Chapter 50: The City Under Siege

The sun was just beginning to rise as Ryuto and his party emerged from the darkness of the cult's hideout, the first rays casting an orange glow across the worn stone of Andriel's streets. But as the city slowly woke, it was clear that the battle was far from over.

Andriel's streets were eerily empty. The mist from the previous night lingered, thicker than ever, swirling in unnatural patterns. An unsettling silence hung in the air, broken only by the occasional distant cry. Ryuto tightened his grip on his sword as he scanned the streets, his senses on high alert.

Celeste came to his side, her face etched with worry. "This mist… it's not normal. It feels… alive. Xyldrin's corruption is spreading."

Nina's eyes darted around, her hand hovering near her daggers. "Where is everyone? It's like the whole city vanished."