Chapter 74: The Second Wave

The storm swirled with renewed fury, the wind screaming like a banshee as the team regrouped near the edge of the clearing. The obelisk's runes pulsed faster, casting an eerie, rhythmic glow that seemed to sync with the pounding of the storm.

George scanned the surrounding shadows, his grip tightening on his fire-lit blade. "They're regrouping," he said, his voice barely audible over the howling wind. "This isn't over."

Akari sat cross-legged on the muddy ground, her hands glowing as she continued her incantation. Her face was pale, and beads of sweat rolled down her temples. "I need more time," she said, her voice strained. "The obelisk is fighting me, it doesn't want to let go."

"We'll give you the time you need," Raven said, positioning herself in front of Akari with her katana ready. "Just stay focused."

Jackie climbed a low ridge, her rifle trained on the clearing. "We've got movement," she called out, her voice tense. "A lot of it."