The battle had taken a toll on the group, their strength waning as Mortis's power surged with every stolen luminar stone. The very air crackled with dark energy, and the oppressive weight of the enemy's influence seemed to press down upon them.
Veren's muscles ached as he drew his bowstring for another shot. "We're losing ground. He's too strong."
Elysia's voice was strained as she channeled her magic. "We can't give up. We must protect the luminar stone."
Kael's sword clashed against Mortis's dark magic, his resolve unyielding. "We need to find a way to break through his defenses."
Lyra's daggers were a blur as she dodged Mortis's attacks. "Our strength is waning. We can't keep this up much longer."
As Mortis unleashed a powerful blast of shadow energy, the group was pushed to their limits. Each strike they landed seemed to have little effect, while Mortis's power grew with every stolen stone. Desperation clung to them as they fought to stay on their feet, but it was clear that they were losing the battle.
Veren's breath was ragged as he glanced at his companions, their faces etched with weariness. "We can't hold out much longer."
Just as hope seemed to fade, a blinding light erupted in the chamber, forcing Mortis to shield his eyes. From the brilliance emerged three radiant figures, their presence overwhelming the darkness that had gripped the chamber.
Veridia's voice was imbued with power. "Step back, mortals. We will not let darkness claim you."
Sylvas's gaze was unwavering. "We are the balance to Mortis's chaos."
Valeria's voice resonated with strength. "Stand behind us. We will shield you from his onslaught."
The three lower gods positioned themselves between the group and Mortis, their auras blazing with divine energy. The very fabric of reality seemed to shift as the forces of light and darkness clashed.
Mortis's voice dripped with venom. "You can't protect them forever."
Veridia's voice was resolute. "We will do what is necessary to safeguard the fate of Ethos."
The clash between the gods and Mortis sent shockwaves through the chamber, cracks forming in the very ground beneath them. The air sizzled with magic, and for a fleeting moment, the balance between light and darkness hung in the balance.
With a final surge of effort, the three gods unleashed a burst of energy that forced Mortis back, his shadowy form dissipating into the shadows. The chamber echoed with their triumphant victory, and the gods turned their radiant gazes toward the group.
Veren's voice was awed. "Thank you for your aid."
Elysia's eyes shone with gratitude. "We are forever in your debt."
Kael's voice was filled with reverence. "You saved our lives."
Lyra's daggers lowered as she addressed the gods. "We will carry your light with us."
With a nod from each of the gods, their luminous forms began to fade, their energy expended from the battle. As they disappeared, the chamber seemed to return to its normal state, the air no longer oppressive with darkness.
Veren reached out and took the luminar stone that had been the center of the battle. "We have what we came for."
Elysia's voice was tinged with determination. "We must continue our mission. Mortis won't rest until he has all the stones."
As the group exited the chamber, their steps were lighter, their hearts buoyed by the assistance of the gods. They glanced back one last time at the chamber where they had faced the embodiment of darkness, knowing that the battle was far from over. But for now, they held the power of a luminar stone and the memory of the gods' intervention, a glimmer of hope in a world consumed by shadows.