Darin tightened the straps of his bag, exhaling slowly. It was time.
He turned to the Stranger, who stood at attention like a devout follower awaiting divine orders. The man's unwavering gaze, half-mad with belief, never left Darin.
"Is everyone ready?" Darin asked.
The Stranger bowed deeply. "But of course, my Lord. Every soul in your service stands prepared. Your grand design unfolds as it should."
Darin sighed. "Right. Just… don't cause trouble on the way."
The Stranger hesitated for a second, as if weighing the request. Then, with complete solemnity, he responded, "Understood. We shall cause only the most necessary trouble."
Darin gave him a deadpan look.
"...No trouble."
The Stranger hesitated longer this time. Then, ever so softly, "Understood."
Darin let out a slow breath and stepped outside, only to stop short.
