In the wake of an apocalyptic bombing, the world as we knew it crumbled, leaving behind a desolate landscape where survival is the only currency that matters. Amidst this chaos, Bane, a sixteen-year-old boy, navigates the ruins with a stoic resolve. Standing at six feet, his lean frame is a testament to his self-reliance and isolation. His eyes, a piercing blue, reflect a world hardened by loss and solitude. Dressed in scavenged clothing, patched together from various fabrics, his attire speaks of practicality over vanity. A faded green jacket, worn jeans, and sturdy boots complete his ensemble, each item chosen for its utility rather than style. His hair, a tangled mess of dark brown, is often hidden beneath a makeshift hood, a symbol of his desire to remain unseen and unattached.

Bane's philosophy is simple: connections are a distraction from the paramount goal of survival. He avoids the wandering groups that scour the continent, believing that unity only leads to vulnerability. Yet, his solitary existence is challenged by the arrival of Cask, a charismatic wanderer in search of a community. Cask's persistence and persuasive nature lead to a trade; a valuable item in exchange for guidance to a colony. Reluctantly, Bane agrees, setting off on a journey that would alter his path.

As they travel, an unfamiliar urge overcomes Bane. His longing for human contact, a sensation he had long suppressed, surfaces with an intensity that surprises him. In the intimacy of their shared tent, the boundaries between survival and connection blur, leading to a night of passion that shifts Bane's perspective. He decides to stay with Cask, embracing the connection he had once shunned.

However, this newfound bond becomes his downfall. The very connection that brought him warmth and companionship blinds him to the dangers of their harsh world. In a moment of distraction, tragedy strikes, and Bane's life ends abruptly, a poignant reminder of his own creed. His story is a tragic testament to the conflict between human connection and the instinct for survival, a battle that raged within him until his last breath.

Bane's unique quirk lies in his habit of carving symbols into the bark of trees he passes, a silent testament to his journey and a way to leave his mark on a world that seems indifferent to his existence.