Round 712 Transcript

The tension in narrow stone corridor deep within tower tightens for a beat as the interruption refuses to go away. Everyone is forced to stay quiet and choose their next move carefully.

"Varikka! Answer me, are you alright?" I cry out, pounding on the door with my fist. The silence on the other side is deafening, broken only by the sound of crumbling stone and the Guardian's distant roar.* "Varikka, please!"

My heart pounds in my chest as I strain to hear any sign of life from my comrade. But there is nothing, only the oppressive weight of the noxious gas that still hangs heavy in the air around me. I can feel it burning my lungs with each ragged breath, its acrid stench filling my nostrils and clouding my thoughts.

I know that we can't stay here any longer. The structural collapse is closing in fast, the sound of crumbling stone growing louder with each passing second. And if Varikka is still out there somewhere, injured or worse, then I have to find her before it's too late.

With a grunt of effort, I shoulder my crossbow and turn to face the door once more. My hands shake as I reach for the handle, the weight of the Guardian's sword pressing against my back like a physical presence. "Varikka, if you can hear me, stay strong," I mutter under my breath, my voice hoarse with exhaustion. "I'm coming for you."

And with that, I throw my weight against the door with a crash of splintering wood, the hinges groaning in protest as they give way beneath my assault. I stagger through the opening, my crossbow at the ready as I scan the darkened chamber beyond for any sign of my fallen comrade.