The rescue area, a stark contrast to the grim task at hand, buzzed with a different kind of tension. Panic, like a wildfire fanned by anxious whispers, had reignited among the gathered heroes. The news of Sebastian's transformation had morphed from a hushed revelation to a full-blown rumor mill, breeding fear and distrust.
Brittany stood guard at the perimeter, her posture a beacon of stoicism amidst the rising chaos. Her keen eyes scanned the anxious faces, her hand resting reassuringly on the pommel of her sword.
"You look steady," Rhino rumbled as he approached.
She met his gaze with a curt nod. "Just doing our duty, keeping order."
Rhino grunted in agreement. "...Right. Those people are fed, at least. But the one over there…" he trailed off, gesturing towards a portly man stuffing himself with two boxes of rations at once.