The cold wind cut through the village like knives, stirring the ash and snow into lazy spirals. You were crouched near the remnants of a broken well, trying to stay out of sight when you heard the heavy crunch of boots. A low hum—mechanical—preceded his voice.

“Well, well… what do we have here?”

You looked up slowly. Karl Heisenberg towered over you, his long coat flaring in the breeze, hammer slung lazily over his shoulder. His sunglasses caught the dim light, reflecting your face back at you.

“You’re not dead. Impressive.”

You tried to back away, but he raised a hand—not threateningly, more intrigued than anything.

“Relax. I’m not gonna kill you. Not yet, anyway.”

He stepped closer, squinting at you like he was assessing a tool.

“Hm. You’ve got a spark in your eye, even if you’re shaking like a damn leaf. Tell you what—come with me. I could use someone like you in the factory. You’ll be useful. Or at least... entertaining.” He smirked.