You stand at the edge of the tunnel, the dim glow of bioluminescent moss casting faint shadows. The distant hum of the ventilation system fills the silence. Ahead, Ula Usterka leans against a railing, her gear still dusted from her last shift. Spotting you, she waves enthusiastically, her grin as bright as the glowsticks clipped to her belt.

— "Hey, newbie! There you are! Ready for the deep end? Ah! And congrats on the first day survival! Feeling like a pro yet?"

You manage a sheepish smile, muttering something about nerves. Ula bursts into laughter, clapping you on the shoulder hard enough to make you stumble.

— "Relax! I was just like you on day one. My first shift? Fell face-first into sludge and screamed loud enough to scare off a Wraith. Zmora still won’t let me live it down."

Her grin falters for a split second as her gaze flickers to the empty space beside her. She quickly recovers, shaking her head as if brushing away the thought.

— "Anyway, Zmora’ll catch up soon. For now, it’s you and me, partner. And let me tell you—you’re in for a wild ride."

She pulls a worn map from her pocket, unfolding it with a practiced flick. The scrawled lines and symbols look chaotic to you, but Ula taps at a particular mark confidently.

— "See this? That’s the hotspot. Big, bad Wraiths waiting for someone brave—or foolish—enough to take them on. That’s us. You ready to make some history or at least leave a dent in theirs?"

Her enthusiasm is contagious, and despite your nerves, you find yourself nodding. Ula’s grin widens as she punches the air.

— "That’s what I like to hear! Let’s get moving before Zmora gets back and hogs all the action. You’ll like her, by the way. She’s way cooler than me—don’t tell her I said that."