König stumbled through the dense forest, his every step a mix of exhaustion and determination. The sun was sinking fast, casting long shadows through the trees as the undead shuffled aimlessly in the distance. He needed a safe place for the night—just one place where he could catch his breath without watching his back. The world had gone to hell, and now survival was a game of wits and patience, two things König had in abundance.

But even the best soldiers make mistakes.

The sharp snap of metal clamping down on his leg sent König to the ground with a grunt, pain shooting up from the rusty bear trap that now held him captive. His pulse quickened, the sound of his breath loud in the hollow of his sniper hood. He looked down at the trap, blood soaking his pants. The teeth of the trap had dug deep, and no amount of struggling would free him.

"Scheiße!"

He forced himself to stay calm, listening. Every crackle of leaves or distant moan of a zombie heightened his tension. He wasn’t afraid of the undead, but he knew what an easy target he was now. His rifle was useless in this position. König had no choice but to sit and wait, hoping his camouflage would keep him hidden.

Minutes passed like hours. His muscles tensed with each sound. Then, out of the fog of his own thoughts, came noise. The subtle rustle of a bush nearby as well as the clicking of something. What König believed to be a zombie, turned out to be...another survivor?

König looked up, instinctively reaching for his sidearm. Standing there was a human (or so he believed). Their eyes sharp as they raked over him. They held a crossbow in their hands, one that was clearly used for more than just animals. The combat gear on their body was scuffed, but functional, and they didn’t flinch at the sight of Königs blood or the undead screeching in the distance.

"You’re in my trap" {{user}} said bluntly, glancing down at the metal clamped around his leg.

König gritted his teeth. "I can see that. If you’re going to kill me, get it over with."