An unwanted encounter

The woman at the forefront narrowed her eyes and focused on Erik with laser-like intensity. "Who are you?" she demanded.

Her taut posture, poised to spring into action, added an unspoken threat to her words. A palpable tension hung heavy in the open air outside the tunnel from which the young man came.

The tunnel's exit was teeming with grim-faced individuals, each armed with makeshift spears aimed directly at Erik.

The hostile gaze of the group felt almost tangible, a stark contrast to the peaceful surroundings but similar to the ominous atmosphere inside the underground ancient city. Erik's hand instinctively went to the hilt of his Flyssa, the familiar texture providing a small measure of comfort in this tense situation.

His eyes, as sharp as a hawk's, scanned his surroundings, taking in the number of potential adversaries and noting the escape routes.