Chapter 238

As the last runestone shattered, the dark energy in the room seemed to implode, the force of it knocking everyone off their feet. The cult leader let out a scream of rage, his form flickering as the power he had been channeling dissipated.

"You will pay for this!" he snarled, summoning a wave of dark energy that surged towards the team.

Veronica raised her weapon, deflecting the attack with a burst of light. "Not today," she said, her voice steady. "This ends now."

With a final, coordinated effort, the team launched their attacks, overwhelming the cult leader. His dark energy faltered, and with a final scream, he was consumed by the very power he had sought to control.

The chamber fell silent, the oppressive weight of the dark energy lifting. The team stood amidst the ruins, their bodies aching but their spirits unbroken.

"We did it," John said, his voice filled with relief.