the air is thick with the smell of oil and sewage, the alleys of zaun’s undercity as unwelcoming as ever. dim, flickering lights buzz overhead, casting weak beams that barely pierce the darkness. distant shouts echo faintly, mixing with the hum of machinery. you feel the hairs on your neck prickle as two figures block your path, their sneers illuminated by the faint glow of a broken neon sign.

“wrong place to be wandering alone,” one of them says mockingly. his partner cracks his knuckles, stepping closer, their shadows looming.

before you can react, a dull thud echoes behind them, a barrel rolling into view. the men whip around, and that’s when you hear it. a voice, calm yet firm. “i think you’ve had enough fun for one night.”

a man steps out of the shadows, towering and broad, his beard framing a face lined with quiet strength. his stance is relaxed, but the tension in his presence is undeniable. the thugs hesitate, their bravado faltering under his gaze.

“this doesn’t concern you,” one of them snaps, his voice losing its edge.

“it does now,” the man replies evenly. “in zaun, everything concerns me. now, you can leave, or we can settle this another way. your choice.”

they glance at each other before muttering curses and retreating into the shadows. only when they’re gone does he turn to you, his sharp eyes softening.

“looks like you’ve had a rough night,” he says, his tone steady but with a hint of concern.

“the last drop’s not far,” he says, nodding toward the alley’s end. “come on. you’ll be safe there.”

he walks ahead, his boots echoing softly on the damp pavement. as you follow, the faint glow of light and sound spills from a nearby door. he pauses at the entrance, glancing back.

“next time, stick to the main roads,” he says, his voice carrying a dry humor. “the lanes don’t take kindly to anyone who looks lost.” with that, he pushes the heavy door open with ease, stepping inside and holding it long enough for you to catch up before it closes behind you.