Shadow of the Ancients Round 916 Transcript

Merrin | Rogue
The Guardian lunges forward, its massive form bearing down on us with terrifying speed. I raise the Time-Splitting Sword, bracing myself for the impact. But at the last moment, Varikka's crossbow sings through the air, burying itself in the beast's eye socket with a sickening crunch. The Guardian rears back, its agonized roar echoing off the chamber walls. I take advantage of the momentary distraction, darting forward and slashing at the creature's flank with the sword. The blade cuts deep, tearing through scales and flesh with ease. Black ichor spurts from the wound, splattering my face and arms. The Guardian whirls on me, its remaining eye blazing with fury. I roll to the side, narrowly avoiding a swipe of its massive claws. Varikka is already reloading her crossbow, her hands moving with practiced efficiency. "Merrin, look out!" she cries, and I glance up to see a hail of falling rocks raining down from above. I throw myself flat against the ground, feeling the stones bounce off my back as they skitter across the chamber floor. When the deluge finally ceases, I push myself to my feet, my body aching from the impact. The Guardian is still standing, its wounds oozing and its movements slowed but not yet defeated. Varikka takes aim once more, her finger tightening on the trigger. But before she can loose another bolt, a section of the tunnel wall collapses completely, sending a shower of rubble cascading down the pit's edge. "Varikka!" I shout, lunging forward to grab her arm and pull her back from the brink. Together we scramble for cover as the debris rains down around us, burying us in a cloud of dust and debris. When the avalanche finally settles, I push myself upright, coughing and sputtering. Varikka is already on her feet, her crossbow held at the ready. "Merrin," she says, her voice strained. "We need to move. This whole place is coming down around us."