Chapter 4: The First Strike

With Korthis and his legions of the dead now on their side, Karcel and her allies returned to the surface. But the rogue gods were already moving. Across the skies of Aerilon, battles had erupted as the gods fought for control of the Key.

Karcel's first move was to strike at the weakest of the rogue gods—Melyra, the Goddess of Shadows, whose domain lay on the edge of Aerilon. With her power, Melyra had already begun to weave illusions and deceit, spreading chaos among the mortals.

As Karcel's forces approached Melyra's stronghold, they were met with a storm of shadows. The very air seemed to twist and warp around them, making it impossible to tell friend from foe.

"This is her doing," Rael growled, drawing her sword. "We have to find her, or we'll be lost in this madness."

Karcel nodded, her mind racing. Melyra's power was formidable, but she had one weakness: she could not withstand the light of pure creation. Karcel called upon the remnants of the Key's energy within her, a radiant glow forming in her hands.

"Follow the light," she said, raising the orb high.

The shadows recoiled, and for a brief moment, the path to Melyra was clear. Karcel and her companions charged forward, cutting through the illusions until they reached the heart of the stronghold.

Melyra stood there, her face twisted in anger. "You think you can stop me, Karcel?"

"I know I can," Karcel replied.

With a wave of her hand, she unleashed the light of creation, and Melyra screamed as the shadows around her were torn apart. In moments, the goddess of shadows was defeated, her power broken.

But as Karcel stood over her fallen foe, she knew that this victory was o

nly the beginning.