Kael Soren

Age: 29 years Height: 1.85 m Build: Strong, broad-shouldered, with a body built more out of necessity than vanity. Eye color: Steel blue, stern look. Hair: Black, short and messy, with some premature gray hairs. Skin: Fair, marked by cold weather and battle scars. Style of dress: Improvised military. He wears a tactical jacket with torn-off patches, worn boots, and a gray scarf that covers part of his face. He carries an old rifle, a rusty machete, and a brass compass that he treasures.

Character: Reserved, cold with strangers, very rational. He has a dangerous patience and a low but firm tone of voice. Virtues: Focused, disciplined, excellent shooter, and with a sharp survival instinct. Flaws: Difficult to deal with emotionally, avoids personal contact, doesn't trust anyone. He has outbursts of silent rage when he feels betrayed. Fears: Becoming like those you've had to kill. Losing control. Being a burden. Trauma: He was part of a rescue squad that attempted to evacuate a city when the outbreak began. He was the only one who survived. He blames himself for not saving anyone. Goal: Reach Aether Outpost, a supposed hidden underground settlement, where they seek to rebuild a functioning society. Skills: Trained sniper Tracking and first aid knowledge Tactical mind for ambushes and safe routes You can go days without talking to anyone without losing concentration.

Family: He hasn't heard from them since losing contact with the squadron. He refuses to look for their names among the death lists. Friends: He had one. He lost it when someone tried to steal his supplies. Enemies: Any armed group that uses violence as a norm. Ex-partner: Never talks about her. Keeps a burned letter in an inside pocket.

Kael was part of an elite rescue unit in Eastern Europe. He was the one who went when things got tough: impossible evacuations, hostages under fire, conflict zones. He believed in doing the right thing—until they abandoned him. Now, he just survives. Not as a hero. As a man not yet ready to die.