Chapter 8 Liberation's Light

With Malik's deception revealed, the time had come to liberate Fantasia from corruption forever. Derik called upon the company to make their final stand, and they rallied resolutely behind him and Serena.

That night, as Silva's rays glanced silver through swaying leaves, Derik led the company towards the wood's darkened heart. Malevolent chants resonated, urging them back, but prayer shielded their footsteps.

At last, the forest opened upon a glade festooned in midnight shadows. There, antlers crowned in writhing shades, waited the embodiment of Fantasia's fallen soul.

"Fools!" its ravaged voice boomed. "This realm is mine to command. Surrender, or face annihilation!" But Derik lifted his staff aloft, its light banishing all illusions. "No more will you poison what was intended for good. In Christ's name, darkness must pass!"

A bestial roar shook the glade as the shadow lunged. The company braced themselves, summoning strength and resolve through unison prayers and verses of hope. As the first assault crashed upon their faith, shields of light flared forth from their unity, repelling the onslaught.

The battle raged through the night, shadows hammering against the company's unyielding spirit. Yet with each attack, their combined radiance intensified, slowly pushing back the darkness' reach. By the rising of silver Sol, hope had kindled anew—they were winning this war for Fantasia's soul.

With an anguished howl, the shade dissipated into vapor under the light's brilliance. A resounding cheer arose from the woodland shades still clinging to truth as Fantasia breathed freely once more. Their quest was complete at last.

Serena smiled beatifically at the company. "You have triumphed by staying true to faith above all else. Now go and spread light to any realm still darkened." Heartened, Derik knew their work was just beginning.