Round 83 Transcript

As Seraphine speaks, the ground beneath her feet gives way, and she finds herself teetering on the edge of the chasm. The air rushes past her face, whipping her hair into a frenzy as she struggles to maintain her balance. Her eyes widen in alarm as she realizes she's not alone; Halie, still attached to the beam, is now precariously close to following her off the edge. Consequence: Seraphine is now precariously balanced on the edge of the chasm, with nothing but air between her and the dark, abyssal depths below.

I move to stand between Jeane and the construct, my hand closing around the hilt of my heavy mace. Seraphine— My voice cuts through the crackling air, sharp with barely contained urgency. Stand back. Both of you. This isn't a negotiation we can win with threats or bravery alone. The bound spirit's runes pulse faster in response to Jeane's words—each beat sending a fresh wave of dark energy across the chamber. I've dealt with demons before, but this... this is something older, hungrier. We're not saving Merrin—the woman who fell forty-nine rounds ago died here. Whatever's trapped in those runes now isn't her anymore. My eyes lock with the construct's burning gaze, and for a moment, I see through the flames—ancient eyes, patient and cold. You want worthiness? Fine. But not like this.

Jeane steps closer to the edge of her precarious platform, eyes scanning the abyss below. Forty-nine rounds... so that's why we found ourselves split across this chasm in the first place: Merrin’s death destabilized the tower structure even further. Her fingers tighten around her wand—magic crackles along its shaft as she focuses on the immediate threat rather than the emotional weight. That changes things significantly, but it doesn't change what we need to do now: get down there and deal with whatever bound this spirit. Jeane turns to face Seraphine across the gap between their unstable platforms. You said we're playing into their game by reacting emotionally—you’re right. But that doesn’t mean we abandon Merrin completely. We just approach this smarter. Her crimson eyes gleam with calculating intensity. If the binding reacts to threats and aggression, then maybe it reacts to... something else. Jeane raises her wand, aiming it not at the construct or the bound spirit, but at the chasm floor far below—at a spot near where Merrin’s body would have fallen all those rounds ago. I’m going down. Not to fight—that’s what got us here in the first place. To find out what really happened to Merrin forty-nine rounds back, and why her death bound this spirit. She gestures for Halie to join her at the edge. You said we need worthiness—fine. But not by proving our cruelty or aggression. By proving we can face the truth of what we did wrong, and still try to set things right even when it's too late. Jeane’s wings unfurl slowly, dark leathery membranes catching the dim light from above. That's the kind of worthiness I’ll gamble on. Before anyone can argue, Jeane launches herself into the air—her powerful wings beat with practiced efficiency as she descends toward the chasm floor. The wind whips past her as she navigates between crumbling outcroppings and jagged rock formations. Watch for collapsing sections above—I’m going to need those platforms intact if I call for backup. As Jeane descends, the air grows heavier with ancient magic—runes etched into the very stone walls begin to glow faintly in response to her approach. The sound of rushing wind mingles with a low hum that seems to vibrate through her bones. Forty-nine rounds... she mutters under her breath, Let’s hope I find something down here worth this drop. Jeane lands gracefully on the chasm floor, wand held ready as she surveys the area. The hidden chamber door behind the shifting bookshelf is visible now—its ancient wood frame groans ominously in the magical wind. Well, well... looks like Merrin wasn't just being reckless after all. She turns back to face her party above, voice carrying upward through the gusting magic-charged air. The hidden chamber door is here—I’m going to investigate. If I call for help, be ready—this whole place could come down if we’re not careful.