The stern-faced man struggled against Ryo's grip, but Ryo's determination held him fast. Aiko kept a wary eye on their captive, ready for any sudden moves. The crowd around them began to take notice, murmurs spreading as people tried to understand what was happening.
"We need to get him somewhere secure," Aiko said, her voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through her veins.
Ryo nodded. "Kenta, Yuki, Hana and Miyu find them. We'll take him to the student council room."
Aiko quickly relayed the plan to the nearby festival staff, ensuring they could maintain order while she and Ryo handled the situation. They escorted the captive through the school, ignoring his taunts and threats. Every step they took felt heavier, the weight of their responsibility pressing down on them.
As they reached the student council room, Kenta, Yuki, and Hana arrived, their expressions a mix of concern and determination. Kenta immediately moved to block the door, ensuring no one could enter or leave without their permission.
"Who is this guy?" Kenta asked, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the captive.
"We don't know yet," Ryo replied, pushing the man into a chair. "But he's part of the Shadows of the Eclipse. We need answers."
The captive sneered. "You think you can stop us? The Eclipse's plan is already in motion. Your precious festival won't save you."
Yuki stepped forward, her usually cheerful demeanor replaced by a cold resolve. "We can do this the easy way or the hard way. Tell us what you're planning."
The man laughed, a harsh, grating sound. "You'll find out soon enough. The Eclipse will rise, and you'll all be powerless to stop it."
Aiko leaned in, her voice soft but firm. "We won't let that happen. We have the amulet, and we know how to use it. Tell us what we need to know, and maybe we can find a way to stop this without anyone getting hurt."
The man's eyes flickered with uncertainty for a moment, but he quickly masked it with defiance. "You think you know what you're dealing with? The amulet is just a piece of the puzzle. There are forces at play here far beyond your comprehension."
Ryo tightened his grip on the man's shoulder. "We're not afraid of you or your threats. We will protect our school and everyone in it. Now talk."
Before the man could respond, a low rumbling filled the room. The lights flickered, and a strange, oppressive energy seemed to fill the air. The captive's eyes widened in genuine fear.
"It's starting," he whispered, almost to himself. "The ritual is beginning."
Panic spread among the group. Aiko grabbed Ryo's arm. "We need to find the source. If the ritual's starting, we have to stop it now."
Yuki turned to the captive, her eyes blazing with determination. "Where is it? Where is the ritual taking place?"
The man hesitated, clearly torn between his loyalty to the Eclipse and the fear of the unknown force now at play. Finally, he muttered, "The old auditorium. They're using the stage as the focal point."
Without wasting another moment, the group sprang into action. Kenta and Hana stayed behind to secure the captive while Ryo, Aiko, and Yuki raced towards the old auditorium. The air grew colder as they approached, an eerie silence settling over the usually bustling school.
They burst through the doors, and the sight before them took their breath away. The stage was lit by an unnatural, pulsing glow, and hooded figures stood in a circle, chanting in an ancient language. At the center of the circle lay the amulet, now glowing with a dark, ominous light.
Ryo stepped forward, his voice strong. "Stop this now, or face the consequences."
One of the figures turned, revealing a familiar face an old friend, now corrupted by the Eclipse's influence. "You can't stop us, Ryo. The Eclipse will rise, and all will bow before its power."
Aiko clenched her fists, her heart aching at the sight of their friend. "We won't let you do this. We will fight for our school, for our friends, and for each other."
With a nod from Ryo, they charged forward, ready to face the darkness head-on. The final battle had begun, and they would need every ounce of courage and strength to prevail.