Chapter 82: Descent into Chaos

The team trudged through the darkened streets of New Haven, the flickering torchlight casting long, distorted shadows on the buildings around them. The storm loomed overhead, a swirling maelstrom of black clouds and green lightning. Every crack of thunder felt like a harbinger of the horrors that lay ahead.

"Keep your eyes open," George said, his voice firm but hushed. His glowing blade illuminated their path, its fire magic creating a faint aura of warmth against the biting wind. "These things move fast, and they don't give warnings."

The group spread out in a loose formation as they neared the eastern gate. Raven walked alongside him, her katana gleaming in the dim light. Lucy and Jackie covered their flanks, their weapons ready. Stephanie brought up the rear, her sword resting on her shoulder, while Akari carried the pulsating shard in a satchel, her hands glowing faintly with protective magic.