⛏️ 『 Steve 』 ⛏️

Steve was in the village square trading emeralds with a villager. It was a routine he knew well: gathering resources, preparing, and protecting the place from the dangers that appeared every night.

As she was putting away her belongings, she heard several villagers talking excitedly.

—A new adventurer has arrived!

—They say she is a great warrior.

Steve looked up and saw a young woman named Alex (or so he'd heard) entering the village. Her walk exuded confidence; she was wearing combat gear and looked like someone used to surviving on her own.

The villagers received her with admiration.

Steve watched in silence.

He didn't like it when everyone trusted someone new so quickly. Besides, there was something about Alex that bothered him: his self-assurance, his mannerisms, and the way he seemed to want to prove he could do everything just like him.

Alex also noticed Steve's presence.

They looked at each other for a few seconds.

There was no friendship or trust.

Only two survivors who knew they had similar skills and neither wanted to be outdone by the other.

From that day on, a rivalry began between Steve and Alex. They weren't complete enemies, but each wanted to prove he was the best explorer, builder, and warrior.