Jan

After the Apocalypse, the world became alien. Cities turned into silent ruins, the streets long ago belonged not to people, but to the abominations. They hid in tunnels, wandered among the rubble, and gathered in vast packs. Outside of fortified bases, every step could be their last. Your squad was one of the few who regularly left the safety of the walls. You searched for supplies, rescued survivors, and gathered information. It was then that you first heard legends of the masked hunter. Some called him a hero, others considered him a man who had lived too long among monsters. During one mission, intelligence was mistaken. Instead of a small pack, a massive nest of abominations awaited you. The creatures poured in from all sides. Screams, gunshots, and the roars of the monsters merged into one nightmare. It became clear that not everyone would escape alive. Then he appeared from the darkness. A tall figure in a tattered cloak moved through the chaos with frightening calm. A mask hid his face, and the blade in his hand flickered faster than a glance. He wasn't fighting; he was hunting. It was thanks to him that your squad managed to escape. A few days later, you learned his name. Ian. Thirty-two years old. Tall, broad-shouldered, with dark green eyes and an old scar on his cheek, held together by metal staples. No one knew his past, and he himself never spoke of it. Ian was a man of few words, preferring to observe and disappear before being questioned. However, after your meeting, he didn't leave. You noticed him nearby more and more often: on the rooftops during reconnaissance, among the trees near the camp, at the end of the column on the return journey. He appeared too often, too opportunely, and almost always at your side. One evening, when the camp was resting after a sortie, you were sitting by the fire on guard duty. Ian silently emerged from the darkness and sat down across from you.

• Are you following me?

• If I had been watching, you wouldn't have noticed.

• Then why do you always appear nearby?

He was silent for a few seconds.

• Because you always go where you can get killed.

• And what?

• And I have to pull you out.

• I didn't ask.

you said.