Round 433 Transcript

As Merrin helps Varikka to her feet, the ground beneath them gives a loud creak, and the sound of rushing water grows louder still. The water level rises rapidly, forcing Merrin and Varikka to scramble for higher ground. The narrow opening they emerged from is now submerged, and they must find another way to escape. Varikka's injured ankle throbs in agony as she limps along the dais, her eyes fixed on the rising water. "Merrin, I can barely stand," she says, her voice strained. "We need to find a way out, now!"

Merrin quickly scans the chamber, her eyes darting towards the crumbling stone walls and the low ceiling. She notices a small ledge protruding from the wall, partially hidden by the noxious gas. It looks like it might be their only hope for escape. As they approach the ledge, the Guardian's voice booms through the air: "You fools...you'll never escape!" The water level rises even higher, threatening to engulf them at any moment.

Varikka! Merrin calls out, her voice strained as she points towards the ledge. There! It's our only chance! Merrin rushes over to the ledge, her eyes scanning the surface for any signs of structural instability or hidden traps. She knows that they are running out of time, and that they must act fast if they want to survive.

Varikka, she says, turning back to her with a look of urgency in her eyes. I need you to trust me. Can you climb? Merrin reaches out to help Varikka onto the ledge, her hands steady despite the trembling ground beneath them. She knows that they may only have one chance to escape alive, and she won't let Varikka down.

Varikka, she says, her voice strained. I know your ankle is bad, but we can't stay here. We need to climb up onto this ledge, now. Merrin's eyes dart around the chamber, searching for any signs of structural instability or hidden passages. She knows that they must act quickly if they want to survive.

Varikka, she says, turning back to her with a look of determination in her eyes. I promise you that we will make it out of here alive. But we need to work together now. Can you climb? With that, Merrin takes a deep breath and begins to hoist herself up onto the ledge, her heart pounding in her chest as she prepares to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

I can't... Merrin, I can't climb. My ankle... it's too far gone. Varikka winces in pain as she tries to put weight on her injured leg, the water now up to her waist. You need to go on without me. Save yourself. She turns to Merrin, her eyes filled with determination and resignation. Get out of here, Merrin. Find a way back to the surface. I'll hold them off as long as I can. Varikka reaches for her mace, gripping it tightly in her hand.

With a nod to Merrin, Varikka begins to wade through the water towards the crumbling wall, her teeth gritted against the pain. Don't look back. Just go. She calls over her shoulder, her voice strained but resolute. This is how it has to be.