Why does blend mode create this gradient?

[andrews88284737]

Can someone help me with the below image. I'm using the blend mode for this text but for some reason its creating a gradient. I just want the letters to extend without the radient. Meaning I want the grey area to blend into the dark area without a transion of color. I used to use blend mode for this purpose but now its creates this gradient. Can someone help me solve this issue? Thank you!

[Monika Gause]

You mean you are using the blend function?

In order for it to work, you will need to use two text objects that have the same color. 

But the method is not a good idea anyway, because it creates ugly edges and a gazillion of objects in your file. Here's a better method: https://www.vektorgarten.de/long-shadows-with-illustrator.html 

[lidm]

Hello!

Are you creating this effect by repeating the text object over and over?