Hermitcraft Inktober: Writer's Addition

20★Black Certainty

A/n: Yet another prompt I had zero ideas for so Snapchat AI to the rescue
In the sprawling landscape of Hermitcraft season 10, where creativity thrived and friendships flourished, a shadow loomed over the vibrant community. It began with whispers—rumors of a dark artifact hidden deep within the Overworld, said to grant immense power but at a terrible cost. The tales reached the ears of Doc, a master of technology and innovation, who was always on the lookout for the next big thing to elevate his game.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an orange glow over the land, Doc gathered his gear and set off on a quest to find the artifact. He was determined, fueled by a sense of adventure and the alluring promise of power. But he wasn’t alone in his endeavor; Bdubs, his loyal friend and partner in mischief, insisted on accompanying him. “You can’t go chasing after dark artifacts without me, Doc! What if it’s dangerous?” Bdubs exclaimed, his eyes wide with excitement and concern.

Doc waved off Bdubs' worries, his mind already racing with possibilities. “It’s just a myth, Bdubs! Besides, we’re not afraid of a little danger, are we?” Bdubs hesitated but ultimately nodded, his curiosity piqued. Together, they ventured into the unknown, their hearts pounding with a mix of thrill and trepidation.

After hours of searching, they stumbled upon a hidden cave, its entrance shrouded in darkness. The air was thick with an eerie silence, and as they stepped inside, the light from their torches flickered, casting long shadows on the damp stone walls. Doc led the way, his confidence unwavering, while Bdubs trailed closely behind, feeling the weight of uncertainty pressing down on him.

As they delved deeper into the cave, they discovered ancient carvings on the walls, depicting a powerful being who once wielded the artifact. The images told a story of glory and ruin, of a hero who succumbed to darkness. Bdubs shivered, a sense of dread creeping into his heart. “Doc, maybe we should turn back. This doesn’t feel right,” he suggested, his voice barely above a whisper.

But Doc, entranced by the promise of power, pressed on. “Just a little further, Bdubs! We’re so close!” His certainty was palpable, a black certainty that blinded him to the danger lurking ahead. Finally, they reached a chamber where the artifact lay upon a stone pedestal, glowing ominously. It was a dark crystal, pulsating with an energy that seemed to resonate with their very souls.

As Doc approached the artifact, a voice echoed in the chamber, deep and resonant. “Only the worthy may wield the power of the dark.” Doc reached out, his fingers brushing against the cool surface of the crystal. In that moment, he felt a surge of energy coursing through him, filling him with an intoxicating sense of strength.

“Doc, wait!” Bdubs shouted, panic rising in his chest. “We don’t know what it’ll do!” But it was too late. Doc’s eyes glazed over, and he was enveloped in a dark aura. “I can feel it, Bdubs! This is incredible!” he exclaimed, his voice tinged with both excitement and a hint of madness.

As the power consumed him, the cave trembled, and shadows began to swirl around them. Bdubs felt a knot tightening in his stomach. “Doc, you need to stop! This isn’t what we came for!” But Doc, lost in his newfound power, dismissed Bdubs’ pleas. He was certain that he could control it, that he could harness its strength for good.

Yet, as the darkness grew, so did the chaos. The cave began to collapse, rocks tumbling from above. Bdubs grabbed Doc’s arm, desperation in his voice. “We have to get out of here! This is a mistake!” The certainty that had once fueled Doc now felt like a weight dragging them both down.

With a sudden burst of clarity, Doc shook off the haze. “You’re right, Bdubs! We need to leave!” Together, they sprinted toward the cave's entrance, narrowly escaping as the ceiling caved in behind them. They emerged into the moonlit night, gasping for breath, the weight of the dark artifact still lingering in Doc’s mind.

As they stood outside, the reality of what had happened settled in. Doc looked at Bdubs, his expression a mix of regret and fear. “I thought I could control it, Bdubs. I thought it was just a game.” Bdubs placed a reassuring hand on Doc’s shoulder. “It’s okay, Doc. We all make mistakes. The important thing is we got out.”