Round 197 Transcript

As Merrin speaks up, Varrika takes a step back, her hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of her mace. "We can't hole up here," she says firmly, her voice low and urgent. The ground beneath them shudders violently, and a loud rumbling sound fills the air as the passageway collapses inwards, sending rocks tumbling down the corridor. Varrika's eyes widen as she realizes they're running out of time. "We need to keep moving!"

The ground shudders violently, and Merrin staggers as the passageway collapses inwards, sending rocks tumbling down the corridor. Her heart leaps into her throat as she realizes they're running out of time. "Varrika!" she yelps, reaching out to grab the fighter's arm. "We need to keep moving!"

Without waiting for a response, Merrin pushes past Varrika, her eyes scanning the shadows ahead for any sign of a safe haven. The crossbow feels heavy in her hands, but better than nothing if they run into trouble. She risks a glance back over her shoulder, wincing as more rocks shift and tumble into the narrow corridor. "May the gods help us," she breathes, more prayer than curse. "Because I'm starting to think even the gods have abandoned us in this nightmare."

But there's no choice now but to keep moving forward, to put one foot in front of the other and pray they can outrun the collapse...or at least find somewhere to weather it before the whole damn place comes down on their heads. Merrin takes a deep breath, steeling herself as she steps after Varrika into the darkness ahead. "Let's keep moving," she says quietly, her voice barely audible over the groans and creaks of straining stone. "We've come this far - we can't turn back now." And with that, she follows the fighter deeper into the crumbling tunnel, her heart pounding in her ears and her nerves on a knife's edge. Whatever fresh hell lies ahead, they'll face it together...or die trying.

Varrika nods grimly as Merrin pushes past her, the rogue's urgency spurring her into motion. She tightens her grip on the mace, the rough wood reassuring against her palm. "Aye, you're right," she says, her voice tight with tension. "We can't stay here."