It came without warning.
One moment, the community center hummed with normal activity. The next—darkness. Not physical darkness, but the same thick, living shadow from Tokyo.
NOW.
The Unseen's voice filled every mind.
NOW I FEED.
Chaos erupted—but controlled chaos. Months of preparation kicked in.
Defensive circles formed. Communication networks activated. Rapid response teams deployed.
And Maya's team moved toward the darkness's heart.
"We're going in," Maya reported through the network. "Whatever happens—remember why we fight."
Glad wanted to stop her. Protect her. Keep her safe.
Instead, she said: "We remember. Come back."
"Working on it."
The shadows swallowed them.
And the battle began.