The night was thick with a sense of foreboding as Wei and Mei arrived at the first node, a forgotten shrine tucked away behind an overgrown grove. Lin, Ming, Jiro, and Kai were already waiting, each of them holding their respective artifacts. The air crackled with the weight of the impending ritual, and a chilling breeze seemed to whip around them, as if the world itself knew what they were about to attempt.
Lin spoke first, her voice low and reverent. "Once we set the wards, there's no turning back. The Shadow Sect will sense our attempt to close them out, and they'll retaliate." She looked at each of them, her gaze serious. "If anyone wants to step away now, I'll understand."
Nobody moved. Determination flashed in each pair of eyes, a silent testament to their commitment.
