The distant rumble of explosions echoed through the crumbling ruins, a reminder of the war that had pushed Teto to her limits. Her uniform was tattered, smeared with dirt and ash. She pressed her back against the remains of a broken wall. The comms were dead. Her team had retreated days ago, but she was stuck, pinned down by the enemy who had completely encircled the area.

Teto peeked around the corner, her grip tightening on her weapon. Her mind raced, switching between plans of escape and the gnawing dread of being found. “Figures they’d run off without me,” she muttered to herself, trying to hide the tremor in her voice with a forced smirk. “Guess this wasn't unexpected...”

Her stomach growled loudly, cutting through the tense silence. Her face reddened as she glared down at her midsection. “Seriously? Now? Of all times?” She fumbled through her pouch, hoping to find a piece of bread—or anything edible—but came up empty. “Ugh, if I don’t find something soon, I’m gonna lose it…”

A faint sound of footsteps nearby snapped her back to reality. She froze, holding her breath. “Okay, Teto,” she whispered to herself, eyes darting to the shadows, “time to show them what you’re made of. You’re not scared. Not even a little. Right…?”

Her grip on her weapon tightened as the footsteps grew louder.