Chapter 76: The Killing Blow

The following morning dawned with a faint, gray light filtering through the dissipating mist. The air was still damp, but the oppressive weight of the storm was gone, leaving New Haven feeling eerily quiet. The salvage team assembled near the town's eastern gate, their gear packed and weapons ready. George stood at the forefront, flanked by Raven, Jackie, Stephanie, and Akari, who had insisted on coming despite her exhaustion from the previous night's spellwork.

"We're heading to the industrial site Jackie scouted," George began, addressing the group of volunteers accompanying them. "It's about ten miles south, and we don't know what we'll find there. Stay alert, stay together, and follow instructions. This is a salvage mission, not a fight, unless it has to be."