Under the cover of a moonless night, the alliance moved silently through the twisted landscape toward the Shadow Keep. The
fortress loomed ahead — an imposing monolith carved from black obsidian, its walls slick with shadow and ancient runes
glowing faintly red.
Carlos's heart pounded. This was Kael's stronghold, the heart of the Abyssal Grove's darkness. To end the curse and stop Kael's
reign, they had to infiltrate this fortress — a place rumored to twist the mind and trap even the strongest of souls.
Lys crouched beside Carlos, whispering instructions. "We stick together, move fast, and watch for traps. Kael's magic saturates
this place. He's laid wards and guardians everywhere."
Their small group advanced, weapons drawn, senses alert. Rina, the rogue, slipped ahead, scouting the perimeter with catlike
grace. Thalor, the knight, shield raised, guarded their flank. Maren, the mage, murmured spells under her breath, weaving faint
protective barriers.
Carlos gripped the Blade of Ascension tightly. The sword's glow cut through the darkness like a beacon of hope.
At the gate, Rina's sharp eyes caught a faint shimmer — a magical tripwire barely visible in the gloom. She signaled the group to
halt.
"Traps everywhere," she warned. "One false step and we're done."
Slowly and carefully, they navigated the labyrinthine walls, avoiding rune traps that exploded into bursts of shadow or
summoned spectral guardians. The air grew heavier, thick with Kael's dark magic.
Finally, they reached the great hall — a vast chamber where shadows writhed like living things, whispering in voices that
tugged at their minds.
Kael awaited them at the far end, a towering figure cloaked in black, eyes burning like coals. The shadows around him seemed
to pulse and shift, forming blades, whips, and claws.
"Welcome, challengers," Kael's voice boomed, cold and mocking. "Only one will leave this place alive."
Without hesitation, the battle erupted.
Carlos surged forward, Blade of Ascension blazing with light. Lys danced through the shadows, her daggers striking true.
Thalor held the line against spectral warriors, while Maren unleashed torrents of elemental magic.
The fortress shook with the force of their clash, light and shadow colliding in a violent storm.
Amid the chaos, Carlos caught Kael's gaze — a silent challenge, a deadly promise.
The final battle for the Abyssal Grove's fate had begun.