Round 90 Transcript

The tension in cavern beneath the collapsed bridge: The Chasm of Reflections tightens for a beat as the interruption refuses to go away. Everyone is forced to stay quiet and choose their next move carefully.

Jeane hovers at the chasm’s edge, her crimson eyes fixed on the shimmering portal as she considers Seraphine’s words. A volunteer to walk into an ancient maze of mirrors that might reflect one's soul? How wonderfully self-sacrificial—assuming it doesn't drive them mad or worse. Her tone carries a sharp edge, but there’s something almost admiring in her gaze as she looks at the wizard. Though I must admit, my dear Seraphine, your willingness to suggest such a dangerous task speaks to either remarkable bravery or spectacular foolishness. She circles slowly above the portal, her dark wings beating with barely audible whispers. The question is not whether one of us should go first—it’s which of us has the least to lose by doing so. Her eyes narrow thoughtfully. You say this power might tear at our souls? Well then, perhaps it’s best we start with someone whose soul isn’t quite as... heavily invested in this adventure. Jeane descends until she’s hovering face-to-face with Merrin. Little one, I hope you won’t take this the wrong way, but— She gestures vaguely at Merrin's form. —you are perhaps the least complicated of us. Your transformation into a succubus seems to have simplified things considerably. No ancient powers stirring within you, no complex backstories to unravel, and certainly no risk of your awakening magic destroying this entire chasm. Jeane’s expression softens slightly, almost an apology. I mean that as a compliment, truly. The simpler the soul, the less the mirrors have to work with—less fuel for whatever darkness might lurk in those reflections. So while it pains me to ask this of you, especially after what you’ve already been through... She extends her hand towards Merrin, an offer and a challenge in one. Perhaps it would be wisest for you to volunteer first? Not because I doubt your courage, but precisely because I don’t. You've faced more transformations than most could handle, yet here you are—steady as ever. To Seraphine, she adds, Though of course, if our little rogue here refuses the honor... Jeane’s gaze shifts back to Merrin, her expression unreadable. Then I suppose I might have to reconsider which of us has the most to gain from a glimpse into their own reflection. After all, isn't it always the ones with something to hide who are most afraid of what they might find?

I watch Jeane circle Merrin like a predator eyeing its prey, her words painting a picture of sacrifice and practicality that chills me to the bone. The suggestion hangs in the air, a challenge not just to Merrin but to all of us. To volunteer first is to be the canary in the coal mine, the one who must face whatever horrors the maze of mirrors holds without the safety net of knowing what to expect.
My gaze drifts from Jeane to Merrin, seeing the conflict play out across her features. She looks so small and vulnerable now, her transformed body a stark reminder of how much has changed for all of us since we entered this accursed tower. Yet beneath that vulnerability, there’s a core of unyielding strength. It's that very strength Jeane is counting on—a willingness to face the unknown without fear.
I step forward, my hands still glowing faintly with the power I can barely control. The air around me feels thick and heavy, charged with an energy that seems to hum in sync with my racing heart. "Wait," I say, my voice softer than I intend but firm enough to catch everyone's attention. "Perhaps... perhaps there's another way." My eyes meet Jeane’s, then move to the Guardian. A plan begins to take shape in my mind, desperate and risky, but possibly our best chance.
I turn to face the ancient being, trying to project an authority I don't fully feel. "If this trial is indeed designed to test courage and wits," I say, speaking slowly, thinking on my feet, "then surely it would be most effective if we were to tackle it as a party. Together." I gesture around at all of us—Jeane, Merrin, and myself. "You speak of reflections of one's soul. But what if we were to approach this not as individuals, but as a single unit? A reflection of our combined strength and unity." My gaze falls on the portal, then back to the Guardian. "Let us all enter. Let us all face whatever visions it has to offer. This way, no one is left alone with their fears, and we can support each other through the trials."
The idea feels right as soon as it leaves my lips. It makes sense on a level that goes beyond mere strategy. We came into this chasm together—we should face its challenges together too. The thought of being separated, of one of us having to endure something so terrifying alone... it’s unthinkable.
I look at Merrin, then at Jeane. "We don't have time for individual tests of courage. Our friends are waiting, and this power inside me... I hold up my glowing hands. ...it isn't going to wait patiently while we conduct experiments." My voice drops to almost a whisper now, meant only for them. "Besides, if what the Guardian says is true—that this power could unravel reality itself—then can any of us really afford to be caught unprepared? We need to understand it together, face it together. Or we risk losing everything."
I turn back to the Guardian, my expression a mixture of determination and pleading. "So what do you say? Will your trial allow for such... unconventional methods? Or are we doomed to watch each other suffer one by one?" The question hangs there, a challenge and a desperate plea all in one. I can feel the power within me pulsing stronger now, as if drawn by my words, by the very idea of confronting whatever lies ahead.