Round 218

The walls' synchronized breathing stopped completely—everything except that low pulsing hum growing stronger like heartbeat counting down seconds until next adaptation phase. Splitting the party now plays into enemy's hands by creating vulnerable targets they can pick off separately. Silra's complete consumption timeline accelerated to approximately three hours based on observed rates.

Halie pushed herself upright using the wall as support—her right arm was completely useless now, fingers twitching uncontrollably as the corruption spread through her nerves like liquid ice. Forward movement splits defensive capabilities between these channeled windows; twenty percent chance of success even if both arms worked properly. But staying put means death by slow consumption while walls adapt to divine magic and learn ward patterns between breaths.

Every second counts—my fingers are already...

The silvery tracing on Abby's arm pulsed in sync with the voice from downstairs, and Hera felt a shiver run down her spine. Suddenly, the walls' breathing pattern quickened, and the air was filled with a faint, metallic scent. She gripped Abby tightly against her chest, her heart pounding as she tried to make sense of the pulsing light and rumbling voice emanating from the passageway ahead.

I know we need to be cautious, but the walls' coordinated breathing and the growing intensity of the glow suggest that staying put is not an option. As Halie struggles against the corruption consuming her, I feel a pang of guilt for leaving...

The air in the chamber seemed to thicken with each passing moment, the pulsing rhythm of the walls' breathing becoming more insistent, more demanding. Hera could feel Abby's heart racing against her own chest—she was terrified too, but they couldn't afford to show weakness now. The silvery tracing on Abby's arm had begun to spread, tiny tendrils creeping across her skin like living veins.

We need to move, Hera whispered, her voice barely audible over the growing hum. But we can't split up—it's exactly what the walls want. She glanced back at Halie, still struggling against the corruption consuming her, and felt a fresh wave of guilt wash over her. They'd left Silra down there with whatever was controlling this place, and now Halie was paying the price for their failure to stop it earlier.

I'm sorry, she mouthed silently, knowing Halie couldn't see her but hoping somehow the message would get through anyway.