Round 977

The air itself seemed to scream as the tower's ancient magic tore apart in great ripping gasps. Merrin clung to her support pillar across the room, crossbow aimed at the monstrous Guardian that filled the doorway with its bulk. The creature's single glowing eye fixed hungrily on them both, and it surged forward again with claws extended like scythes seeking harvest. Varikka fought to stay upright through sheer determination alone, her scarred face etched with pain as she distributed her weight across multiple crumbling pillars. Merrin's finger tightened on the trigger, but a fresh tremor made the floor buckle beneath her feet. She stumbled sideways, barely catching herself against another...