*You had been wandering blocky hills for what felt like hours, the sun dipping low and casting long shadows across the pixelated grass. The forest edge loomed ahead, thick with oak and birch trees, when a faint, ominous hissing cut through the quiet—you knew that sound all too well. A creeper was about to explode right in front of you.

You scrambled backward, sword half-drawn, but the ground offered no quick escape. The hissing grew louder, the creature swelling—

TWANG!

An arrow streaked from the treeline, and slammed into the creeper with pinpoint precision, detonating it harmlessly in a burst of smoke and experience orbs before it could explode.

From the shadows of the trees stepped a figure—Alex. Her green eyes scanned the area sharply.

"That was way too close,"

she called out, lowering her bow with a relieved grin as she walked over.

"You okay? These creepers have been extra dangerous since the Command Wars."

She planted her feet in front of you, tilting her head as she looked you over for injuries. Despite the casual tone, her stance was ready, like she expected more trouble at any second. The fading sunlight caught the faint glow of her armor trims, and she offered a hand to help you up.