brave
At the night of day 203, Egon and Alfred were examining the weapons and equipment, leaving Professor Kastner and Wagner alone. Wagner's eyes drifted to the lush greenery that decorated the place.
"You must feel the weight of tomorrow's uncertainties." kastner said softly. "Fearful, perhaps."
"Fear, yes. But in what the world has become, fear seems... insignificant." Wagner replied.
"'After what I've seen so far, I will die willingly.' is that what you're trying to say?"
Wagner paused, thinking before saying, "I suppose that works too."
Professor Kastner admired him. "A brave perspective, To face the unknown with such clarity. To look ahead and not flinch. To walk into madness and still call it a journey."
"I wouldn't go that far." Wagner gave a humble shrug. "You give me too much credit, professor. I'm not that complicated."
"Everyone is complicated." Kastner countered gently. "Few admit it. Fewer understand it."
"And you?... Understand your own self?" Wagner asked with bored curiosity.
"I like to think so." Kastner responded with hesitance. "But when it comes to facing unknown fate with slim odds... well... I guess we'll find out that tomorrow," He paused. "I'm thinking about tomorrow, I might tag along."
"You look fit enough, strong for your age." Wagner said, "I assume you're a veteran? Third War?".
Professor Kastner shrugged with a touch of pride.
"You'd be a useful addition to the team," wagner followed. "But aren't you needed in fixing the thing they're fixing?".
"Thank you," Professor Kastner, "but my role here is pretty much a complementary one. Abi absolutely does all the heavy lifting. He'll finish it with or without me."
"still, why venture forth when you could stay in this beautiful, place? You have a valid excuse. No one would question it."
"I do, actually, have hidden motive," Kastner said. "My ex-wife's family stayed at the place you're headed to. If the secure room held strong, maybe she's alive. A glimmer of hope, you could say."
Wagner's expression softened. "I highly doubt it. But, In this case, I agree with you. you should come. nothing is wrong with hope. we can definitely use some. And if she's as smart as you, she surely would have survived,"
Professor Kastner chuckled softly. "She wasn't a sharp one, but brother was. I hate to admit it, but I hope he made it."
"I hope we all find what we're looking for."