Round 856

The stone door groans and shudders again, a fresh cascade of dust raining down as the ancient mechanism protests the sheer force being exerted upon it from the other side. The sound of rushing water fills the air, a constant reminder of their precarious position above the underground river. Varikka grits her teeth against the torment, every step sending fresh agony shooting up her leg as Merrin helps support her weight. "Can you walk?" Merrin asks, her voice tight with concern. "We need to keep moving if we want to survive this." Varikka nods, determination written across her features despite the pain. "I'll manage. Just... give me a moment."

Elric works frantically at the stone door, his torch flickering wildly as he tries to open it. The metal begins to bend and warp under the pressure, threatening to tear away from its frame at any moment. "Hurry!" Merrin shouts, her voice barely audible over the roar of The Guardian. The sound of grinding rock fills the air as the creature throws itself against the barrier again and again.

With a final, desperate heave, Elric manages to force the door open just wide enough for them to squeeze through. A narrow stone tunnel stretches out before them, the sound of rushing water echoing off the walls. "Everyone, get in!" Merrin shouts, her voice strained with effort as she half-carry, half-drag Varikka through the opening. "We need to keep moving!"

As Elric follows behind them, his torch lighting the way, Merrin can feel the ground trembling beneath her feet, chunks of rock falling from above. She knows they need to find a safer position quickly, but with Varikka's injured ankle and the constant threat of The Guardian breaking through the barrier, their options are limited.