Round 37 Transcript

As the creature advances, its massive form blocking out most of the dim light from behind, Seraphine's eyes lock onto the crystal at the tip of her staff, and she whispers, "This is a summoning spell, one I've studied but never attempted before." The air around her begins to distort, as if reality itself is warping to accommodate the magic. The creature takes another step forward, its growl echoing off the stone walls. The runes on the wall seem to pulse in time with the creature's advance, casting eerie shadows that dance and twist in the corners of the chamber.

Jeane studies the pulsing runes, her crimson eyes narrowed in concentration. This is no mere trap—these symbols are alive with power. She turns to Seraphine, her voice urgent. Can you sense what kind of magic this is? Divine or arcane? We need to know if Halie's wards will even work against it. Her gaze flickers between the approaching creature and the glowing barrier Halie is constructing. Merrin, stay behind me. Varrika, if that thing charges, aim for its eyes—they're the most sensitive spot on any beast I've encountered. She raises her hand, dark energy swirling around her fingertips. Seraphine, whatever you're preparing, make it fast. We don't have much time before this situation goes from bad to catastrophic. The cold air prickles against Jeane's skin as she feels the ancient magic pressing in around them. This place doesn't want us here—we're trespassing on sacred ground. But we came for a reason, and I won't let some guardian spirit stop me now. Her eyes flash with determination even as unease twists in her stomach.

Jeane's wings shift restlessly at her sides, ready to unfurl if needed. Whatever happens next, stick together. We face this thing as one—or not at all. She turns back to the approaching creature, her voice dropping to a dangerous purr. Come then, you shadow-spawned mongrel. Show us what you're made of before we tear you apart.

The crystal at the tip of my staff pulses in time with the runes on the wall, a terrible harmony that vibrates through my bones. This is no simple ward or trap—it’s a summoning circle, and whatever monstrous thing we’ve awakened, it knows we mean it harm. The air crackles with ancient power, and I feel my own magic coiling inside me like a threatened snake.
I look up at the creature, its crimson eyes locked on mine. It isn’t just looking at us; it’s seeing us, all our secrets and intentions laid bare under its malevolent gaze. This is what Elric warned about—the dark heart of the tower, awakened by our trespassing. And now it demands a price.
I raise my staff higher, my voice rising with the magic. "Hear me, spirit of this place! We do not come as enemies, but as seekers. We need what lies beyond your gate. Let us pass in peace." The words ring with all the authority I can muster, which is to say, not much against such eldritch might. But they are a start.
My eyes dart around the group—Jeane, ready for battle; Varrika, her crossbow trained on the beast; Merrin, her face pale but determined; Halie, weaving her divine shield. We are a strange crew, united by desperation and a shared purpose. And right now, that purpose feels more foolish than ever. But we've come too far to turn back.
I take a step forward, placing myself between the creature and my companions. My heart hammers against my ribs, but I force my voice to remain steady. "We offer you this bargain: one of us will stay here as a sacrifice to your guardian spirit. One life for the path ahead." The words taste like ashes in my mouth. It's a terrible suggestion, an abhorrent breach of our alliance. And yet... what choice do we have? We cannot fight this thing, not without losing everything.
I turn to face the group, my expression grim. "We need to decide. Now. Who among us is willing to make that sacrifice? To become the key to our success?" My gaze falls on Merrin last of all, a silent apology in my eyes. She is the most innocent among us, the one who least deserves this fate. But she is also the heart of our mission—the one we must protect at all costs.
I can feel the creature’s impatience mounting, a low growl that vibrates in the very stone beneath our feet. Time is running out. Whatever our choice, it must be made now, or we will all fall to this beast, and our quest will end here, at the bottom of some forgotten tower.

My hand grips the holy symbol so tightly my knuckles turn white. Seraphine's words hang in the air like a physical weight. "Sacrifice? No." The word comes out sharp and absolute before I can filter it. I step forward, placing myself beside her, facing down the creature with its hellish eyes gleaming in the darkness. My voice is low but carries through the oppressive stillness. "We are not murderers. We do not bargain for success at the cost of innocence." I turn to Merrin, my expression unyielding despite the fear that coils cold and tight in my gut. "You go nowhere near this thing alone. We face whatever comes as one—together or not at all."