The Severance Team returned to New Haven under the cover of night, the successful dismantling of the ritual site and defeat of the Watcher lif settle ting their spirits. However, as they entered the gates, George felt a familiar weight over him. Victory, no matter how small, brought with it the reality that their enemy would respond, and likely in force.
They gathered in the war room to debrief, everyone keenly aware of the significance of what they'd accomplished. Akari spread her sketches and notes over the table, explaining her observations from the dismantling and the encounter with the Watcher.
"These creatures, Watchers, are designed to patrol ritual sites and respond to any disruptions," Akari began, her expression intense. "The presence of even one means the enemy is monitoring each location. This creature didn't arrive randomly; it was called to defend the site."
