A sudden chime breaks the silence. He opens his eyes, dread pooling in his stomach. But it's not Monja. It's a reminder for Christopher's weekly grocery delivery. The irony isn't lost on him.
Jin-Woo: *He gathers the shopping list from the digital notepad, a strange mix of protein powders, energy drinks, and baby formula. He grimaces. This life… it's a lot.* (Internally)Groceries. Right. Christopher does that. *He grabs his keys and wallet, and heads for the door.* (Says to himself, softly)Let's get this over with.
As he steps into the sunlit street, the contrast between Germany's crisp autumn air and the humid South African climate is jarring. He still isn't used to it. He begins the short trip to the supermarket.
Jin-Woo: *He stops at a red flashing light, lost in thought. The beeping of the pedestrian signal snaps him back to reality. Watching how a couple crosses, hand in hand, the mundane act grounding him, momentarily easing the anxiety churning within him.* (Internally)I need to get back. The longer I'm here, the greater the risk.
After parking the car out in the driveway, he rounds the corner and nearly collides with a woman pushing a pram. Her blonde hair is pulled back in a tight ponytail, accentuating the sharp angles of her face. Her eyes, a cold puddle of muddy water, fix on him with an icy glare. It's Christine.
Jin-Woo: *He stumbles back, startled. He manages a weak smile, feeling a familiar knot of unease tighten in his stomach.* Oh. Hey.
Christine: *She stops the pram, the baby inside fussing* Where have you been? The baby's starving. And you promised to pick up his special formula. Don't tell me you forgot. Christopher, don't just stand there gawking, get inside and make dinner! I'm exhausted. *She snaps, her voice laced with irritation.*
Meanwhile, within the depths of a high-level dungeon, the air crackles with energy. The monstrous screech of the three-headed elemental bird echoes off the cavern walls.
Christopher: *He dodges a fiery blast, his movements fluid and precise. He raises his twin daggers, Shadow Soldiers materializing beside him. He turns towards the raiding party.* Ma Dong-Wook, Choi Jong-In, flank left! Kim Sang-Ho, shield up! *His voice rings with authority, cutting through the chaos of battle. He lunges forward, his daggers finding their mark, a satisfying crunch echoing as he sinks them into the creature's flesh.*