[ PI ] The longer a spell takes to invoke , the more potent its effects . A single wizard has been casting a spell for hundreds of years . Today , he is finally done .

`` Awaken!'' 
 
 The earth was once awash in death. The ten Demons had been unleashed unto Shrine. Nobody knew why, some saw it as holy retribution, most did n't care. The unliving city defenders were torn asunder and burned to unrecognizable husks. Wars ceased, and humanity plunged into a dark age. There was but one hope of salvation. 
 
 Houses abandoned, families forsaken, the last remnants of humanity had crowded into the mage city of Wumin. The most forbidden of tomes had to be used to create the protection and sealing spells, and the highest prices were paid. To seek the power of the Ten Thousand Voids was to relinquish one's sanity. Worse than death for most, but survival of the next generation was more important. 
 
 One day, as fire rained from the broken sky, the circle was finished. The ten prodigies finished their chant, and light stole out of the grimoire, into their skulls. Their eyes burned blue, then black, then purple, and back again. In self defense, the bodies of nine prodigies extinguished themselves, except for one. 
 
 The void rifts opened. The demons were sucked into their own masses, bones crunching and flesh pulping. Never had I thought to see someone consume themselves, but that was what appeared to be happening. Eventually, there was nothing left, except our broken Shrine. 
 
 The last prodigy was heralded as a hero, and given treatment for his insanity. He was presented a solitary college to open at his leisure. It became the most famous in Shrine, quickly. However, graduates of the college seemed to be twisted and nihilistic, and more than a few went nuts. Wizardry was a taxing occupation though, and nothing was seen to be amiss. 
 
 Eventually, the prodigy sank into obscurity. He was assumed to have died, but the truth is, he's been preparing a healing spell, one that would finally cleanse him of his madness. After chanting for 10000 days, he stopped, and opened his eyes. I saw was Excentio, the high demon lord of destruction, in his pupils and he was laughing. I ran out to the barrier, but it the runes had been corrupted, and it was now a writhing mass of flesh. 
 
 The prodigy screamed. 
 
 

