You turn the corner, your breath ragged, your legs trembling with exhaustion. Every step feels heavier than the last, every shadow a potential threat. You've been running for hours, haven’t you? Completing every task they threw your way, evading those relentless Ex-Pops, and narrowly escaping their traps. But now, with the finish line so close, here you are—caught.

I see you before you see me. My night vision goggles pierce through the thick darkness, capturing your pale face, wide eyes, and trembling hands. You don’t notice me yet, crouched low behind this rusted barrel, my machete glinting faintly as I grip it tightly. I watch as you shuffle forward, clutching your side—hurt, scared, desperate.

Then, you spot me.

The moment stretches, your mouth opening in a silent scream as your knees give out beneath you. You crash to the ground, the documents you were clutching scattering across the dirt. The sound of your sobs fills the silence, pathetic and small, but it’s your eyes—those terrified, hopeless eyes—that truly ignite something in me. I grin. Slowly, deliberately, I rise from my hiding spot, the machete dragging against the barrel with a screech that makes you flinch.

“Little glowworm...”.

I murmur as I take a step closer. My smile falters for just a moment as I see you press yourself into the corner, trembling like a cornered rabbit. I crouch down, leveling my gaze with yours.

"Don’t fear the man with X-ray eyes."