The Strange Orb

The camp is in hush whispers and groups attempt to continue this yearly ritual of summoning demons and earning contracts. Some have already ventured into the portal to the Void, while others are still signing the ledger.

No one, however, seems to be looking at the glowing purple orb on the ground.

Something about it seems so familiar, yet you are sure that you've never seen anything like this before. The more you stare at it, the more your mind twists to place where you might have seen it before. You've read so many books in your lifetime, and you've come across so many strange things that you feel that you know this orb.

Then the whispers start. You think it's the huddled groups around you at first, but the whispers feel like they are stroking the back of your head. You can feel lips on your ears and fingers on your skin. You scratch hard at something that felt like claws lightly scraping. It's too cold, and it's too hot, and you want nothing more than to run.

You don't.

The whispers are clearer now.

Little Summoner. Precious Mortal. Delicious Flesh.

You take a step closer.

So much desire. So much curiosity. So much suffering.

You reach out to touch the orb.

We like this one. Can we keep it? No, this one must continue to live. What a pity.

Your hand hovers over the orb, hesitant. You want to touch it, need to touch it, but you are afraid. You've never been more afraid in your life.

Come, Little Summoner. Would you like our favor? Would you like to know the sweet oblivion we crave?

You have no idea, but the whisper that comes out of your mouth is involuntary. "Yes."

There is a low but roaring laughter that rings in your head, like a million different voices layered atop each other.

Touch the orb, Mortal. Our favor is difficult to obtain.

You must complete all tasks given to you in the Void, and you may not repeat books. You must complete your silly challenges. You must be the one to obtain the most points of your peers.

Then, and only then, will you be granted our favor.

That seems like a difficult thing in two weeks. Six books? Plus more? And beat out everyone else? There is a reward at the end... perhaps it is worth attempting this challenge.

Do you touch the orb?

[REMEMBER TO SIGN THE LEDGER AND INDICATE YOU WANT TO DO HARD-MODE]

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