II - Earl Of Millenium

A minute black spot snagged my attention, inconspicuous at first but swiftly expanding until it devoured the entirety of the wall. I stood there, frozen in place, a silent observer to the surreal spectacle unfolding within the confines of my own apartment. A mingling of awe and trepidation gripped me as I pondered the inexplicable forces at play.

From the depths of that swirling void emerged a figure, its silhouette obscured by the shifting shadows. The portal, if indeed it was such, vanished as suddenly as it had appeared, leaving in its wake only the enigmatic stranger who now confronted me. He exuded an air of antiquity and sagacity, his graying locks and mustache framing a countenance etched with the scars of time. Yet it was his eyes, those unsettling orbs of yellow that seemed to penetrate the very fabric of reality, that held me ensnared.

Dominating the scene, the man cut a figure that seemed plucked from the annals of time, a strange fusion of epochs melded into one. His attire, a curious amalgam of old and new, hinted at a life traversing realms beyond mortal reckoning. A scent of lavender trailed behind him, weaving through the stagnant air of my surroundings like a ghostly apparition. Clutched in his grasp, a tome, its weathered pages whispering secrets known only to him, bore the enigmatic inscription "Comitum Codex," a title laden with foreboding.

Approaching with deliberate steps, the stranger's eyes bore into mine, his voice carrying an unearthly resonance as he uttered my name. "Eros Hermès," he declared, his words weighted with a significance that sent a chill down my spine. "Welcome and felicitations. You have emerged victorious."

I struggled to maintain a façade of indifference, but inside, I was practically vibrating with anticipation. Was this truly happening, or was it merely another fanciful dream destined to fade upon waking? At last, a glimmer of the extraordinary amidst the dull routine of my existence!

"Good day, sir," I greeted him, my voice tinged with a hint of eager curiosity. "Pray tell, what fortune has befallen me here? And might I add, your attire is quite the sight! A striking blend of gothic allure and modern chic!"

A smile curled the stranger's lips as he replied, "Why, thank you, my young acquaintance. It is rare to encounter one unflinching in my presence and posing the pertinent inquiries. But where are my manners? Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am known as The Contractor, or perchance The Earl of Millennium, though Dihyah suits just as well. Now, to address your query, I select individuals at whim and grant them extraordinary abilities, for a modest fee, naturally. All you need do is affix your signature to a particular contract. Feel free to peruse the terms and conditions at your leisure. Should you acquiesce, I shall provide you with a crimson vial. Consume its contents, and you shall inherit these powers to wield as you see fit, so long as they amuse me. Should you demur, there is always the option of the blue vial, which will obliterate all recollection of our encounter. So, what say you, Eros? Does this proposal strike you as equitable?"

Decent deal, indeed. However, I found myself compelled to inquire further before committing. "Forgive me, Sir Dihyah, but I have a few questions before sealing any agreements. I hope you don't mind indulging me?"

The Earl's smile remained, and he nodded graciously. "Of course, my dear boy. Your politeness warrants an exception. Ask away."

"Thank you, sir," I replied respectfully. "Firstly, could you elucidate on the nature of these 'inhuman powers' I would acquire? And what precisely is the 'small favor' you mentioned?"

"The answers to those queries are outlined within the contract," the Earl responded smoothly, though his words left me feeling somewhat dissatisfied.

Interrupting him, I pressed on. "I'm afraid I'm not finished with my inquiries just yet. I've saved the best for last, you see. You bestowing such powers suggests a significant level of capability and influence. It's reasonable to assume that you are no ordinary mortal, perhaps not even human. With all due respect, who exactly are you? It's evident that you're here for some mischief, and I must admit, I find that rather intriguing. But let's leave that question unanswered for now. It's more enjoyable to play the detective. Now, for my final question... Hypothetically speaking, if I were to grow stronger and eventually challenge those who claim dominion over the cosmos in a bid for revolution, what then? If you were to oppose me, would you expect me to surrender? Even though, against my wishes, I feel a certain camaraderie forming between us. Do you still desire my signature on this contract? That's the real question at hand."

The Earl's facade crumbled, revealing a genuine surprise beneath his enigmatic demeanor. A hearty laugh escaped his lips, a sound filled with amusement and satisfaction. Clapping his hands together, he exclaimed, "My dear boy, you are quite the spectacle, aren't you? Well done indeed."

His laughter subsided as he continued, his tone now tinged with a hint of joviality. "Firstly, let me assure you that I have no intention of impeding your path. Once you sign the contract, the powers are yours to command, and I relinquish any control over them. Consider it a matter of honor."

Leaning forward, he shared a secret with a conspiratorial grin. "As for myself, I prefer to remain a spectator, pulling the strings from the shadows while indulging in the drama of human affairs. I won't interfere, but your fellow contract holders may have different ideas. Some will oppose you, while others may rally to your cause, drawn in by your undeniable charisma."

"Now, if you were to embark on a grand-scale revolution," he continued, "it would undoubtedly disrupt the delicate balance of the universe. The so-called 'Marquesses' would take notice and intervene to restore equilibrium. Let me tell you, the last time I attempted such a venture, chaos ensued. The earth's spacetime compass was severely damaged, and the Marquesses had to step in to rectify the situation. It was quite the spectacle, I must say!"

Leaning back in his chair, the Earl offered a word of advice, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "If you intend to plot something grand, my friend, tread carefully and consider every angle. You could, for example, subjugate humanity, and the Marquesses wouldn't bat an eye, so long as the balance is maintained. Remember, they are the arbiters of order in the universe. So, work smart, not hard. Keep me entertained, and above all else, don't forget to enjoy yourself!"