Chapter Text
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How cold. The harsh winds whistle pass my ears as I trek through the thick snowy plains. It's all white and black as the eyes can see. This October feels especially brutal. The winter growing more crueler. But let's not focus on that now. Observation isn't what I'm here for. I have a job to do.
I trek through a dead forest—greeneries now dead grey under the unforgiving winter. It felt particularly quiet, devoid of life despite the winds howling in my ears. It was like a ringing in my ears that I'm all too used to. As I walked carelessly I broke a branch and... Nothing. Just a soft snap of a twig. No birds even retreated. Traurig machend... I think.
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I walked and walked, and was only met further by the usual white snow and grey trees. Why was I hoping for something different?
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Finally after what felt like an eternity, I've reached my mission destination. I stumbled upon a white van that had fell over. It's contents messily sprayed around the forest floor and was further coated by the thick snow. Upon further inspection... I believe this was a civilian car, probably one that predates Meddlewind. So the old world. For some reasons, I can't imagine what the old world would look like... Fancy cars? Hot foods? Or... Golden knives? I rack my head around before finally coming to my senses. I shouldn't think of something trivial as such of the past.
I approached the fallen over van and entered through the back end. It feels slightly warmer here than outside. I tip toe my boots between the many decayed boxes as I survey the littered mess for the one I'm looking for. Though admittedly, the snow under my boots made it a bit slippery. I reached my hand out and leaned against the car for support.
I found it. In an cardboard box like many others hidden underneath many others. I took the small box in my hands and slowly made my way out.
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With my objective in hand, I prepare myself for the long trek to home. I ran some safety checks mentally as I tighten the straps of my Satchel. And now, I go again.
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Walking.
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More walking. With more snow.
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I don't know what to say here. I don't usually talk to people much less myself. There's nothing interesting to say. The environment is as dead as ever.
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I check my wristwatch. 12:45, I think. I could never tell the exact time, just a close estimation. Why do these little arrows exist? I saw someone else's watch and it showed the exact number. Why does this exis-?
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I stepped on something metallic. I can guess it was thin and flat... Racking my head on whether it was a mine or something dangerous I've come to the conclusion that it was none. Nothing fits the description of flat and thin. I took a cautious step back before looking down. It was covered in snow so I couldn't properly see it, only the general shape.
I wipe some snow off with my boots to discover it was...
WELCOME TO WARSAW, POLAND
POPULATION: 1,800,230
Yeah, that. Speaking of, I always wonder whether it was a city or not... I never heard of a city like it before. A war saw? Strange name. And Poland? A land of... Po? I sighed before shaking my head. No, I've already been confused of this. Now's not the time to repeat myself.
Anyway, whatever that is means I'm near home. I've already spotted the soft lights from the distance amidst the raging winds. I never felt more... Glad? I think that's what I'm supposed to feel.
I approached the lights, lulled in by the promise of rest and a completion of my mission.
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I was met with the high walls of the city, guard towers littering it like it was a fortress. The entrance spotlights now dawned on my short figure as I gaze up to meet the lights. Despite the hail obscuring my vision, I felt gun sights lined up against my head.
"ANSWER YOURSELF! NAME'S NOW!" A point guard yelled through the hail, their demand armed with guns and fires. Name. Yes. Name... Hmm. Name, of course. I need to state my name... No. I don't need to. I just need to...
Show them my objective. Under my cloak, I pulled out the box that I was supposed to retrieve and showed it to the guards.
"WAIT! WAIT! IT'S THE GUY!" Another yelled, seemingly recognizing me. Good, they're aware of my mission. I don't have to speak to people. After a brief standoff, the spotlights returned to recon other grounds and the guns lowered. It seems like I'm in the clear.
The gates lowered to allow me to enter. And I did. I was greeted by the city I called home.
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What was my name again?