The Abyss

In a world where monsters and gods both roamed, humanity had long since lost its place at the pinnacle. That is until the Abyss appeared, nobody knew its name, where it came from, or what it was, however none of that mattered. It gave humanity powers, powers strong enough to overthrow their oppressors.

But as the saying goes, "If you peer Into the abyss, the abyss will peer into you." Long into the past it was just a vague warning referencing the dark side of humanity, but now it was literal. Depending on how long you could bear it's soul piercing gaze it would grant you unfathomable power. Some could handle it for a minute, for others not so much.

These powers stayed far more prevalent in society than the gods they were used to defeat. But no matter how powerful you were, or how steeled your heart no one would dare glance toward the abyss a second time. At least that was the case, until a man of below average height, weight, and strength stopped whatever he was doing and stared.

This man stood and stared, not a peek, or a glance. Nor a look, or peer, but a stare with his eyes wide focused on nothing but the abyss. After a few minutes it seemed as if the abyss was bellowing with laughter, either mocking, or commending him at his accomplishment. That slowly grew greater and greater with each passing moment. The ground, No the whole world shook with each laugh. But the man did not blink, nor look away. Even though the whole world shook, he. did. not. move.

Slowly those seconds collected into hours, and a crowd slowly gathered around him. Nobody had stared into the abyss for five minutes let alone two hours. Some theorized he was blind, for the blind received no gifts before. Others said he was a statue, made in the image of a man. Slowly the consensus became that he was alive, but is now dead. But the man stood unflinching, eyes focused on the abyss.

Eventually those hours turned into days, and days into months. Yet he stood unmoved by the world around him, his chest still rose and fell, his heart still beat, yet he hadn't done anything. Anything besides stare into the Abyss.

Soon enough when the months turned into years, people noticed. They noticed that the Abyss was no longer laughing. Whatever it was no longer funny to it but serous. Strong beings from both present and past made their way to him, to see if he was even real. Yet they had no choice but to tremble before him. His figure had not changed nor his stare, but his face was slowly molded into a demented smile, and a slow, quiet chuckle could be heard emanating from his body.

Now eighty five years later, the Abyss trembles with fear. Terrified of his gaze. His presence was immeasurable, yet he hadn't changed. And in his dying moments as he fell to the ground he quietly uttered, "I saw it."