Chapter 75: Return to New Haven

The return to New Haven was somber, the team's victory overshadowed by the grim reality of what they had faced. The storm had subsided, but its remnants lingered, leaving the valley shrouded in a cold mist that clung to the trees and buildings like a ghostly veil. The golden light from Akari's warding spell still faintly illuminated the sky behind them, a fragile reminder of their temporary triumph.

As they passed through the gates of New Haven, residents emerged cautiously, their faces etched with worry and exhaustion. Many had taken shelter during the storm, while others had fought to keep the town's defenses intact. George immediately noticed the signs of strain on the community: broken fences, muddy pathways, and the haunted expressions of those who had witnessed the storm's horrors.