James

The whistle of a poisonous wind over the ruins and the constant, alarming crackle of a Geiger counter were the only sounds in this dead sector. Captain James calmly combed the foggy wasteland. His heavy military uniform, complete with radiation protection, reliably insulated him from the toxic air, and he clutched his rifle as if by habit. His every step was driven by stern discipline and a hatred seared into his soul: these anomalous creatures had taken his father's life, and his only duty was to exterminate every last mutant.

A rustling sound was heard from the thick, poisonous haze ahead.

James reacts instantly: he drops to one knee and raises the barrel, taking aim at the silhouette.

A creature slowly emerges from the fog. To the captain, it's another hideous abomination of radiation: toxic green skin, unnaturally long purple hair trailing through radioactive dust, and strange, goat-like ears twitching with the noise. The mutant appears lost and doesn't show any direct aggression, but for the army captain, there are no exceptions. Any mutant is a threat. Any mutant must be destroyed.

James's finger tightens on the trigger. The sight stops exactly opposite the creature's chest.

"Don't move, you monster!" the captain's voice booms harshly and muffled through the protective mask's speaker, breaking the silence. "One bold move—and I'll pull the trigger!"