Round 40 Transcript

As Varrika and Merrin lead the way into the darkness, the ground beneath their feet gives way to a steep, winding staircase that descends deep into the earth. The air grows colder and the shadows seem to twist around them, like living things. Suddenly, a faint, pulsing light emanates from the walls, illuminating ancient carvings that depict a great battle between powerful beings. The symbols seem to pulse with a malevolent energy, warning of the horrors that lie within the Tower's depths. Varrika's eyes narrow as she scans the staircase ahead, her hand on the hilt of her mace. "Stay sharp," she mutters under her breath, her voice barely audible over the sound of scuttling echoing up from below.

Jeane feels a chill run down her spine as she stares into the dark maw, her mind racing with possibilities. The air around them crackles with ancient power—an oppressive weight that presses against her skin like a physical force, making even her own considerable magical abilities feel insignificant and childish. The sound of scuttling echoes up from below—the quickening rhythm of something large, fast, and undoubtedly hostile approaching their position. This isn't just some skeleton or monster; the energy signature is wrong on a fundamental level. This is ancient. Wrong. Jeane feels a surge of cold dread wash over her, but beneath it, a flicker of something darker—a twisted excitement at the prospect of facing such raw power head-on. She's never been one to back down from a challenge, and this… this might be the ultimate test of her abilities. But Merrin is right—they need to know what they're dealing with before they make their move. And Varrika's plan to sneak past whatever comes out of that hole seems like their best option for gathering information without immediately engaging in combat. Jeane turns to face Halie, her expression serious. "I agree with Varrika," she says, her voice low and urgent. "Your healing magic will be crucial if they run into trouble down there." She pauses for a beat, then adds, "And your divine protection might be the only thing that keeps them alive against whatever ancient horror is lurking in those depths."

Jeane's crimson eyes flick back to the dark maw, her mind already racing ahead to what awaits Merrin and Varrika below. This could be their chance to finally retrieve the Time-Splitting Sword—but it will take careful coordination and precise timing to pull off. She takes a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever comes next. "Be ready," she says to Halie, her voice barely above a whisper. "If they call for backup—or if something goes wrong—you and I might be the only ones who can save them."

Jeane's hand tightens around her staff as she watches Merrin and Varrika disappear into the darkness below. The air seems to thicken further in their absence, making it even harder to breathe. She glances at Halie beside her, then back at the dark opening that swallowed their companions. "We wait," Jeane says finally, her voice firm despite the unease gnawing at her insides. "But be ready to move on my mark."

Jeane's spectral form flickers in the magical storm as she prepares for whatever comes next—hopefully good news from Merrin and Varrika, but more likely… something else entirely.

Merrin's eyes dart between Varrika and the dark maw, her heart pounding in her chest as she weighs their options. The ancient power emanating from the carvings on the walls is palpable, sending a shiver down her spine. She knows they can't afford to hesitate—whatever lies ahead, they need to face it head-on if they have any hope of retrieving the Time-Splitting Sword. Taking a deep breath, Merrin steps forward, her hand gripping her mace tightly as she begins to descend the winding staircase. The shadows seem to reach out for her, but she forces herself to keep moving, one careful step at a time. As they make their way deeper into the earth, the air grows colder and heavier, pressing against Merrin's skin like a physical weight. She can hear the scuttling growing louder with each passing second, the sound echoing off the walls and sending icy tendrils of fear down her spine. But she doesn't let it stop her. She knows that Varrika is right beside her, their backs to each other as they move forward into the unknown. Together, they can face whatever horrors await them in the depths of the accursed tower. The shadows grow thicker as they descend further, and Merrin feels a sudden wave of unease wash over her. The air is thick with the scent of decay and the feeling of ancient, malevolent power. She takes another step forward, her heart pounding in her chest, and suddenly, the ground gives way beneath her feet. She cries out as she falls, the darkness swallowing her whole as she plunges into the depths below.