The catacombs beneath Eldoria's market district were dark and damp, but they offered a rare sense of security in a city otherwise consumed by ruin. The survivors, now joined by the new group Vincent's team had rescued, huddled together in the dimly lit chambers.
Luminova, holding a lantern she had retrieved from a makeshift supply stash, led the way deeper into the underground refuge. She stopped in a larger chamber where more survivors sat on mats and blankets, their faces lighting up as they saw her return.
"They're back!" someone exclaimed, the hushed excitement spreading like wildfire through the small crowd.
Vincent followed close behind, his sharp eyes scanning the room. He noted the crude fortifications—broken furniture turned into barricades, ropes strung across entrances to create makeshift trip alarms. These people had done everything they could to survive.