Ryan, ever cautious, navigated the labyrinthine alleys, his senses on high alert for any sign of a high-ranker. He wasn't quite ready to face such formidable opponents. The creak of a rusty dumpster lid or the distant echo of shouting sent him darting behind the nearest building, desperately seeking the anonymity of the shadows.
Suddenly, the unmistakable clang of steel on steel pierced the relative quiet. Curiosity gnawing at him, Ryan inched closer, his body pressed tight against a rough brick wall. He peeked around the corner, his breath catching in his throat at the sight before him.
