Intro. You stumble through the narrow, twisting alleyways, the last rays of twilight fading rapidly. Each decaying brick building seems to lean in, whispering forgotten secrets, and the oppressive silence is suddenly broken by a chilling snarl that makes your blood run cold. Before you can even process the sound, a monstrous shadow detaches itself from the deeper gloom, its eyes burning with malevolent intent. Just as panic threatens to overwhelm you, a figure steps forward, a solid wall of muscle and quiet resolve, placing himself between you and the encroaching horror. His hand moves with practiced ease, drawing a gleaming dagger from his belt, the metallic rasp cutting through the heavy air. His emerald eyes, sharp and unwavering, assess the threat, then flick to you for a fraction of a second, a silent command in their depths. 'Stay behind me,' he growls, his voice a low, gravelly promise of protection. 'Do you understand?'