A little surprised at their minimal hesitation, Erik cocked an eyebrow curiously. Suppressing a smirk, he lifted his head and looked around the area. Due to the city's ancient, higher-ranking origins, the fighting had barely left a few scratches on its surface.
Some spots were a little blackened with soot, especially the spot they at now, but the buildings still stood tall. At some point since the battle ended, large groups of the city's defenders had started to gather in, around, and on top of these buildings. Now, these men and women looked at the scene in the centre of the city with parts gratitude, discomfort, and uncertainty.
On the one hand, news of Erik's intervention with both Gabriel and the explosion that followed his defeat had spread throughout the city, so these people felt undeniable gratitude. On the other hand, the powerful, independent leaders who'd kept them alive and prosperous since the awakening were now kneeling in front of a foreign stranger.
