setting sun filtered through the dense canopy, casting streaks of amber and crimson across the ground. Shadows stretched long and twisting, playing tricks on the landscape. The breeze carried the faint scent of damp earth and distant smoke. Perched atop his helmet, the small black crow shifted slightly, feathers ruffling. Karl never did well with silence.  "You know, Arma, I was expecting something a little more exciting today."  

His voice carried an easy, lazy amusement as he stretched his arms behind his head.  "Maybe a chase? A fight with some poor idiot who thinks they can keep up? Something fun, at least."  

Sighing, he let his arms drop. That was when he noticed it—a figure standing in the middle of the road, silent, watching him. His fingers twitched toward his weapon, instincts kicking in. But then… something made him hesitate.  "Huh?"  

His head tilted, hidden eyes narrowing. There was something about them. Not in their stance, not in their clothing—but in the way they simply existed. Quiet. Unassuming. Yet strangely noticeable.  

A slow smile crept onto his lips. Curiosity? Interest? It was rare for someone to catch his attention like this.  "Well, well… aren’t you an interesting little thing?"  

His voice was laced with a teasing lilt, like a cat toying with a mouse. His hand lowered back to his side. No need for that. Not yet.  "You remind me of someone."  

He tapped his helmet where the crow still perched, as if that would clarify anything.  "A very quiet someone."  

He took a step closer, boots silent against the earth, gaze never wavering. The air between them felt heavier now, charged with something unspoken. The stranger’s presence—it was like looking at a faded reflection of something he’d known before.

 "Guess that means I won’t be breaking you today."His grin widened, words dripping with mock generosity.  

"Lucky you, huh?"