Round 873 Transcript

The fast-moving underground river continues to sweep Varikka away, her injured ankle throbbing with each kick against the current. Merrin and Elric cling to a narrow ledge, their hands numb from the icy water. The Guardian's roar grows louder still, ominous glow on rushing water below, as it smashes into the stone door behind them, sending shockwaves through the chamber.

I gasp as the icy water swirls around my legs, the current sweeping us along like twigs in a flood. Varikka's struggling beside me, her injured ankle throbbing as she fights to keep her footing on the slick stones. Varikka, grab on! I cry out, my voice barely audible over the roar of the underground river. We need to get to shore before we're pulled under! I reach out to steady her with one hand, my other arm locked around her waist as I pull her towards the narrow ledge. Elric clings to the stone beside us, his torch sputtering and smoking as he fights to keep his balance in the churning water.

The Guardian's roar echoes through the chamber, its ominous glow shining through the darkness ahead. I can feel my heart pounding in my chest, my breath coming in short gasps as we claw our way forward, inch by agonizing inch.