Castiel looked at Renault. "Your relay stations... how large an area can they cover?"
Renault pulled up the radar map.
On the screen, the yellow dots representing relay stations formed a sparse web, covering an area with a radius of roughly a hundred kilometers centered on the rift entrance.
But many of the yellow dots were blinking, indicating unstable signals or that they were under attack.
"In theory, as long as you're within this network, the communicators will work." Renault stared at his communicator. "But the problem now is that many relay stations can barely hold on. Monsters are attacking them, and their batteries are running out. We need to get everyone back to the rift before the signal network collapses."
"Once we return to the rift area, we'll be safe. The chairman and that terrifying puppet under his control are guarding it, while also preventing Purgatory creatures from sneaking into reality."
Renault had absolute confidence in Chairman Lohr.
And as soon as he said it, not a single hunter objected. They all thought the same way. The chairman had proven it through countless terrifying battles—against angels, demons, and monsters.
"Then don't waste time." Dean made the decision without hesitation. "Gather everyone. We leave now."
The order was swiftly passed along.
One hundred thirty-four hunters, plus the twenty-four Renault had brought—one hundred fifty-eight in total. They organized their gear and distributed the remaining ammunition and potions. The severely wounded were helped along, while those still able to fight formed a defensive perimeter.
Before setting out, Castiel did one last thing.
He pressed his angelic insignia against the inner wall of a metal wreck, pouring all his remaining power into it. The insignia melted and seeped into the metal, forming a permanent Heavenly rune on its surface.
"If more hunters come