Round 2

The gate loomed before them, its surface writhing with dark magic that pulsed like a malevolent heartbeat. Jeane traced one of the twisted symbols, her predatory curiosity barely contained as she whispered, "I can feel it—powerful enough to cut." Halie stood beside her, hand on mace hilt, watching Merrin crouch before the mechanism. The halfling's fingers moved with practiced ease over the ancient lock, searching for hidden catches while ominous energy emanated from within.

Seraphine maintained distance, sharp eyes fixed on the barrier as she probed its magical signature. The power humming beyond was ancient and complex—far more than simple wards. Varrika shifted her weight, mace ready, watching Halie approach with growing apprehension. The runes pulsed in sync with her heartbeat, each flash sending a fresh chill down her spine.

Merrin found no obvious triggers or weak points in the lock mechanism. She probed deeper, sensing the dark magic's resistance to her intrusion. "There has to be something," she muttered under her breath, fingers working methodically. Her companions watched in tense silence as minutes passed without result.

The weight of ancient power pressed down upon them all, thick and suffocating. They knew that whatever lay beyond this barrier would test their skills and courage to the breaking point. But the legendary Time-Splitting Sword called from within—they couldn't turn back now.

The gate stood as a testament to forgotten sorcery, its surface crawling with dark runes that pulsed like a malevolent heartbeat. Jeane traced one of the symbols, her predatory curiosity barely contained as she whispered, "I can feel it—powerful enough to cut." Halie stood beside her, hand on mace hilt, watching Merrin crouch before the mechanism. The halfling's fingers moved with practiced ease over the ancient lock, searching for hidden catches while ominous energy emanated from within.