Round 402 Transcript

As Merrin and Varikka emerge from the tunnel, the wooden bridge creaks ominously beneath their feet. The water churning below seems to be drawing closer, its dark surface lapping at the edges of the bridge with increasing urgency. The sound of rushing water grows louder still, and the bridge's timbers shudder with each passing heartbeat.

I step onto the bridge, my heart hammering in my chest as I feel it sway beneath my feet. The water churns below, its dark surface lapping at the edges of the span with increasing urgency. I can hear Varikka's labored breathing behind me as she follows close on my heels, her injured ankle slowing her progress.

But we don't have time to stop and rest. The sound of rushing water grows louder still, and I can feel the bridge trembling beneath our feet as the current builds. I grip the rope railing tightly, my knuckles white with the effort of keeping my balance as I make my way across the span.

One step at a time, I tell myself, my breath coming in short, sharp gasps. Just keep moving forward. Don't look down.

I can feel Varikka's presence behind me, her warmth seeping through the fabric of my clothes as she presses close to keep from falling. But I don't dare turn around to check on her. Not now, not with so much at stake.

Finally, mercifully, we reach the other side. I let out a sigh of relief as I help Varikka climb up onto the solid ground, my heart still racing in my chest. "We made it," I breathe, my voice hoarse with exhaustion. "But we're not out of danger yet."

I turn to face the narrow opening in the wall, my eyes narrowing as I take in the scene beyond. The tunnel stretches on into the darkness, its walls crumbling and its floor slick with moisture. But there's no turning back now. We've come too far to give up.

So I take a deep breath and step forward, my hand gripping the crowbar tightly as I lead the way into the unknown. "Come on, Varikka," I call over my shoulder, my voice tight with determination. "Let's see where this takes us."