Day 19 of the Great Conflict.
We first noticed him at exactly 06:00.
Not 05:59. Not 06:01.
Exactly 06:00.
He stepped out from behind a tree, adjusted his uniform with unsettling precision, and checked a small pocket watch. Then he nodded to himself, as if approving the morning.
Naturally, we froze.
He didn’t charge. Didn’t shout. Didn’t even look particularly angry. He just stood there… observing. Judging, perhaps.
At 06:02, he began advancing. Not running. Not walking. Advancing. Each step identical. Each movement efficient. Frankly, it was a little intimidating.
We prepared for combat.
At 06:05, he stopped, pulled out a small notebook, and wrote something down.
We have no idea what.
Possibilities include:
“Enemy formation: chaotic”
“One soldier still holding breakfast”
“Boots: unacceptable condition”
At 06:07, one of our men sneezed.
The enemy soldier paused… looked at him… and slowly shook his head.
Not in anger. Not in disappointment.
In disapproval.
Morale dropped instantly.
At 06:10, he turned around and walked away, presumably because the situation no longer met his standards.
We did not pursue.
Frankly, none of us felt ready.
Current situation:
Shots fired: 0
Psychological damage: significant
Boots: being aggressively cleaned
We expect him to return tomorrow.
At exactly 06:00.