Round 999 Transcript

As Merrin struggles to pull herself up the root, the current grows stronger, threatening to drag her back under. Her fingers slip, and she feels a searing pain as her hand is torn from the rock. She cries out in agony as her arm is pulled backward, leaving her dangling in the water. The Guardian's cries echo through the tunnel, growing louder as it realizes its chance to catch Merrin is slipping away. A massive stone door slams shut behind Merrin, sealing her fate. The water churns violently as the current surges forward, carrying Merrin downstream. She feels herself being pulled toward a narrow, treacherous waterfall. The Guardian bursts through the stone door, its eyes fixed on Merrin as it readies itself to strike.

I cling desperately to the root, my muscles burning with exertion as I fight against the relentless current. The water churns violently around me, threatening to drag me back under at any moment. I know I can't afford to let it stop me now. Varrika is out there somewhere, hurt and alone, and I refuse to let fear or exhaustion hold me back. With a grunt of effort, I begin to haul myself up the root, my fingers slipping and sliding against the slick surface. The tunnel walls loom above me, slick with moisture and barely visible in the dim light. But I know I can't afford to linger here. Varikka is out there somewhere, hurt and alone, and I refuse to let fear or exhaustion hold me back.