Chapter 61

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The group gathered around a table, their expressions a wall Hanging of emotions, Ryu, Kaida, and Kaori all wear the cloak of seriousness, their faces drawn tight with concern.

Maria, however, is a contrast in her own right, her nonchalant demeanor seemingly impervious to the tension that hangs in the air like a heavy fog.

Kaori, her brows furrowed in confusion, cuts in. "Okay, so, let me get this straight. You're saying that thing we encountered was an advanced yomigaeri?" she asks, her voice rising in pitch, her disbelief evident.

Ryu, his expression hard and stoic, gives a silent nod, a tacit affirmation of her question.

"Wait, are you talking about the first or the second one?" Kaori asks, her eyes wide, her hands gesturing in the air.

Ryu, his patience wearing thin, huffs out an exasperated breath, his words laden with barely suppressed frustration.

"Have you not been listening?" he asks, the tension in his voice palpable.