Round 384

Varikka lunges forward with a desperate cry, her hands scrabbling against the Guardian's robes as she tries to tear them away. The fabric gives way under her fingers, and for a brief moment, the darkness recedes, giving Varikka a glimmer of hope. But the respite is short-lived as the Guardian raises its arm once more, ready to deliver the final blow. The air crackles with electricity as it summons another bolt of dark energy, which hurtles towards Varikka with deadly precision.

With a surge of adrenaline, Varikka throws herself to the side just in time to avoid the brunt of the attack. The magical blast slams into the wall behind her, sending a shower of stone fragments spraying through the air. One particularly sharp piece of debris strikes Varikka's left hand, leaving a deep gash that begins to bleed profusely. "FUCK!" she yells, cradling her injured hand as she scrambles back to her feet.

As the dust settles, Varikka finds herself pressed against the far wall of the narrow corridor, her chest heaving with exertion. She can see Merrin's lifeless body lying on the ground nearby, the rogue's eyes closed and her face pale in the flickering torchlight. "Merrin..." Varikka whispers, her voice cracking with emotion as she takes a step towards her fallen friend.

But before she can reach Merrin, the Guardian begins to move once more, its robes swirling around it as it advances on Varikka with deadly intent. The fighter knows she must act quickly if she hopes to survive this encounter.