Round 138 Transcript

As the spirit finishes speaking, its coal-black eyes seem to bore into Jeane and Seraphine, as if sizing them up for the challenge ahead. The air around them crackles with tension, the magic coiling like a living thing, waiting to be unleashed. Suddenly, the platform beneath them gives a faint creak, and the sound of groaning stone echoes through the passage. It's a reminder that time is running out - the tower's structural integrity is precarious at best. The spirit's gaze lingers on Merrin, who remains frozen in place, still clutching the vial of alchemical concoction. Jeane's eyes narrow, her mind racing with the implications of the binding. "So, when do we start?" she asks, her voice firm but laced with a hint of determination. The spirit's response is immediate. "We begin now," it says, its voice like a cold wind through the passage. "One of you will need to bind me - permanently. The other will need to prove their conviction."

This is fucking insane. Jeane's crimson eyes blaze with a fierce light as she processes the spirit's terms. Permanent binding? Mutual binding? Are you out of your mind? She turns to Seraphine, her expression torn between exasperation and barely contained rage. What the hell were you thinking, suggesting that? Do you have any idea what could go wrong? Jeane takes a step back, her wings half-spreading in a defensive gesture before she forces them down. The thought of binding herself to this ancient, malevolent entity makes her skin crawl—but at the same time, she can't deny the thrill of it, the dark excitement that stirs deep within her. Fine. So we need to prove ourselves somehow. But permanent binding? That's suicide! She glares at Seraphine again, then back at the spirit.

Her mind races, weighing the risks against the potential rewards. If they can pull this off—if they can bind and control even a fraction of this power—they might actually stand a chance here. Okay, let me make sure I understand what you're proposing. Jeane's voice takes on a dangerous edge as she addresses the spirit directly. You want one of us to permanently bind you—which we all know is fucking impossible given how strong your magic already is—and then the other one has to prove their conviction somehow while you're bound? And if we fail, we all pay the price? The platform groans ominously beneath them, and Jeane's gaze flicks upwards instinctively. Time's running out, ladies. She mutters, her attention snapping back to the spirit. So here's my question: what exactly is this 'conviction' you're talking about? Because I've got convictions coming out of my ass right now—like not dying in a collapsing tomb, for instance—but if it involves more permanent binding or sacrificing myself to your ancient demonic whims, we might have a problem. She crosses her arms, her posture radiating barely controlled impatience. And while you're at it, how about some details on what happens if we accept and then fail? Because I'd really like to know exactly what 'high price' means in this context—is it death? Torture? Eternal servitude as your personal sex slaves? Jeane's hand moves to the hilt of her mace reflexively, though she doesn't draw it. Because let me tell you something—I've got a pretty high threshold for risk when it comes to survival. But I'm not signing up for some ancient soul contract without knowing exactly what I'm getting into. So if you want my cooperation—and trust me, you do—you're going to need to be a lot more specific about the terms of this little arrangement. Her wings twitch restlessly behind her as she waits for an answer, already formulating contingency plans in case the spirit's demands are too much.

I meet Jeane's furious gaze, my own eyes wide with a mixture of fear and excitement. "I know it sounds crazy," I say, my voice dropping to a whisper as I lean closer to her, trying to shield our words from the spirit's ears. "But think about it—the power we could gain if we even partially control that kind of ancient magic. And the conviction... isn't that what we need right now? To show we're serious about getting out of here alive?" My heart is hammering in my chest, but there’s an undeniable thrill at the thought of wielding such power, even for a moment. "As for the price if we fail... well, isn't that what we're already facing? The tower coming down on our heads, or worse? This way, at least we have a chance."
I turn back to the spirit, my expression hardening with determination. The air around us crackles with its ancient power, making my skin prickle. It’s terrifying, but also intoxicating. "We accept," I say, my voice ringing out loud and clear in the groaning passage. "One of us will bind you permanently—though how we manage that remains to be seen—and the other will prove their conviction however you see fit." My eyes flick to Merrin, still standing on the platform below, then back to Jeane. I know what I'm about to suggest is risky, but it feels like the only way forward. "Jeane will handle the binding—she has the raw power to at least try. And I..." I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the next part "I will prove my conviction by attempting to free Merrin from her current state. If you're truly bound to us, perhaps you can guide me, show me how to tap into the tower's own magic to stabilize her condition without resorting to Jeane's remaining potions." The plan is insane, desperate even, but it feels right. It’s a show of faith in our abilities and our resolve. "So? Do we have an accord?"