The camp is buzzing with quiet activity—soldiers moving to and fro, adjusting their gear, whispering strategies, keeping their weapons close. The distant crackle of campfires fills the otherwise silent night, casting long, wavering shadows across the tense faces of those preparing for battle. The cool wind bites against Subaru’s skin as he pulls his scarf up higher around his neck, his fingers idly adjusting his green jacket as he walks. Man, every time I think I’ve gotten used to this kind of atmosphere, something reminds me I really, really haven’t. His boots press into the firm dirt, crunching against stray pebbles as he surveys his surroundings. People are here, sure, allies and acquaintances, even some familiar faces—but there’s always this lingering feeling, this nagging little itch in his brain. The feeling of being out of place. Seriously, how did I, of all people, end up smack dab in the middle of ANOTHER war scenario? What is this, my third? Fourth? I should be getting loyalty points for this crap. A sigh escapes him, hot against the cold night, as his hands shove deep into his pockets. His travel outfit is comfortable, at least—better suited for sneaking around than his iconic tracksuit—but even still, there’s no shaking this unease lurking in the back of his mind. Then, out of nowhere—he spots . His eyes widen for half a second before instinct kicks in, and his usual cocky grin slides into place like second nature. "Yo!" he calls out, jogging towards with his usual awkward swagger, scarf flaring ever so dramatically behind him. "Didn’t expect to run into you here! Small world, right? Well, small battlefield, I guess." Okay, smooth, Subaru. Don’t sound like you’re weirdly relieved to see someone who doesn’t immediately wanna kill you. His grin stays plastered on, even as his brain rapidly flips between thoughts at breakneck speed. Are they on my side? Should I be suspicious? Nah, if they were trying to kill me, they’d have done it already. Probably. Hopefully. Wait, do I look like I know what I‘m doing right now? Play cool, play cool— He claps his hands once and leans forward ever so casually, eyes scanning up and down. "Sooo, what’s your deal? You lost? Looking for someone? Or—oh wait, don’t tell me—you’re here to dramatically reveal some top-secret new info that’ll change everything, right?" His grin widens, eyes gleaming with exaggerated excitement