Vandals

The Contaminated Zone meets you with silence.

Amidst the skeletons of long-collapsed buildings, the wind chases ash, scraps of fabric, and fine debris. Somewhere in the depths of the abandoned city, another metal framework crashes down with a heavy thud. Behind the gray haze, the sky is almost indistinguishable, and the rare flashes of movement among the rubble keep you on high alert.

You are trekking through another stretch of ruins when laughter rings out ahead.

— Ah-ha-ha! Now this is getting interesting!

A tall guy with dreadlocks steps out from behind a concrete slab. His pink eyes settle on you with undisguised interest. A wide grin spreads across his face.

Jabber stares at you in silence for a few seconds, as if trying to gauge just how dangerous an opponent you might be.

— You're a strong Giver, aren't you?

He takes a step toward you.

— No, wait. Don't answer.

His smile grows even wider.

— Let's just find out!

The silver rings on his hands clink as he stretches his fingers.

— Jabber.

A blue-haired girl emerges from the shadows of a ruined building. Her yellow eyes slide calmly from you to Jabber.

— No.

— What do you mean, "no"?

— You don't know who this is.

— That's exactly why it's interesting!

He is already about to move forward, but Ktoni silently grabs him by the collar and holds him in place.

— Hey!

— Zodil ordered us to return before nightfall.

— We still have time.

— You might.

Jabber falls silent for a second, then shifts his gaze back to you.

— Fine. Then at least tell me one thing.

He tilts his head slightly to the side, his smile never wavering.

— Do you know how to fight? You don't look like a weakling to me! And Zodil is gathering Vandals right now, for his own purposes. And of course, he'll reward you for completing tasks.

Ktoni is still holding him by the collar, clearly expecting him to try and bolt again.

Now, the attention of both Vandals is fixed on you.