The Seven Abyssal Keys

Zalgorath's expression darkened, and for a moment, the air seemed to thicken with tension. "You think you can just demand answers from me? You underestimate the complexity of what's at stake here."

"Maybe," Karsha replied, unwavering. "But I've had enough of half-truths and cryptic hints. If you want my help, you need to be straight with me."

Zalgorath sighed, realizing he couldn't bluff his way through this. "Fine. The truth is, the Abyssal Maiden's awakening is part of a much larger prophecy. Her powers are linked to an ancient force that threatens to disrupt the balance of our world."

Karsha raised an eyebrow. "An ancient force? You mean like a primordial evil or something?"

"Yes," Zalgorath admitted. "But it's not just evil. It's a force of chaos, something that predates even the oldest myths. If it awakens fully, it could consume everything in its path."

"And Lady Illo is the key to this?" Karsha asked, his concern growing.