Round 173

The ground gave a final violent shudder, and the chamber lurched to one side. A section of crystal wall slid open with grating friction, revealing a narrow winding stairway that descended into darkness below. The platform was already tilting dangerously, crystal shards scattering around Merrin's boots as she found her balance. Varrika moved forward instinctively, her powerful frame steadying herself against the shifting floor. Her mace lay shattered on the ground behind them—crystal shards embedded in the formations where it had struck during the collapse.

The air was thick with the scent of ozone and burning crystal. Merrin swallowed hard, her crossbow held ready even though she could barely see more than a few feet ahead through the swirling dust. Varrika took another step forward without hesitation, her eyes fixed on the darkness below. "Down," she mouthed clearly to Merrin, her voice carrying despite the distance between them.

Merrin nodded slowly—what other choice did they have? The platform was collapsing around them, and she could feel the ground shifting beneath her feet with each passing second. She moved forward cautiously, matching Varrika's pace as they began the descent into the unknown darkness below.