Vanadium Comics Presents:

ARKADI-LAMPPOST EVENING EDITION

By Tina Hayward, Senior Correspondent

When the shadows stir, we shine the light.

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MÄRLÜK ON THE MOVE — NIGHT WATCH RATTLED BY NEW THREATS

Citizens of Arkadium, keep your eyes to the skyline.

Last night, reports poured in from the Upper Blocks: Märlük, the silent shadow, was seen sprinting rooftop to rooftop — a blur of fury and precision — in hot pursuit of a group of snarling Renfields. Witnesses described the chase as “otherworldly” and “terrifyingly beautiful.” Those creatures didn’t stand a chance.

But while one predator runs, another waits. The Empusas, those twisted creatures of chaos, were spotted once again, crouched in the corners of our city’s crumbling architecture — watching. Waiting. What are they planning? And why now?

Meanwhile, on the ground, the Sons of Crete are multiplying. Their graffiti stains our walls, their messages grow bolder, and their grip on the southern districts tightens like a noose. Police presence is minimal, and Commissioner Rowland remains silent. Too silent.

A NEW NAME WHISPERS THROUGH THE DARK: DEMOOD.

He came out of nowhere — or maybe he was always here, waiting. Last night’s power outage in the Industrial Spine was no accident. DeMood struck, leaving a warehouse in ruins and a trail of scorched earth. Who is he? No one knows. But one thing’s clear: this enemy doesn’t want territory — he wants chaos.

And just when we needed hope...

THE RETRI-BUTCHER RETURNS.

Covered in blood and righteous fury, Robert Benson, a.k.a. the Retri-Butcher, was spotted dragging a group of battered Renfields into the back alleys of Greenveil. Sources say they were left gift-wrapped for Detective A. Murray. Message received.

UP IN THE SKY: ZIG-ZAG TAKES FLIGHT.

Our aerial ace, the ever-elusive Zig-Zag, has been seen patrolling Arkadium’s skyline. She’s fast, unpredictable, and armed. Her sonic drones lit up the riverfront last night, scattering Empusa scouts into the shadows.

And down below, in the thick of the chaos, Ben and Detective Hiroshi Miike are holding the line. They’ve been battling Renfield surges in the Dockside District for three nights straight. Miike’s precision and Ben’s brute strength may be all that stands between Arkadium and collapse.

Arkadium is stirring. The players are in motion. And as always, the Lamppost is watching.

Stay safe. Stay aware.

— Tina Hayward, reporting from the heart of the storm.