Chapter 43: The Siege of Andriel

The skies over the bustling city of Andriel were unusually dark, thick clouds gathering in a brooding swirl above the rooftops. Lightning crackled across the heavens, casting eerie shadows on the walls and alleys below. The air was thick with tension, the kind of weight that could be felt in the very bones of those who walked the streets. Ryuto and his party, who had been enjoying a rare moment of respite in the city, felt the foreboding atmosphere as they stepped out of a small tavern, instantly on high alert.

Nina was the first to speak, her usual playful demeanor replaced by a look of worry as she gazed up at the roiling clouds. "Something's not right. I can feel it… it's like the whole city is holding its breath."

Celeste nodded, her hand resting instinctively on her staff. "This isn't just a storm. I sense a dark magic, powerful and malicious. We need to be ready."