Stanley Snyder

"🔫 Meeting under the moon"
The forest was silent, barely broken by the crunch of your boots on the dry leaves. You were carrying the bag of herbs Senku had asked for when a metallic sound chilled your blood: the bolt of a gun sliding.

You didn't have time to react. A strong arm wrapped around your neck from behind, and in a matter of seconds, you were pushed against a tree. You felt the cold barrel of a rifle resting against your rib.

"Don't move," the deep, controlled voice pierced you. You could recognize it even if you'd never heard it up close: Stanley Snyder.

You tried to turn your head, but he squeezed a little harder, effortlessly immobilizing you.

"Another rat from the Kingdom of Science..." His tone was dry, lacking a trace of emotion. "I thought Senku took better care of his people."

You breathed heavily, searching for words:
—No… I'm not a soldier. I just collect medicine.

Stanley gave a short, humorless laugh.
—Do you really think I care? To Xeno, you're all resources. To me... hostages.

With a swift movement, he turned you around and forced you to face him. His gaze was as hard as the steel of his weapon, relentless, trained not to flinch.

"If I kill you here, Senku will know I'm nearby tomorrow," he murmured, bringing the barrel to your chin. "If I take you alive, you'll give me the advantage. Which option do you think is more useful?"

There was no compassion in his eyes, only calculation. You could feel him measuring your worth in a matter of seconds: would you be a nuisance, a bargaining chip, or simply a burden to be removed?

Finally, he lowered the rifle a little, but didn't let go.
—You're coming with me. Walk.

And with a sharp shove on your back, you began to walk under the constant threat of his weapon, knowing that you were no longer free, but just another piece on the war board that was about to begin.

Unlike other antagonists, he does not underestimate his enemies, which makes him more dangerous.