The deeper they ventured into Vareth's domain, the stronger his influence became. But Karcel's light, bolstered by Rael's sword and Naida's magic, cut through the darkness, pushing back the illusions and revealing the truth beneath.
At last, they reached the heart of Vareth's lair. The god of shadows waited for them, his form a swirling mass of darkness that shifted and writhed like a living nightmare.
"You've come far," Vareth said, his voice a low hiss. "But you'll go no further."
With a wave of his hand, the shadows around them surged, twisting into monstrous forms that lunged at Karcel and her companions. Rael's sword flashed, cutting through the creatures, while Naida summoned torrents of water to wash them away.
Karcel stepped forward, her light burning brighter than ever. "You won't stop us, Vareth. The balance will be restored, with or without you."
Vareth laughed, a cold, hollow sound. "The balance? You still cling to that foolish ideal. The world is changing, Karcel. The balance is already lost."
But Karcel wasn't swayed. She raised her hand, and the light of creation flared, banishing the shadows around them. Vareth recoiled, his form flickering as the light pierced through his darkness.
With a final burst of energy, Karcel unleashed the full power of the Key, and Vareth's form dissolved into nothingness. The god of shadows was no more.