Round 793

Varrika's ankle gave out completely, her leg buckling under the sudden weight of the creature's attack. She crashed into the rising waters, the icy floodwater shocking her system as she fought to stay afloat. The current was relentless, pulling at her with insistent fingers, threatening to drag her downstream and away from Merrin.

"Varrika!" Merrin's voice cut through the roar of rushing water, a lifeline in the chaos. She surged forward, grabbing her friend by the arm and hauling her up into a fireman's carry. The dwarf woman was heavier than she looked, her armor and muscle weighing her down, but Merrin gritted her teeth and held fast.

"Hold on!" Merrin shouted, her words barely audible over the water's fury. She fought against the current, every step a battle as they made their way toward the partial collapse point. The creature was still coming, its glowing orbs fixed on them like malevolent stars in the darkness.

Varrika's injured ankle throbbed with each movement, but she clamped down on the pain, refusing to be a liability. She could feel the Time-Splitting Sword digging into her back with every step, a reminder of everything they'd sacrificed to get this far. This wasn't how it was supposed to end - trapped in a collapsing tunnel, drowning in rising waters, pursued by some monstrous guardian.

But maybe... just maybe... there was still a way out. If they could just reach that partial collapse, maybe they could climb above the waterline and find a way through. Merrin was counting on her, and she wasn't about to let her friend down now.