Round 917 Transcript

Varikka's crossbow bolt grazes the Guardian's shoulder, sending it stumbling back. The beast's eyes flash with pain and anger, but it quickly recovers, its gaze refocusing on the party. The ground shudders beneath their feet as another section of the tunnel wall collapses, sending a wave of rubble crashing down the pit's edge. Merrin pulls Varikka to safety just in time, and they both stumble back, coughing from the dust and debris. As the dust settles, Varikka's crossbow string is snapped, leaving her without a weapon. The Guardian takes advantage of the distraction, charging forward with renewed ferocity.

The Guardian looms over us, its wounds oozing and its movements slowed but not yet defeated. Varikka's crossbow string is snapped, leaving her unarmed. The ground continues to shudder and groan beneath our feet, the tower straining against its own decay. I take a step forward, the Time-Splitting Sword gripped tight in my hand. "Varikka, we need to move," I say, my voice strained as I try to keep the fear from creeping into my tone. "This whole place is coming down around us."

She nods, her eyes never leaving the Guardian's form. "I know," she says, her voice a low growl. "But we can't just run. Not with that thing still standing."

I take another step forward, the sword held at the ready. The Guardian snarls, its remaining eye blazing with fury. I can feel the heat of its breath washing over me, smell the fetid stench of its rage. But I don't flinch. I can't afford to. "Merrin," Varikka says, her voice urgent. "On my mark, we go for the exit. Together."

I nod, my grip tightening on the sword's hilt. The Guardian lunges forward, its massive form bearing down on us with terrifying speed. I brace myself for the impact, ready to meet it head-on. "Now!" Varikka shouts, and together we spring into action, charging forward to face the beast once more.

Merrin: [I crouch low, my eyes darting between Varikka and the Guardian.] Varikka, we can't just rush it! We'll be crushed if another collapse happens while we're in the open. [I scan the chamber, looking for an opening.] There! The alcove to the right, it might give us some cover while we figure out our next move. [I gesture with my free hand, keeping the Time-Splitting Sword at the ready.] We take the alcove, then use the sword to defend against the Guardian. If we can't disable its eye or limbs, I'll go for the weak spots we found in the first fight. [My jaw tightens as I remember the carnage of our previous encounters.]

[I glance at Varikka, noting her unarmed state.] Can you scavenge some rubble for a makeshift weapon? I'll keep the beast at bay. [My voice is tense, but there's a hint of determination in my tone.] We've beat it before, we can do it again. But we need to be smart about this. [I turn back to face the Guardian, my posture defensive but ready to strike.] Varikka, on three. One... two...