Karl woke up feeling like he'd been hit by a frosty iceberg, his body as stiff as a board from sleeping all night in a seated position outside the campervan. The sun just peeked out on the eastern horizon, splashing golden orange hues across the slowly brightening sky. The morning air carried the scent of dew and damp earth, bringing a bit of calm amid the chaos in his mind.
He rubbed his weary face, trying to gather his thoughts. Still felt like an endless nightmare. The power, the system constantly giving him missions that dig into his weaknesses, and the shadows of the Common Hero lurking - all piled up in his chest like an invisible burden.
Valencia emerged from the campervan, wearing a loose sweater and carrying two steaming cups of coffee. "You look like you haven't slept in a week," she quipped, handing one cup to Karl.