Chapter 76: Breaking the Ilusion

The midnight ritual began again, the hauntingly synchronized chants of the townsfolk echoing through the square. The golden hourglass shimmered in the mayor's hands, its sands swirling with unnatural energy. Ryuto and his companions huddled near the edge of the square, concealed by shadows, as they prepared to act.

"We need to disrupt this ritual," Ryuto said, his voice low but determined. "But we can't destroy the hourglass outright. We have to weaken her connection to it first."

Celeste nodded, her face pale but resolute. "The archway, the one we saw earlier, it's acting as a conduit. If we can sever the connection between it and the hourglass, it might break her hold on the ritual."

Ruda, crouched beside them, growled softly. "We can't wait much longer. Another villager's about to die."

Nina glanced at the masked crowd, her expression tense. "Then let's do this."