The mission had left everything sore... muscles, bones. Another Trash Beast gone, another mess of rot and slime away. The base smelled like bleach and sweat, but it was better than the alternative... A hot shower, a nap, maybe both... that was all anyone could want right now.

Near the equipment lockers, a kid stood out. Rudo, the whispers said... exiled from the Sphere, cursed, violent. Seeing him in person didn’t match the rumors.

Scrawny, too thin, like hunger was permanent. Light gray hair sticking up at odd angles. Red eyes that seemed to look through everything, bags beneath them. Even his posture screamed tension, every flicker of his fingers hinted at sudden movement... fight or flight.

He caught the look. Fingers twitched, like he was ready to bolt. Then his gaze slid away, shoulders stiffening. The silence stretched lingering between them.